FALL 2025 UPDATE

As another busy summer at Tribune Bay Park comes to a close, preparations for next season are already in the works. There are two phases planned for improving recreation at Tribune Bay:

PHASE 1: Enhancing the existing campground

Phase 1 will focus on improving the current campground within its existing footprint. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately after the campground closes for the season on October 1, 2025. Details regarding upgrades to campsites, amenities, and the overall visitor experience were released in the Spring 2025 Update (see also Revised Campground Concept Design - April 2025).

What to expect during the Phase 1 construction period

A construction contract has been awarded and work will begin on October 1, 2025 with the installation of construction fencing, equipment, and temporary office facilities. Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by May 2026. Access to Shields Road will remain open during construction but there may be some limited delays from time to time. Access to the campground will be closed during the construction period.

Impacts to ferry capacity will be minimized by transporting materials by barge via Shingle Spit Terminal. Marine landings may occur several times per week, and an excavator will offload aggregates directly from the barge into waiting dump trucks, ensuring efficient handling. Work hours will be based on the tides, but managed to minimize disturbance to the community as much as possible.

Environmental considerations

A Construction Environmental Management Plan, prepared by a Registered Professional Biologist, will be approved by BC Parks before construction begins. This includes measures to mitigate impacts at the material offloading site and on the construction area. Some of these measures include inter-tidal shoreline protection, erosion sediment control, tree protection, and noise controls to mitigate impact on bald eagle habitats.

Trees may be removed at the campground if they are found to pose a danger to workers or the public. All recommendations will be reviewed by BC Parks prior to removal and trees will be retained wherever possible. BC Parks has decided to withdraw campsite 41 and 42 from the current design to protect a mature Pacific crab apple grove.

There will be over 5,000 new plants installed on this site including native shrubs, sedges, and trees. These plantings will help to improve biodiversity, privacy between sites, and stormwater management.

Picnic shelter replacement

The existing picnic shelter has been assessed by an engineer and determined to be near the end of its life. A new picnic shelter will be constructed on the existing footprint in the day-use area with construction expected to start October 2025 and be completed before Spring. Park users can expect some limited closures of the beach trail and the Outdoor Education Centre, as construction will be staged from this site. Picnic shelter materials may be brought in and out by helicopter and barge in Tribune Bay. Construction staging may also occur in the day-use parking lot.

PHASE 2: Planning for remaining campsites

The existing campground will see a temporary reduction in campsites during Phase 1. These campsites will be built in a different area of the park to ensure there is enough space to provide the experience people expect in our campgrounds. The location for the remaining campsites is currently being explored.

More information regarding plans for Phase 2 and opportunities for engagement will be provided soon. Planning for Phase 2 will continue in Spring 2026 with the goal of beginning construction in Fall 2026.

Project Background:

In 2021, BC Parks acquired two properties to expand Tribune Bay Park on Hornby Island. Since then, BC Parks has been creating a long-term plan for the new park areas, as well as improvements to the existing park. The expanded park will protect additional lands and offer opportunities to enhance natural, cultural, and recreational values at the park.

The park improvements include:

• A similar overall number of campsites as previously offered with a reduced density of campsites in the existing campground by developing additional sites in other areas of the park where development is consistent with other park values; and,
• Enhancing the park's existing facilities for an improved visitor experience, including accessibility and day-use upgrades.

Planning has included a focus on topics such as:

• Understanding ecological values on the site and how to protect these values using best management practices, as well as enhancing ecological values through invasive plant management and planting native species;
• Providing outdoor recreation opportunities for British Columbians of all ages and abilities;
• Understanding the land and Indigenous history; and
• Supporting sustainable tourism opportunities.

There has been consultation with First Nations and engagement with the public and stakeholders throughout the process.

Building on the information gathered through professional site assessments as well as conversations with the community, BC Parks has prepared a design for park improvements that includes:

• Understanding and protecting sensitive ecological values including wetlands and watercourses;
• Preserving areas with mature tree cover where possible;
• Upgrading trails to enhance access to the shoreline and protect ecological and cultural values;
• Redesigning entry points to the park to reduce congestion; and,
• Providing a range of campsite options including walk-in sites, vehicle campsites and bunkies (sleeping shelters), while keeping the overall number of sites the same.