Whatcom County parks director
Bennett Knox, Executive Satpal
Sidhu, County Council and the Editor:
The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce has been contacted by concerned business owners and the public regarding the lack of services available at Maple Beach, a Whatcom County park.
It’s safe to say that Maple Beach is a very special place in Point Roberts. It is our only warm water beach and is used for swimming, water sports, lazing, and crabbing and clamming. When the tide is out, it provides miles of beautiful sand bars for walking and exploring. From a recreational standpoint, it’s probably the single most significant asset on the Point, and we are fortunate that it was gifted to Whatcom County.
The Maple Beach Property Owners Association has made it clear that they are frustrated with non-members who park on county road rights-of-way or who visit the beach during Maple Beach activities such as the sandcastle contest or regatta day.
The mystery of where people go to the bathroom has everyone concerned about sanitary health conditions. We note that Maple Beach water quality is seldom if ever tested by the county health department.
Not that long ago, Maple Beach was a thriving and popular destination for the people and residents of Point Roberts and drew fun- and sun-seekers from the rest of the county and the Lower Mainland of B.C.
No longer is that the case. The lack of parking and restroom facilities makes it very difficult to visit.
We feel it is the county’s responsibility to create a safe, healthy, and inviting experience and help resolve these issues by providing ample, clearly defined parking spaces and a public bathroom facility before the summer of 2026.
There are many good options for mobile bathroom trailers that would work until a permanent building can be built. This could be located at the corner of Roosevelt and Bayview Drive where the local parks department stores kayaks and paddleboards.
Parking will be a challenge but needs to be addressed possibly by expanding along Roosevelt. Regardless, a significant number of spaces need to be created to relieve the issues and confrontations caused by visitor parking on county road rights-of-way.
The county also needs to begin supplying waste receptacles along Bayview Drive for the use of beachgoers.
Maple Beach belongs to all of us – the county needs to ensure that a visit to Maple Beach County Park is a safe, inviting, and positive experience for both the local residents and visitors.
Wayne Lyle, president
Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce
(Editor note: The following letter was sent to Lorne Nielson in response to an update that he recently sent regarding a proposed campground at the corner of Mill and Johnson roads. It was also sent to county planner Maddie Shacht; we have included it here in light of the chamber’s request to the county.)
The Editor:
Lorne, It’s Ken Pattison the president of the Maple Beach Homeowners Association responding to your email. I have copied our board as well as our contact at the county.
Generally speaking initiatives that improve Point Roberts are a good thing. All initiatives must have a thorough review considering all the complex elements of the business and recreational nuances of our special place. In that vein, I don’t see where you are addressing the concerns of the Maple Beach area as communicated to the county.
Issue 1 – people camping will expect to have access to water activities including swimming, paddle boarding, boating and beach time. The closest beach is Maple Beach. Although the beach is public, there is extremely limited parking availability. We experience a lot of frustration now with parking disputes without the added parking required for your patrons.
Issue 2 – we host multiple events on the beach each year for our members and secure permits for the beach use. We have issues with non members wanting to ignore our permits and use the beach. With your proposed plan this frustration will increase.
Issue 3 – we have a private park in our community and must maintain strict policies on usage due to insurance restrictions. There is kids playground equipment that parents will want to use. We have signage today however we still have issues. People assume it’s a public park. The park is expensive to maintain and we must limit traffic. We have issues now and your patrons will cause them to increase.
Issue 4 – the tradition of Maple Beach is that kids can experience more freedom than at home. They ride bikes and skateboards, they draw chalk pictures on the street. Cabin owners understand this unique element and operate with a great deal of caution. Today we have issues with non members driving too fast and expressing their frustrations. This will increase with your proposed project.
At our annual general meeting, the topic of your project came up. There wasn’t a moment of positive feedback about it. I also see dozens and dozens of signs from locals expressing their frustration and anti sentiment around the project.
In your email you committed to be a good community neighbor. To date there has been no discussion with your largest neighbor representing 330 home owners.
You also noted the issues you have heard. The issues noted above were submitted to the county. Please provide a detailed plan on avoiding these issues keeping in mind that signage doesn’t work
To my fellow board members, have I missed anything?
Ms. Schacht, we have communicated our concerns previously. Please ensure we have an opportunity to be heard.
Ken Pattison, president
Maple Beach Property Owners Assn.
The Editor:
I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in the hospital commissioner primary. Your vote means so much, and I am honored to have earned your trust.
As we move forward to the general election on November 5, I ask for your continued support. I am running to be a strong voice for those who need help navigating our healthcare system – patients, families and healthcare workers alike.
With compassion, trust and a spirit of partnership, I will work to make sure our hospital district serves the entire community with dignity and care.
Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you.
Alyssa Clark
Point Roberts
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