Folks who frequently enjoy a popular clothing-optional beach in Vancouver are upset over changes that aim to improve safety and access.
Beachgoers say the new changes “threaten Wreck Beach’s unique natural character.”
A petition, that nearly 700 people have signed, says that people’s privacy has been affected and urges “the mistake” be corrected to reduce “voyeuristic behaviour.”
Why logs were removed
According to a recommendation the Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Committee received from Regional Parks, as the remote beach becomes increasingly popular, there has been a relatively high number of emergencies and safety incidents in recent years.
“The isolation of Wreck Beach and the increasing high visitation creates a number of challenges to managing the beach. This includes response to medical emergencies, which require a coordinated effort by multiple emergency responders,” the report reads.
With input from emergency response providers, strategies were made to improve public safety at Wreck Beach in 2024, which includes log clean-up.
Wreck Beach logs (Margarita Young/Shutterstock)
Log clean-ups are already done every year to remove debris from winter storms, but earlier this year, Metro Vancouver removed excess and pilling logs on the beach to create more open space “for the public to enjoy the beach, improves circulation, clears sightlines for patrols and closing sweeps, and ensures wide pathways for emergency responder access,” the report reads.
Additionally, the report added that this issue addresses the growing concerns surrounding fires on the beach by removing “extraneous beach logs that are used for firewood and through closing patrols of the beach during the summer season.”
Beachgoers intimidated and unwantedly filmed
According to the Change.org petition, Metro Vancouver removed large protective logs and replaced them with smaller “more dangerous ones.”
“These large logs, which were over three feet in width, provided essential barriers against wind, sun, and unwanted onlookers,” the petition reads.
Considering the beach’s popularity, the petition raised concerns about “the new open sight lines,” which it says expose beachgoers and reduce their privacy, sense of safety, and tranquillity that the beach had previously offered.
“Herds of men in city clothing are coming to the beach, intimidating visitors, and filming women and children. This is directly correlated to the open sight lines,” the petition added.
Metro Vancouver has said that the increased popularity of Wreck Beach has led to less secluded and private areas on busy days.
It said it is focusing on educating visitors and reminding them to respect people’s privacy.
Where necessary, Metro Vancouver said repeat offenders could be issued a ticket if education efforts are not effective.
However, according to the petition, education is “insufficient.”
“We need more safe spaces and a reduction in voyeuristic behaviour. Correcting the mistake of removing the larger logs and safe spaces is a simple and effective answer,” it reads.
The petition also raised concerns about scattering smaller logs, claiming it can disrupt local wildlife and be hazardous for beachgoers. It also said there needed to be more community engagement.
Petitioners are calling on Metro Vancouver to restore the large logs, engage with the community at Wreck Beach, and implement measures to protect beachgoers’ privacy and safety.