May 4, 2006

A professor in UNBC’s Resource Recreation and Tourism program isconcerned that efforts to outlaw free RV parking will make PrinceGeorge a less-attractive destination to tourists.

Anne Hardy has conducted research into the local RV market, focusing onthe practice of “boondocking,” whereby RVers stay overnight for free onroadsides or in commercial parking lots. Last September, she conductedinterviews with 13 boondockers in Prince George, with the intention offinding out why boondocking persists. It is estimated that up to 20% ofall RVers boondock regularly.

“There were two types of boondockers: those who did so most or all ofthe time and those who only boondock occasionally,” says Dr. Hardy.“Among frequent boondockers, money was the big issue along with thefact that they required few or no facilities. The occasional boondockerdid so out of convenience and they indicated to me that they wouldnormally stay in an RV park or provincial park campground if they weregoing to be in the community longer.”

While the boondockers stay overnight for free, Dr. Hardy identified inher research that they do spend money in the community on supplies andfood. “Walmart is a powerful player in the RV market and RVersdefinitely know where the Walmart stores are located. Some of theboondockers I talked to only stayed in Walmart parking lots, for easeof replenishing supplies. Even more important, RVers appear to be verywell-connected, both on the internet and through word-of-mouth. I’mconcerned that banning boondocking will be detrimental to PrinceGeorge’s image among all RVers, including those who do pay overnightfees in RV parks.”

Dr. Hardy is a specialist in rubber-tire tourism. In addition tofollowing the boondocking debate in Prince George, she is watching howthe sinking of the Queen of the North will affect tourism traffic toBC’s North Coast and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

The Resource Recreation and Tourism program is unique in BC and offersa BA in Resource-based Tourism and a BSc in Resource Recreation.

Contact:
Anne Hardy, Resource Recreation and Tourism professor, UNBC - 250.960.5114