Utopia Feels Glampground (Submitted photo: utopiafeels.com)

By Pete McIntyre

Learmouth Road

Temporary use permit approved for glampground in Coldstream

Feb 17, 2022 | 5:00 AM

An agri-tourism facility with an overnight component, has been granted a temporary use permit from Coldstream council.

The Utopia Feels Botanical Glampground and Micro Farm is located on a 20 acre site at 6800 Learmouth Road in Lavington.

District of Coldstream staff say the business has been operating since last year at that site, after the operators were incorrectly told by the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) that the use was permitted, despite agri-tourism accommodation not being allowed in Coldstream.

“Agri-tourism is a permitted use in the ALR and may not be prohibited by the local government. Agri-tourism accommodation, however, is allowed in the ALR, but only if also permitted by the local government. No more than 10 units are permitted,” said a report to council from Ryan Roycroft from Coldstream’s development services department.

Mayor Jim Garlick said council could have approved a short or longer term, or rejected the application outright.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 02, 2026

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026

“A motion was passed for a one year permit with a report coming back at the end to assess issues to determine any extension,” Garlick told Vernon Matters.

Utopia Feels offers farm tours, a petting zoo and overnight lodging in on-site bell tents, which are marketed as yurts.

“The applicant has indicated an intent to expand to offer more food services and cooking facilities for site grown produce,” added Roycroft.

The district said it received no formal complaints during the year of operation, but was made aware of the use.

The glampground is located in what used to be an nursery, and features many different types of trees that create a utopian effect.

Glamping is a combination of the words glamourous camping where participants rent a pre-set up up tent or other accommodation, usually with amenities like electricity and running water.