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Cranbrook, BC (March 31, 2021) – The City of Cranbrook continues to seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) into what the future might hold for the Mount Baker RV Campground, the EOI process is open now and ideas are being accepted until April 15.

“Since we opened this process to the public on March 11, the response has been less than anticipated,” says Ron Fraser, Director of Engineering and Development Services. “We know the future of the campground is a big topic of discussion in the community with lots of ideas and debate happening on social media, and it’s important that these ideas be formally submitted so that Council can consider them in deciding next steps for the space.” 

All submitted expressions of interest will be presented to Council for review, and Council will consider those ideas and decide next steps according to the best overall community benefit. Considerations could include things such as cultural, social, aesthetic or sustainability benefits, downtown vibrancy, job creation, financial or tax revenue, as examples.

Council and staff understand that the Mount Baker RV Campground property has considerable value to the community, which is why it is important that the City provides this opportunity to the public and encourages residents to submit their ideas through this EOI process. This is your opportunity to provide your ideas to Council and make a meaningful, lasting impact on our community.

“I really encourage those who are making suggestions on social media, to instead focus on sharing those ideas directly with us and Council.  Making a submission this way is not an onerous process, but it is vitally important to ensuring Council hears clearly from the public,” Fraser adds.

Expression of interest forms are available for download from the City website – https://cranbrook.ca/business/city-tenders/ or printed copies can be picked up at the reception desk at City Hall.  

The decision was made to not operate the Mount Baker RV Campground in 2021 following the end of the current operating contract, and the decision of the current operator to no longer operate the site.  Significant underground and surface repairs are needed to continue operations, such as water, sewer, electrical, updated site configurations, and washrooms and would cost nearly $1.3 million to complete.  The City receives less than $30,000 annually in revenue from the campground. 

Completed forms must be returned to City Hall or can be emailed to [email protected] no later than 2:00pm MT, Thursday April 15, 2021.