MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The 2024 camping season saw a slight increase in daily and weekly user numbers at Westward Ho Campground, according to a report presented to Mountain View County's council at a recent, regularly-scheduled council meeting.
As well, short-term sites at the campground were booked to capacity during several weekends during the season.
The Westward Ho Campers Association has an agreement with the county to occupy and operate the county-owned Westward Ho Campground. As per that agreement, the association is required to provide an annual report to council, including a price list and annual summaries of finances.
Current staff levels at the camp include a full-time park manager, full-time officer manager, full-time park attendant, four seasonal employees on weekends, holidays and other busy days, two night staff members who work weekends and holidays, and one full-time resident/night attendant.
Charitable donations made by the association in 2024 included $18,000 to the Mountain View Food Bank, $2,500 to STARS, $2,500 to Sundre Aquaplex, $2,500 to Sundre Hospital Futures, and to several smaller local charities, the report states.
Current capital projects at the site include a new dish washing station at the north shower house, new water spigots on the north side, replacement of picnic tables and fire pits, and the removal of 96 dead trees.
In the report, association president Pat Strey said the board “encourages a purchase local and support the local communities approach. It is not only the association that supports local business and charities, but the members also support the local golf courses, stores, recreational facilities and RV dealers.”
As of December 2024, the association had total assets of $295,209 and retained earnings of $267,339.
Council received the report as information.
