Safety

EMERGENCY
Call 9-1-1 for Fire, Ambulance and Police services

Report suspicious activity to:
Burnaby RCMP non-emergency:  604-646-9999
Metro Vancouver:   604-432-6200 
Crimestoppers:   1-800-222-8477

HEALTH & SAFETY – COVID-19 & Communicable Diseases

The BLPA follows provincial guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases like influenza.  Our best practices include:the following: 

  • The majoirty of our stewardship and outreach events are held outdoors.
  • Any indoor events will have adequate ventilation
  • Numbers are limited to ensure that adequate distancing between participants  
  • We recommend/require wearing a mask when distancing is not possible. 
  • You will not attend if you do not feel well or have been exposed to a confirmed or clinical COVID-19 case in the last 14 days
  • Limited sharing of equipment with sanitization in between users
  • Participants will bring their own mask, water bottle and anything they need to feel comfortable.

Everyone is moving forward at their own pace. Please be respectful and kind as you consider others’ personal choices. Thank you for doing your part to keep each other safe.

Prior to each event, we will re-assess based on current information and adjust accordingly. Participants should be prepared for the possibility of last minute cancellation or modification of event requirements if provincial health orders change.

Visiting Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Be prepared!

Regional Parks and natural areas may present hazards for the unprepared visitor. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of injury during a visit.

  • Look and listen! Maintain awareness of your surroundings and avoid distraction through use of headphones. 
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. 
  • Don’t venture out alone – bring a friend! 
  • Bring a snack, water and a flashlight on all outings. 
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear; be prepared for changing conditions. 
  • Check park information kiosks for additional safety information and maps. 
  • Do not use parks at night when they are closed to the public. 
  • Know your limits and allow sufficient time to return before dark. 
  • If you become lost, stay where you are. Make your location as visible as you can and wait for help. 
  • If you have a mobile phone, bring it with you. While coverage is not available in all areas, mobile phones left on are often helpful in recovering lost or injured visitors. 
  • Obey all signs and enjoy your visit.

WILDLIFE

We share regional parks with many different animals. Even small, seemingly harmless animals can be aggressive.

  • Do not feed wildlife, either by hand or by leaving food behind. 
  • Give animals plenty of space and leave them alone. Observe them from a safe distance and discourage them from coming closer. 
  • If you see a bear, remain calm and back away while speaking in a normal, non-threatening voice. 
  • Avoid behaviour that could be interpreted as aggressive: don’t make direct eye contact, shout or throw things at an animal that is not behaving aggressively. 
  • When using trails with few other people around, warn animals of your presence by talking, clapping or making noise.

BEAR SAFETY

During the late Spring and into Fall, bears and other wildlife are active in Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Please be #BearAware to avoid negative encounters with them and keep wildlife wild. For

  • Never surprise a bear: make noise, talk loudly or wear a bear bell.
  • If you see a bear, stay back 100 m.
  • Never approach a bear and change your route.
  • If you encounter a bear, stay calm and slowly back away.
  • Help others stay safe by letting them know if there is one ahead so they can change routes.
  • Ensure your pet is on a leash 🐕‍🦺 and follow Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Canine Code of Conduct.

Report all wildlife conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Encounters can be recorded online at https://warp.wildsafebc.com/
The public can also create their own account and enter their own reports. However, these reports are not sent to the Conservation Officer Service as no action is required.

For more information about understanding bear behaviour and avoiding bear encounters in nature, visit Metro Vancouver Regional Parks page on bear safety or check ou their brochure:  Keep Bears Wild and People Safe

BLPA Bear Safety Plan for Events