DIDSBURY - Council has approved new winter camping standards for the town-owned Rosebud Valley Campground.
“These general standards provide for the (campground) host to deal with unforeseen issues as they arise, as well as the ones that are already addressed,” said Dorothy Moore, town councillor and performance evaluation committee chair. “This is the procedural administrative aspect of the campground.”
Council has approved winter camping at the site on an ongoing basis following a pilot project during the 2022-23 winter and subsequent follow up report.
The pilot project saw campers staying at the facility throughout the winter months, with administration later calling the undertaking an overall success.
“As part of the report, a recommendation was made for the development of winter camping standards to ensure suitability, safety and aesthetics of those units that are being utilized for winter camping,” said chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner.
“This item was assigned to the performance evaluation committee for review and recommendation to council.”
At its Sept. 20 meeting, the committee recommended that the standards be forwarded to council for approval.
“Once approved, the standards will become part of the Rosebud Valley Campground use agreement for the winter months, and shall be distributed to all current and new renters,” he said.
The new standards deal with things such as skirting material, heating sources, exterior storage, and compliance.
Regarding skirting material, the standards state that skirting materials may include wood panelling, modular home-type aluminum skirting, RV-specific custom make skirting, and other materials at the discretion of the campground host.
The heating sources standard states that heat source recommended are propane furnace, diesel heater, electric heater.
“Use of both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is imperative to safe winter camping. Heating units should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation.”
Regarding exterior storage, the standards state that “all campsites must be kept in a neat and tidy condition year-round, and this is especially important during winter camping. Storage of items outside should utilize areas underneath the unit and small non-fixed sheds, to ensure an aesthetically-pleasing environment for all.”
As for compliance, the standards state that if the campground hosts have concerns relative to compliance of the standards, the following process will be utilized:
• Hosts will have a conversation relative to concerns with the tenant to seek resolution.
• If concerns continue, the host will follow up with a letter seeking compliance within a specified time frame.
• An eviction notice will be issued if compliance to standards is continually not met.
Winter rates for 2023-24 approved
Meanwhile, council also approved new monthly rates for winter camping at the Rosebud Valley facility.
The new rates will be $800 per month plus GST, up from last year’s total of $650 plus GST.
“Administration is recommending the winter rate to set at $800 plus GST, which takes into consideration the increased utility costs experienced during the trial phase as a result of winter camping,” he said.
The proposed rate is based on comparison to other Central Alberta campgrounds that also offer winter camping, he said.
By way of comparison, Red Deer’s Westerner Park charges $650 per month with metered power, and Balzac Campground charges between $825 and $950 depending on amperage (30 or 50) of specific sites.
Council carried third reading of the Bylaw 2023-16 approving the winter rate.
