Plans are set for an expansion of the Tribune Bay Provincial Park on Hornby Island (British Columbia, Canada), aimed at spreading campers across a wider area and introducing new walk-in sites. This development follows the acquisition of additional land and a campground three years ago, signaling a shift towards enhancing outdoor experiences amid the park’s scenic shores.
The expansion project is slated to begin later this spring, although the reconfiguration of the existing and newly planned campgrounds is not expected to be completed until next year. The move comes after the province secured a campground and a 16-acre parcel of undeveloped forest land and beachfront in 2021, broadening the park’s appeal and capacity.
Grant Scott, Hornby Island trustee for the Islands Trust, explained that the current eight-acre campground, operated by a private entity, contains 116 densely packed sites. The redesign will see this number reduced to about 80, with an additional 40 new campsites being established on the newly acquired land adjacent to the existing sites.
The new sites will offer a variety of camping experiences, including walk-in campsites designed for hikers, cyclists, and kayakers, alongside park-beside tent sites and small overnight shelters known as “bunkies.” This diversification aims to cater to different visitor needs and preferences while managing the space more effectively.
“I think they’ve struck a good balance here,” Scott said. “You’re not going to make everyone happy, but it’s a real upgrade and I think most people are going to be happy with what’s going on.”
B.C. Parks has scheduled a tender for late May, with construction of the campground anticipated to start this fall. The newly configured camping area is expected to open to the public next summer, according to park officials.
Despite a modest net gain of only four additional campsites, the expansion is designed to significantly alleviate crowding. The reconfigured layout aims to provide a less congested and more environmentally sustainable camping experience.
The province invested CA$11.2 million in 2021 to acquire the two properties on either side of Shields Road. This acquisition included forested land and foreshore, which represents the last remaining beachfront on Tribune Bay, now incorporated into the park that spans 235 acres.
Community responses thus far have indicated a preference for a less crowded camping experience and enhancements to the existing facilities. However, concerns remain about potential impacts on the local ferry service and overall congestion on the island, particularly during peak visitor seasons.
Water scarcity on the island during summer months presents another significant challenge. Hornby Island, with about 1,200 year-round residents, sees its population surge to over 6,000 during peak summer periods, exacerbating resource limitations.
As per a Times Colonist report, Scott highlighted the broader implications of the development, noting, “We’re like a lot of places. There aren’t a lot of places for young people to live and service our businesses and we’re already in a drought.”
The ecological assessment completed last month by B.C. Parks emphasized the design of new campsites to minimize impacts on vegetation, wildlife, and wetlands. Protective measures for nesting trees and culturally significant food sources, such as camas and Pacific crabapple trees, are integral to the new campground layout.
Featured image by BC Parks via facebook.com/YourBCParks
