New buoys installed at Cultus Lake in wake of serious collision involving Indigenous canoe

Visitors to a popular Fraser Valley recreation site over the Victoria Day long weekendmay have noticed something different in the water.

New control buoys have been installed at Cultus Lake to serve as a reminder of the 10 km/hr speed limitwithin 30 metresfrom shore.

On any warm summer day hundreds of people can be seen on the lake on boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and jet skis. Over the past two yearstraffic has increased significantly, according to David Jimmie, chief of the Ts'elxwyeqw Tribe.

"This is probably the highest we've ever seen it in all the years we've been here," he said.

ChilliwackKent MLAKelli Paddon said that more boat traffichas led to an increase in risk on the water.

In July 2020, the occupant of an Indigenous racing canoe was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries following a collision with a motor boat. A 67-year-old Langley manwas charged with operating a vessel without due care or consideration for other persons.

"I really feel the outcry from that was the impetus for the action we're seeing now," Paddonsaid.

"One of the important things to remember is that people from around here have been coming to enjoy the lake for a very long time, but the Sto:lo people have been here paddling on this lake fortime immemorial."

After consultations withIndigenous First Nations and knowledge keepers, B.C. Parks, Transport Canada and RCMP, 40 new control buoys were installed as well as signsto remind the public of safety regulation as well asthe importance of the lake to Indigenous people.

"Putting out the buoys was a big step for us because alot of our canoes are following along the edges of the lake and they have their routes that they're training with," Jimmie said.

Longtime boaterJamie Vermeeren says it's all about respectfully sharing the lake.

"The faster you go, your vision narrows," he said. "So really just watch what you're doing pay attention. I've been out here a long time, even when it's crowded it'sa lot of fun."