B.C. Gets Off The Dime on RV Park Declines--But Is It In Time?

Last December we reported that there were serious concerns about the decline in the number of RV parks throughout the province. Over a three year period nearly 10% of available RV park "spaces" had vanished, largely due to increasing land values and the resultant sellout by park owners.

Now a group of government and industry folk concerned about the future of BC's tourism have sent the provincial Tourism, Sport, and Arts Minister a wish list of recommendations to try and turn-around what could be a one-way downhill trip to declining tourist revenues.

Among the recommendations was making more provincial land available for RV use and allowing local governments to decide whether or not to allow boondocking. The group also recommended upgrading RV sites in popular campgrounds to better accommodate the needs of newer RVs. Perhaps stating the obvious, the reported noted,"The baby boomer generation's move towards retirement and desire to travel is the major force affecting the RV market and as a result, demands for quality, comfort and services at RV parks will increase."

The work group report recommends their suggestions be implemented within three years. But with the Summer Olympic Games slated for Vancouver in 2010, and all 217 spaces at the only RV park in nearby Burnaby reserved out, three years might be a bit late.

Photo: wildernesscommittee.org