The Snaw-naw-as Campground will be expanding and building year-round cabins, through a new project investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).
The Nanoose Economic Development Corporation's 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.
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.
ICET will contribute $200,000 toward a total new investment in the region of $1,600,000. The Trust is making the investment with its focus on Culture and Nature-based Tourism.
“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” said Kim Burden, CEO, Nanoose Economic Development Corporation.
The campground is located 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 a Tim Hortons outlet, 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-serviced 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.
