LAURIE WEIR

The Township of Rideau Lakes is evaluating a proposed Tourist Campground Licensing Bylaw that would introduce licensing fees and operational guidelines for campgrounds, with a focus on protecting natural resources, particularly around water bodies.

But it only got through two of three readings at the Oct. 7 council meeting. Staff will have an opportunity to discuss the implications of the new bylaw with campground owners and operators before the final reading, slated for November.

“The fee structure at council’s recommended $20 per campsite over a four-year term ensures proportional cost for different sizes of campgrounds and limits the application process to be once every four years to be less burdensome for operators,” the township’s parks and facilities manager, Malcolm Norwood told this publication ahead of the council meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.

“The Tourist Campground Licensing Bylaw also seeks to ensure compliance with its operations that have the greatest potential impact on the wider community interest, such as ensuring septic systems are properly functioning in accordance with their Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) approvals, as well as ensuring proper consideration of public safety and emergency management infrastructure and processes.”

With 157 sites, Sunnyside Campground was established in the late 1970s, and for the past 32 years, has been family-owned and operated on the Big Rideau in Westport. Owners, Kevin and Melanie Scott, expressed concerns about the additional costs but acknowledged the environmental importance, and they are fundamentally not opposed to licensing businesses in Rideau Lakes; however, they said it should be fair and equitable to all businesses or at least similar seasonal tourist, and accommodation-type businesses.

“We understand the need for business licensing; however, we feel that this council has far overreached in its need to govern our businesses,” they told this publication in an email on Monday, Oct. 7, before the council meeting. “Once again, this council has selectively singled out campground businesses in Rideau Lakes Township. It will be increasingly harder to compete with campgrounds in neighbouring townships for tourist dollars. There are many similar businesses in Rideau Lakes but none that bring in as many visitors to the area that stay longer year after year and support the local economy. This license provides no support or protections for our businesses. What happens to non-licensed camping which is already occurring on lands in the Township such as golf courses, marinas, and landowners renting spots through websites like Hipcamp and others?  There are no incentives to maintain nor encourage growth in the camping sector here in Rideau Lakes. We feel this is just another obstacle that some small parks may choose not to tackle. The corporations and development companies will scoop up the mom-and-pop operations and make camping unaffordable for some families to come to Rideau Lakes.”

Norwood confirmed that the township has engaged in multiple consultations, including an in-person open house last November, to gather feedback on the proposed regulations. They had discussions with campground owners and residents, and their feedback has shaped several aspects of this bylaw, Norwood noted.

One concern raised by Sunnyside was about potential increases in insurance premiums linked to the new requirements. “We agree all businesses need liability insurance and should in order to operate,” the Scotts said. “This is the question that should be asked — do you have insurance, yes or no? To set a rate from the municipal government may incur liability on behalf of the township part and therefore the taxpayer. If the threshold set out by the government does not cover i.e., environmental liability then would it not make the township liable to cover any shortfall since they set the limits? It is hard enough to find a carrier for campground insurance, for smaller parks it may become unachievable. The need for playground inspections should also fall into this category. We have insurance inspectors come to our park regularly, should this not be up to the insurance company if they are providing the liability coverage or determining the needs, not the municipal government?”

Norwood indicated that the township hasn’t implemented any measures that directly address insurance premium hikes. “We’ll continue to have open communication with campground operators to monitor this as the bylaw moves forward,” he said.

Regarding enforcement of the proposed bylaw, Norwood explained that the bylaw includes a structure for non-compliance but noted that enforcement would not begin until 2026. “This lead time gives campground owners ample opportunity to adjust to the new regulations.”

During the regular council meeting on Monday night, Oct. 7, Coun. Sue Dunfield said she would not support the bylaw. “If they’re going to run a business they’re going to have insurance,” she said, and wasn’t supportive of the bylaw.

Coun. Paula Banks agreed saying they were getting too involved in campgrounds. “The whole purpose of this was water quality … and now we’re stepping into a whole bunch of issues that we really have no business being in.”

Coun. Jeff Banks supported the recommendation but also wants to hear from campground owners.