The logs at Gordon Bay Provincial Park in Lake Cowichan, BC, have been an integral part of my, and many others', experiences at this beloved local spot. For many of us, they are the reason we love swimming at Gordon Bay. I, myself, and many of my friends who join me at Gordon Bay in the summers, can vouch that the logs are the sole reason why the spot is our favourite. While Gordon Bay itself is a beautiful place with clean and clear water, the entirety of Cowichan Lake is filled with swim-spots that have the same attributes, let alone Vancouver Island, or BC. The logs are what make the Lake Cowichan provincial park positively unlike the rest.

The logs function almost like a dock; they provide a place for people to cling to, or climb up on and rest while swimming in deep water, they act as a launch pad for jumps, as a playground for fun, and even make a fine spot for sunbathing. 

Beyond their recreational benefits, these logs play a significant role in safety. They keep the bay's waters calm and wave-free, including from large waves generated by boats and by the vastness of the lake. I would go so far as to say that I believe that the logs have actually saved me from drowning in the past. When I was around 10 years old, I was swimming slightly beyond the logs and the water had begun to get choppy, just like it does every warm afternoon at the lake. This day was particularly windy, however, and I remember repeatedly swallowing and choking on water as it splashed in my face while I tried to swim back to shore. It was exhausting trying to fight the waves and stay afloat. Luckily, I was able to swim a few metres over to the logs and climbed on top of one to rest. After a while, I was easily able to get back to shore by jumping back into the water on the beach-side of the logs where the water was much easier to swim in. The difference in the water was like night and day. It was rough and choppy on the far side, and calm on the other. If they hadn’t been there, who knows what could’ve happened to me that day. Meanwhile, they also act as a natural barrier separating swimmers from boats and jet skis, thereby significantly reducing potential water accidents. Because Cowichan Lake is so large, it is a popular lake for people to take their boats, or other types of motorized water vessels, out for a spin. At other beaches I’ve been to on the lake, boaters come dangerously close to the shore. Sometimes speeding by, sometimes to anchor. Either reason poses it’s own risks. The logs at Gordon Bay eliminated this problem for as long as they were in place.

It is therefore puzzling that such a beneficial and cherished aspect of the park has been removed without adequate explanation or consultation. Upon some online research I was able to find one article about a Cowichan Laker who believes that the logs pose a threat to safety because of the chains that anchor them in place. The article never specified if that was indeed the reason for their removal. But if it is, I would like to add my two pieces. I have frequented Gordon Bay every summer for about 15 years. While I’m not there 24/7, I am there just about every chance I can get when the days get warmer. I have never seen anyone hurt themselves on the logs or on the chains that hold them there. That’s not to say that it would be impossible to injure yourself on them, but to do so would require a special amount of stupidity. I have grabbed onto and stepped on chains and never even been pinched. I’ve swam under the logs, climbed on top of them, played on them, and don’t even recall a getting sliver. The countless benefits of the logs largely outweigh the risk of injury from them. The decision to remove the logs has not only affected recreational activities but also compromised the safety of swimmers and aquatic lovers who frequent this park. With an average of 200,000 visitors a year [source: BC Parks], the impact of this decision is not small.

This petition seeks to restore the logs and the unique swimming experience they provide at Gordon Bay Provincial Park. It is a call for authorities to reconsider their decision, taking into account the experiences and safety of the local community and visitors who have grown to love the bay as it was. If you, like me, have cherished memories related to these logs and value safety at our beloved park, please join in signing this petition to bring back the logs at Gordon Bay Provincial Park in Lake Cowichan.