The Town of Ladysmith has sent another letter to the Province requesting support to address ongoing issues along the Banon Creek Forest Service Rd., including unauthorized camping, dumping, and vandalism. (Image Credit: Town of Ladysmith)

By Jordan Davidson

urgent request

In wake of wildfire starts, Ladysmith asks again for provincial help with backcountry issues

Aug 29, 2026 | 6:08 AM

LADYSMITH — In light of a recent wildfire starting in a highly sensitive watershed area, the Town of Ladysmith is once again calling on the Province for help.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the Town sent another letter to the B.C. Government to “take immediate action to address ongoing safety and watershed protection concerns along the Banon Creek Forest Service Road,” the second urgent request for help made this summer.

The latest call for assistance comes after a wildfire was sparked by lightning in the area southeast of Ladysmith on Aug. 18, which was quickly brought under control, with the Town’s letter saying another “human-caused brush fire” started in the same area only weeks prior.

“We are asking that the Province take action to address the ongoing risks and ensure individuals are relocated in a humane manner away from our watershed,” mayor Deena Beeston said in the letter. “Every day of inaction increases the risk to Ladysmith’s watershed, drinking water infrastructure and the safety of those in the area. We must protect these resources that are needed by everyone in the area.”

They’re requesting from the Province “support to strengthen access controls, increased enforcement against unauthorized access, trespassing and encampments within municipal watersheds, and expedited legal tools to better protect public health and safety.”

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The Town said they have yet to hear a response, with the full letter from Aug. 21 available here.

It was announced in May the access gate to the Crown-land Banon Creek Forest Service Rd backcountry area, located at the end of South Watts Rd., was locked during the week and only unlocked during the day on weekends, with the Town saying ongoing issues around illegal camping are increasing the risk to their watershed.

The Town said the locked gate hasn’t reduced the issues, with vandals cutting the locks and damaging the gate in order to gain access to the area.

In a statement provided to NanaimoNewsNOW in July, the housing and municipal affairs ministry stated encampments are “not a safe or suitable form of long-term shelter and create significant risks for people’s well-being.”

The ministry is aware of the situation on the Crown land in the Banon Creek area, contending it’s working with local partners to connect those currently living in the area with available shelter and supports.

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by Jordan Davidson

In wake of wildfire starts, Ladysmith asks again for provincial help with backcountry issues

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