Users of Vancouver’s nude beach express outrage over removal of ‘privacy’ logs

Longtime Vancouver Wreck Beach goers are expressing their frustration over recent changes at the popular clothing-optional beach that they believe are contributing to an increase in voyeurism and compromising the privacy and seclusion that the beach is known for.

One of the main issues that has upset regular visitors is the removal of large logs on the beach, which they claim provided essential barriers against unwanted onlookers. According to an online petition calling for better management of the site by the regional government and Metro Vancouver, the logs also served as protection against wind and sun.

Mary Jean Dunson, a longtime user of Wreck Beach, voiced her concerns about Metro Vancouver’s changes, stating that she does not want to feel like she is being treated like a child at a daycare when visiting the beach. She emphasized that the natural beauty and seclusion of Wreck Beach are what draw people to the area, and these qualities should be preserved.

Metro Vancouver, on the other hand, cites an increase in visits to Wreck Beach as the reason for the changes, stating that improvements are necessary to ensure access for medical emergencies. The beach, located below the UBC campus as part of the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, has seen a 20% increase in visits over the past five years, reaching 870,000 in 2023.

Paul Brar, a division manager with Metro Vancouver, acknowledges the need to balance the preservation of the beach’s unique character with the responsibility of managing the site effectively. Changes such as the removal of logs and the implementation of an orderly grid system aim to improve site lines and access for all users.

However, critics like Stephen Biduk, chair of the Wreck Beach Preservation Society, argue that these changes have led to a decrease in privacy on the beach, attracting more gawkers and voyeuristic behavior. Biduk and the society are calling for the return of larger logs and a greater role in collaborating with Metro Vancouver to address safety and privacy concerns at Wreck Beach.

As the debate continues between longtime users and management, the future of Wreck Beach remains uncertain, with both sides striving to find a balance between safety, accessibility, and the preservation of the beach’s unique charm.