‘Glamping’ resort proposed in rural Wilmer

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

An application is afoot to develop a ‘Glamping’ nature resort and five residential (one acre) lots in rural Wilmer.

On April 10 the Regional District of East Kootenay heard a presentation by Richard Haworth of Haworth Development Consulting regarding an application for a zoning amendment to develop a luxurious campground on Westside Road just before you arrive at Wilmer townsite. The property is 42.5 acres (17 hectares) and is not within the Agricultural Land Reserve.

The plan is to amend the zoning from A-2 (rural residential) to SH-1 (small holdings residential) and NR-1 (nature resort). The Official Community Plan (OCP) designation for the property is currently RR (rural resource). The applicants want to change this to small holdings and commercial recreation.

Haworth noted the property extends down to the Columbia Wetlands but there is a steep slope between the bench and the marshland.

The consultant explained the campground would accommodate travellers in cottages, ‘clamping’ structures, prospector tents and stationary recreational vehicles. He stated that no guest RVs will be permitted and there will be no RV traffic to the property.

The site will provide a maximum of 90 camping units that will be constructed in phases.

The northwest corner of the property (5.6 acres) will be designated for residential use. Haworth said the residential lots will “complement” adjacent residential development and provide a buffer between existing residential units and the proposed glamping facility.

Water service to each lot will be provided by an on-site well, while sewer service will be provided via on-site septic field.

Haworth pointed out the campground will be accessed from Westside Road leading to two parking areas for guests. From here, guests will either walk or be shuttled to their units. Again, no recreational vehicles will be brought to the site, and the use of ATVs, golf carts, motorcycles and other unlicensed vehicles by guests will not be permitted.

According to the plan, the glamping units will be terraced along the hillsides overlooking the wetlands.

Haworth said care has been taken to locate the units to minimize the view corridor from Westside Road, and most sites will be located out of view from the road.

The consultant further explained that the site has been designed to “minimize any potential impact on the Columbia River wetlands,” adding that all glamping units will be located well above the water level, with a 20-metre buffer between the units and the riparian area.

The proposal also calls for a trail network on the property with viewing platforms overlooking the wetlands. A fence (and signage) is proposed to discourage access to this ecosystem.

Haworth said that wood campfires will be prohibited at the glamping units in order to limit smoke and control fire risk, but he noted there will be a few shared communal fire pits on the property.

The consultant reported that an environmental assessment has been completed, concluding that no “sensitivities” require consideration. However, the applicant is proposing to register a covenant over areas of the property identified to contain natural features worthy of protection, such as trees, wildlife features and native vegetation. No disturbance will be permitted except for construction and maintenance of walking trails, fencing and landscaping. An archaeological assessment will also be completed prior to subdivision.

The tiny, wood cottages will accommodate two to four people. The glamping structures on elevated platforms (with a fabric roof) will provide seasonal accommodation. The prospector tents with private decks will offer more of a rustic experience, while the stationary recreational vehicles (for nightly rental) will provide a classic camping experience.