Westward Ho Campers Association has given the Mountain View County policies and priorities committee an update on recent work and future plans for the popular recreation facility 10 kilometres east of Sundre on the Little Red Deer River.
The update came during the committee's June 1 regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The association operates the county-owned facility through a lease contract. Association president Pat Strey and longtime camp manager Gord Toews appeared before the committee as a delegation.
The campground's safety program been reviewed this year and is up-to-date, as is its evacuation plans and procedures, Strey said.
Recent maintenance at the campground has included the removal of 60 older trees.
“We are looking at planting more this year,” he said. “We haven't had success with the trees that have been planted in the past. We are currently looking at other methods to improve our tree survival rate.”
Maintenance in 2015 included the installation of a new gate security system, expanding water lines in the park, south shower house repairs, tree removal, gravel repairs to the roads and the rebuilding of five campsites, he said.
“The new gate is a cardlock system so people swipe their cards when they come in,” he said. “It has definitely controlled a lot of the unwanted people coming through the park. If you want access to the park and you are not an association member you have to phone and somebody can let you in.”
The campground added a 2009 F250 truck equipped with a plow and sander to its inventory in 2016, he said.
First Residential Services has been providing third party professional accounting services, including accounts payable, receivable and payroll, he said.
Actual revenue in 2015 was $516,000 compared with budget of $462,000, expenses were $476,000, compared with budget of $409,000. The current capital reserve stands at $175,000.
Capital maintenance expenses in the park were $67,000.
Estimated revenue in 2016 is $462,000, estimated expenses are $409,000 and the estimated capital reserve for year-end is $175,000, he said.
Maintenance planned for 2016 includes updating some playgrounds, adding additional water spigots and possibly upgrading the trailer pumphouse, replacing the hot water tank in the south shower house, and rebuilding the south shower house furnace.
The association donated about $12,000 to the Mountain View Food Bank in 2015 and continues to sponsor a local youth hockey team, he said.
“One of the things we introduced last year was a scholarship program for any of the association members' kids and/or park staff. We've had five or six people apply already,” he said.
During the recent May long weekend, association members raised $6,000 for Fort McMurray relief, he said.
With the current contract between the association and the county set to expire in 2017, the association is seeking a new 10-year lease agreement, he said.
“We have shown that this business model works well in this situation,” he said. “We have shown fiscal responsibility to the county, our suppliers and to the association membership and proven that we have the managerial skills required to operate the park in a safe and efficient manner.”
Councillor and committee member Angela Aalbers commended the delegation.
“What you've managed to give back to the community is excellent.”
Councillor and committee member Ken Heck added: “I'm always amazed when I see what you guys are doing with that place and how you've turned it around. You're doing a great job as far as I'm concerned.”
Deputy reeve Patricia McKean called the campground “a great asset for the community.”
Following the delegation presentation, the committee passed a motion recommending council enter into negotiations with the association for a 10-year contract.
The policies and priorities committee is made up of sitting county councillors.
