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Disaster Mitigation and Business Relief

CCRVA requests the establishment of a Disaster Mitigation and Business Relief Fund (DMBRF), crucial for supporting campground businesses affected by natural disasters and emergencies. By providing financial assistance and promoting proactive mitigation efforts, the DMBRF will help safeguard the livelihoods of campground owners, preserve local economies, and enhance community resilience in the face of increasingly severe climate-related challenges. The government’s allocation of funds to establish and sustain the DMBRF is a necessary investment in the long-term viability of campground businesses and the communities they serve.

Industry Definitions
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Emergency Relief for Campgrounds

Campground businesses play a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting local economies across the nation. However, they are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of natural disasters and emergencies, such as flooding and wildfires. Unlike many other businesses, campgrounds often operate on a seasonal basis, making them ineligible for federal emergency relief funding. This policy position advocates for the establishment of a Disaster Mitigation and Business Relief Fund (DMBRF) to address the unique challenges faced by campground businesses in times of crisis.

Natural disasters and emergencies, including flooding and wildfires, pose significant threats to campground businesses in Canada. According to data from Environment and Climate Change Canada, human activity contributes to nearly 85% of wildfires across the country, with the frequency and severity of these fires escalating due to climate change. Similarly, flooding events are on the rise, with Statistics Canada reporting a 20% increase in the frequency of major flood events over the past decade. These disasters result in property damage, loss of revenue, and potential business closures for campgrounds, impacting both owners and the local economies they support.

Impact on Campground Businesses:

  1. Financial Losses: Campgrounds rely heavily on seasonal revenue, and disruptions caused by natural disasters can result in significant financial losses. A study by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds found that campground closures due to wildfires and flooding can lead to an average revenue loss of 30% or more.
  2. Property Damage: Campground infrastructure, including cabins, RV hookups, and amenities, are susceptible to damage from flooding and wildfires. The cost of repairing or rebuilding these facilities can be prohibitively expensive for small campground owners.
  3. Tourism Decline: Natural disasters can deter tourists from visiting affected areas, leading to a decline in campground bookings and associated revenue. Even campgrounds that are not directly impacted by the disaster may experience reduced visitation due to negative perceptions of the region’s safety.

85%

wildfires resulting from human activity in Canada.

Despite the significant impact of natural disasters on campground businesses, many owners are unable to access federal emergency relief funding due to the seasonal nature of their operations. Existing relief programs often prioritize businesses with year-round operations, leaving campground owners without crucial financial assistance to recover from disasters.

The establishment of a Disaster Mitigation and Business Relief Fund (DMBRF) specifically tailored to the needs of campground businesses is essential. This fund would provide financial assistance to campground owners affected by natural disasters, helping them cover the costs of property damage, loss of revenue, and business continuity efforts. Additionally, the DMBRF would support proactive mitigation measures, such as fire prevention strategies and flood-resistant infrastructure improvements, to reduce the risk of future disasters.

Justification for Funding Allocation:

  1. Scale of the Challenge: Natural disasters pose a significant and growing threat to campground businesses across the country. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires and flooding events necessitate urgent action to support affected owners and mitigate future risks.
  2. Economic Importance: Campground businesses contribute to local economies through job creation, tourism revenue, and tax contributions. Supporting these businesses during times of crisis not only helps individual owners but also preserves the economic vitality of communities reliant on outdoor recreation.
  3. Equity and Fairness: Campground owners should not be penalized for the seasonal nature of their businesses when it comes to accessing emergency relief funding. Establishing a dedicated fund ensures that all businesses, regardless of their operating schedule, have equal opportunities to recover from disasters and build resilience for the future.