A proposed campground near Quarry Lake in Canmore is drawing concern from residents in nearby neighbourhoods.

If approved, 74 tents would be built on wooden platforms with beds and basic furniture. There would also be an administration building with staff available 24/7 and one communal fire for campers to share. A trail would connect the campsite to Quarry Lake, a short walk away.

The Town of Canmore says it has received about 400 letters since the project was made public.

Emmett McPartlin is one of the residents who wrote in.

He said the issue really comes down to the fact that the area is residential and this proposed development is not.

“What we’re talking about is a high turnover tourist facility. And residents of this neighbourhood didn’t move here with that in mind.”

Quarry Lake sits on the southwest edge of Canmore, outside the downtown core, close to the Canmore Nordic Centre.

McPartlin said residents are worried about several factors including fire risk, wildlife impacts, and added pressure on Quarry Lake, which he said is relatively small and already crowded during the busy summer season.

“Putting 74 campsites directly next to that lake essentially changes the entire dynamic,” he said.

John Third is the principal of Summit Projects, which is developing the campsite in partnership with the landowner, Prospector Canada.

He said they plan to slowly roll out tents over three years.

“The intent is to have 20 to 30 sites the first year. That’ll allow us to adapt and make sure that we’re able to engage in the community and incorporate our business so that it has the least amount of impact with the community itself in a negative way,” he said.

The developer added that parking will be available at each tent site.

Third said his company is planning to hold an open house in April to share their plans for the site and to speak with locals.

The project is intended to have a low impact on the environment, Third said, as the tents would be removed during the winter months.

He also said the campsite is aimed at offering a more affordable option for visitors who may not be able to stay in the Bow Valley during peak tourist season.

Wildlife frequent the area often, wildlife expert says

Another major concern is the potential impact on wildlife. Residents said they regularly see elk, bears and coyotes in the forest where the tents would be placed.

Tim Johnson, a landscape connectivity specialist with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, said the area has a lot of trees which provides cover and shelter for a wide range of species.

“It’s definitely a spot where elk are moving through between Quarry Lake and the highway area. It’s often used for elk calving; calving season is in May and June,” he said. “So it is an important slice of land.” 

Johnson said measures would need to be taken to reduce wildlife encounters in the area if the plan goes forward.

Possible options, he said, could include wildlife fencing during operating months, strict waste management, and limiting the use of tents during elk calving season in May and June.

Third said his company is working with the town to address any wildlife concerns. 

“We will adapt as we need to to make the greatest accommodation for the wildlife,” he said.

The town is currently in the middle of reviewing the plan.

Third said he hopes to have the first tents set up for this summer.