It’s going to be a long, dry summer for long weekend campers this year. Parks Canada has issued a trial booze ban at campgrounds in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks during the Victoria Day long weekend. The ban will extend to include Canada Day, Heritage Day and Labour Day long weekends at all Banff campgrounds.
“This is the first time we’ve done this and it’s in response to camper feedback and complaints,” says Michelle Macullo, a spokesperson for Parks Canada. “Rather than having a blanket liquor ban for the whole summer we’re going to test it out and re-evaluate in the fall to determine any future action.”
The ban is due to several complaints of rowdy, drunken behaviour that often spikes during summer long weekends, says Macullo. “People are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and to get to know the park and be outside,” she says.
Following in the footsteps of the federal missive, the Alberta government issued a booze ban at 10 provincial parks during the May long weekend. At this point, there are no plans to continue the ban throughout the summer.
As well, a daily campfire-and-liquor ban is in effect at several Banff National Park campgrounds from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Under the National Parks Act, violators can have their alcohol seized, camping permits cancelled or simply get evicted.
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Llano wrote:
on May 20th, 2010 at 12:14pm Report Abuse
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