The District of Logan Lake says its getting nearly $1 million in provincial funding to help expand its municipal campground.

It says the $992,285 in funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport will go towards the construction of new campsites, washroom and shower facilities, and the inclusion of local Indigenous culture with a focus on improved accessibility.

“Expansion of the campground is the first step in the development of a multi faceted year-round outdoor recreation industry in Logan Lake that has the potential to benefit businesses, visitors and the entire community,” Mayor Robin Smith said in a news release. “This expansion will help with our recovery after the 2021 Tremont Creek wildfire which impacted many of our surrounding trails by increasing access and building exposure to local attractions.”

“Every experience has to start with a strong foundation and the first phase of the campground expansion establishes Logan Lake as a year-round tourist destination of interest.”

In a statement, the District says it has been fundraising for the first phase of the proposed expansion, noting a master plan for the campground that was put together in 2012 was updated this year.

“The proposal of increased accommodations will benefit many groups in the community, businesses, and regional tourism strategies with many letters of support received from clubs, organizations, and regional partners,” the District said in its news release.

The entire expansion of the Logan Lake Campground will add about 45 camp sites, a large roundhouse, and eight smaller cabins/roundhouses. The District hopes to also get funding for Phase 2 of the expansion to add year-round off-season accommodation for the community.

The Logan Lake Campground – which currently features 50 lake-view campsites – operates at about 80 per cent through the year, according to the District. That occupancy jumps to about 92 per cent during the peak season of July and August, and over 100 days, the campground is fully booked.

“Having no availability at the campsite forces campground staff to turn visitors away, leaving the Logan Lake community with a missed opportunity to capture visitor revenue,” the District said.

“The expansion will allow for an increase in visitors who are able to stay in the community. The campground is walking distance to the town center and visitors are encouraged to visit the local businesses.”