Image: Supplied by Cultus Lake Park Board / Cooler weather and the presence of both RCMP and a towing company were enough to prevent another parking disaster along Columbia Valley Highway and Cultus Lake over the Labour Day long weekend.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Long weekend traffic

Long weekend parking concerns at Cultus Lake never materialized due to cooler weather and RCMP presence

Sep 7, 2022 | 11:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — Concerns about hundreds of cars clogging both shoulders of Columbia Valley Highway around Cultus Lake never materialized over the weekend, thanks in part to much cooler weather and a heightened RCMP presence.

Unlike the August long weekend when a video depicted first responders having a difficult time passing parked cars and motorists, not a single vehicle was towed over Labour Day weekend, according to Taryn Dixon, director for Electoral Area H on the Fraser Valley Board of Directors.

“The parking was great on the weekend. The weather was cooler and the number of visitors was down. People parked in the parking lots and not along the road edge,” Dixon said.

Dixon said a towing contractor, Reliable Towing, traveled up and down the highway and spoke to some motorists who had parked illegally. Instead of having their vehicle towed, Dixon said people moved their vehicles. The same thing happened when motorists saw the tow truck company coming as well.

“Zero vehicles were actually towed,” Dixon pointed out. “In my mind, even though the weather was cooler and there were fewer visitors, the pilot project was a success. Advance communication, additional RCMP, a visible tow truck and tow lot all gave the message that there was a change this weekend. RCMP and Reliable Towing staff also spoke to people.”

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Luckily for the RCMP and FVRD staff, there aren’t any daunting long weekends in the immediate future that normally feature hot weather, like Canada Day in July or B.C. Day in August. There is a long weekend later this month when Truth and Reconciliation Day falls on Friday, September 30.

Dixon said various stakeholders who were involved in working the Labour Day long weekend will gather to discuss best practices.

“Next steps, the team will meet, gather information from those who were working this weekend and begin to make plans for next summer,” Dixon said. “We know visitors want to come to this beautiful park but our goal is to manage the traffic situation and keep it safe for all.”

Image: Supplied by T. Dixon / Taryn Dixon, Director for Electoral Area H on the FVRD Board of Directors, says cooler weather and the presence of the RCMP and a towing company helped mitigate parking along Columbia Valley Highway over the long weekend.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Long weekend parking concerns at Cultus Lake never materialized due to cooler weather and RCMP presence

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