Big changes, news around Pacific Rim National Park
Come spring 2016, look for big changes and upgrades around Pacific Rim National Park, free entry in 2017Parks Canada is spending about $5 million upgrading accessibility and services in and around the park. This includes installing a roughly $4 million water system and putting about $1 million worth of roadwork in at Radar Hill.
“The rehabilitation of Radar Hill Road and day use area and the new water lines are part of the largest investment in infrastructure in the history of the park reserve…These projects address some much needed rehabilitation to existing assets, and will benefit visitors for years to come,” Pacific Rim National Park Superintendent Morag Hutcheson told the Westerly News.
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In early 2015, Radar Hill platforms were repaired and new benches were installed. Resurfacing the road leading to the Tofino-Ucluelet landmark (which started in December and is expected to be completed this May) will complete the renovation and Radar Hill will then re-open to the public.
Hutcheson told the Westerly News that while construction crews will work during daylight hours, seven days per week, visitors and residents may experience some road delays along Hwy. 4 this spring and early summer as the new water system takes shape:
“The construction of the integrated water system will provide a new and safer sewer and water distribution system in the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and includes Parks Canada’s contribution to shared infrastructure required to connect the park, local First Nation communities and the regional airport facilities to a viable potable water source.”
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According to Hutcheson the south beach parking lot will be closed during construction but visitors will find plenty of parking in the north beach parking lot. Hutcheson says Parks is working hard to complete the projects before summer’s busy season hits.
Parks Canada is offering free park entry to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, from now until April 30, 2016, while these large infrastructure projects are underway.
Free Entry to Pacific Rim National Park in 2017
The 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation will be commemorated with FREE entry to national parks and historic sites in 2017.
“As a first step towards celebrating Canada150, Discovery Passes for 2016 will be valid for 24 months, rather than 12 months,” wrote Parks Canada’s Natalie Fay. “All Parks Canada Discovery Passes purchased in 2016 will be valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
“The passes will incorporate the purchase of one year’s admission and free admission to Parks Canada places in 2017.”
It means an annual pass bought today would be valid until January 2018, rather than January 2017. Or visitors can just wait until January 2017 and get a free pass for that year.
