Dear Editor:
I just read Christina Myers' In My Opinion article (Don't take away our camping, Burnaby NOW, Jan. 30 issue) on camping and the fee increases.
I wholeheartedly agree with her statements.
I also wanted to add that while I appreciate the reservation system and being able to pick your own spot, one needs to have great fast finger timing and luck to actually get a spot at some of the more popular campgrounds.
We used to really enjoy going to Okanagan Lake campground, but the last few years, despite being on the system with the spot picked the second the reservation system opens, I have been unable to secure a site. They go that fast.
Having camped there many times, I also note that half or more of the campers were from out of province.
Frustrated with not being able to get a spot, I sent B.C. Parks a suggestion a few years ago, that perhaps the first few days of reservation availability around some of the busier weekends etc. should be set aside for B.C. residents only. After all, we are the ones paying the taxes on those parks.
Then the rest of the spots left could be opened up to other provinces etc. afterwards. The response I got was basically a tutorial on how to use the reservation system in the first place, which I am very familiar with.
So, B.C. Parks, you need to ensure your residents are both able to afford to camp and can actually secure spots to enjoy the camping experience.
Another camping mom,
Jane Ann Mintenko, by email
