The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has hired additional security to do patrols at Windermere Beach through the upcoming long weekend in response to ongoing vandalism, after-hours parties, littering and damage in and around the park.

“We have had security in place on roving patrols throughout the summer months since these issues arose last year and found it did make a difference on site over the Canada Day weekend when once again, we saw late-night parties involving large groups of mostly young people,” said RDEK General Manager of Operations, Grayson Mauch.

“We are grateful for the ongoing exceptional efforts of our park contractors and staff who’ve been doing a tremendous job of cleaning up the garbage and debris left behind, and to the neighbours who’ve also been dealing with this unfortunate situation.”

Additional security will be in place at the beach Friday through Monday and regular security patrols will continue throughout the summer months as they have been since spring.

The RDEK has been in direct communication with the Columbia Valley RCMP to request increased enforcement and to express serious concern, not only about the impacts on the public spaces, but also on neighbouring residents who have had to endure these same issues on their private property.

“The ongoing lack of respect for this community, the neighbours, and public property is unacceptable,” stressed Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok. “While we are doing what we can to discourage this activity at the public beach, we continue to appeal to the public – no matter your age – to respect the park and its rules, respect the neighbours, and stop this unnecessary behaviour.”

Windermere Beach is located at the end of Selkirk Street in the community of Windermere. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The RDEK’s additional security patrols will be in place throughout the summer with stepped up security throughout the upcoming long weekend.

Lead image: Windermere Beach in a quieter time.  e-KNOW file photo

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