snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band, in partnership with the District of Summerland and the City of Penticton, is urgently advising the public to stay off a dangerous landslide area located on snpink’tn reserve lands adjacent to Trout Creek.
This area is currently under active monitoring due to unstable terrain, potentially posing a significant risk to anyone entering it. Despite multiple efforts by snpink’tn to protect public safety, including the installation of fences, caution signage,and do not cross tape, these safety measures have been repeatedly vandalized or removed by individuals
trespassing on the site. This behavior is not only reckless and disrespectful, but illegal.
“Our community is deeply angered by the ongoing illegal trespassing and vandalism of protective measures in this
landslide zone,” said snpink’tn Chief Greg Gabriel. “This is not just a matter of jurisdiction — it’s a matter of safety and respect. We are doing everything in our power to prevent injury or loss of life. We ask the public to honour our
land and our warnings. This is not a place for recreation or sightseeing. It is a dangerous, unstable zone.”
To support enforcement, snpink’tn has installed surveillance cameras in key areas and the RCMP have been formally engaged. Individuals found trespassing or vandalizing fences, signs, or other safety infrastructure may face fines, vehicle impoundment and legal action. snpink’tn’s Trespass Bylaw includes a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for trespassing on reserve lands. Violators will be subject to enforcement under this bylaw in addition to other applicable laws.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” said Mayor Doug Holmes of Summerland. “We stand with the snpink’tn
condemning the destruction of safety infrastructure. This behavior must stop immediately. We urge everyone to
respect posted boundaries and understand that entering this site is not only dangerous, it is against the law.”
“The City of Penticton fully supports our neighbours at snpink’tn and the District of Summerland in protecting the
public and upholding the law,” added Mayor Julius Bloomfield of Penticton. “This is a serious situation. We urge people to think not just about themselves, but about the emergency responders, the community, and the broader public when they ignore safety signs. We are asking — and expecting — full cooperation.”
This joint statement serves as a formal notice: Entry onto snpink’tn reserve lands is trespassing, and tampering with
safety barriers is illegal. Law enforcement and surveillance are now active, and all parties are committed to pursuing
further measures if necessary
