The British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) has submitted three key recommendations for the 2026 provincial budget. The submission was made as part of the annual consultation process with the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.
Each year, British Columbians are invited to provide input on provincial budget priorities. The BCLCA’s proposals stem from concerns raised by its members throughout the year, including campground owners.
The association’s first recommendation calls for the creation of a real-time emergency booking and communication platform. This system would enable private campgrounds to share availability with emergency managers and the public during wildfires, floods, and other disasters.
“Campgrounds have repeatedly served as safe havens during wildfires and floods, yet private operators are left out of formal emergency systems,” the announcement indicates.
The association is also asking the provincial government to fund and launch a centralized portal that includes private campgrounds as part of BC’s emergency shelter network. The tool would serve displaced residents, tourists, and emergency response teams seeking safe short-term accommodations.
The second recommendation focuses on clarifying the legal status of seasonal campers. Campground operators have reported a rise in legal disputes from seasonal guests attempting to claim tenancy rights under the Residential Tenancy Act.
“An increasing number of seasonal campers are trying to claim tenancy status under the Residential Tenancy Act, causing campground owners stress and legal costs,” the BCLCA noted.
The group is also asking the government to update policy to confirm that seasonal RV park stays are “licences to occupy,” not residential tenancies. The recommendation includes a request for a written guideline to support operators and reduce costly legal conflicts.
The third recommendation addresses fee disparities between public and private campgrounds. According to the BCLCA, BC Parks’ campsite fees have remained unchanged since 2016, putting financial pressure on private operators who have been forced to raise rates.
The association proposes a $5 nightly increase to all BC Parks campsite fees, followed by biannual adjustments tied to inflation—mirroring the Parks Canada model introduced in 2020.