Lower Mainland park upgrading wilderness escape with $4 million project
Work is underway at a popular Lower Mainland park to expand the number of campsites and improve accessibility for visitors.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks recently announced that construction will soon begin on 32 new campsites at Rolley Lake Park in Mission.
The new campsites are part of a $4 million upgrade project for an area described by BC Parks as a “quick escape from urban life.”
BC Parks
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“The new sites are anticipated to be finished by spring 2026 and will bring the total number of drive-in sites at the campground to 95,” said the Ministry of Environment and Parks in a release.
“An additional 17 walk-in sites were added to the campground in May 2024, along with 30 new parking stalls, a communal shelter, bike racks, bear-proof storage and picnic tables.”
The Ministry also announced that the $4 million project includes accessibility upgrades for the existing toilet and shower building, as well as the service centres.
Rolley Lake Park is a roughly 280-acre wilderness area filled with tall, second-growth conifers.
BC Parks
The namesake warm-water lake is a destination for swimming, fishing, and canoeing, though no powerboats or other motorized craft are permitted.
Ministry of Environment and Parks said that the campground is open year-round, with sites available for booking from March 28 to Oct. 12. However, there is limited access to sites 40 through 65 during the construction period.
The Ministry is also warning that construction crews will be working on weekdays during the daytime, and that there may be roadway detours, extra noise, and limited access during those times.
Tomas Kulaja/Shutterstock
Construction also recently started on the first phase of the Tribune Bay campground redevelopment on Hornby Island.
The formerly private campground near the shores of the namesake bay will be redesigned as part of a multi-million-dollar project that began when BC Parks acquired two properties in 2021 to expand Tribune Bay Provincial Park.