City of Dawson gave the Gold Rush Campground a two-year notice to terminate their lease. Klondike Visitors Association not supporting the decision.
The Klondike Visitors Association (KVA) does not support the recent decision of the City of Dawson to give the Gold Rush Campground a two-year notice to terminate their lease.
The Gold Rush Campground is the in-town RV Park and Campground, which operates on land leased from the City of Dawson at the corner of Fifth and York. It is believed that approximately 15,000 visitors stay at this campground annually, which generates millions of dollars for the local economy, and promotes in-town spending at multiple attractions, restaurants and bars; and longer stays for visitors to the community.
KVA is supportive of housing initiatives as well as the development of a successful recreation centre, but believes that an in-town RV Park is essential to the success of the tourism economy and the marketability of Dawson as a destination.
Brian Stethem, Chair of the Klondike Visitors Association said in a statement, "The City of Dawson is threatening the stability of the tourism industry in our community, at a time when private industry is already suffering. We see this as a step backwards for our community."
Tourism is a driving force of the economy in Dawson City. On an annual basis, tourism brings over 75,000 visitors to Dawson City annually, sustaining over 300 jobs and creating millions of dollars for the local economy.