Regional Park Campground Expansion

The Regional Park Authority is looking to expand their campgrounds to accommodate more campers. What follows (Objective, Goals, Solution, Project Outline) is from the Executive Summary of the proposal. My concerns can be found after the picture of the map.

Objective

To find a solution to the lack of suitable campsites, within the Town of Kindersley, for travellers, visitors, and work crews. Increase the revenues of the Regional Park to provide funding for future capital and operations. Work with our Community Partners to acquire funding for the Project.

Goals

Provide sites with the goal of having full capacity at all times but yet still provide spots for short term stays. Enhance the proposed area with trees and upgraded roads. Provide additional washroom facilities that could be used by the Walking Trail, Slow Pitch, and new sites.

Solution

The creation of full service sites and additional washroom facilities.

Project Outline

Construction of new sites with site specific stay restrictions.

·         Construction of 20 full service sites ( 30 amp power, sewer, water). See attached map.

·         Construction of washroom facility including showers.

·         Within the washroom facility provide room for a mechanical room to house irrigation pumps for the diamonds and camp sites.

·         Transplant a buffer strip of fully grown trees and shrubs to shelter and define the campsite area. (see map)

Proposed Regional Park Campground Expansion. July 2014

I agree with the Regional Park that there is an insufficient number of campsites within Kindersley at this time. I also agree that it affects our community's ability to host summer tournaments, special events (concerts, circus, etc), tourism, and family events. However, this is not the solution. My concerns include:

• the location is not in compliance with the intent of the Town's OCP: keeping different property uses separate;
• Brookhollow will have more homes and apartments available next year thus reducing the stress on temporary accommodations;
• there are more hotels coming to Kindersley;
• our goal is to convert our temporary residents to permanent residents;
• the effect the campground will have on the neighbouring residences including their quality of life, property assessments, traffic behind the houses, noise, smoke, etc; and
• the impact on the vegetation between the proposed campground and the walking trail.

It is good that the Regional Park is looking to be a part of the solution to our housing problem but I think the timing and the location need to be reconsidered. Given these concerns I can't support this initiative at this time.