A proposed campground that promised kinky camping, an outdoor dungeon and campfire shenanigans was not embraced by Red Deer County’s municipal planning commission.
Raven Archer-Burgess’s adult-only Ravencrest Manor Estates was pitched as a 20-site campground catering to “adult alternative lifestyle communities” that would be located on a rural property 11 kilometres west of the Hamlet of Dickson in the county’s west side.
Archer-Burgess’ plans did not sit well with many of her neighbours, more than a dozen of whom appeared before the planning commission Tuesday, urging the campground application be turned down.
A number of people said adults-only events had been occurring on the property annually for years. But residents were alarmed a permanent campground would be set up on the property, which they feared would create noise, dust, traffic and security issues.
The adult alternative nature of the proposed campground also did not sit well with some residents. Calling it a “perv park,” one neighbour said it was not appropriate for an area where so many children live nearby.
Others focused on the prospect of large groups of campers descending on a quiet rural area all summer long and putting pressure on a small local lake used for recreation.
Further adding to their concerns, was a proposed music festival for the property that would run Aug. 22 to 26.
“I think the music festival is inappropriate in this area. It will create environmental damage and noise damage,” said Julia Fulford, who was among a number of residents expressing their concern about the event advertising 100 bands.
Festival organizers have submitted an application to the county, which is still reviewing it.
In unanimously rejecting the campground proposal, commission members emphasized they had to make a decision based on whether a project meets the regulations in the land use bylaw, which the campground did not.
“I’m not going to look at what goes on behind those doors,” said Mayor Jim Wood.
The commission denied the application because there was not a permanent dwelling on site, as required, nor would the campground be located on an unsubdivided quarter section.
“I won’t support this because it doesn’t meet all of our rules,” said Wood.
Archer-Burgess said she was disappointed.
“I’m disappointed by the decision. I didn’t plan on making any major changes to the land from the way it is now.
She just wanted to create room for a few RVs and tents, she said.
The music festival is being organized by others, who have developed plans to handle security, dust control and sanitary issues, she said.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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