A long-time Whistler resident calls for immediate action to address illegal camping along Cheakamus Lake Forest Road, citing safety concerns, environmental damage, and a lack of enforcement from authorities.
Gabi Moeller, a resident of Cheakamus Crossing for 15 years, says the problem has worsened over the past year and a half, with makeshift campsites growing in number and permanence.
“A recent incident with my dog pushed me to speak out,” Moeller said. While skiing the trail with a friend, her dog ingested an unknown substance near a long-established campsite and collapsed. “I had to carry her out for three kilometres before my friend could reach us with a truck,” she said.
Moeller claims the same campsite has been there for over a year, with eight camper vans parked along the road. She says no action has been taken despite multiple complaints to Conservation Officers and local authorities. “This isn’t just about my dog—it’s about the environmental hazards and safety risks to residents,” she explained. “There’s human waste, food scraps, and garbage all over. People have propane tanks, gas cans, and generators in a fire-prone forest.”
Residents say the issue is exacerbated by bureaucratic inaction, with both the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Parks Canada deflecting responsibility. Moeller noted that the legal camping limit on Crown land is 14 days, yet some have remained for over a year.
“The word in town is that this is the place to camp because nobody bothers you,” Moeller said. “It’s completely out of control.”
Maggie says
I don’t know of this area, but could the campers be young people who are working at the resort, and unable to find accommodation? Because I know the situation for young workers from overseas is desperate. I know of furnished houses being rented with young people crammed in, sharing bedrooms and in some cases beds with new flatmates they have never met before, just so they have a roof over their head.