Over the summer, there has been a steady increase of theft from vehicles in the parking lot of Skaha Provincial Park. According to local residence Rolf Rybak, the break-ins have been unpredictable, occurring at all times throughout the day, making the problem very frustrating for visiting and local climbers alike. The intensity of the theft has also been a problem, with up to five break-ins on a given weekend, ranging from broken windows and stolen gear, to car batteries, where the thieves actually cut the batteries out of the car leaving climbers stranded.
Tony Chan soaking up the sun on Great White Wall. Photo courtesy of Rich Wheater ©
As a Regional Director for the Climbers Access Society of British Columbia (CASBC), Rolf Rybak has put in a lot of time and effort into solving the problem. Last month, Rolf called a meeting with city hall to discuss the problem with city officials and representatives from both the RCMP and BC Parks. After brainstorming a variety of solutions, the group agreed to the short-term solution of placing security cameras in the parking lot that would be purchased through local climber contributions. BC Parks agreed to increase the ‘High Theft’ signage in the park and the local RCMP detachment agreed to increase patrolling of the park, including the use of the ‘Citizens on Patrol’ program as well as increased police monitoring. BC Parks indicated they wound be closing the upper parking lot during low traffic periods to limit opportunities for break-ins.
This short-term plan for the park was in motion until yesterday, when BC Parks reversed their stance on the installation of security cameras in the park due to concerns with privacy. According to BC Parks, they were not prepared to submit a ‘Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy’ request for the approval of security cameras and preferred to pursue alternative long-term solutions.
The long-term solution for the theft problem may be a program suggested by Sara Bunge started in Sooke, BC called ‘Park Watch‘. Park Watch is a program initiated ‘to prevent theft from vehicles, break-ins and vandalism’ that includes paid patrollers to monitor the park over an established time period and would be funded through various stakeholders and donations to the program. Rolf is currently in the process of setting up a new non-profit organization called ‘Skaha Bluffs Park Watch’ and trying to secure funding for the program through the City of Penticton, as well as private and public donations. The first annual meeting for the organization was held on August 30th in Penticton. However, Rybak noted that the ‘Park Watch’ program will take time to get up and running and the time frame for a program of this magnitude may be a year or longer.
Rybak argued ‘The security issues in the bluffs parking lot are being down-streamed to the park user’. He indicated that, from the perspective of the RCMP, the crime rate in the park is no greater than in the city of Penticton and that climbers leave personal property visible in their vehicles with windows left ajar.
With the upcoming long weekend and fall climbing weather, the park needs a short-term solution to the theft occurring in the park. The climbing community developed a ‘2012 Climbers Financial Impact Study’ on the local economy, and at a conservative minimum, climbing tourism contributes approximately $4 million in direct and indirect economic impact in the Skaha region during the critical shoulder season. The alternative to ‘no solution’ is a considerable loss to local businesses and a big headache for those trying to enjoy the freedom that the park gives us every time we visit.
For anyone wishing to donate for the purchase of security cameras for the Skaha bluffs parking lot, a Tilt campaign has been established here. At the current moment, if the cameras are not an option for purchase, the money will be allocated to ‘Park Watch’ funding.
To help fund the efforts of CASBC, please become a member by visiting their website or clicking on the banner to your right.
