Legal costs related to the lengthy Maple Pool Campground dispute in Courtenay totalled more than $240,000, according to city council.
Council voted to release the amount at an in-camera meeting on Monday, Courtenay’s mayor said.
“The Maple Pool case was the most challenging situation I’ve faced on council,” said mayor Larry Jangula. “While we were extremely relieved when the case was settled late last year, we’ve continued to hear requests for more transparency on costs from members of the public.”
In total, the costs between 2010 and 2016 added up to $240,757.
Initial legal fees were for litigation, but costs primarily went towards mediation and settlement of the case.
According to the city, funds for legal fees are included in its annual budget.
The Comox Valley campsite was originally designed as an overnight campground. It became a year-round home for more than 50 people who were at risk of becoming homeless.
The city launched legal action in 2010 to try to close it down over zoning and safety concerns.
The lawsuit between the city and the owners of the campground was settled through mediation in 2015, under mutually agreeable terms.
While the terms of the deal are confidential, the owners of Maple Pool entered into an arrangement restricting the use of up to 53 sites at the campground solely for affordable housing.
These sites are located on the property’s highest points and away from a direct path of river flows, in case of flooding.
Waivers of liability to the city regarding flood hazards and costs will also be provided by the owner and residents.
A 30-metre area along the banks of the Tsolum River and other streams will not see further development for environmental reasons.
The settlement also agreed on Maple Pool operating with 23 lawfully non-conforming seasonal and short term campsites at market rates.
