A campground will reopen next year after it shut down in 2005 due to major flooding from the Red Deer River.
The A-Soo-Wuh-Um Recreational Area has been running as a day-use area since the river flooded its banks seven years ago.
Although the site is popular as a day-use facility, many people would like to see it turned back into a campground, according to a Red Deer County staff report.
On Tuesday, county council unanimously approved having staff work out a 30-year lease agreement with Chris Demers and Craig Masley. The pair have been in the campground business for a combined 40-plus years.
They built and now operate the Westerner Campground year-round facility in Red Deer.
One part of the agreement would look at them rebuilding the campground to today’s standards at the approximate size it was before. Plus, they would maintain a day-use component to the facility so residents and other users can gain access to the river.
If all goes well, they could begin construction this fall with the intent of opening for the 2013 camping season.
The campground is located beside the Red Deer River on Hwy 592 west of Penhold.
The only foreseeable costs that Red Deer County will see are approximately $2,500 in legal fees for jointly establishing the lease agreement between the two parties.
Several councillors said they were pleased the campground will reopen.
“It’s been a shame it hasn’t been used as a campground in the last few years,” said Coun. Penny Archibald via telephone conferencing. “And I’m so happy.”
Coun. David Hoar added this arrangement is at no cost to Red Deer County taxpayers.
Coun. Philip Massier said he had some concerns about a long-term contract without public input. In reply, Coun. Jim Wood said he had confidence that staff will work out a deal that’s best for Red Deer County.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com