Here we are again, approaching summer with new province-wide restrictions.
Like me, many of you are concerned about the impacts these new travel restrictions will have on our community in the coming weeks. With the beautiful weather we’ve been having the Pemberton trails have been inundated with an unsustainable number of visitors recently. As the new restrictions come into effect, we can expect a high number of people from the Lower Mainland heading our way to make use of our mountain biking trails, hiking trails and recreation areas.
Over the course of the past week I have worked with my peers from Líl̓wat Nation to Squamish to strongly encourage stronger, clearer messaging from the province around the announcement to stay within our own communities. Together we have promoted and supported this message. I was hoping for more direct messaging about staying out of small communities today, so once again, we’ve reluctantly found ourselves collectively asking people to stay away - for now. We feel this is necessary to protect our local communities and to help flatten the curve and allow us to save our summer.
I understand the impact this may have on our local economy. I know this is a sacrifice for local businesses and we are asking for support with the hope that we can enjoy an active and healthy summer season. If you can – please continue to shop locally and help keep businesses afloat.
My expectation is that this is a short-term measure for the month of May. Come June, we’d love to be able to welcome visitors back to our community again.
Thanks, and stay safe Pemberton.
Mike.