| Author | Message | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.247 Rating: N/A |
The latest issue of Good Sam Highways states that (paraphrased) Nova Scotia no longer allows one to stay overnight at places such as WalMart,ostensibly free camping.....WalMart has opted out voluntarily and has issued no parking overnight warnings. Interesting since we had a great night, along with others from the USA at the Halifax WM a couple of years ago. Had no idea where to go if not for them.....  Anyone know of specific places available as one travels that part of the world? Thanx in advance. RCB | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 116 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.105.115 Rating: N/A |
3. NOVA SCOTIA’S BAN ON RVERS STAYING OVERNIGHT EVERYWHERE EXCEPT IN LICENSED PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS In Nova Scotia it is illegal for a private property owner who does not have a campground license issued by the Provincial Government to provide an RVing member of the traveling public a place to stay overnight. The policy and intent of the government of Nova Scotia is succinctly stated in correspondence, in the fall of 2004, from Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. 12 "Our government and the campground industry consider camping in locations such as Walmart [sic] parking lots illegal. The Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations requires all land owners who plan to offer this type of "camping" to have a license to do so.” 13 "... we must acknowledge the need for our visitors to be located in a clean and safe environment. Our licensed campground operators, as small business owners, have invested time and resources into providing a clean, safe and enjoyable experience for those who travel in our province ..." Despite the Minister's implications, according to an official of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage there is no evidence that ‘camping’ in other than a licensed campground is either unclean or dangerous to RVers visiting Nova Scotia. The issue is entirely the threat of loss of revenue to private campground owners as the result of the competition of ‘indiscriminate camping’. This was made clear at the introduction of the ban on RVers staying overnight in parking lots. In the words of the Hon. Ross Bragg, Minister responsible for Economic Development and Tourism, on October 28, 1994, addressing the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia for the second reading of the then revised Tourist Accommodation Act:14 “The other thing, of course, is that we have brought in a section to the bill that there is now what we call reverse onus, regarding indiscriminate camping. This has been a very controversial issue in the Province of Nova Scotia; campground operators invest a lot of money and time in running good campgrounds and then they find that what happens is people are stopping their motor homes and travel trailers in roadways and parking lots and so on and are allowed to park, obviously without paying a fee and without having the services. “In an effort to enhance the campground industry in Nova Scotia, not just for the operators but for the industry as such because we regulate and make sure they are done and operated in a proper manner, we have brought in that it is now illegal to allow people to indiscriminately camp on your property.” The ban on RVers staying overnight everywhere except in licensed private and public campgrounds has been in effect for more than a decade. Its current form is contained in the following sections of the current Tourist Accommodations Act , enacted in 1994-95, and accompanying regulations. Download the PDF file here! | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.61.22 Rating: N/A |
Wont be long before this is true everywhere I'm afraid. We had a almost comical incident in KeyWest and not so funny run in with a truck stop in Vero Beach. | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 253 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 172.133.137.49 Rating: N/A |
In short the campground owners were complaining about losing money, imagine that. An added bonus is the govt. can extort some money too by making "ALL" land owners that offer this type of camping be required to have a license. Well I can see their point, because everytime I pick up a newspaper I read about another rape or murder at a Walmart. Man, that is such a dangerous place. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 187 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.112.59 Rating: N/A |
who would want to go to Nova scotia anyway | ||
| JR Lynch (Njt5047)
Registered Member Username: Njt5047 Post Number: 77 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 69.132.238.127 Rating: N/A |
Well, I just removed Nova Scotia from my "things to do next year" list. JR | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.144.140 Rating: N/A |
Interesting....no answers to the question..... RCB | ||
| Busfool (Chuck)
Registered Member Username: Chuck Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 206.172.106.3 Rating: N/A |
I have travelled to Nova Scotia and it has some of the greatest camp grounds to park a rig. To put off going there because you are not willing to park and pay will only leave you guessing what you have missed. Some of the best golf courses in north america and some of the best scenery I have seen and I have travelled all over north america.The laid back attitude in Nova Scotia,P.E.I. and Newfoundland the scenery are a must to the avid golfer and RVer if you don't go you will not know what you missed. These places have some of the lowest incomes in North america but the people still make up for it with their pleasant attitude.They have the shortest season for tourism and the biggest part of their income comes from tourists not Walmart.Walmart pays some of the lowest wages on the planet and are a great support to keeping the people living in these places at the poverty incomes they receive. So if you get a chance try thinking about these individuals before you base your travel plans on government decissions or you are going to miss some of the best experiences of your life. Just ones mans oppinion on the topic. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 189 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.226.105.106 Rating: N/A |
they don't have to work for wal-mart....like one of my bosses used to say, "if you don't like your job.....quit" and golf is a silly game | ||
| Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Registered Member Username: Kristinsgrandpa Post Number: 264 Registered: 2-2003 Posted From: 64.24.211.16 Rating: N/A |
Chuck you might be right about the scenery etc. it's a shame I'll never know now. Ed. | ||
| JR Lynch (Njt5047)
Registered Member Username: Njt5047 Post Number: 79 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 69.132.238.127 Rating: N/A |
It really isn't paying for a campground that's the issue...it's being "forced" to look for, and pay, for a campground in an area you are passing through. I get quickly from point to point so I can lollygag at my destination. Not knowing exactly where you'll be during the trip requires searching out campgrounds (unfamiliar campgrounds) in unfamiliar locales. Not fun at all after dark in a 40' bus. Especially when an empty 10 acre parking lot is available, and you'll probably go in and buy something while you're there. However, these sort of rules are becoming more common due to ungracious folk abusing the "free" camping privilege. Still have rest areas...but they are not safe. And some states will run you out after an hour or two. Most won't...yet. Chuck, have you checked one of the RV campground directories? They will list all campgrounds that can handle a coach...and give details of amenities. JR (Message edited by njt5047 on October 01, 2006) | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 41 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.30.252.100 Rating: N/A |
Y'know, I agree with all the arguments presented here for free overnight parking when just passing through. However, it's unlikely anyone would be "passing through" Nova Scotia. The whole province is only 50 x 250 miles. Len | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 193 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.119.248 Rating: N/A |
but people don't like to be forced to do something,I would make it a point not to stop in Nova Scotia,or buy anything till I was sure I was out of there. | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 666 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.129.157.205 Rating: N/A |
If you like fresh seafood - the price of admission will be more than compensated by the (low) price and (high) quality of the diverse aquatic fare - JMO | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 194 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.113.23 Rating: N/A |
maybe it's just me...I once interviewed for a job with Phillips petrolium...paperwork was going thru,things were looking good, I then heard that they had people go out on the parking lot & if you didn't have phillips 66 tires on your car,you were in trouble, & if you were seen going to a gas station other than Phillips, even during a gas war,,your job was in jepardy.I would have bought Phillips if I worked for them, but, to be FORCED to buy Phillips,just goes against my grain. | ||
| Tim McWhorter (Theredwriter)
Registered Member Username: Theredwriter Post Number: 48 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 70.5.212.76 Rating: N/A |
I agree with Bob here, I think it's narrow minded and judgmental to tell everyone that THIS IS THE ONLY WAY it can be done. If that's the case with NS, then I'll never visit there with my coach. If for some strange unseen reason I ever have to go there for business or something, then perhaps I'll drop a dollar bill or two on some of the great things they have to offer. I'm sure it's a great place to visit. I haven't been too many places yet that aren't pretty cool in some unique way (I'm racking my brain to find something about Newark, NJ...but I'm sure it'll come). But I don't like having my personal freedom of choice legislated in such a stupid manner. Just one man's rants... | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member Username: Mike4905 Post Number: 116 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 24.28.40.72 Rating: N/A |
have for years gone to Pigeon Forge TN and a couple of years ago, I arrived about eight hours early. I stayed in WalMart's parking lot overnight. While I was there a rv was parked near the side. The owner had his awning and grill and lawn chairs out. I left in early am and I rode my motorcycle back down for something about four days later and the same rig was still set up. The next year all was posted and enforced. I agree with the town of Seiviereville. | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 44 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.30.252.100 Rating: N/A |
I would like to see some campgrounds offer low cost no frills overnight parking, especially those close to interstate exits. I'd happilly pay $5-10 for a safe place to spend the night. Len | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 648 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 67.142.130.26 Rating: N/A |
The problem I have with such rules is that it can be dangerous to try to park one of our big rigs with a wide turning radius after dark. I frequently drive until late to get through major cities off hours. In the USA it is frequently more economical to stop at a motel with a well lighted parking lot than to try to squeeze in between the trees at a campground that the owner says has "plenty of room" to maneuver. Unlimited showers and hot water at motels too. Perhaps parking at a motel parking lot and staying in th e motel would still be legal in Nova Scotia. Surely the campground owners concession does not deny us the right to use a motel. | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 649 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 67.142.130.26 Rating: N/A |
Don't let this make you miss Newfoundland. I hope we can still arrive early to get a good place in line for the Ferry at North Sydney and spend the night waiting if necessary. The alternative would be a bleary eyed late arrival after leaving the campground at O dark thirty. Guys you have got to see Newfoundland. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 905 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 65.92.124.33 Rating: N/A |
Is this some sort of conspiracy? This is a rule that has been far and away not enforced, on the books for many years... Just like dozens of rules in places all over the continent. We know campground operators.... imagine what being their elected representative might be like? So, you enact the rule to shut them up, and then the local enforcement community ignores the rule. If you don't go to Nova Scotia because of this, you better do some research, because other places you frequent, maybe even your own municipality, has the same type rules. What are the "Rules" at just about every interstate rest area, and where are we all parked to sleep for the night, with no bother, and in many, a paid guard on duty all night? Don't set up camp, and move on in the AM. Who is going to bother you where? Those damned Canadians... happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 117 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.106.190 Rating: N/A |
Tim - Newark, NJ.............Newark, NJ.........Newark, NJ.....?? OH!!! .... I got it!! - Aroma Therapy! Buswarrior - There's no overnight parking at any of the Walmart (or similar) stores Melbourne, Florida, Viera, Fl, Merritt Island, Fl, or Cocoa Beach, Fl.... And the list is growing at a very rapid rate. It has absolutely nothing to do with the conduct of the campers, and more to do with political contributers... If Nova Scotia's off the list, mind as well erase Florida as well... </sarcasm> I hate being forced to pay for a simple overnight snooze, but to drive away that many gallons of fuel to see something that's felt that important to see.... and complain about a few bucks extra for a decent night's sleep? Jeeesh, come'on guys... | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.239.108 Rating: N/A |
JR Lynch hit it right on the head in his 1st paragraph....I did not ask for "free spots"....I am simply looking for "...places available". A place to stop in unfamiliar territory. At night. Will no doubt be there for a couple or three weeks........ First trip left much unseen and....un done, as it were. Just looking for any "specific" suggestions someone might have about a place,or several, when we next go to that fantastic land. Bus Warrior....any friends up that way who might have an answer? Many thanx.... RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 254 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 172.151.85.236 Rating: N/A |
"I did not ask for "free spots"....I am simply looking for "...places available". A place to stop in unfamiliar territory." Not to flame you (Chuckllb), but the way your first post is written leads one to believe you were looking for free overnight parking. That is why all the responses about the law and not about campground recommendations. FWIW, Dale | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: |
It's just another form of excise tax, imposed to enable an legislatively supported, inefficient business to survive, rather than responsibly compete. I agree with Dale, if it was related to Health, Safety, Welfare and Morals, and limited to those laudable goals, fine, but not to preserve the pocketbook of someone who made a poor or ill advised investment and now seeks a legislative bailout. This is not far removed from a legislator raising taxes so he can raise his salary! I am going to contact the Ministry of Tourism and inform them of my decision to not visit Nova Scotia as long as this code is in force, that I will so advise friends and acquaintance, and invite anyone I feel is interested in making the same decision to communicate their feelings as well. They can be reached at: tns@gov.ns.ca Check the following page: http://www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/contact.asp | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 908 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 65.92.188.47 Rating: N/A |
Well... Same as anywhere else. How much attention will a parked bus conversion get if it is in the same configuration as going down the road? No steps out, no awning, no slide outs extended, no baggage doors open, no generator stack installed, better yet, no generator, no noise, lights out early, (better yet, blackout curtains fix a lot) no NOTHING going on? And well dressed and shaved. No problem. Until we hear of someone actually getting ticketed in whatever jurisdiction, and we get a honest report of how they were presenting themselves foolishly, or their stupid choice of place to provoke attention.... I'm not going to change my plan of attack: enroute, stopped long enough to sleep, in the dark, spend cash where I park. Once "in country", making my way from campground to campground to see the sites I planned to see, using the campground as base of operations. And parking in friends driveways, or out front of their house. And presenting closed up tight like a drum when doing so... Cops only pissed at the ones who camp, look like refugee bums, or answering ratepayer complaints. Help the cop, ask where to move to so the ratepayer feels fulfilled and cop is seen to have done their job. Cops in Canada are well paid, not the same attitude problems as some jurisdictions in US. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: N/A |
To be fair, I should clarify my position. I see nothing wrong with legislation that Wal-mart users are prohibited from "setting camp" and limiting the number of days of stay (as mentioned above.) I do object to monopolistic laws (killing competition) by favoring local businesses. They should "stand on their own two feet" and offer services commensurate with their charges. With these laws, they don't have to (truly) compete. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.238.150 Rating: N/A |
Dale...perhaps an assumption on your part. As I re-read the post, I don't see where that came out as a request for a freebie....as stated,,,"had no idea where to go if not for them". We arrived after dark, ran across WM by accident and after inquiring thruout the city, including the Shipping Yards.....did not have any answers except WM. Didn't know a blow by blow was expected, but there you have it. As requested, does anyone know of a (several) places (anywhere)in Nova Scotia. Truck stops are always available, but not necessarily places of choice. Campgrounds are very obscure, as I recall and if we saw one at all in Halifax, we neither one remember it. FWIW RCB | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 255 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 172.146.18.105 Rating: N/A |
Well Chuck, Instead of all the posting about the laws in Nova Scotia it would have been alot easier to post your question about parking or campgrounds. That way several post later you wouldn't have to post "Interesting....no answers to the question..... RCB". By posting about the laws in Nova Scotia, that is all you will hear about instead of campground or overnight parking recommendations. Have you got any recommendations??? Oh Well, hang in there. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 911 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 64.228.90.2 Rating: N/A |
Internet search comes up with http://www.tonovascotia.com/campgrounds/home.html this is the official government tourism site. And the Trailer Life directory, as well as the rest of the big name campground bibles, list many options. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.144.86 Rating: |
Thanx, BW....sort of what I was looking for. Problem seems to be that most require some advance notice. Usually, we have no idea where we will be from one day to the next. Three weeks or so and see all you can, if you know what I mean. We have much NS material, and have all the published stuff that we know of, but this we did not have. Dale......'scuse me! Didn't realize the post would cause such a stir. Many strong and definitive feelings out there it seems.... one reason I don't post often. Folks seem to get their feathers ruffled pretty easily these days, or at the least want something to pic on. FWIW The name is RC,,, RCB | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 202 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.14 Rating: N/A |
The only way to counteract this mentality is by withholding ones dollars. I had planned a trip to Nova Scotia next time I go to Boston but this short sighted attitude has made me cancel the whole idea. Plenty of other nice places to visit in the NE. I believe the city fathers of Butte, MT have adopted the same dumb idea. Stupidity always ruffles my feathers. | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: N/A |
RC, Don't take it personal. We all need a place to vent on occasion. If the Small Minded &$%^$% takes it personal, consider the source! Carpe Diem! Onward and Upward | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 256 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 172.132.157.233 Rating: N/A |
RC, I was just trying to help you get your answers. Had to go through all that to get someone to give you a place or list of campgrounds. LOL. I have to agree about not posting very often, seems like everytime I post a question all I get is theories, principals, or 100 post why it won't work even though no one has tried it or even heard of it. Sometimes it's kinda fun to ask the question AFTER I know the results. Dale | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.222 Rating: N/A |
Anybody take note of the advert at the very top of this page???....::::: Rub it in Ian, rub it in. Great board! RCB | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: N/A |
Dale said: "seems like everytime I post a question all I get . . Sometimes it's kinda fun to ask the question AFTER I know the results" I always understood this BB's purpose was to provide a forum to exchange information or explore and develop ideas in order to learn! And all this time I thought Ace was being unreasonable, by you, turns out he may have been right? NOT !!! IMHO, in the "land of the free and home of the brave" we're all entitled to our thoughts and opinions. If we stiffle those freedoms of thought and expression we're half-way to socialism and sliding fast in that direction. Participated in a 2 hour BB "round table" at the 2d Laughlin BC convention. Anybody who's previous post, was challenged, when he explained the basis of the questioned post, saw the "complainer" admitting he "never thought of it that way" At the same time, it was obvious that many of the participants had never posted and when prodded at the "round table" turned out to have good ideas. "non illigitimus carborundum" [Don't let the bastards grind you down!] There's many out here that will defend your right to possess incomplete, developing ideas which you're entitled to explore. Go for it! | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.145 Rating: N/A |
Marc..... same ole Marc...and thank you for it.... good to see there are those who hang it out thru thick and thin. AIRC, you were the very first to answer my first post....years ago. Good to see you are still ....intelectual....as it were. What happened to Onward and Upward...? RCB | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: N/A |
R.C. Hope I'm as helpful now as I (apparently) was then! Wouldn't want anybody to conclude I was in a rut [Onward and Upward] but I will admit to the desire to continue my status as an intellectual. [ROFL!] I appreciate the appreciation. My day is made if I've saved someone $.10 and/or 10 minutes! [Who says intellectuals can't be intellectuals and simpletons at the same time!] Onward and Upward | ||
| Tim McWhorter (Theredwriter)
Registered Member Username: Theredwriter Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 70.5.218.0 Rating: N/A |
Well, for what it's worth...I'm sitting in a Walmart parking lot at the moment. This is probably the 60th Walmart I've been in since July. I started in New Jersey and now I'm in Washington state. I haven't had a problem anywhere. I have gone into pretty much every single one of them and made purchases there too. I use everyone of them for only one night. I don't set up camp (I've seen people do that, which is ridiculous). I use them for just passing through an area and to scout out an unfamiliar area for a good campground. Flying J's, T/A's, Pilot's, all are fine too. I too don't like to venture into the unknown late at night in my big ol' bus. Even as an experienced over the road truck driver, I'm leary of exploring the unknown at night. Driving down the interstate? I'll do that all night long, no problem. I appreciate the fact that I can use a Walmart for a night. I wish people didn't abuse their courtesy. I wish other people didn't have to keep looking for ways to legislate my freedoms away...in the US and elsewhere... Have fun folks...be careful! John...aroma therapy? Isn't that 'aroma' up there more in line with black lung syndrome?? Haha... |
