A proposed private campground is facing opposition from locals in Scots Bay, a seaside community in Nova Scotia’s (Canada) Bay of Fundy. Local resident Julie Skaling plans to develop a 99-acre site, sparking concerns from neighbors concerned about potential disruptions.
The proposal is set for a public hearing and the Municipality of Kings County councilors will decide whether the project can proceed.
Skaling acquired the land from her parents in 2021. The property has been in her family for generations, and she hopes to continue a tradition her father started by allowing free camping.
“There’s a lot of other people who have physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and some emotional disabilities […]. It would be nice to have a space where people could create their own campground, be involved in the process of it, or come and camp and feel like it’s a very inclusive and accessible campground,” Skaling said, as quoted by CBC.
She intends to operate the campground as a for-profit venture while directing some revenue toward a social enterprise for people with disabilities. Skaling has refined her proposal over more than two years, working with experts in tourism and land use to mitigate community concerns.
Adjacent to the proposed campground lives Lindsay Steele, a local farmer who raises chickens, vegetables, and show horses. Steele is concerned about the potential impact on her land and business. In addition, residents have raised issues about campfire smoke, increased traffic, litter, and infringing on agricultural land.
Campground owners and operators can learn valuable insights from Julie Skaling’s approach to developing a new campground in Scots Bay.
Skaling’s method underscores the importance of integrating community and stakeholder feedback early in the planning process.
By actively engaging with locals and addressing their concerns through expert consultations in tourism and land use, campground and outdoor hospitality business owners can foster a more accepting community environment. This approach is crucial for both gaining support and enhancing the sustainability of the project.
