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Provincial park fees going up

Dec 17, 2018 | 3:53 PM

Changes are coming when it comes to booking a campsite in provincial parks this summer.

An increase to fees is the most noticeable change, with Director of Park Experiences for the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport telling paNOW it’s necessary due to a rise in maintenance costs. 

“The modest increase for each of the fees was really needed to offset the increase in operating cost that happens with each park,” Minh Truong said.

Fees will increase by $2 for people looking to use full service and electric sites. Annual park permits will cost $75 (a $10 increase), with weekly permits costing $40 (up from $35).

“Really it (increases) helps us ensure that our parks remain operating at a standard that meet our visitor needs and interests as well,” Truong said.

Despite changes to cost, booking a site will soon become easier with new updates to online services. 

“That includes adding seasonal camping, group camping and picnic shelter rental,” Truong said.

The call centre will continue to operate for those who choose to book over the phone. 

According to Minh over three million people came through the gates of the province’s parks last year. This includes both campers and day visitors.

While he was not able to provide a forecast for how many people they expect to come through the gates this year, Truong said he hopes to see numbers increase.

 

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn