Penticton Indian Band warns legal action will taken if trespassing continues at Trout Creek landslide

The Penticton Indian Band, District of Summerland and City of Penticton are once again reminding people to stay away from the rockslide adjacent to Trout Lake.

The landslide, which is near the Summerland Golf and Country Club, was reported in mid-April.

The group says the slide is still under investigation and being monitored due to unstable terrain.

A statement from all three groups says despite multiple efforts from the Band, including the installation of fences, caution signage and “do not cross” tape, the safety measures are being repeatedly vandalized or removed by people trespassing on the site, which is located on the Band's reserve lands.

The statement also said the behaviour is not only reckless, disrespectful and dangerous, but also illegal.

“Our community is deeply angered by the ongoing illegal trespassing and vandalism of protective measures in this landslide zone,” said PIB 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.”

As a result, surveillance cameras have been installed in key areas and the RCMP have been officially engaged in the ongoing trespassing and vandalism.

People who are caught trespassing or damaging the safety measures that are in place could face fines, vehicle impoundment and legal action.

PIB’s trespass bylaw includes a zero tolerance policy for trespassing on reserve lands, the statement explained.

Mayor Doug Holmes of Summerland said public safety is a shared responsibility and the trespassing and vandalism needs to “stop immediately.”

“We stand with the snpink’tn condemning the destruction of safety infrastructure,” he added.

Mayor Julius Bloomfield of Penticton said the city fully supports Summerland and PIB and urged people for full cooperation.

“This is a serious situation,” he said. “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.

PIB finished by saying that the statement is a formal notice that any entry onto their reserve lands is trespassing and legal action will be taken.