Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith and the Province are advising the public of new access controls on the Banon Creek Forest Service Road to help protect drinking water, forest resources, and public safety.
Due to ongoing issues with unauthorized camping and illegal dumping resulting in an increased risk of wildfire and possible contamination of the watersheds, weekday access to the area will be restricted. Those camping in the area are being notified and provided with information about available services within the region.
Beginning on May 19, 2026, the access gate to the Banon Creek Forest Service Road at the end of South Watts Road will be closed Monday to Friday. It will be open on weekends and select statutory holidays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Banon Creek Forest Service Road provides access to the Banon Creek watershed and the Holland Creek Community Watershed. Together, these watersheds provide drinking water for the Town of Ladysmith, the Stz’uminus First Nation and Saltair; approximately 12,000 people depend on these watersheds for drinking water.
A major wildfire within the watersheds could significantly deplete the Town’s reservoir, impact water quality, and require severe water restrictions. These measures are intended to reduce risk while still allowing for responsible recreational use.
“Over the past several months, we have heard from residents, land managers, and partner agencies about the impacts of unauthorized camping, illegal dumping, and increased wildfire risk in this highly sensitive watershed area. Protecting our drinking water sources and surrounding forest lands must remain a top priority. At the same time, we recognize how important this area is for responsible recreation. That is why we have worked collaboratively with the Province, Indigenous partners, and local enforcement to find a solution that reduces environmental and safety risks while still allowing the public to enjoy the area in a responsible way,” says Mayor Deena Beeston.
“I have heard from many constituents with their concerns about activities around Banon Creek Forest Service Road. It is clear that action needs to be taken to ensure safety, environmental protection, and responsible access. This temporary closure is not a decision taken lightly and has been met with extensive consultation, including the support of Halat Nation, Stz’uminus Nation, and the RCMP. I am happy to see the Ministry of Forests and the Town of Ladysmith working together to find a solution,” says Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith – Oceanside.
The watersheds are located outside Town boundaries and are managed under provincial timber licences held by private forestry companies and Indigenous forestry operators. The Town owns the Holland Lake reservoirs and jointly owns the Stocking Lake reservoir and surrounding lands with the CVRD. Access and watershed projection agreements are in place with adjacent landowners. As such, the Town does not directly control access to the watershed but is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Forests and land managers to better regulate use of the area.
Recreational access will continue on weekends and select holidays. Non-motorized users can access the watershed at any time and the Stocking Lake, Heart Lake and Banon Creek Falls trails will remain open for non-motorized use. Non-motorized users wishing to reach Banon Creek Falls from Monday to Friday can use the Stocking Lake trail to reach the Banon Creek Service Road, then head south to the spur road that provides access to the trailhead.
“We know the gate closure is disappointing for many community members who use the area for recreation, especially during the warmer months. Unfortunately, weekday closures are necessary due to the increased risk of wildfire,” says Nicholas Pescod, the Town’s Communications & Engagement Specialist. “With Environment and Climate Change Canada predicting 2026 to be one of the hottest summers on record, the Town is taking proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk.”
Updated access information and maps will be shared through social media, direct notifications, and online resources.
The Town will continue to monitor activity in the area and will balance recreational access with the need to protect the watershed and surrounding forest lands.
Link Banon Creek Watershed Map
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz’uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606