The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George signed off on a plan to expand and redevelop the Bednesti Lake Resort, located 54 kilometres west of Prince George, on Thursday.
Prince George-based Extreme Action Promotions applied to the regional district for a development permit to expand the number of campsites at the resort by 50 per cent, from 52 to 78. In addition, the company plans to relocate two cabins on the site, remove a large accessory building, remove a number of dangerous trees, develop a new driveway and other earthworks.
In a report on the sewage lagoon at the site dated Oct.14, 2019, Bernie Hildebrand of Extreme Action Promotions reported that the restaurant, gas station, convenience store and other facilities at the resort are not in operation.
"It should be noted that volume of raw sewage effluent discharged represents campground and part time caretaker accommodations only. All other facets of Bednesti Lake Resort have been suspended," Hildebrand wrote "Bednesti Lake Resort closes all operations annually from October 1st to April 30th, during which time all water system operation is discontinued and no raw sewage effluent is discharged."
Hildebrand purchased the roughly 85-year-old resort in 2012. The resort was originally along the rail line, but moved to the highway in 1953.
It was badly damaged in January 2000, and was reopened in 2001 once the main buildings were rebuilt. The Saik'uz First Nation purchased the resort in 2004, and operated it intermittently until Hildebrand bought the resort eight years ago.
Hildebrand did not return a call asking for comment as of press time.
District manager of development services Kenna Jonkman said Extreme Action Promotions will still have to apply for and receive a Controlled Access Highway Permit from the Ministry of Transportation.
A letter to the regional district from the Ministry of Transportation said a traffic impact study may be required, before the permit can be issued.
