Connecting with nature in British Columbia

Lydia Mynott

Life in British Columbia (BC) Canada changed on March 16th when physical distancing measures were implemented to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings were banned and the impact on parks, open spaces and the wilderness in the province started.

Over the next few days, outdoor recreation opportunities began to change across the Lower Mainland: the area around Vancouver BC. Different cities implemented their own restrictions. Parks largely remained open but play areas closed, benches were cordoned off and skate parks shut. Litter was dropped next to bins as people became fearful about opening the heavy bearproof lids. The response was patchy and confusing; while parks remained open, restrictions on the public use of school grounds meant that these vital open spaces were no longer accessible.

In late March, national avalanche forecasting ceased, a service critical to safe mountain recreation. This meant that people could no longer venture out into the wilderness and backcountry areas to hike, ski or snowshoe. While physically distancing in BC’s vast wilderness was not the issue, and many of these areas are close to population, the inherent dangers of recreating in the mountains was an unacceptable risk to both search and rescue teams and healthcare systems.

Fishing and paddleboarding in a city of Coquitlam Park.

© Lydia Mynott

On April 8th, BC provincial parks closed their entire system, the desire of the public to get outdoors meant that many parks have already experienced peak season levels of use that have resulted in overwhelmed parking areas and trails. Due to the large land base of BC parks and low staffing levels and budgets, it was no longer safe to keep these areas open.

However, people are resilient and creative, slowly but surely it became evident that parks and open spaces would be what could get people through these challenging times. The physical and mental health benefits of connecting with nature outdoors was much needed.

Cougar signage promoting physical distancing.

© Lydia Mynott

In urban areas, parks systems began to adapt: many parks with narrow walking paths now have one-way systems providing better opportunities for physical distancing. Parks agencies have deployed staff to monitor public behaviour and educate people on physical distancing. Parks with internal road systems have closed them to vehicles; this has the shared benefit of keeping people close to their homes and also providing much needed extra capacity. Creative signage celebrating nature and encouraging physical distancing started to appear. These measures have been effective, as the majority of city and regional parks remain open, and parks visits have increased. People are becoming more ingenious in how they choose to be physically distinct; an uptick has occurred in people using paddleboards on urban lakes.

As BC, Canada, and the rest of the world further adapt to the changing use patterns and management of parks and open spaces, we should recognize and celebrate the vital role that these spaces have played in our adaptation and recovery.

Lydia Mynott is a park planner with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. She is a CMLI and a BC Registered Landscape Architect. Her work focuses on balancing the protection of natural areas and creating innovative opportunities for public access and enjoyment of nature.