Fernie city council has approved a development variance permit for the Montane Campground on Coal Creek Road.
The applicant sought to remove the requirement for curb gutter and underground drainage, asphalt surfacing and full illumination.
The justification was that the campground is intended for low-impact, seasonal tourist accommodation rather than year-round housing or commercial use.
The city acknowledged that the lot is in a flood-susceptible area and noted that a paved road could be more problematic in the event of a washout.
“It’s situated on the boundary between a developed subdivision and undeveloped natural lands,” said engineering manager Nick Pennell.
“The roadway would be intended to function more like a forest service road to an unpaved campground then a city street to a subdivision.”
The campground will be constructed in two phases, with 50 sites bult in Phase 1 and another 50 in Phase 2.
The variance will apply only to the portion of Coal Creek Road from the end of the existing asphalt portion east of the intersection with Pine Crescent to the proposed Phase 2 entrance of the campground.
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