B.C.'s Peace Arch Park remains closed even though COVID-19 border restrictions have ended
Although the COVID-19 border restrictions that prompted its closure have been lifted, B.C.'s Peace Arch Park has not yet been reopened.
Situated on the Canada-U.S. border, the park closed in June of 2020 due to concerns over an influx of visitors gathering there amid a ban on non-essential cross-border travel. In August of 2021, that ban was lifted but travellers had to show proof of vaccination and use the ArriveCAN app.
On Saturday, those remaining requirements were lifted. A spokesperson for the province said reopening the park is a "top priority," but stopped short of providing a date when this will occur.
"BC Parks is having conversations with the Semiahmoo Nation and other stakeholders on a reopening plan. The park was closed in line with federal border entry requirements for travellers, which have only recently changed," an emailed statement to CTV News said.
"The open nature of Peace Arch Provincial Park has made it challenging to ensure visitors were meeting border entry requirements, which is why the park remained closed. We will continue to engage with key stakeholders to ensure the park reopens as soon as possible."
The American side of the park, however, was never closed, which allowed people to continue to meet by hopping a small ditch at Zero Avenue in Surrey and entering Washington state.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.