Dozens of Tri-Cities residents and visitors ventured to Sasamat Lake during the first official weekend of summer when temperatures reached 30 C.
But some had to find other ways to get home after choosing to ignore parking bylaws.
Port Moody police (PMPD) and city bylaw enforcement confirm 20 vehicles were towed in two days after officers found them in violation at the Belcarra site.
As well, a combined 70 tickets were issued on Saturday (June 25) and Sunday (June 26).
Common errors included commuters leaving their vehicle in an emergency-only zone, and parking in a way that either blocked or obstructed the road.
"The lake certainly keeps us busy throughout the summer months with the bulk of files we attend relating to parking complaints," explains PMPD spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias to the Tri-City News.
He says police also notice the parking infractions when responding to mischief calls, like liquor violations, fights and other disturbances.
Zacharias says enforcement has increased at Sasamat Lake in preparation for the season, and believes the public should consider planning ahead to avoid congestion.
"We certainly recommend park attendees to arrive early in the day or plan to use public transit, leave the liquor and cannabis at home, and report all suspicious activity and emergencies to us right away."
In the meantime, seasonal pay parking at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park is in effect between now and Sept. 30.
Metro Vancouver charges $2 per hour and $12 a day to park at the site.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the regional authority's website.
To report a violation or disturbance, you're encouraged to call PMPD at 604-461-3456.
Buntzen Lake parking registration
As well, BC Hydro launched its daily parking reservation system at Buntzen Lake on Monday (June 27).
The provincial utility service is hoping the pilot project — ending Sept. 5 — and can reduce traffic problems at the popular summer destination in Anmore that attracts thousands of people each year.
Parking passes can be booked as early as 24 hours in advance and are required for all vehicles.
Commuters are asked to present the parking pass to the gatekeeper upon arrival, either a physical copy printed out, or a digital copy saved onto a mobile device. There's no cell service or WiFi.
There are three passes available for parking at Buntzen Lake:
- Morning = 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Afternoon = 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- All day = 8 a.m. until closing
There's no fee to book a parking reservation, and the pass will be connected to your vehicle's license plate.
Gates are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through until Aug. 7, and 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Aug. 8 to Sept. 6.
