A proposed glamping campground and nature resort near Wilmer, British Columbia, attracted significant public interest during a hearing held on Wednesday, April 30.
The hearing, hosted at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce building, was attended by approximately 50 residents from Wilmer and the broader Columbia Valley area, many of whom voiced strong opinions both for and against the development.
The proposed project, situated on a 42.5-acre lot on Westside Road adjacent to the Columbia River wetlands, is spearheaded by local property owners Marjie and Kerry Widmer, according to a report by Columbia Valley Pioneer.
It would feature a combination of cottages, seasonal glamping structures, prospector-style tents, and stationary recreational vehicles, with a cap of 90 total accommodation units.
The development also includes plans for a trail system and viewing platforms overlooking the nearby wetlands.
According to the Widmers, the campground would be developed gradually over a number of years, starting with just two camping units and expanding slowly.
“If this was about profit, if we wanted to make dollars off the land, we would’ve sold it years ago. We just want to be able to make a living,” said Kerry Widmer.
Concerns raised during the hearing focused largely on the environmental sensitivity of the location. Attendees cited potential impacts on the Columbia wetlands and local wildlife, including badgers, elk, and migratory birds.
Others raised issues around wildfire risks, traffic congestion on Westside Road, and the broader social implications of increased tourism.
“Currently, that road is terrifying for pedestrians or cyclists. If you add campers … they will want to walk (along the road) … I foresee deaths,” one Wilmer resident warned.
Some community members were skeptical of the environmental assessments conducted for the project, with one attendee referring to them as a “next-to-nothing environmental assessment.”
Others highlighted the precedent the development might set for further growth near protected areas. “This is setting a standard going forward, not just for this property, but for other properties nearby,” said one resident.
Still, a number of attendees voiced support for the campground, pointing to potential economic benefits and the need for additional tourist accommodations in the Columbia Valley.
Invermere resident Louise Helmer, who walked the land with the property owners, commented, “We have incredible beauty. We can’t be selfish. We have to share it with others for their spiritual, mental, and physical health.” Similarly, Stan Weiler, a neighbor, suggested that the campground could help reduce wildfire risk through better land management.
Colleen Booth also supported the project, citing current accommodation shortages during events like the Wings over the Rockies festival and the Widmers’ plan to grow the development gradually. “This could be a perfect solution,” she said.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) received 60 letters related to the project—18 expressing support or conditional support and 42 voicing opposition or concern.
Tracy Flynn, a Wilmer resident, criticized the project timeline and process, arguing that residents were not given sufficient time to review background documents.
She also noted that both Area F and Area G Advisory Planning Commissions opposed the project unanimously. However, RDEK planner Krista Gilbert emphasized that the commissions are advisory bodies composed of volunteers and do not have decision-making authority.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, particularly those exploring new ventures in sensitive ecological areas, this case underscores the importance of early, transparent engagement with local communities and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.
As interest in glamping continues to grow, navigating land-use concerns and aligning development plans with environmental stewardship will be critical for long-term viability and community acceptance.