Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County plans to meet with the Spruce Point Park Association which earlier requested money from council.
At its regular meeting Dec 11, council approved a recommendation to invite the association to a future council meeting to provide information for the request.
The association requests financial assistance in the cost of covering the expense of the public recreational vehicle sewer dump station or to assist with the cost of an automatic dumping station fee system, says Pat Olansky, director of community services and planning.
“I feel more information is needed before council makes a decision,” Olansky says.
Council passed a second motion to direct administration to provide more information about the ownership of the land where the sewer dump station is located and liability.
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 writes.
“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 been utilizing the dump.
“This traffic does not pay the $5 dumping fee because most do not go to the gatehouse to pay,” Wedmid writes.
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.
During the second system, the annual fee would be $1,500 or $125 per month.
Fees also include a credit card processing fee of five 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 writes.
“The board would like to offer recreational camping for families at a cost they can afford, but our operating expenses are at risk.”
Wedmid writes that board members are willing to attend a future council meeting to discuss the issue.
“We look forward to working on this issue together,” the letter states to council.