County of Wetaskiwin council moved towards removing a figurative stone in their shoe during the regular meeting of council June 8. Firewood rates and per-night fees at municipal campgrounds were increased slightly.
An agenda item titled “Municipal Parks” was presented by director of Parks and Recreation Geoff Lynch, which included By-Law 2014/07 regulating the conduct in municipal parks in the County of Wetaskiwin.
In his memo Lynch stated, “At the April 17, 2018 council general budget meeting council approved the 2018 municipal capital and operating budget that included a fee increase per night at the parks as well as a fee for firewood.
“Council also approved the 2018 strategic planning business plans for the County of Wetaskiwin. In accordance with the 2018 approved Parks & Recreation Facilities Business Plan 7200 - Action 5.1.2.3 states, “increase camping fees by $2.00 per night at all parks; provide one (1) free wheelbarrow of 16 pieces of wood per night and charge $10.00 per wheelbarrow thereafter.”
Lynch said the wheelbarrow has been working well, guests are following the rules and the use of firewood has decreased.
Lynch provided a list of per-night increases at certain campgrounds: Twin Lakes Park now $27 per night/camping accommodation, Buck Lake Park $29.00 per night/camping accommodation, Battle Lake Park - $29.00 per night/camping accommodation, Mound Red Park-$27.00 per night/camping accommodation, Red Deer Lake Park- $24.00 per night/camping accommodation and Coal Lake– South - $27.00 per night/camping accommodation.
Lynch noted the bylaw now states the County of Wetaskiwin will provide one free wheel barrow containing 16 pieces of firewood per night per registered camper. Anyone who needs more than 16 pieces per night will be charged $10 per wheelbarrow thereafter.