Katherine Lake Park and Campground in British Columbia will remain closed until at least early July due to road repairs, according to a Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) press release on May 9. The campground management will contact individuals with reservations to notify them of cancellations.
In February, a significant weather event brought heavy rainfall, severely damaging the park’s access route. An immediate inspection revealed a compromised safety condition due to a sinkhole and structural damage to the culvert system, necessitating the road’s closure.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has outlined a repair plan that involves replacing the culvert system and strengthening the road base. Before repairs can be conducted, the stream beneath the road requires a permit from the federal and provincial authorities.
Over the last two months, contractors have conducted comprehensive surveys, hydrological studies, and engineering design work to repair the road. These experts will soon be submitted to expedite the process.
Recognizing the inconvenience this poses to both visitors and local residents, SCRD will announce an update in mid-June. Shelley Gagnon, SCRD general manager of community services, acknowledged the frustration for park and campground users due to the closure.
“The remediation and upgrade of the road will be completed with climate resiliency in mind so that we are building for the future and other potential heavy rain events that are completely out of our control,” Gagnon explained in a press release on April 24.
The SCRD’s decision to replace the culvert system and strengthen the road base provides an example for other RV park owners and campground operators.
It is crucial for campground management to have contingency plans that include regular maintenance checks, quick response strategies for unexpected events, and clear communication channels for notifying guests of any disruptions. Additionally, understanding the requirements for obtaining necessary permits, as seen with the SCRD’s need for federal and provincial approval to repair the road, is vital for the timely restoration of services.
