The City of Maple Ridge has advice to avoid overcrowding at Whonnock Lake this summer.
Whonnock Lake is one of the city’s most popular summer destinations and frequently reaches capacity on hot days. To help reduce congestion, visitors can now sign up to receive notifications when the parking lot is full at MapleRidge.ca/Alert.
As summer heats up and more people head outdoors, the city is encouraging residents to plan ahead to avoid traffic and parking issues, and to help keep parks safe, clean, and enjoyable.
Visitors are reminded to consider alternate transportation, follow posted signage, and respect park rules.
City bylaw, fire and parks staff will continue to be out around the community and enforce regulations, to help ensure local parks and trails are safe, clean, and free of fire risks.
Parking is only permitted in designated areas at city lakes, parks and green spaces. Vehicles parked illegally or blocking access points, including fire lanes or driveways, may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.
Traffic complaints around popular parks have increased, help reduce congestion by following all parking regulations.
Other regulations and requests include:
• Use designated bins for disposing of all litter to reduce attractants for wildlife. If bins are full, take your trash home and dispose of it there.
• Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
• Clean up after yourself when using park facilities like picnic tables and barbecues.
• Swim only in designated areas and follow all posted safety signs. Supervise children around bodies of water to prevent accidental drownings.
• Keep noise to a minimum to respect other park visitors and the natural environment.
• No smoking is permitted in city parks and trails.
• Category 2 and 3 fire bans remain in effect. Campfires and briquette BBQs are not permitted in city parks.
• Category 1 campfires are only allowed on eligible private properties. Check the online map to see if your address is eligible at MapleRidge.ca/BackyardBurning.
Please report any concerns to MapleRidge.ca/Report or at Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/Parks.
