Tribune Bay Park Recreation Enhancements

Project Update - September 2024:

Due to the geographic location of Tribune Bay Park, existing campground facilities, and BC Parks’ commitment to balancing the diversity of values in the park, the Tribune Bay campground redevelopment project is one of the most complex projects BC Parks’ has undertaken. To ensure the project is delivered successfully, the Province is reconsidering the schedule and timeline of certain project phases. Therefore, the Request For Proposal (RFP) CP25NIS008 Tribune Bay Improvements posted in June 2024 was cancelled.

BC Parks continues to move some critical improvements forward and is posting a design/build RFP for a new septic system within the existing Tribune Bay Campground, with the goal of replacing the existing system that is in poor condition with a new system over the winter in preparation for next spring when the campground re-opens.

As BC Parks reconsiders the proposed project phases, schedule and timelines, BC Parks anticipates that the design will not substantially change from the original RFP; however, project timelines, order of construction phases and annual budget allocations are being reconsidered.

BC Parks continues to work with professionals on electrical designs, stormwater management, invasive plant removal and archaeological assessments. This work will help inform additional phases of construction and future schedules. As BC Parks finalizes plans for these additional phases of construction, we will continue to communicate with residents, First Nations, interest groups and the public. An updated schedule is under consideration and a more detailed construction plan will be released over the winter. Interested bidders are encouraged to check BC Bid for future tender opportunities related to this project.

Until then, thank you for your patience as we work though this complex project.

Project Description:

During the engagement process, BC Parks heard how much people love visiting and camping at Tribune Bay, but that many would prefer a less crowded camping experience and that some improvements to the facilities would be appreciated. We also heard about issues with the capacity of the ferry system and congestion on the island as well as concerns about water use and water scarcity in the summer months. Professional assessments have highlighted the site’s cultural, ecological and hydrological features as key values for protection. The layout has been designed to consider the detailed information from these site-specific assessments and reduce impacts to vegetation, wildlife, hydrology, and cultural values.

Considering the various opportunities and constraints of the newly-acquired properties, BC Parks has developed a concept plan for the enhancement of recreation opportunities at Tribune Bay Park, that includes the following features:

• A similar overall number of campsites as offered previously with a reduced density of campsites in the existing campground by developing additional sites on the other lands;
• An improved variety of camping opportunities and associated amenities (including walk-in/bike-in camping, park-beside camping and bunkies) with an emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism and car-free travel options;
• Park features, trails and camping options that are accessible to British Columbians of all ages and abilities;
• A new connector trail through the forest providing a safe and accessible route from the campground and community amenities to the beach.

Please see the “Documents and Maps” and “FAQs” section for more details.

Background: In November 2021, the Province completed the purchase of two private properties on Hornby Island adjacent to Tribune Bay Park. The two properties were purchased with the goal of adding them to the park system to ensure recreational opportunities and other park values are protected in perpetuity.

Property A is the existing private Tribune Bay Campground, 3.25 hectares (8.03 acres) in size, which operated with approximately 135 campsites. The campground has been in continuous operation for decades.

Property B is a 6.35 hectare (15.7 acre) forested parcel that borders the existing park, featuring ~142m (465’) of beach frontage.

In addition, BC Parks will add the foreshore (area including the beach and a small marine area) in front of Property B to the park. Most of the foreshore in Tribune Bay is already within the park. BC Parks is adding this area to protect ecosystem values and to manage use so all visitors and campers can have a safe and enjoyable experience at Tribune Bay.

Adding the existing campground and the adjacent forested property to the park will help support and accommodate the growing public pressure for recreation and camping while managing for important values, including local use and nature appreciation.

The campground will be fully integrated into the BC Parks system once consultation, engagement, planning and designation processes are complete. Tribune Bay Campground is currently operated by a private campground operator. Please refer to the Tribune Bay Campground website for up-to-date information on the campground and reservations.