In an effort to uniformly regulate campgrounds throughout the region, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has given a new campground bylaw first and second reading, and moved it to public hearings — a total of four will take place across the RDEK in November.

“Essentially, it allows the board to assess what’s being applied for, and permit that particular development,” said RDEK planner Matt Gunn.

The new bylaw requires anyone looking to establish a new campground in the RDEK to apply for a campground permit that is subject to a number of provisions. These include minimum parcel size, minimum campsite size, maximum number of recreational vehicles, sewer servicing requirements and permitted structures among others, and campgrounds will be subject to inspections from the RDEK manager of planning and development services, who also has the power to revoke campground permits. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

The provisions will extend to existing campgrounds with expansion plans. Existing campgrounds with no plans to expand will essentially be grandfathered in and not be required to apply for the campground permit.

The public hearing for electoral area G and F will take place on Monday, November 26 at the Windermere Community Hall, 4726 North Street in Windermere. For a full list of the provisions contained within the bylaw, visit the RDEK website at www.rdek.bc.ca, and navigate to the November 2 RDEK board meeting agenda.