B.C. couple facing financial woes with closure of campground

The couple who have owned and operated Pinaus Lake Resort near Falkland for 30 years will soon be left with nowhere to live and a pile of expenses.

Arvid and Audrey Hoglund, 78 and 76, purchased the resort in 1986 and ran several campgrounds and 11 cabins. They also turned the lodge into their home.

On March 14th, 2017 the life they knew came crashing down when the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) told them the slope movement in the area made it unsafe and ordered the resort be permanently shut down.

They announced the closure through a Facebook post on Saturday, which has since had nearly 700 shares.

“We were shocked that we were told we had just 30 days to get all our belongings and get out,” said Audrey.

In the Crown Land above the resort, BC Forestry and Tolko Industries has spent 10 years logging the area. The couple said that in LiDAR imaging they were provided with, runoff from the logging area is shown to trickle directly down onto the resort.

“The government won’t renew our lease because of the danger of the landslide. If it comes down it would cover the whole resort," said Arvid.

Now, the Hoglands are looking to sell off their assets to help with the cost of moving and closing their resort.

They do not own the land the resort is located on, although they said they tried to purchase it on three separate occasions but were denied by the province.

Now, the couple is working with the province to extend the amount of time allowed to remove their belongings, sell off assets and remediate the land.

“It’s all very upsetting and we just want to be able to get our stuff out of there. I can’t spend too much time up there because I need to have my oxygen with me,” explained Arvid. “It could take up to two years to clear everything out.”

Arvid estimates removal costs to reach the half a million-dollar mark, a cost that is sure to put strain on the family. At this point, the couple, who are now faced with overwhelming debt, have not been offered any sort of compensation from the province.

The couple has been forced to move to Armstrong for temporary housing as they deal with the situation.

In the meantime, family members have started a GoFundMe campaign to help the seniors raise money for their transition, especially considering the outpouring of support online.

Despite the current situation, the Hoglands remain positive when looking back on their years at the resort, and are thankful for the community’s support.

“Your friendship and support through the years has been appreciated and we could not have done it without you,” said Audrey.