Shediac council approves contentious RV park

Shediac council approved a bylaw Monday night that gives the go-ahead to a controversial 708-site RV park in the popular tourist town.

People packed Shediac Town Hall for the vote. Many held signs opposing the move, saying "Conflict of Interest," "Do the right thing" and "We're taxpayers too." 

The RV park would become the largest business in the region.

The New Brunswick park has more hurdles to clear before it is built. The land rezoned by council Monday is within town limits, but the project depends on the town annexing property outside town limits. 

It would need the province's approval for that to happen. 

Mayor Jacques LeBlanc said the process has been transparent and followed the rules. He said there will be more opportunities for public debate before the issue is resolved. 

MLA is partner in project

Other campground owners and many Shediac residents, who live close to the proposed campground, are upset about the project.

The local residents don't want it in their neighbourhood and are worried about traffic and future property values.

Both groups are upset their local MLA Victor Boudreau is a partner in the campground project.

The owner of another Shediac campground has filed a conflict-of-interest complaint against Boudreau. The Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner is looking into the matter.

The campsite owners say there's enough business in town for another RV park.

The promoters say they have heard the concerns about noise, traffic and protecting wetlands. They have promised to work with the town to address those concerns.

A council meeting two weeks ago drew about 150 people to discuss the proposed campsite.