Tag: pandemic

Sharp rise in calls to conservation officers in B.C., as pandemic pushes more people outdoors – CBC News

August 25, 2020

Complaints about fishing and hunting violations, loud campers top the list

Maryse Zeidler · CBC News · Posted: Aug 22, 2020 1:00 PM PT

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says there has been a sharp increase in calls to its Report All Poachers and Polluters line compared to this time last year, likely because of more people heading outdoors during the pandemic. 

Chris Doyle, the deputy chief in charge of provincial operations for the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, says, since April 1, there have been about 4,500 calls to the RAPP line, compared to about 3,000-3,500 calls in past years. 

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in activity particularly in some parts of the province,” Doyle said. “There’s definitely a lot of people out there recreating.

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Gros Morne a ‘ghost town’ amid pandemic, but staycations offering a ray of hope for businesses – CBC

July 22, 2020

Ten tourists from St. John’s zip on their life-jackets and slip into kayaks at the waterfront of adventure tourism company Gros Morne Adventures.

The company decided to market to the Newfoundland and Labrador tourist this summer — and it’s working.

“I don’t think we were expecting to be this busy,” said Robbie Hickey, who, with his wife, Kristen, owns Gros Morne Adventures.

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Want to go camping? Follow these COVID-19 safety tips – CTV News

July 21, 2020

Camping — one of the earthiest of endeavors — can inspire the most heavenly of thoughts. But in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, it inspires a sobering question as well: Is it safe?

The good news is that relatively speaking, camping is among the safer forms of recreation you can enjoy right now.

Even so, it’s not without risk. But if you know what you’re getting into and follow some practical camping safety tips, you can enjoy that soul-cleansing getaway without much worry.

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Rocky Mountain Books publisher Don Gorman on selling outdoor guides during a pandemic

July 9, 2020

Victoria’s Rocky Mountain Books relies on people heading into the great outdoors for its guidebook sales. But in the early days of COVID-19, it was unclear when or if recreational trails would open. But as restrictions in provincial parks began to lift, RMB launched its “Great Canadian Staycation” campaign, promoting safe distancing and outdoor recreation.

RMB publisher Don Gorman spoke to Q&Q about the guidebook business.

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