Campground for farm workers, tree planters in the Okanagan receives $60K in funding

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has received funding support for the Loose Bay Campground near Oliver.

The $60,000 in funding will help cover costs associated with COVID-19 safety precautions, such as hiring an RDOS COVID-19 coordinator, cleaning and hygiene measures, as well as printing materials and signage.

On May 1, the campground opened for the season. The seasonal facility that has historically catered to domestic temporary workers.

“Domestic temporary workers are a designated essential service and they are a crucial and appreciated resource in maintaining part of the food supply system,” says RDOS Chair Karla Kozakevich.

“Providing seasonal accommodations at Loose Bay Campground helps agricultural workers remain safe and available for service.”

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture will be working with farmers and industry associations to “ensure farmers understand their responsibilities as employers to promote community and worker health and safety during this time.”

Once workers arrive at a safe site, they’re encouraged to stay local and avoid all non-essential travel.

Everyone who enters the campground will be required to go through a COVID-19 self assessment.

In past years, the Loose Bay Campground Society, an independent agricultural industry group has managed the campground, but in April the group voted to dissolve due to the complex safety guidelines that are required due to the pandemic. Thus, the campground operation has been passed onto the district.