With rumours going around what is going to happen with the Bottrel General Store and Campground, Rocky View County (RVC) Coun. Bruce Kendall met with concerned citizens to discuss the issue.
With rumours going around what is going to happen with the Bottrel General Store and Campground, Rocky View County (RVC) Coun. Bruce Kendall met with concerned citizens to discuss the issue.
There have been rumours surrounding the status of the Bottrel campground, suggesting that RVC administration wants to make the campground “day-use ” only, upsetting residents and campground users.
In a community meeting at Dartique Community Hall on Feb. 24, in a half-full room of concerned citizens, Kendall attempted to explain the Bottrel store issue to the upset crowd.
“I am doing everything I can to ensure it doesn't change. I am one hundred per cent behind the store - administration appears to be willing to consider solutions out of the box, ” Kendall said.
The councillor said the reason the night/day-use is in discussion for change is due to an insurance policy and it was explained at the meeting that the property where the campground resides is actually three parcels of land.
“There are liability issues embedded and this society has zero tolerance for risk but we will work though a solution, ” Kendall said.
“Now we need to sell four other councillors and we will do everything to make sure the Bottrel store owner can operate the campground. We are trying to find a solution to make sure this property stays and continues running and I am relatively certain we can find a way. ”
Rocky View County administration has been discussing turning a regular RVC campground into a day-use only campground. The Bottrel Store and Campground currently allows day and overnight camping from May 1-Oct. 31, welcoming pets and allowing tent camping. There are 30 spaces available, 30 grass sites, and 30 spots with no hook-ups, with a stream, playground and Dog Pound Creek on site.
One concerned resident at the meeting stated he was just recently made aware that part of the campground was operating on part of his property, and he was not happy about it. Kendall suggested that some matters are better discussed in private.
There were approximately five people who shared personal stories of why the campground had significant meaning to themselves and their families, with one resident saying their family has been camping at the Bottrel campground for the past five generations. Kendall assured the crowd he would work with RVC to find a solution for everyone.
“I have made a personal commitment to fight for the campground and I won't rest until I am successful in ensuring it continues on, ” Kendall said after the meeting.
There was a petition made at the meeting, with the majority of those in attendance signing to protest changing the campgrounds to day use only.
