The Conservation Officer Service is investigating after a 小蓝视频 camping area was discovered littered with abandoned garbage by a group of students during a graduation trip.
Piles of garbage bags and trash were left behind by a large group on May 18 near Jones Lake campground, east of Agassiz.
In an interview, the man who found the garbage said trash was strewn more than three-quarters of a kilometre on the beach where more than 100 students were spread out.
Chairs, cans, tarps, wrappers, plastic bottles and buckets used as makeshift toilets were also scattered about.
The Delta School District confirmed on May 20 that it is investigating and is aware of the "appalling mess.”
"Our preliminary investigation indicates that multiple groups were present at the campground, including students from Delta Secondary and Seaquam Secondary, as well as others not affiliated with the Delta School District,” said a spokesperson.
Conservation officers did receive a report of unlawful dumping in the area of Jones Lake on May 18 and confirmed an investigation is underway.
Stiff fines can be issued in 小蓝视频 for abandoned garbage.
Violators could face a range of penalties for violations under the Environmental Management Act such as littering or unlawful dumping depending on the location, type and amount of material being discarded.
In 小蓝视频, anyone depositing garbage, building materials or other debris into the environment can face fines ranging from $575 to a maximum of $1,000,000 or six months in jail for unlawful dumping.
A violation ticket for littering is $115.
"Conservation officers are authorized to use their discretion when determining potential enforcement actions, such as issuing violation tickets or pursuing a court process,” said a spokesperson.
Matt Ion is part of the Four Wheel Drive Association of 小蓝视频 and helped clean up the area.
He said fines "drive the message home."
"One of the problems I know they have is when you find the garbage, how do you know who left it?"
One person who assisted in the cleanup said they did find a box of receipts that someone planned to burn.
School district investigating
The district said the camping trip was not a school-sanctioned event, and no school staff were involved or present.
"As a district, we are disappointed by this selfish and irresponsible behaviour, which does not reflect the values we strive to instill in students — respect for others, for the environment, and for our community,” said the district in a statement May 20.
A small group of students stayed back to try and clean up the mess, and the district commended their efforts.
"We also recognize that the vast majority of students at both schools are just as upset by this incident as the broader community,” said the statement. "It’s unfortunate that it reflects very badly on both school communities, regardless of direct involvement.”
The district said school administrators are actively investigating to determine who may be responsible for the damage, and it will take time to gather accurate information.
"The aftermath of this incident is harmful not only to the campground but to the reputations of secondary schools and their grads of 2025.”
Parents and caregivers are being asked to speak with their children about responsible behaviour, especially during unsupervised gatherings.
