Nelson City Council in British Columbia (Canada) deliberated a proposal to establish an RV campsite within the city’s limits, according to a Nelson Star report. The proposal plans to develop a seven-site RV-only campground, outlining that the RV sites would cater to short-term occupants, including trades workers, RV dwellers, and visitors.
B.C. and its parks are popular destinations for outdoor and RV enthusiasts, with a diverse array of activities and views of natural landscapes. The province’s parks system, managed by BC Parks, serves as the gateway to this vast outdoor playground, providing opportunities for both the casual visitor and the adventurous explorer.
The council opted to proceed with the next steps of drafting a bylaw amendment and organizing a public hearing to gather further input before making a final decision. This move followed a mixed reception from the public during initial consultations. Additional concerns raised included potential odor issues from sewage tanks.
Woody Kim, the proprietor of the Villa Motel located at 655 Highway 3A, proposed the RV campsite. This project requires a change in the current zoning bylaw, which presently does not permit recreational vehicles on the proposed site.
Kim’s proposal involves the removal of trees and mature vegetation, the construction of a retaining wall, and the introduction of new plantings to enhance the site’s aesthetics. He also ensured the enhancement of the site’s greenery and submitted an engineering study to address access and traffic concerns.
However, the city’s planning staff doesn’t recommend Kim’s application. The planning staff also raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing short-term occupancy rules due to limited bylaw enforcement resources and complexities related to long-term tenancy.
The city’s Advisory Planning Commission (APC), a volunteer body that advises on land-use matters, has expressed support for the rezoning. Kim has reiterated his plans to prevent permanent occupancy at the campground, proposing a 30-day limit per pad and a 10-week annual closure.
In B.C., provincial parks offer a variety of activities that take full advantage of the unique terrain and scenic beauty. Mountain biking enthusiasts can navigate through forested trails offering varying degrees of difficulty. At the same time, water-based activities like boating allow visitors to explore the province’s extensive coastline and network of lakes and rivers.