The Optimist is taking a look back at the top 10 stories of 2019. We will re-publish one each day from Dec. 22 to 31. Here’s today’s story.
Story originally ran July 24
It’s a totally unacceptable situation for Boundary Bay residents.
That’s what Mayor George Harvie is saying about recent weekend traffic jams to Centennial Beach, volumes so bad that Delta police had to stop access down Boundary Bay Road.
“We are very concerned over Metro’s lack of action on our previous request. This includes their using media to promote the park. It’s totally unacceptable to the residents in Boundary Bay to have 20-to-30 minute delays getting back to their residence. There’s also the public safety concerns for individuals walking and biking along Boundary Bay Road to get to the Boundary Bay residential area and the park. We’re receiving a number of complaints from my former neighbours regarding illegal parking in neighbourhoods,” he told the Optimist.
For the second time in recent weeks, people hoping to visit the beach and Boundary Bay Regional Park on Sunday, July 21 were forced to turn away due to extremely heavy volume of motorists.
A Delta police spokesperson said they were called to assist with traffic at around 1 p.m. that day. Police also received several complaints about illegally parked vehicles on the roadway due to the parking lot being full. At 3 p.m., access to Boundary Bay Road off 12th Ave. was closed due to the heavy volume, forcing those wanting to visit the beach to walk.
The road reopened over an hour-and-a-half later. The same situation occurred during the Canada Day long weekend.
Operated by Metro Vancouver, the beach’s growing popularity, combined with good weather, could mean even more weekend traffic problems are on the way.
Harvie said engineering director Steven Lan, city manager Sean McGill and DPD Chief Neil Dubord are actively working with Metro on the situation.
Harvie sent a letter earlier this month to Metro chair Sav Dhaliwal asking the region to implement an improved traffic management plan as well as refrain from advertising the beach until the problem is resolved.
“Unfortunately, the traffic management measures being undertaken by Metro Vancouver Parks staff, after the parking lots are full, have resulted in traffic being diverted through the local neighbourhood and long queues along Boundary Bay Road. This has raised concerns from local residents with respect to access and emergency response,” Harvie wrote.
Coun. Dylan Kruger echoed the concern about Boundary Bay residents not being able to access their homes as well as the safety concerns including first responders not being able to access the area.
Saying it’s hoped new measures will be in place by the B.C. Day long weekend, Kruger noted a number of ideas that should be explored include increasing education on different ways to get to the park, including the trail system and public transit, as well as a shuttle service, possibly from Tsawwassen Mills.
“These are all short-term solutions. Obviously in the long term when Southlands is built out we’ll have the second access from 4th Ave. heading down to the beach and access residential areas. But right now, the beach is a victim of its own success and every single weekend it’s just packed to the brim with people,” he added.
