Community Helps Remove Hazardous Tires from Campbell River Beach

CAMPBELL RIVER, British Columbia — Local environmental organizations and businesses united on November 3 to remove 11 industrial tires washed ashore near Shelter Bay. These tires, each weighing around four tons, posed a significant threat to marine life as they were filled with styrofoam that had begun to spill onto the beach.

The tires likely broke away during a storm from a dock or barge before landing approximately 10 kilometers south of Campbell River. Camille Andrews, habitat management coordinator for Greenways Land Trust, emphasized the importance of swift action: “We were so happy to see such strong community engagement and support for this effort.”

On October 22, volunteers from Greenways Land Trust had already collected 430 kilograms of styrofoam and debris from the beach. The styrofoam particles can be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to harmful accumulation in their systems.

During Monday’s operation, Coast Island Marine Ltd. contributed a tugboat to tow the tires, while A-Tlegay Fisheries Society provided additional boats to collect any loose debris. The tires were transported to a marine terminal and will later be moved to a landfill with assistance from other local businesses.

Phil Griffith, president of the Campbell River Salmon Foundation, remarked on the proactive community response and mentioned that heavy equipment had previously cost the foundation $6,000 to remove similar tires. He stressed the importance of timely environmental cleanup: “It’s going to happen with all the boats, docks and what-have-you in the Strait of Georgia,” he cautioned.

Trev Agar, a local resident, witnessed the operation and noted the quick response to the issue. “It didn’t bother me too much but it is right in front of my house and this is happening so quickly, it’s phenomenal,” he said. The community’s coordinated effort reflects a growing commitment to protect the local marine environment.

The initiative aims to establish a marine debris removal response team in collaboration with the City of Campbell River and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ensuring preparedness for future incidents.