Plans to develop a 250-lot RV campground on Croft Island have been denied by the District of Hope in British Columbia, citing unresolved legal issues and flood-related safety concerns.
The decision was made during the council meeting held on May 26, following a review of an application by island owner Kris Tasci to amend the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws.
Tasci had proposed creating a holiday park and campground on the 17.2-hectare island, located in the Fraser River across from Hope.
Tasci’s application mentioned that management of the campground could be handled by a third-party entity such as BC Parks or the District of Hope. However, the district confirmed it has not received any formal management proposals.
In anticipation of approval, a website was launched to promote current and future availability of campsites, despite the application’s rejection.
Access to Croft Island is currently limited to a temporary bridge extending from Landstrom Road. The narrow, single-lane road leading to the bridge raised concerns among staff about vehicle access, particularly during emergencies or peak use.
The district cited multiple issues in rejecting the application, including Tasci’s ongoing legal appeal with the province.
Tasci is challenging the rejection of his application to carry out bank hardening work under the Water Sustainability Act. The case is currently under review by the Environmental Appeal Board.
Further complicating matters, the province has not authorized a permanent bridge to the island.
BC Parks, which holds administrative authority over the river channel through a Transfer of Administration, has directed Tasci to remove the temporary bridge. A letter sent in October 2022 instructed the bridge’s removal, with a follow-up notice in March 2023.
The province noted that a permanent bridge would conflict with the environmental, conservation, and recreational values associated with the surrounding park area. While Tasci has yet to formally request an easement, the province preemptively indicated that approval is unlikely.
“The district cannot consider the rezoning application until these legal processes are sorted out,” the district told The Hope Standard.
They added that bank hardening is critical to the proposed campground’s feasibility, and clarity on access is essential given the lack of alternative routes to the island.
According to an article published by Agassiz-Harrison Observer, Croft Island also falls within the Flood and Erosion Hazards Development Permit Area and is mapped as a floodway.
Under current regulations, new development in such zones is prohibited. Although flood mapping is under review by the B.C. government, the existing designation remains in effect.
“The applicant retains the option to resubmit an OCP and zoning amendment application. As per the Application Procedures Bylaw, they could reapply after one year,” the district noted.
Any future application would need to address unresolved issues, including flood safety, legal access, and environmental compliance.
Additionally, the district stated that consultation with Chawathil First Nation, a stormwater management plan, and a strategy for accommodating increased traffic on Landstrom Road would be required. Consideration of water and septic servicing feasibility would also be necessary.