Creek bed boulders are seen in Gold Creek with rising mountains in the background in Golden Ears Provincial Park, in Maple Ridge, B.C., in an undated photo published to the park's government website. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Parks (Mandatory Credit)

By The Canadian Press

Graffiti memorial in Golden Ears Park ‘not appropriate’ tribute: BC Parks

Aug 22, 2026 | 4:05 PM

BC Parks says a graffiti memorial sprayed on rocks at Golden Ears Park in B.C.’s Lower Mainland is a misguided tribute and an act of vandalism.

The agency says it learned about the graffiti on boulders near the park’s Gold Creek after reports from concerned members of the public.

A video on social media shows a message on the boulders dated Aug. 4, one day after the drowning death of a man in the creek’s Lower Falls area.

“While we recognize that this event has had a significant impact on family members, friends and the broader community, vandalism within protected areas is not appropriate and can negatively affect the natural environment and visitor experience,” the Ministry of Environment and Parks said in an emailed statement.

Langley, B.C., resident Steven Lourenco said he was visiting the park when he heard about the vandalism, but the graffiti’s memorial message doesn’t change his opinion about it being an inappropriate tribute.

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“Nobody that I’ve ever seen has gone to this measure to memorialize somebody,” he said in an interview, adding the person responsible should have to pay cleanup costs.

BC Parks is evaluating whether water levels are safe enough to remove the graffiti, or if seasonal water flows might remove it over time.

The ministry said the area of Gold Creek where the graffiti is located is the site of multiple deaths and injuries from people entering the water and being swept into dangerous currents and over the falls.

The park is encouraging visitors to obey warning signs and leave natural features undisturbed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 22, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Graffiti memorial in Golden Ears Park ‘not appropriate’ tribute: BC Parks

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