Artists rendering of campground at 7850 Redwing Road (photo / New Town Planning Services)

By Kevin Rothwell

40 sites

New campground conditionally approved for Swan Lake

Mar 5, 2021 | 5:15 AM

A proposed 40-site campground at 7850 Redwing Road along the Swan Lake Corridor just south of the Swan Lake RV Resort, has received initial approval, but a lot more work remains to be done before final acceptance.

New Town Planning Services appeared before the Electoral Area Advisory Committee (EAAC) on Thursday (March 4) to seek rezoning for 2.33 hectares from country residential to recreation commercial.

It was noted the land is in poor condition, including noxious weeds, after being primarily used for cattle grazing for a number of years.

The developer indicates about 57 per cent of the property would be utilized for camping with the rest in open space, riparian area along Swan Lake, and the dedication of a public trail along the lakefront.

The applicant has already received approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for highway 97 access. An environmental report has also been approved by the Ministry of Forests Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

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Aerial view (photo / New Town Planning Services)

It was noted that the number of family campgrounds in the Okanagan is shrinking, with three private campgrounds in the Central Okanagan being redeveloped.

“Silver Star RV Park is also for sale and the likelihood of the campground aspect being retained is slim,” Area B director Bob Fleming stated.

Staff strongly recommended against the rezoning.

Electoral area directors however, unanimously approved a motion from Fleming, to give conditional approval to the rezoning with several conditions, including consultation with the general public, Okanagan Indian Band and Splatsin First Nation.

Covenants would be placed on the property requiring connection to the community sewer plant, and that the property could only be utilized for a campground.

Staff had also raised concerns about setting a precedent to rezone from country residential.

“We have a 13-and-half-acre property, the former Rogers Communication site, mid-lake with about 800 to 1,000 feet of lakeshore that is a natural park, which serves as a buffer,” Fleming said.

Any items approved by the EAAC still need to get final approval from the Regional District of North Okanagan board of directors.