Desire for revenue rise prompts campground managers to seek rate hike
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The fiscal footprint of the City’s campground is trending upward.
Rates and (hopefully) revenues are set to rise at the downtown campground after it camped out in council to ask for a nightly rate rise — and received it. But only for a year.
Accordingly, the nightly increase in fees on all sites, except tent sites, will rise by $5. Coun. Rik Logtenberg asked that the rate bump would be something council could review again next year.
“That would allow us to see how it goes. I think the comparables are something to look at as well and choose different comparable (communities),” he said.
The campground management — the Department of Youth and Community — wanted to increase revenues and modernize some of its policies with the amendment to the tourist park facilities fees and charges bylaw.
Sarah Winton, City director of Corporate Services, said management had researched comparable municipal campgrounds fees and charges and policies to address differences and stay competitive.
“The City campground provides an opportunity for visitors to stay in town at an affordable cost and access the amenities Nelson has to offer on foot, by bicycle or vehicle,” said Winton.
“The cost is affordable and walkability is high, meaning a person can walk to downtown for shopping and restaurants, and the beach to swim and play. The Municipal campground is a convenient accommodation choice for tourists.”
Although campground management wanted to keep the nightly rate an affordable option it also recognized the need to increase fees in order to continue to provide a “terrific overall experience for the campground’s clients.”
