Maple Ridge, B.C., July 10, 2025 – As summer heats up and more people head outdoors, the City of Maple Ridge is encouraging residents to plan ahead to avoid traffic and parking issues and help keep parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.
Stay Informed: Whonnock Lake Parking Notifications Now Available
Whonnock Lake is one of the City’s most popular summer destinations and frequently reaches capacity on hot days. To help reduce congestion, visitors can now sign up to receive notifications when the parking lot is full at MapleRidge.ca/Alert. Visitors are reminded to consider alternate transportation, follow posted signage, and respect park rules.
City Bylaw, Fire and Parks staff will continue to be out around the community and enforce regulations to help ensure that local parks and trails are safe, clean, and free of fire risks.
Plan ahead before heading out
- Many local parks and lakes are popular summer destinations. Parking is limited and lots may fill up quickly during peak times.
- Consider carpooling, walking, cycling, or using transit where possible.
- Be prepared with an alternate destination in case your preferred location is full.
Park in designated areas
- Parking is only permitted in designated areas at City lakes, parks and green spaces.
- Vehicles parked illegally or blocking access points, including fire lanes or driveways, may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.
- Traffic complaints around popular parks have increased, help reduce congestion by following all parking regulations.
Pack out what you pack in
- Use designated bins for disposing of all litter to reduce attractants for wildlife.
- If bins are full, take your trash home and dispose of it there.
Keep pets leashed
- Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
Use facilities responsibly
- Clean up after yourself when using park facilities like picnic tables and barbecues.
Water safety
- Swim only in designated areas and follow all posted safety signs.
- Supervise children around bodies of water to prevent accidental drownings.
Noise levels
- Keep noise to a minimum to respect other park visitors and the natural environment.
Be fire smart
- No smoking is permitted in City parks and trails.
- Category 2 and 3 fire bans remain in effect. Campfires and briquette BBQs are not permitted in City parks.
- Category 1 campfires are only allowed on eligible private properties. Check the online map to see if your address is eligible at MapleRidge.ca/BackyardBurning.
- For outdoor cooking and heating, consider alternatives such as camping stoves or portable campfire apparatus using gas or propane, in designated picnic areas.
Respect private property boundaries
- Do not trespass on private property along riverbanks or elsewhere in and around parks.
- Stay within designated park boundaries and respect any posted signage.
Please report any concerns to MapleRidge.ca/Report or at Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/Parks.
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For additional information, contact:
Valoree Richmond
Director of Facilities, Parks, and Properties
T 604-467-7381 E VRichmond@MapleRidge.ca