Wickaninnish Sand Dunes Closed

May 08 2012

UCLUELET, May 8, 2012? To protect public safety, Parks Canada is temporarily closing the Wickaninnish Sand Dunes due to the possible presence of Unexploded Explosive Ordnances (UXO) dating back to World War II.
The public is invited to learn more about the closures and UXOs by attending one of two public information sessions held by Parks Canada and the Department of National Defence. The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th at 7:30pm at the Tofino Ecolodge, Tofino Botanical Gardens and Wednesday, May 16th at 7:30pm at the Ucluelet Community Centre.

The sand dunes were used for training by the Canadian Forces during the 1940s and 1950s before the establishment of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The discovery of a UXO in February 2012 prompted the Department of National Defence to examine the sand dunes further.
The Department of National Defence UXO and Legacy Sites Program has made preliminary recommendations to restrict access to the dune area as a precautionary measure until a more extensive examination can be made in the near future. Parks Canada Agency is working with the Department of National Defence to develop a strategy to address this potential hazard.

If a possible UXO is found, visitors are advised:
Do not touch it
Remember or mark the location from a safe distance
Leave the area
Call 911 or local police as soon as possible.

The rest of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, including Wickaninnish Beach, remains open.
Information:
John Aldag
Superintendent, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
250-726-3510