Farmers helping Farmers

[bombay_43]

Well, it has been probably close to 20 years since we went on a holiday. In those days, Alberta was just implementing a pay for camping and firewood concept and while families who didn't have much, could still afford to pitch a tent, and feast on hotdogs, prior to that, it now became rather expensive for low income families to holiday at a reasonable cost.

I figure if we could make a data base of farm families, who would be willing to allow other farm families to park, free of charge, on an unused portion of their land, in exchange for the same rights being granted to them... we could have an exclusive "no pay camping across all of Canada (even the United States)reserved only for Farmers!

Any thoughts on this? Would anyone else be interested in such a thing?

[coppertop]

sounds like a great idea until you think of
liability issues, that cam muddy the
waters.

[bombay_43]

I don't really know too much about the liability issue, but I do know, that most of us already carry some form of liability on our farms, in case someone gets hurt on our land. Obviously if it was set up as a business, where we made money on overnighters, there would also be the issue of business licenses, rezoning, etc. However, so far, our country is still free, (as long as we do what we are told to) and I think we are allowed to have some "friends" stop by overnight.
Maybe we would all have to sign a waiver, releasing the host family of any liabilities?
This would have to be researched with an insurance agent before actually doing it.
Thanks for your input Coppertop!

[perfecho]

I like it, put me down....just bring your own beer!

[coppertop]

It does sound like a wonderful idea, and
would be an affordable vacation for
families.
In our municipality if a landowner
wanted to make a business out of having
a campground on their property they
would be required to apply for a
development permit and it would spell
out the conditions eg: water
availability, portable outhouses etc.,
otherwise it wouldn't be to difficult to
get a permit. I am sure each
municipality and province would have
different regulations with respect to a
commercial campground, but allowing
someone to camp on one's field wouldn't
be a huge commercial venture, but I do
agree that a waiver would be prudent,
just for the protection of the
landowner, if nothing else.
The concept is something that would
allow families to visit other areas and
learn about them firsthand from the host
farm family.

[ado089]

Great idea. But the closest I can get anyone to lake front property is a 3 ac slough, maybe a seasonal creek.

[perfecho]

But it's the company that counts!

[wilagro]

Yes, the company you keep...the mosquitos, no-see-ums and the black flies.
Don't leave home without at least 6 or 8 cans of OFF or equivalent.
Bear spray too or its equivalent (boom stick).
After all this is Canada where the bugs out-number the people.

[dfarms11]

hey Bombay, have you thought any more about this? I am really liking this idea.