Recent articles surrounding fines
Some interesting articles on recent discussions surrounding fines, bans etc.
Ski out of bounds and go directly to jail? - 24 Hours
Province Considers fining out-of-bounds skiers - The Province
Gov't targets out of bound skiers - The Province
Dangerour Moral Imperative - The Province (Letter to the Editor)
And a recap of recent events from OutdoorVancouver.ca.
I would like to re-emphasize North Shore Rescue's policy of not charging for rescues, and we do not support charging for rescues.
As Tim states in the 24 Hours article -
"People who can't afford to pay fines and operation costs could evade rescuers," Jones said. "I appreciate the [government's] concern but they should put together a task force of stakeholders to take a look at this before rushing into anything."
On a separate note we watched The Fine Line last night. A great new film by the Canadian Avalanche Association - some sweet skiing and riding, and good info on avalanche awareness.
Ski out of bounds and go directly to jail? - 24 Hours
Province Considers fining out-of-bounds skiers - The Province
Gov't targets out of bound skiers - The Province
Dangerour Moral Imperative - The Province (Letter to the Editor)
And a recap of recent events from OutdoorVancouver.ca.
I would like to re-emphasize North Shore Rescue's policy of not charging for rescues, and we do not support charging for rescues.
As Tim states in the 24 Hours article -
"People who can't afford to pay fines and operation costs could evade rescuers," Jones said. "I appreciate the [government's] concern but they should put together a task force of stakeholders to take a look at this before rushing into anything."
On a separate note we watched The Fine Line last night. A great new film by the Canadian Avalanche Association - some sweet skiing and riding, and good info on avalanche awareness.
posted by John Blown at
12:14 PM
3 Comments:
I agree that charging for rescues would be an ill informed, knee jerk reaction policy.
All levels of Government need to put more resources into avalanche education within the public education system and media outlets to ensure the public has useful, pertinent information and is more able to make well informed decisions when venturing out to enjoy winter activities.
By
Terry Krysak, at 2:00 PM
Hi John,
Thanks for the post and for linking to my "recap" blog post. I have the utmost respect for your organization.
The Grouse incident has sparked so much media attention it has been crazy, and each article put out seems to portray a different message to the public regarding fines and charges. What comes of this will be interesting to follow.
Cheers
By
Karl Woll, at 8:31 AM
OUT OF BOUNDS - What an ominous term when we are describing our own crown land. Our beautiful backcountry here in BC poses dangers to those who enjoy it, whether in the summer or winter. I find it funny that those who enjoy it in winter are being labeled as reckless. While the folks I've seen on the back roads and lakes in the summer are on average much more reckless. My friends and I enjoy the winter backcountry and carry probes, beacons, and shovels on each individual. We retain knowledge of winter storms and wind loading in the area, in an attempt to reduce our risk. In many cases we have the same or greater knowledge than our would be rescuers. It is true that you can never eliminate all of the risk, but nor can you in the summer. So should we then make it illegal to access backcountry land? I sure hope not! In any sport there are risks whether in or out of bounds.
Making backcountry taboo is the wrong approach. We should really be taking a lesson from our friends down south. My friends and I frequent the Mt. Baker ski area, which has adopted a backcountry awareness policy. They have gates by which someone with partner, equipment and demonstrated knowledge may enter lift accessed backcountry. This stand has promoted knowledge amongst those would be rope-duckers, and encouraged folks like myself to get the knowledge and gear necessary to reduce risk and preserve life.
I don't find it fair that people not part of the backcountry community are having such a say on its fate. To the people so worried about tax dollars, do you really think your taxes would ever go down, just because they aren't being spent on rescue? I don't know about you, but I'd rather have my taxes spent on helping people who were out enjoying our beautiful province, then on some politicians Gucci pumps.
Also would like to say a big THANK YOU to the NSR team who have been making sure people make it home safe and alive over the holidays!
Thanks,
Curtis Wiebe
By
MBHC, at 11:35 AM
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