Maple Ridge RCMP open investigation into graffiti memorial at provincial park

“Maple Ridge RCMP acknowledges that while this incident appears to be an attempt at memorializing a drowning victim in the area, vandalism within a protected area is still considered a criminal offence,” police said. “Such acts can harm the environment, diminish the experience of other park users, and create unnecessary cleanup cost for the community. We extend our sympathies to the family and the friends of the man who drowned and encourage those wishing to pay respects to do so through appropriate, legal means.”

Police are encouraging members of the public to obey all warning signs in the park and to be safe and be prepared when using outdoor recreational areas.

Earlier this week, BC Parks said the graffiti memorial sprayed on rocks at Golden Ears Park was a misguided tribute and an act of vandalism.

The agency says it learned about the graffiti on boulders near the park’s Gold Creek after reports from concerned members of the public.

A video on social media shows a message on the boulders dated Aug. 4, one day after the drowning death of a man in the creek’s Lower Falls area.

“While we recognize that this event has had a significant impact on family members, friends and the broader community, vandalism within protected areas is not appropriate and can negatively affect the natural environment and visitor experience,” the Ministry of Environment and Parks said in an emailed statement.

The Canadian Press reports that Langley resident Steven Lourenco said he was visiting the park when he heard about the vandalism, but the graffiti’s memorial message doesn’t change his opinion about it being an inappropriate tribute.

“Nobody that I’ve ever seen has gone to this measure to memorialize somebody,” he said in an interview, adding the person responsible should have to pay cleanup costs.

BC Parks says it is evaluating whether water levels are safe enough to remove the graffiti, or if seasonal water flows might remove it over time.

The ministry said the area of Gold Creek where the graffiti is located is the site of multiple deaths and injuries from people entering the water and being swept into dangerous currents and over the falls.

The park is encouraging visitors to obey warning signs and leave natural features undisturbed.

As for the police investigation, anyone with more information, or who has not already been in touch with police, is asked to contact Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251 and quote file 2026-15782.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Maple Ridge RCMP open investigation into graffiti memorial at provincial park

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