A local gas station is in hot water after it was caught watering its lawn Tuesday night.
Sprinklers were seen going full blast at the Petro Canada gas station at 12th St and Stewardson Way in New Westminster just before midnight.
Suncor Energy, which owns Petro Canada, released the following statement to Global News:
The sprinkler system at this site was on an automatic timer. The system has now been disabled and we will abide by the water restrictions. We apologize for the oversight. We have also sent out a reminder to other sites in the area to ensure all sprinkler systems have been disabled.
Metro Vancouver is currently facing Stage 3 water restrictions, with all residential and non-residential lawn sprinkling prohibited.
The fine for watering lawns outside the restrictions or washing non-permeable surfaces, such as driveways or walkways, is $250.
The City of Vancouver is looking at adding more bylaw officers while the Stage 3 restrictions remain in effect.
READ MORE: Metro Vancouver moving to Stage 3 water restrictions
Other restrictions include:
- Watering of flowers and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, trees and shrubs are allowed but only if done by hand using a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle, or using containers or drip irrigation. Use of sprinklers or soaker hoses is prohibited.
- Watering of commercial flowers and vegetable gardens is still allowed.
- No refilling of pools, spas or garden ponds.
- Public water parks and pools will be operated by user-activated switches.
- No public or commercial water fountains and features.
- Private and commercial outdoor surface washing is permitted only for health and safety purposes or to prepare a surface for painting or similar treatment. Washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited.
- Commercial pressure washing is permitted only for health and safety purposes or to prepare a surface for painting or similar treatment. Washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited. Private pressure washing prohibited in Stage 3.
- No washing of vehicles and boats, except for safety reasons, (windows, lights, licenses) and only then if using a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle. This includes residential, commercial, institutional and government vehicles.
- Golf courses may water greens and tee areas minimally; fairways may not be watered.
- Artificial turf and outdoor tracks may be hosed down for health and safety reasons only.
- Minimal watering of school yards and sports fields to maintain areas in useable condition.
Meanwhile, “lawn shaming” continues on social media as residents are pointing fingers at those who continue to water their lawns despite water restrictions.
With files from Amy Judd
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