Joffre Lakes Park in British Columbia will temporarily close for a month starting on September 2nd, as part of efforts to allow the park to recover from the busy summer season. The closure, scheduled until October 3rd, aims to facilitate cultural practices of the First Nations and honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This upcoming closure marks the third shutdown this year, following previous closures in April and June. The decision comes amidst ongoing discussions with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua First Nations, who have contested the park’s operations in the past, seeking to assert their rights and title to the territory.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks stated that the closure in September will offer an opportunity for the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua members to re-establish their connection with the land. While the nations had requested additional closures, the current schedule strikes a balance between cultural, conservation, and public access needs, ensuring the park remains open during the Labour Day weekend.