The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) could be allowing the owners of Hollies Golf Course to bring back their RV campground.
The golf course, located in the Cherry Creek area on Alberni Highway, got into trouble back in 2021 for hosting too many RVs. The owner, Heather Powell, had received a three-year temporary use permit (TUP) to operate a campground for up to 22 campsites in 2017, but the permit lapsed and the number of campsites increased to 30 at one point.
READ MORE: Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District says no to RV permit renewal at Hollies golf course
Hollies was required to remove all the RVs by June 2022.
On March 13, 2024, the ACRD board voted to consider issuing a new three-year TUP for Hollies Golf Course, which would allow the property to operate up to 35 campsites. The campsites will be open for both long-term stays and temporary, seasonal accommodation.
“The applicants have since re-worked their plans,” said planning manager Alex Dyer. “Staff recommend that the board consider issuing the new temporary use permit, recognizing the need for additional campground capacity within the region.”
There are “a number of conditions” attached to the TUP, said Dyer. The RVs must be located at least five metres apart and the property owner must complete some landscaping and screening to create a barrier between the campground and neighbouring residents. The property owner will also be required to give the ACRD a $10,000 security deposit that will be held to ensure all conditions are met.
“The main intention of that is a tool to ensure compliance with the terms of the temporary use permit,” said Dyer. “The regional district has the ability to apply this on other temporary use permits as well.”
Director Debbie Haggard admitted she was concerned about the increase from 22 campsites to 35 campsites.
“Previously the applicant did not stay within that 22,” said Haggard. “So now that we’ve increased it to 35, does that mean it’s going to be 45?”
However, the ACRD board voted to consider the TUP application. Next, the ACRD will be notifying neighbouring residents and property owners before gathering public input on the application.