No injuries, extensive damage in Thunder Bay RV, garage fire

North Huron Council approved a request from Director of Public Works Kevin Watson to temporarily re-open the Blyth dumping station on Gypsy Lane. The decision follows delays and cost pressures in securing a contractor for the project.

At the Regional District of North Okanagan board meeting on May 20, two RV development proposals in the Mabel Lake area moved forward. If built, they could add nearly 150 RV sites. Terry Laursen plans a 127-site park, while Splatsin Development Corporation proposes 22 RV sites and 10 cabins.

Canadian company Rolling Bear Tiny Homes has introduced the Koala Bear, a compact tiny house on wheels for one or two people. It is built on a dual-axle trailer with a length of about 7.9 meters. Features include a living area with a foldable desk, a kitchen with a gas stove and oven, a bathroom with a bathtub and composting toilet, a second-level bedroom, and a loft for storage. Prices start at approximately 120,000 Canadian dollars (about 87,000 USD).

At its May 20 meeting, Togo council passed an RV registration bylaw, requiring owners of recreational vehicles used as seasonal dwellings to pay a fee between $100 and $250, depending on size. The bylaw aims to ensure fair remuneration for municipal services, as revenue from empty lots does not cover costs. Violations incur fines from $250 to $10,000 for individuals and $450 to $25,000 for businesses. The bylaw does not apply to empty RVs or those used for storage.

The owners of Arrowhead RV Park in Île-des-Chênes requested Ritchot council to ensure a buffer zone between their park and the new Oak River Meadow residential development. The developer proposed a 45-foot buffer, including a 25-foot no-outbuilding zone and 20-foot house setback, but owners demand a 50-foot buffer with additional trees and an 8-foot fence. The decision was tabled until June 17.

The Regional District of North Okanagan board approved the advancement of two projects in the Mabel Lake area on May 20. The first is a 127-unit RV park on Enderby Mabel Lake Road, and the second is a 22-site RV campground with 10 cabins on Parkway Road. Both projects received approvals for public hearings and variance permits.