Centennial RV Campground is slated to shut down by May 2026, with plans to transform the site into a Legacy Dodge car dealership, following a city council decision to amend the zoning bylaw.
The closure comes after the council discovered that the campground’s operational permit had expired in 2020. Despite this, the campground has continued to operate under the assumption that it could remain open until redevelopment began. Last year, the campground’s owners proposed the zoning amendment to extend its operational period until construction on the new dealership commenced.
Legacy Dodge representatives have stated that the dealership will foster new economic development on the south side of Fort McMurray and provide local employment opportunities.
During the council meeting, Pastor Edwin Rideout of the Family Christian Centre supported the development, citing the dealership as a promising improvement to the area. He made a controversial remark about the campground’s aesthetics, labeling the site as unsightly.
Campground manager Lana Thiesen, who has overseen the park since 2020, defended the maintenance and management of the site. She highlighted the park’s strict regulations on noise, cleanliness, and property additions, describing the campground as a community that caters to both short-term and long-term tenants. Thiesen did not disclose her stance on the rezoning proposal during the council meeting.
Council members Ken Ball, Keith McGrath, Stu Wigle, and Mayor Sandy Bowman voiced their support for the commercial redevelopment of the campground.
Ball expressed frustration regarding the campground’s non-compliance since its permit expired, pointing out that the site should no longer be classified solely as a campground due to the presence of long-term residents. He articulated the council’s duty to address these zoning and compliance issues promptly.
As per a Fort McMurray Today report, McGrath introduced an amendment proposing that the dealership construction commence within the next 25 months. Chris Davis, a municipal lawyer, clarified that while the city cannot directly enforce the development timeline, it can legally enforce the closure of the campground within 24 months if progress is not evident.
The decision marks a significant change for the south side of Fort McMurray, as the city looks to new developments to boost its economy and community facilities.