Problems with people camping in the rec centre parking lot have highlighted the need for a new city approach to the issue.
At its Sept. 14 meeting, council decided to have staff prepare a report before deciding on a course of action.
The issue came to a head when people camping during an August hockey event kept residents in neighbouring Creekside townhomes awake with their all-night partying, which included loud, crude language, and relieving themselves on nearby lawns.
Dale Berger, general manager of the Shuswap Recreation Society, told council there are gaps in how camping is handled.
“It’s not something we condone or actually even know about until after the fact,” he said, noting neighbouring residents have said there was more camping recently.
“It doesn’t seem to be applicable to any tournament or event.”
He said posting signs has been discussed, with possibly a designated area, but added there is typically no bylaw enforcement on weekends.
“Maybe by the Lifetime Fitness parking lot might be more appropriate,” he said, adding that a spot that doesn’t intrude on residences would be best.
Kevin Pearson, the city’s director of development services, said the area near Mino’s Restaurant would be another possibility.
Coun. Tim Lavery pointed to the inconsistency of the current procedure.
“It seems ironic when groups come forward expressly to request permission (as the swimming club did) … but it seems we’re saying you can park in a designated area without permission of the city.”
He asked if the plan is to designate an area for camping.
Pearson replied: “We haven’t really got there yet – a specific location where RVs could be parked, or whether they should be parked there at all.”
Near the end of the meeting, Barb Angrignon, a resident of Creekside Townhomes, said her concern is with campsites set up next to residences.
“If you’re going to allow parking on a piece of pavement with no bathroom facilities, there’s something wrong with this picture.”
She said on the night brought to council’s attention, 30 to 35 units were parked in the rec centre parking lot with generators running all night and tents all over.
Mayor Nancy Cooper asked Angrignon if she thinks washroom facilities are required. She replied that they’re not wanted near residences, and issues beyond noise and wastewater need to be addressed.
“We certainly hope there’s a remedy to this. We really don’t want bathrooms outside our backyard either.”
Staff will prepare a report for council.