One of Vancouver Island’s most popular summer pastimes has now been banned this summer in an ongoing effort to control the spread of COVID-19.
The Town of Lake Cowichan has issued a ban on tubing on Cowichan River, with the town’s mayor Rod Peters stating that it’s not so much the act of tubing they’re worried about.
Mayor Peters tells Victoria Buzz that the issue is with more congregation of people at entry points, as well as an influx of tourists the activity tends to bring each summer.
“Saywell Park, where the tubes are rented from, can see upwards of 400-500 people per day at the peak of tubing season,” said Peters.
“This ban is more for the protection of the citizens of Lake Cowichan than anything else.”
Not only are tube rental businesses being shut down, but river entry points will be patrolled as well so those who have their own tubes are also asked to stay away.
“The way we’re going to close the river is by taping it off and having signs,” Peters explained.
“We’re going to have bylaw officers and, if need be, the RCMP to stop people from going into the river.”
Rod Peters also told Victoria Buzz that the Ministry Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development would step in if necessary to enforce the ban.
