A Salmon Arm resident offering free camping to veteran bikers attending the Sturgis North could face penalties for operating without temporary use permit.
Veteran riders attending the motorcycle rally who are wanting to camp out are being directed to Sturgis’ designated Veterans’ Campground, located at 1290 70th Street SE. The owner of the property, Anne Rizzi, offered free use of the land to Sturgis as an expression of gratitude to those who have served.
“We were approached by the organizers from Sturgis for veterans’ camping and they said this is a free thing, and we said, yeah, we would do that, because my husband was in the Armed Forces and my father was in World War II, so why wouldn’t we?” commented Rizzi, who operates a gravel pit on the property, part of which lies within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Asked if she had the approvals in place for use of her property as a campsite, Rizzi said they aren’t necessary because the campsite is not a commercial operation.
“(The city) sent us a letter, basically saying we have to have a temporary use permit, but when you look up the temporary use permit, it’s for commercial ventures, and we’re not charging them and Sturgis isn’t charging,” says Rizzi. “This is a service that’s being provided to the veterans because they’ve been kind enough to put their lives in jeopardy for us, obviously.
City development and planning manager Corey Paiement, however, says Rizzi’s interpretation is incorrect.
“The zoning on that property doesn’t permit a campground – whether money changes hands or not, that’s not the issue. It’s the use of the campground,” says Paiement, noting the property owner was told some time ago they did not have approvals for the campsite. Asked what the repercussions might be, Paiement said the city would record information regarding use on the property during the event, and would review its enforcement options.
“That is one property that has been advertised as such, and I expect there’s going to be other properties around the city that will be doing the same,” added Paiement.
Rizzi says she’s been in contact with Interior Health, and that all health requirements are being provided for – potable water is readily available and Sturgis is providing and maintaining portable toilets.
As for the land in the ALR, Rizzi says it is rocky and not usable for agricultural purposes.
“We were picking rocks up yesterday so people’s tents don’t have to sit on rocks, it’s that rocky,” says Rizzi, adding the campsite is not intended for use as a party place. She says those who stay will be there just to bed down for the nights of the event.
Rizzi noted all donations made at the Veterans’ Campground will be given to the Salmon Arm Legion.
