The City of Parksville is banning dogs from their many beautiful beaches beginning next week in an effort to protect the migrating Black Brant geese population that temporarily call their shoreline home.
This includes all beaches in Qualicum Beach as well and the ban will reportedly last until May 1st.
“The Black Brant geese you see along the shores of Parksville are on a remarkable and arduous journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds,” the City of Parksville wrote in a media statement.
“Our beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight.”
The City says that any small disturbance, such as a small child or dog running at a feeding goose could disrupt the bird and impact its travelling efforts.
So, Parksville has decided to close beaches to both on and off-leash dogs.
Specifically, all beaches that stretch along the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) are closed for the time being, Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs from February 15th to April 30th and Parksville Bay Beach from March 1st to April 30th.
In addition to these temporary regulations, the City of Parksville says that the beaches along the PQBWMA stretch are always off limits to off-leash dogs.
There are other options for those who want to take their dogs off-leash within Parksville though.
“There is an off-leash dog park in Parksville located on Despard Avenue near Springwood Park,” reads the City website regarding dogs in parks.
“This is a great spot to let dogs run or play fetch and it’s also an excellent spot for socialization…for both dogs and owners!”
This Despard Avenue dog park has running water for thirsty dogs, biodegradable dog waste bag dispensers, plenty of trash bins and a covered shelter with picnic tables for owners to escape the elements while their dog burns off some steam.
