News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--CHANGES IN PROVINCIAL CAMPGROUND FEES ----------------------------------------------------------------- A new fee structure, designed to encourage longer stays in campgrounds operated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, is being introduced this season. Provincially operated parks, including some campgrounds, opened May 17. Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie said although there will be a slight increase in basic overnight rates, special discounted rates are being offered for extended stays. "Campers will be offered a five night package for the price of four nights," said Mrs. Norrie. "This means that a five night stay in a semi-serviced campground this season will cost $56, including GST, compared with $64.20 for five nights last year." The overnight fee at semi-serviced (flush toilets and showers) campgrounds this season is $14 per night, GST included. Last year the rate, including GST, was $12.84. This season's rate in unserviced campgrounds is $10, including GST. Last year it was $9.63, GST included. The five night package is available at both semi-serviced and unserviced campgrounds operated by the department. Nova Scotia senior citizens will continue to receive a discount of $2 off the nightly rate, including the package rates. "These new fees are comparable with those in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and considerably less than in Quebec and Ontario," said Mrs. Norrie. "The special five night rate will be more economical for families and should encourage longer stays at our campgrounds." The new fees are effective immediately. Another change this season will permit parking, where space allows, for a second vehicle at a rate of $7 per night. However, the limit of six campers per campsite remains unchanged. There are 120 parks, including 20 with campgrounds, in Nova Scotia's provincial parks system. Most day use parks operated by the Department of Natural Resources opened for the 1996 season May 17. The day use portions of DNR camping parks open and close on the same dates as the campground. Seven campgrounds operated by the department which opened May 17 are: Salsman Park, Guysborough County; Dollar Lake, Halifax County; Graves Island and Little Risser's Beach, Lunenburg County; Mira River Park, Cape Breton County; Saltsprings Park, Pictou County; and The Islands Park, Shelburne County. All other campgrounds in the provincial parks system will open June 14. The only exception is North Risser's, Lunenburg County, which will open July 1. Campers are advised to check with local Natural Resources offices to confirm dates and hours of campground operations in specific parks. A "Campground Host Program" is also being introduced as a pilot project in two provincially operated campgrounds this season. Volunteer 'park hosts' will greet visitors at Blomidon Park in the Annapolis valley and at Amherst Shore Park, Cumberland County, when they open for the season in mid-June. "The program is a hospitality service to park visitors," Mrs. Norrie said. "Through volunteers, it creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors comfortable and, at the same time, encourages them to stay longer in our parks. If the pilot project is successful, we may expand it to other campgrounds next year." In exchange for a free campsite and firewood, park hosts will spend two to six weeks greeting visitors and providing information about activities to do in the park and surrounding area. Hosting requires a commitment of about four hours per day and does not include collecting fees, issuing permits, enforcing regulations or other duties that are normally the work of Department of Natural Resources parks staff. -30- Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252 trp May 27, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.