Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County is considering a funding request from Spruce Point Park Association for council to share costs to install a new recreational vehicle sewer dump station.
At its regular meeting Feb. 12, council approved a motion to direct the association to close and remove the current sewer dump station and install a new one in the park and that the association apply to the County for a capital grant for financial assistance to assist with the project.
Council discussed the issue later in the meeting after association president Anthony Churchill analyzed the situation with council earlier in the meeting.
Churchill says the association is seeking ideas on how to best cost-effectively operate the facility that is for park users only.
“Would you be interested in helping us with the cost to cut down on our costs?” Churchill asked.
“It’s getting a little out of control with our costs.
“We’re just looking for help.”
Reeve Tyler Airth says council is aware of the issue.
“It is something on our radar that we will discuss,” Airth says.
Since the association has operated the campground and marina, it has been paying the expenses for the public RV sewer dump station located in the county road allowance just outside the park west of Kinuso, says a letter from the park board signed by Linda Wedmid.
“With the increased development surrounding Spruce Point Park, the costs of the sewer dump station have been rising steadily,” Wedmid says.
“The contractor hired to empty the dump stations came out 30 times in 2024 from May to September, costing the association about $9,000.”
The association recognizes most of the users are Spruce Point Park campground customers.
But RVs from off the road and from other developments have beenutilizing the dump, the letter states.
“This traffic does not pay the $5 dumping fee because most do not go to the gatehouse to pay,” Wedmid says.
The price quoted for a SaniStar RV dump fee system kiosk is $2,850 for set-up per system, an annual service fee of $1,920 or $160 per month for the first system.
For the second system, the annual fee would be $1,500 or $125 per month.
Fees also include a credit card processing fee of 5 per cent and monthly credit card terminal fee of $7.99.
The association board has been reviewing its operating expenses at several recent meetings, the letter notes.
“Over the past two years, we have noticed a decrease in occupancy, as many people are facing financial hardships,” Wedmid says.
“The board would like to offer recreational camping for families at a cost they can afford, but our operating expenses are at risk.”
She says the board is willing to attend a future council meeting to discuss the issue.
“We look forward to working on this issue together,” the letter states.