Authorities in British Columbia are urging the public to avoid a rock face above a major highway in Squamish, where a red Volkswagen Beetle shell has been suspended in what appears to be a prank by engineering students. BC Parks is actively working to remove the vehicle and expects completion within the week, according to a statement from the province's Environment Ministry released on Monday.
Investigation and Tradition
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and park rangers have been called to investigate the incident. The car shell, which appeared on the cliff above Highway 99 last week, features a large "E" on its roof, signaling involvement from University of British Columbia engineering students. This act continues a long-standing tradition where students place Beetle shells in challenging locations.
Historical Context and Community Impact
In 2009, a similar prank occurred when a Beetle fell from the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, leading to the arrest of five students in a failed suspension attempt. A spokesperson for the university has not yet responded to requests for comment on the current situation.
Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford emphasized that the area around the Stawamus Chief rock formation holds deep cultural significance as a "sacred place" for the Squamish Nation. He noted that the site is also popular among hikers and climbers, and what might have seemed like an innocent prank has negatively affected the local community.
"This is an area that deserves respect, and that wasn't the case here," Hurford stated in the release. The incident highlights tensions between student traditions and cultural sensitivity in public spaces.
