It was inevitable.
That is what Barrhead Elks president Bruce McLean called the decision to sell the Lac La Nonne Campground.
McLean called the Leader to dispel some of the rumors and hopefully some of the anger of campers at the Elks Beach Campground.
For the last few weeks, a group called the Elks Beach Campers has been circulating a letter through Facebook, stating their disappointment at how they have been treated by both the old and new owner.
The campground, which has been operated by the Elks Club since the 1950s, is a seasonal campground located about 14 kilometres south of Barrhead on the shores of Lac La Nonne. The campground has about 300 sites, with amenities for recreational vehicles and tenters.
“It isn’t something we really wanted to do, but we just can’t continue. Our membership is declining and the ones we do have are getting older and just aren’t capable of doing the physical work needed to upkeep the facility,” he said.
In a letter sent to the Barrhead Leader, signed by the Elks Beach Campers, the group said they received no warning that the campground was up for sale.
“In October 2016, as campers we were told that we would be required to sign new contracts for the 2017-2018 season and make our yearly deposit for the following year,” adding that information on the leases would be made available at the start of the next season,” the group stated.
The letter went on to say campers were informed of the sale in late April through a Facebook message, and that registered letters on the details of the sale and new leases would follow.
According to the group, the new owner, is asking would-be campers to sign a 35-year $35,000 lease with a 10 per cent deposit, due no later than May 15. The remainder amount is due June 1.
The Barrhead Leader went to the campground to get comments from campers and a campground representative. However, the caretaker said they couldn’t comment and wouldn’t allow us on the property.
However, we were able to talk to long time Elks Beach Campground user, Ken Raichel, who has been visiting the campground for more than 20 years, first with his parents and then with his own family.
“I am kind of appalled about how everything has happened. To sell the campground, without any notice to us as patrons and not even sending us a letter thanking us,” he said, adding he also found out about the ownership change through Facebook and that as of May 8 had not received the registered letter. However, he was given an information package when he visited the campground in person shortly after it opened May 1.
When asked whether he is planning to stay, Raichel said no.
“When you look at the $35,000 it looks like a pretty good deal. That is less than what I have been paying, but then there is an $80 a month maintenance fee for the whole year, not just the four or five months it is open and that you have to have it all up front. No one can afford that.”
He added that another reason why some campers are bitter is because the Elks had promised that improvements would be made to the campground. But with the exception of a new dock he said it didn’t appear like the Elks spent a lot of money on the business.
In the three or four years, Raichel said, his rent has continued to increase.
“They said they were going to use the extra money because they wanted to make changes and upgrades, but nothing was really done. The money we gave them went to the pool in Barrhead. Not that I have a problem with that, but you promised us you were going to make changes,” he said.
McLean said while they did intend to make improvements, and have done some, but to complete them they would have had to take out a debenture. Something considering the age and numbers of the club they were not prepared to do.
“We feel bad. Everyone is going to blame us for selling it, but we had to. We are all volunteers and we just couldn’t do it,” he said.
McLean reiterated that money the Elks received would be used for the betterment of the community.
“We’re not sure in what form that will take, but rest assured it will be used to the benefit of Barrhead residents.”
The Leader asked the new owner for an interview, but as of deadline we received no comment.
