Cross-border gatherings near Peace Arch
Date: July 7, 2020
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP
Issue:
The media is reporting that Canadians continue to visit the U.S. side of Peace Arch Historical State Park despite the closure of the Canada-U.S. border to control the spread of COVID-19.
Proposed Response:
- On March 21, 2020, the Canada-U.S. border was closed to non-essential travel in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 between the two countries. The border remains closed.
- On June 18, 2020, after community and stakeholder consultation, BC Parks closed the Canadian side of the Peace Arch Provincial Park.
- The park covers a geographical area that is patrolled by CBSA, RCMP, BC Park Rangers, U.S. Border Patrol and Washington State Park Rangers.
- Since the onset of COVID-19 imposed border measures, the RCMP has increased its border patrols at the Peace Arch Provincial Park and is enforcing the Quarantine Act and applicable Orders in Council.
- The RCMP and its domestic and U.S. partners are continuously and proactively patrolling the border, including Peace Arch Provincial Park and the surrounding area.
- The primary focus of these patrols is to educate, inform and seek voluntary compliance from the public in adhering to the provincial and federal restrictions.
Background:
The Peace Arch Provincial Park in British Columbia/Peace Arch Historical State Park in Washington State spans the Canada-U.S. border.
On June 18, 2020 after extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Peace Arch Park was closed to the Canadian Public. This decision resulted from a steady increase in the volume of visitors to the park, a disregard of the Provincial Health protocols and the Federal Quarantine Act, along with the negative impact on neighboring communities. The U.S. portion of the Peace Arch Park has not been closed. Despite the closure of the Canadian side of the park, local geography, roadways and a lack of barriers continue to provide easy access into the U.S. portion of the park.
Shortly after the closure of the border, the Peace Arch Provincial Park saw an increase in visitors who were able to freely move between the Canadian and the U.S. side of the park. Gatherings of visitors continue to increase, with some individuals disregarding physical distancing or Quarantine Act protocols while meeting within the provincial/ state park.
The increase in foot and vehicle traffic has had a negative impact on the neighbouring Semiahmoo First Nation community, as some visitors park or walk through the community.
As of July 3, 2020, the number of visitors accessing the U.S. portion of the park via Canada has not generated any significant challenges. However, increased media attention may impact this.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Sean McGillis, A/Executive Director Federal Policing Strategic Direction
Approved by: Mike Duheme, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing
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