Members of the Bow RiversEdge Campground Society in Cochrane are looking to expand.
During a Rocky View County public services committee meeting March 12, Alex Baum, a member of the campground society, spoke to committee members about expanding the year-round recreational vehicle (RV) campground.
“We are asking for six acres, which would allow for another 38 larger sites,” he explained.
The camp currently offers 144 RV pads, washroom and shower facilities, a playground and kitchen.
It is situated near a county-run gravel pit.
Baum said the group will build out the six acres in two phases. The land they are looking for is part of the gravel pit operation and he said they would be willing to take responsibility for the reclamation project for that portion of the pit.
“No question the six acres right out of the gate would be best,” said Baum, adding he understands if that isn’t a possibility.
Committee members expressed their interest in supporting the expansion, but asked staff whether it was something that could be done right away.
Byron Riemann, general manager of infrastructure and operations for Rocky View County, said transitioning the land over time may be a better option.
He requested taking until June to talk with the society to develop a plan that may work. The committee agreed.
“I too am very supportive of the campground,” said councillor Lois Habberfield.
“You provide a good service and it’s more than just for Cochrane, it’s a regional facility,” she said, pointing out Airdrie doesn’t have a campground of any kind, making Cochrane a hotspot destination for people coming into the region with their RVs.
The campsite is located on land owned by the county and is leased to the campground group, which is run by members of the Cochrane Rotary Club and Lions Club. The group invests the annual profits from the campground back into the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County in a capital reinvestment fund program.
Baum said the money assists community-based organizations to conduct projects, events and activities in developing and enhancing the communities.
Baum said the society’s business plan in 2004 included an estimated net profit of $162,000 a year.
In 2010, the net profit came in at $241,000 and in 2012, $355,962.
