January 22, 2019

The Department of ITI’s North Slave office is making campsites at the Prelude Lake campground available to tour operators as a base to deliver their Aurora experiences. 

The initiative which is being piloted this year is designed to ensure Aurora watchers are safe and off the main highway system but Tom Parker, the region’s Parks Development Coordinator, say it will also serve to enhance the operator’s Aurora product.

“Operators can set up temporary structures like wall tents, offer seating and campfires to enhance the Aurora viewing experience for their clients.”

Photo: A temporary wall tent for visitors to warm up between Aurora viewings. Credit: Barry Myren

A site contractor has been put in place to ensure the area is kept clean, roads and trails are cleared of snow, site rules are being followed, and to generally oversee the pilot project.

To limit noise and light pollution, vehicles will not been permitted to enter the campground’s C loop during tours. A parking area has been established and the operators must lead their guest in on foot.

An engagement session was held in advance of the pilot project with local home and cabin owners.

“The response from residents was generally positive,” Parker notes. “I believe most residents recognized the inherent value of a safe area available to operators that is managed responsibly,”

Up to 10 campsites on Prelude’s C-Loop were made available for use between January 7 and April 15, 2019 for a fee of $2,315.25 (incl. GST) which covers the costs of services provided by the North Slave Regional Office. They include:      

• Site snow clearing and minor snow maintenance;
• Garbage removal;
• Outhouse access and cleaning;
• Safety barriers and signage; and
• Park operator support for maintenance and enforcement support at night.

For more information on this project, contact Tom Parker at tom_parker@gov.nt.ca.

The GNWT provides a number of programs, services and supports for NWT operators under its Tourism 2020 plan to grow and strengthen the NWT’s tourism sector in support of greater regional economic development and diversification.