The current operator of the Westbay Marine RV Park in Esquimalt is closing the facility down as of February 28th after the Songhees First Nation refused to extend the current lease.
Operator Mark Lindholm says talks have been ongoing since 2005 - but it was not to be:
"It's a disappointment of course because we certainly like the RV Park and it was extremely popular. But, we don't own the land so we don't get the luxury of long term choices, so here we are."
Chief Ron Sam extended his thanks to Lindholm, but says it comes down to doing the best thing for the Songhees, and their plans are to keep operating the park after renovations and improvements, making it bigger and better.
"You know, I just really want to thank Mr. Lindholm for being open and honest with us in his discussions with us. And you know, I know he's disappointed, but it's part of us as nations moving forward. So I just want to thank him for everything he's done for us."
The Songhees have hired an RV Park consultant to suggest how to improve the park for the bigger RV's and buses people are driving these days:
"We're going to look to increase the size of the spaces there, and build an amenities building with showers and washrooms, and laundry, and a gathering place upstairs for RVers to gather in. You know, upgrade the electrical and sewer and water connections to the RVs and buses."
Sam says work begins March 1st, and re-opening should be no later than early July.
Meantime, Lindholm says there are plans for the remainder of the marina, including floating commercial offices and retail, a 10 to 15 unit long term stay hotel-motel on the upland. As well, a 78 unit condo with 5,000 square feet of commercial space across from the marina is already in the final stages of rezoning. Add that's not all:
"And we're also about to submit an application for rezoning for another 2 lots that are across the street from our marina for a further 12 unit high end, luxury condo building with some ground floor commercial as well."
When asked when shovels might be in the ground on some of those projects, Lindholm would only say "This summer is going to be very busy".