Snaw-naw-as First Nation-owned campground adds year-round cabin rentals and expands facilities to boost revenue and create vital employment.
Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose), 12 September 2024 – The Nanoose Economic Development Corporation is expanding the Snaw-Naw-as Campground and building year-round cabins through a new project investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.
This initiative will create 16 new campsites, five cabins, and the required parking and road infrastructure to support the expansion. This project will help diversify their existing business, extend the operating season, and attract new visitors.
Installing cabins will immediately transform the campground into a year-round destination. Similar to the Cumberland Lake Park Society’s Unique Sleeping Barrels project, this initiative creatively responds to visitor demand for self-contained units, while maintaining a low-impact style that complements the nature-based surroundings at Snaw-naw-as Campground. The units will also draw higher revenue, per stay, than additional campsites.
The campground is located just north of Nanaimo, adjacent to the Snaw-naw-as community that overlooks Nanoose Bay, Salish Sea and Sunshine Coast. The Snaw-naw-as Market, which includes a convenience store, Shell gas station, and Tim Horton’s, is located nearby.
While the campground has been in operation since the 1980s, the Nanoose Economic Development Corporation took over management responsibilities in 2017 with a mandate to support indigenous tourism opportunities. They began redeveloping the site in 2022, installing 64 fully-services sites. The final phase, planned to follow this project, will complete the campground redevelopment.
The current project is already underway, with an anticipated completion by December 2024. Book your campground stays now and watch for the opportunity to be one of the first to experience the new year-round cabins on the Snaw-naw-as Campground website.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Nanoose Economic Development Corporation towards the Snaw-naw-as Campground expansion and cabins project through its Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $200,000 towards a total new investment in the region of $1,600,000. The Trust is making this investment with its focus on Culture and Nature-based Tourism.
What Leaders are Saying:
“The addition of cabins allows us to share a beautiful oceanfront setting with spectacular views with guests year-round, adding a new dimension to an already amazing experience.” – Kim Burden, CEO, Nanoose Economic Development Corporation
“The Nanoose Economic Development Corporation has led a multi-phase project to transform the Snaw-naw-As Campground into a year-round business, providing vital employment and generating revenue for the Nation. By partnering on this initiative, the Trust recognizes their commitment to growing cultural and nature-based tourism opportunities in Nanoose.” – Aaron Stone, Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust
Media Contact:
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
236-308-1570
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Kim Burden
CEO
Nanoose Economic Development Corporation
250-951-6420
kim@nanoose-edc.com
