The World of RV Wal-Mart Freeloading in N.S.

[Stan Birch]

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

March 8, 2004
Mayor John Morgan
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
320 Esplanade
Sydney, NS B1P 7B9

Dear Mayor Morgan:

As the representative of 5,000 small business owners across the province who belong to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), I wrote to you last year during the height of the tourist season to bring to your attention an issue that was negatively impacting small businesses in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The issue was a simple one: some larger stores and malls in CBRM were allowing owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) to park their motor vehicles overnight in their parking lots, free of charge.

CFIB writes again as the tourism industry readies itself for another season. More specifically, I write to ask for your help in stopping this behaviour before it once again begins. To do this, let me remind you of the concerns that I previously raised.

Firstly, as our members experienced last year, allowing RVs to stay in a parking lot overnight takes business away from local campground owners during a critical time of year. These campgrounds have invested time and resources into providing a clean, safe and enjoyable experience for all of those traveling through CBRM. They also provide employment for a significant number of your constituents. Put simply, these campgrounds support many of your community's valued assets.

Secondly, the very act of allowing these kinds of overnight stays in parking lots that have not been designed to accommodate RVs is illegal. As you will recall, the Tourism Accommodations Regulations state very clearly that "no person shall maintain or operate a fixed roof establishment or a camping establishment or permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles for the traveling or vacationing public unless there is a valid license in effect for such establishment."

Small businesses, such as local campgrounds, are the foundation of economic activity in CBRM. You have raised concerns over the past year about the economic outlook for your municipality. One way you can help create a bright future for your community is to ensure that the businesses that have invested in your municipality are provided the opportunity to succeed. In this case, it simply means enforcing the law. Imagine the message you would be sending to prospective business owners looking to set up shop in CBRM if this was not done. Of course, we do not ask that this be handled in a way that is offensive to travelers, but rather in a way that ensures travelers are aware this practice is illegal. As such, we believe requiring mall owners to post a simple sign indicating that it is unlawful for RV's to park overnight would ensure the safety and comfort of travelers as they park in the local campgrounds in business to serve them.

Sincerely,

Leanne Hachey
Director of Provincial Affairs

cc: Edgar MacLeod
Chief of Police, Cape Breton Region Police Services

Hon. Rodney MacDonald
Minister of Culture and Tourism

Hon. Cecil Clark
MLA – Cape Breton North

Mr. Gerald Samson
MLA – Victoria The Lakes

Alexis MacDonald
President, Campground Association of Nova Scotia

CFIB Member
(Name [of campground owner] withheld)

[Stan Birch]

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

March 8, 2004
Mayor John Morgan
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
320 Esplanade
Sydney, NS B1P 7B9

Dear Mayor Morgan:

As the representative of 5,000 small business owners across the province who belong to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), I wrote to you last year during the height of the tourist season to bring to your attention an issue that was negatively impacting small businesses in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The issue was a simple one: some larger stores and malls in CBRM were allowing owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) to park their motor vehicles overnight in their parking lots, free of charge.

CFIB writes again as the tourism industry readies itself for another season. More specifically, I write to ask for your help in stopping this behaviour before it once again begins. To do this, let me remind you of the concerns that I previously raised.

Firstly, as our members experienced last year, allowing RVs to stay in a parking lot overnight takes business away from local campground owners during a critical time of year. These campgrounds have invested time and resources into providing a clean, safe and enjoyable experience for all of those traveling through CBRM. They also provide employment for a significant number of your constituents. Put simply, these campgrounds support many of your community's valued assets.

Secondly, the very act of allowing these kinds of overnight stays in parking lots that have not been designed to accommodate RVs is illegal. As you will recall, the Tourism Accommodations Regulations state very clearly that "no person shall maintain or operate a fixed roof establishment or a camping establishment or permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles for the traveling or vacationing public unless there is a valid license in effect for such establishment."

Small businesses, such as local campgrounds, are the foundation of economic activity in CBRM. You have raised concerns over the past year about the economic outlook for your municipality. One way you can help create a bright future for your community is to ensure that the businesses that have invested in your municipality are provided the opportunity to succeed. In this case, it simply means enforcing the law. Imagine the message you would be sending to prospective business owners looking to set up shop in CBRM if this was not done. Of course, we do not ask that this be handled in a way that is offensive to travelers, but rather in a way that ensures travelers are aware this practice is illegal. As such, we believe requiring mall owners to post a simple sign indicating that it is unlawful for RV's to park overnight would ensure the safety and comfort of travelers as they park in the local campgrounds in business to serve them.

Sincerely,

Leanne Hachey
Director of Provincial Affairs

cc: Edgar MacLeod
Chief of Police, Cape Breton Region Police Services

Hon. Rodney MacDonald
Minister of Culture and Tourism

Hon. Cecil Clark
MLA – Cape Breton North

Mr. Gerald Samson
MLA – Victoria The Lakes

Alexis MacDonald
President, Campground Association of Nova Scotia

CFIB Member
(Name [of campground owner] withheld)

[Stan Birch]

As with any battle plan, one of the most effective defenses is to know the enemy's stratagem and take advantage of their weaknesses. And it seems the entire arsenal of the (CFIB) Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and (COANS) the Campground Owners Association of Nova Scotia is pathetically limited to building a non-existent illusion from their one and only weapon Stratagem, to wit:

The Tourist Accommodations Act:

(3) No person shall use, maintain, operate or manage a camping establishment or permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles for the travelling or vacationing public unless there is a licence which is in force.


Intent: At the outset, this law was never crafted with the intent of preventing RVers from parking wherever they choose. The entire intent of the law was focused upon the basic licencing requirements of campground owners. It imposes no restriction or obligation whatsoever upon RVers.

Stratagem: "A clever, underhanded scheme for achieving an objective".

I.E. focus offensive measures toward politicians who are too stupid or illiterate to comprehend extant laws. To that end the CFIB is advocating a requirement that "Mall owners post a simple sign indicating that it is unlawful for RV's to park overnight!"

Basically, the CFIB and COANS are lobbying local politians to lend support for a lie!! There is absolutely nothing whatsoever in all of Nova Scotia law, that proscribes an RVer from parking their rig overnight pretty much anywhere they want, notwithstanding contravention of "No Trespassing" signs. Like . . . if you desire to park a motor vehicle for the night, what could be more logical than parking it in a parking lot?!??!

The Law pertaining to Wal-Mart etal: The law says that they cannot permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles." So that whole effort gives rise to a couple of different legal scenarios:

While we've overnighted at least a few times at the Chain Lake Drive Wal-Mart in Halifax, we've never asked permission to do so. So for all practical legal purposes, Wal-Mart has NEVER EVER "permitted" us to park overnight on their premises. So . . from a legal perspective, we were merely trespassers who had trespassed upon someone else's property without permission. Not exactly a scenario that's about to give rise to sucessful prosecution!

The very best that these inexpereienced CFIB and COANS can possibly hope for; other than alienating a whole lot of their heretofore potential customers, is that when asking Wal-Mart Customer-service for permission to overnight in one of their parking lots, Wal-Mart's answer will tend to be:

"No, we can't give you permission to park in our parking lot overnight. Nevertheless, if you choose to park in our parking lot, WE are not going to kick you out!!!

Sez CFIB, along with their COANS's accomplices: "We do not ask that this be handled in a way that is offensive to travelers, but rather in a way that ensures travelers are aware this practice is illegal."

So far, in the midst of the 2005 summer tourist season, RV overnight parking at Halifax Wal-Marts and shopping malls continues unabated. It appears that the authorities are summarily dismissing CFIB/CONAN's efforts to have a non-existent law enforced. Not so much as a single charge has yet been laid!

[Stan Birch]

Saturday, July 16, 2005 The Halifax Herald

End to Illegal Camping of RVs Urged

By SUSAN BRADLEY / Business Reporter

Summer's here and the parking lots are full - of recreational vehicles.

"Indiscriminate camping," as it is called, takes money from campground owners who want the province to put a stop to concrete campers.

"The issue has been a problem in Nova Scotia for over 40 years and every summer, it keeps happening again. When is the tourism minister going to decide to enforce the laws that prohibit this?" asked Leanne Hachey, provincial affairs director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Camping overnight in unauthorized locations, such as shopping malls, parking lots or on the side of the road, is common here. But it is against the law.

The province's Tourism Accommodations Act says that "no person shall use, maintain, operate or manage a camping establishment or permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles for the travelling or vacationing public unless there is a licence which is in force."

In May, anticipating a recurrence of indiscriminate camping, the Campground Owners Association of Nova Scotia and other tourism operators sent a report on the issue to Tourism Minister Rodney MacDonald.

They also asked the minister to send out a directive to allow RCMP and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the Act.

"The RCMP would be in a position to enforce the Protection of Property Act. However, they are not authorized to act under the Tourism Accommodations Act. There is currently no one department other than the Tourism Department to act," the group said.

"The campground industry is a vital piece of the Nova Scotia brand promise of 'Come to Life,' and an asset to the bottom line of the provincial resources. Campers who come to Nova Scotia should experience more than parking in a mall parking lot or along the side of the road."

Statistics show the camping industry, which typically operates mid-May to October, generates over $21 million annually in outside earnings (money brought in from outside the province) and a total of 1,340 jobs - 4.1 per cent of all jobs created by tourism.

But tourism operators estimate that up to $25 million of their revenues are lost to indiscriminate camping.

Tourism spokeswoman Vicky Fraser said Friday a group of campground owners and tourism representatives did meet with Mr. MacDonald.

As a result, the department agreed to send a letter to retail property owners advising them of the law and asking them to encourage recreation vehicle owners to go to proper campgrounds.

"We're also providing more information to visitor centres and to our check-in service about campground accommodations."

The department is also reviewing the legislation to "see if there is anything we can do in that respect," she said.

But a survey of parking lots around the province showed that in July, plenty of recreation vehicles were camping in the prohibited areas.

A McDonald's restaurant near Antigonish even posted a sign that said "RVs welcome."

Letters and signs aren't going to stop the practice, said Bernice Bennett who, with her husband, runs Elm River Park in Glenholme.

"People will just ignore the signs. Nothing is going to change until RCMP and town police are able to enforce the law. They have to be able to charge - not the person who is camping, but the landowner that is allowing these RVs to stay."

The practice is also driving up campground rates, she said.

"What these people are doing is staying at a Wal-Mart or a shopping centre for five or six days. Then on day six, their holding tanks are full, they need to do their laundry. So what they do is go to a park, they will pay $30 or so for one night and they will use five days of services," Ms. Bennett said.

"We will pass by a motorhome and we can hear water running into our septic system all day long."

The accelerated use of electricity, water, septic and other services results in extra costs to the park owner, she said.

Wal-Mart Canada spokesman Kevin Groh said the retail giant's policy is to follow local bylaws, although it allows campers to set up on store properties throughout the United States.

Nova Scotia campgrounds would like the province to adopt Ontario's policy, where municipalities enforce camping in licensed operations.

http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2005...ss256.raw.html

[Tulip]

Thanks so much for the Nova Scotia "heads up". I can add Nova Scotia to the same list Quebec is on.

Tulip
40 Ft. Monaco Exec
Towing Jeep Grand Cherokee

[brad03ca]

Tulip, Hello and Welcome to iRV2.com. Glad to have you with us. There are some changes with policy in Nova Scotia....are there some issues with Quebec too? ........Brad

[bstark]

brad03ca: Ooooh! Don't go there or the flaming will be seen for miles! Please do not encourage anyone to state why they prefer to "not" RV in a particular province as the answers will only serve to enrage others.

[brad03ca]

bstark Hello, You must have mis- read the above statement I made. There was no mention on my part to "encourage" anyone to state why they prefer to "not" RV in a particular province. The question to Tulip was....What List was Nova Scotia added to that Quebec is on. I can only assume they are both on the "MUST" see province list. I know they are both beautiful provinces and deserve a visit, if at all possible.

[George Miklas]

Frankly, I believe that Wal-Mart's RV friendly policy encourages the tourist economy. To put the "thumb" on Wal-Mart, would most definitely reduce tourist dollars to the local economy.

George Miklas

[George Miklas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tulip:
Thanks so much for the Nova Scotia "heads up". I can add Nova Scotia to the same list Quebec is on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Hey Tulip,

What do you mean? ....same list...

George

[bstark]

brad03ca: Yep, that's right, all righty, I did misread your post and sure enough your question clearly was: "What list of wonderful places to visit that Quebec is already on has Nova Scotia been added too"?

[Stan Birch]

An interesting insightful update on the agressive war being waged against RVers by COAN (Campground Owners Association of Nova Scotia) not only in an effort to obtain a provincially legislated monopoly forcing RVs into their parking facilities; but against known RV Friendly businesses:

Tourism and Industry Association Nova Scotia

COANS/TIANS Indiscriminate Camping

TIANS Position Paper - May 2, 2005

Prepared by: COANS Executive Team and President, TIANS
Submitted to: Minister Rodney MacDonald, May 4, 2005
Copied to TIANS Board, COANS Executive Committee

Issue - Indiscriminate Camping:

Indiscriminate Camping is the practice of camping overnight in unauthorized locations such as shopping malls, parking lots or on the side of the road.

Section three (3), article three (3) of the Tourism Accommodations Act states; no person shall use, maintain, operate or manage a camping establishment or permit the use of any lands for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles for the traveling or vacationing public unless there is a license which is in force. 1994-95,c.9,s.3."�

The Minister announced the new Tourist Accommodations Act on November 18, 2003. COANS (Campground Owners and Operators of Nova Scotia) and TIANS (Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia) are asking that the Minister enforce the Accommodations Act.

What Has Been Done?

COANS, an associate partner with TIANS, has done much to work towards resolution of the issue of indiscriminate camping. Over the years, there has been on-going communications with the stakeholders involved. TIANS has been able to track correspondence, to indicate that indiscriminate camping has been a problem in Nova Scotia for forty- five (45) years. COANS members and executive are extremely disappointed in the lack of action taken to resolve this issue.

TIANS has attached (for reference) a compilation of the file for review. The summarized communications indicate a desire to help, but very little progress. The problem is primarily enforcement, i.e., who is responsible for enforcement of the regulations, and, education and awareness to the broader community.

The Impacts of Indiscriminate Camping:

The campground industry is a vital piece of the Nova Scotia brand promise of "Come to Life"�, and an asset to the bottom line of the provincial resources. Campers who come to Nova Scotia should experience more than parking in a mall parking lot or along the side of the road. In May 2001, a report prepared for TIANS by Acceleration Corp. (involving steering committee members including TIANS, COANS, Parks Canada, NS Dept. of Natural Resources, NSTC&H, ACOA & HR Development Canada) stated;

"The camping industry generated over $21 million in export earnings for Nova Scotia (3% of all Tourism exports"�). A total of 1,340 jobs were generated from camping, 4.1% of all jobs created by tourism."�"Governments benefit from camping. Nova Scotia received $2.5 million in provincial sales tax alone."�"The federal government took in $3.2 million in federal sales tax. Over $55 million in economic activity was created by the camping industry in the province."� Improving the NS Camping Industry"� task force stated in 2002 that; $20 to $25 million of revenues have been lost to Indiscriminate Camping"�

This is not just a financial issue; it is also a liability issue. TIANS is working diligently with the insurance industry to address current advocacy issues relating to insurance affordability and availability. If tourists are at risk, and they are, when they camp indiscriminately, then the overall industry could suffer increased risk assessments as litigation costs increase.


COANS and TIANS are committed to assisting the Minister with the actualization of these items in any manner deemed appropriate to ensuring indiscriminate camping is an issue of the past and our Vision partnership is the focus of the future. For the 2005/06 Tourism Season, COANS and TIANS are asking Minister Rodney MacDonald to take action on the following four (4) items:

1. Formal legal clarification and assignment of the law re enforcement of the Tourism Accommodations Act.

Nova Scotia is not alone on this issue. In Ontario for example, municipalities enforce camping in licensed operations. Merchant associations in Maine have policies regarding Indiscriminate Camping in their lots. Florida is a model at all levels, through the creation of educational and enforceme nt support for those affected by indiscriminate camping.

In his letter dated Feb. 26, 2004, C/Supt. T.W. Bennett, RCMP, the OIC Criminal Operations "H"� Division, stated,"� Once proper notice is given to the overnight recreational campers, the RCMP would be in a position to enforce the Protection of Property Act."� However, they are not authorized to act under the Tourism Accommodations Act. There is currently no one department other the NSTC&H, authorized or mandated to enforce the accommodation act.

2. Impactful signage at critical entry points in major transportation routes.

COANS and TIANS are asking for simple signage that informs visitors of the law. There are models of effective signage in place now that could be used as templates for informing visitors that indiscriminate camping is illegal.

3. Training, signage and promotion in all VIC's.

As part of the quality initiative, Visitor Information Center employees are well positioned to guide visitors to safe, hospitable campgrounds, legally licensed to operate in Nova Scotia.

4. Championing the campground industry and promotion of legitimate campsites.

Support COANS, one of our partners in the actualization of our Vision goal to double tourism revenues by 2012; and at the same time, impact the valu e of our vision and marketing efforts overall. The 2005/2006 marketing campaign speaks directly to the potential visitor seeking experiences that relate to; birding, hiking, and water access. The campground industry is in one of the very best positions to deliver many of these amenities to our guests. Vision goals written around Quality, Coastal/Environmental Protection and Transportation; are all impacted by indiscriminate camping.

COANS Executive is asking for the industry to support their efforts to deliver on the brand promise.

TIANS Mission

TIANS is the provincial advocate for the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry and strives to enhance the industry's competitiveness and prosperity through increased professionalism and product development. TIANS and its partners work together to achieve the common goal of developing our tourism product. TIANS achieves its goals through its 7 Pillars of Success:

1. Membership growth
2. Communication with and for the Tourism Industry
3. Advocacy leadership in the actualization of four of the eleven Vision goal statements;
4. Coast
5. Transportation
6. Product Quality
7. Labour Availability

Summary of previous Communications:

July 2003 - Leanne Hachey, Director of Provincial Affairs

CFIB Letter to Mayor John Morgan
cc; Minister Rodney MacDonald, Chief of Police (CBRM)
Cecil Clark MLA, Gerald Samson MLA; and
COANS President Alexis MacDonald

CFIB quoted the regulations and stated that someone simply has to enforce the law.

"liability" insurance issue for anyone allowing his or her property to be used for this purpose. Taking away business from licensed campground owners.

July 2003 Leanne Hachey, Director of Provincial Affairs, CFIB

Letter to the editor, Cape Breton Post.

Letting business know how impactful signage would be on this issue.

July 2003 - Memo from Irving Oil Limited, Sydney Branch to Irving stations.

Notification of complaints from campground owners about Irving stations allowing RV's to park overnight on their property. Asking them (staff) to discontinue this practice A.S.A.P.

Aug 2003 – MP Mark Eyking and MP Roger Cuzner

Letter to the Mayor John Morgan of CBRM

Expressing their constituents concerns regarding this issue. Explaining why it is problematic. Asking him to take action with the regional council to rectify the situation.

August 2003 – Mayor John Morgan

Letter to MP's stating correspondence has been referred to the Chief of Police and members of police commission to determine what can be done.

November 2003 - Sandra MacDonald, Destination Cape Breton

Letter sent to various industry operators and concerned campground owners including Glen Musgrave (President of COANS at that time).

DCB quoted the regulations. Reminded the business of the potential liability issues surrounding indiscriminate camping.

Asked for the cooperation of these businesses. DCB gave advice re; what steps had been taken, i.e. writing to mall managers, calls to police agencies etc.

November 2003 – Gerald Sampson, MLA

Letter to COANS

cc; Minister Rodney Macdonald,
Minister Kerry Morash,
Minister Michael Baker

Letter of support written to COANS re; efforts to stop indiscriminate camping, copyingMinisters of Tourism, Justice and Environment to encourage them to work together to resolve this ongoing issue.

November 2003 – Minister Rodney MacDonald

Letter responding to Gerald Sampson, MLA agreeing on seriousness of issue. Advising that the province will continue to work with local landowners to discourage the practice.

December 2003 - Kerry Morash, Minister Dept of Environment and Labour

Letter to Gerald Sampson, MLA Victoria - the Lakes
cc; Minister Rodney Macdonald

States that the department recognizes their concerns regarding dumping of sewage from vehicles illegally parked. Advises that the department investigates these incidents and that anyone witnessing such, should report it to the department.

December 2003 - Gerald Sampson, MLA

Letter to Doug Matthews, Quality Assurance, NSTC&H,
cc; Minister Rodney MacDonald
Offers to meet with Doug and department of justice to explore solutions to education and enforcement.

January 2004 – Community Officer, CBRPS North Div

Memo outlining support for Tourism Accommodations Act and commitment to participate in educational programs in partnership with NSTC&H, TIANS, COANS and media.

January 2004 - Cecil P. Clarke, MLA Cape Breton North

Letter to Minister Rodney MacDonald

Mr. Clarke wrote to Minister MacDonald requesting clarification on the provincial position on Indiscriminate Camping.

February 2004 – RCMP C/Supt. Bennett

Letter to Mr. Jack MacDonald re; Section 3(3) of the Tourist Accommodations Act

States it (the act) requires property owners to prevent individuals from using their parking lots for overnight recreational camping. Once proper notice is given, (to tourists) the RCMP would be in a position to enforce the Protection of Property Act.

March 2004 – Minister Rodney MacDonald responds to Cecil Clarke

The minister quotes the Tourist Accommodations Act indicating that landowners who allow camping on their property are breaking the law. Indicates that COANS has become concerned that the Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage is having little impact on solving the problem.

To help alleviate some COANS concerns, the department met with the Regional Manager of Wal-Mart who agreed to post "No Overnight Camping" signs on all light stanchions in Truro and New Minus locations. Staff is to contact the remaining Mall owners where other Wal-Mart stores are located. All shopping malls in the province will receive similar instructions in the spring. More coordinated efforts are required to reduce and terminate this illegal practice including cooperation with municipal units and local authorities.


March 2004 – Leanne Hachey, Director of Provincial Affairs, CFIB

Letter to Mayor John Morgan
cc; Edgar MacLeod, Chief of Police; Cecil Clark, MLA, Gerald Sampson, MLA and Minister Rodney MacDonald

CFIB wrote requesting help in stopping the practice of indiscriminate camping.

July 2004 – e-mail from Peggy Tibbo -Cameron, NSTC&H, acting Manager. QA

Notification to COANS Executive of letters sent to RCMP and Shopping Malls, police authorities, municipal units, RTIA's (for VIC's)

Letters outline the issue and problem of indiscriminate camping. Quotes the Accommodations Act, and brings the illegal nature of indiscriminate camping to the reader's attention. In some, (the letters vary) there is discussion of "erecting signage"�"

All letters ask for cooperation and assistance.

August 2004 – Alexis MacDonald, President COANS

Response to Letter to the Editor (Herald), Aug 5/04 entitled "Miffed by RV Parking Ban"�."
Reminds all of how much more enjoyable and safer; for visitors and the environment, camping is in campgrounds versus mall parking lots.

August 2004 - Leanne Hachey, Director of Provincial Affairs, CFIB

Letter to Minister Rodney MacDonald.
cc; Arm of Gold Campground, COANS President
Applauds the government for progress made in some areas, while bringing lack of equal
enforcement to the table again.

February 2005 - Alexis MacDonald, President COANS

Letter to Minister Rodney MacDonald
Requesting a meeting (with the minister) to discuss immediate action on this file.

http://www.tians.org/organization/indiscrim_camping.pdf

[George Miklas]

Thanks Stan for the informative post. Frankly, I believe that this is the act of campground owners who believe that they own the corner of the market on overnight travel facilities. Further, it seems that they are dictating how all people should travel.

George Miklas

[Stan Birch]

A little more insight into Nova Scotia's plot to squeeze every last Bluenose Dime possible from unsuspecting RVers touring the Province. While this whole effort is merely a minor inconvenience to most of us . . . we have to option of merely avoiding Nova Scotia as a tourist destination; but think of what it means for native Nova Scotian RVers, and how it impacts their lives.

Here is the standard boiler-plate letter being sent to RVers who have taken the time and effort to express their displeasure with Nova Scotia's ongoing war against RVers.

Their stategy is pretty obvious. In a carefully planned campaign, Nova Scotia law enforcement officials have totally avoided getting involved in this fiasco; and that's no doubt the way the Provincial politicans want it. So far, no so much as a single charge has been laid!

Instead of taking a chance on incurring the wrath of Nova Scotia voters, they are coercing RV friendly businesses such as Wal-Mart to post "No RV Overnight Parking" signs on every light post in their parking lot. A really neat trick! So when RVers pull into Wal-Mart and see these signs, their disenchantment is directed toward Wal-Mart instead of the real culprits responsible for the signs. This tends to serve a twofold purpose: It not only forces RVers to into unwanted and uneeded commerical campgrounds; but to deflect disenchantment toward Wal-Mart, the most hated enemy of local businesses and the Chamber Commerce.

Kudos to Rodney MacDonald and Premier John Hamm,Nova Scotia A neat and well contrived deception!

December 17, 2004


Dear Mr. [Freddie Freeloader]:

I am responding to your email of November 29, 2004 on behalf of the Honourable John Hamm, Premier of Nova Scotia.

Our government and the campground industry consider camping in locations such as Walmart parking lots, illegal. The Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations requires all land owners who plan to offer this type of "camping" to have a license to do so. We are aware of the web site and thank you for the detailed site addresses.

While we appreciate the recreational vehicle business and recognize its importance to our economy, we must also acknowledge the need for our visitors to be located in a clean and safe environment. Our licensed campground operators, as small business owners, have invested time and resources into providing a clean, safe and enjoyable experience for those who travel in our province. Regardless of the length of time a visitor spends at a campground, the services offered, such as sewage hookups or sewage disposal areas, will ensure visitors are not dumping in areas where they should not.

Many mall managers, including Walmart, have posted signs indicating no overnight parking or camping is permitted. Although we still have much work to do to discourage this practice, we are confident the travelling public understands our concerns and will relocate to a local licensed campground. We will continue to work with the shopping mall managers, including Walmart, to discourage RV operators from "camping" in their parking lots.

Thank you for your concerns and for providing your comments to us.

Sincerely,

Rodney MacDonald
Minister

cc: The Honourable John Hamm, Premier of Nova Scotia