In 2021, Northern Development approved a Recreation Infrastructure grant for the District of Vanderhoof to demolish and replace the washhouse at Riverside Campground with an accessible, modern building including updated amenities and new coin-operated laundry machines. However, as the District of Vanderhoof prepared to begin construction, it was realized that if they were to place a new structure on the site, they would have to build to the 200-year flood plain, placing the new washhouse far away at a higher elevation, instead of in the campground’s boundary.
To adjust, the District did a complete renovation of the existing building, adding new electrical capabilities and equipment. The building’s exterior also received substantial improvements, including a new sidewalk, roof, siding, exterior doors, paint and lighting.
To ensure all people can comfortably access the facility, a new walkway was built between the main campground road and washhouse. Inside, a shower stall was updated to be wheelchair accessible and the sink was adjusted so people may wheel up to the sink to wash their hands without any barriers.
Since the project scope changed significantly, the overall cost was reduced. Northern Development contributed 33 per cent of the $81,245 total cost through a Recreation Infrastructure grant. When Northern Development approves a grant, it is for a percentage of the eligible project budget to a maximum dollar amount. When Northern Development originally approved the grant in 2021, it was for $100,000, to a maximum of 33 per cent of the project’s budget. With reduced costs, Northern Development’s contribution scaled down in proportion. Once project reporting was received, Northern Development issued a cheque to the District of Vanderhoof for $26,591, one-third of the overall cost.
