A proposal to develop a nature-based glamping resort near Wilmer, British Columbia, is currently under review following a zoning amendment application presented to the Regional District of East Kootenay on April 10.
The project, located on a 42.5-acre property off Westside Road, is spearheaded by a private developer and represented by Haworth Development Consulting.
The development plan seeks to transform the existing zoning from A-2 (rural residential) to SH-1 (small holdings residential) and NR-1 (nature resort), with a corresponding shift in the Official Community Plan designation from rural resource to small holdings and commercial recreation.
According to consultant Richard Haworth, the proposal aims to create a phased, 90-unit glamping campground alongside five residential lots intended to serve as a transition buffer from adjacent neighborhoods.
According to a report by The Columbia Valley Pioneer, the envisioned resort would not host guest RVs, and no recreational vehicle traffic would be allowed on-site.
Instead, the facility is designed to accommodate guests in a range of alternative lodging types, including wood cottages, prospector tents, stationary RVs for rental, and glamping structures built on platforms.
The layout features a car-free interior, with guests parking at designated areas and then walking or taking a shuttle to their units.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, this project highlights a growing trend: nature-integrated resorts that prioritize low-impact, non-motorized access and limit traditional RV usage in favor of curated, boutique accommodations.
The approach aligns with a market shift toward experience-driven camping, with intentional design considerations that preserve natural features and minimize visibility from public roads and environmentally sensitive areas.
The site plan includes a trail network and viewing platforms overlooking the Columbia Wetlands, with a buffer zone of 20 meters between glamping units and the riparian zone.
Developers have indicated a commitment to environmental stewardship, with a proposed covenant to protect sensitive ecological areas and a restriction on any use beyond trail maintenance and landscaping.
An archaeological assessment is also planned prior to final subdivision.
Water and wastewater infrastructure will be handled on-site via wells and septic systems, reflecting standard practice for rural developments of this nature.
Wood-burning campfires at individual units will be prohibited to manage smoke and fire risk, though communal fire pits are planned as shared amenities.
While the application is still under consideration, the proposal underscores the importance for glamping and resort developers to balance environmental compliance, land use compatibility, and evolving guest expectations.
As consumer interest in high-end, nature-centric accommodations continues to grow, similar projects may serve as a blueprint for rural developments aiming to combine land preservation with economic opportunity.