Welcome to…
Blind Bay Resort
...luxury recreational living on the shores of the Shuswap!

RV and Park Model Sales and Marketing - please contact: sales@blindbayresort.com

Dear Friends:

Welcome to Blind Bay Resort, a four seasons recreational destination located in the heart of the Shuswap. Located in Blind Bay on the main Shuswap Lake Arm, the resort is six hours from Calgary, under five from Vancouver, and on the ‘civilized’ side of the lake. No trains, easy access, quiet bay, full amenities… there is nothing like it to compare anywhere!

We have developed a master plan that includes a unique partnership of public and private use, offering investment and income potential for discriminating owners year-round. Three distinct lots will provide for RV’s, deluxe park model cottages, commercial leaseholds, and richly-appointed motel suites - woven into a secure family environment for all to enjoy. Unlike other parks, Blind Bay Resort is off the main highway, 3 km’s from the nearest rail line, protected from wind and storm, directly below a championship 18 hole golf course, and near hiking and quad trails, skiing and snowmobiling. Escape for some fun, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a star-filled sky next to your crackling fire. At any time of the year! We’d love to have you join us. Read on for a brief overview of the resort, and feel free to direct any questions to our family and staff. It’s all about family and fun at Blind Bay Resort!

Meet the Owners

Blind Bay Resort is a culmination of vision by owners Dan & Bonnie Baskill, together with the professional support of their consultants and surveyor. Dan & Bonnie purchased the former Sportsman’s RV Resort in 2005, operating it for two seasons with their children before taking on the task of rebuilding it. An electrical contractor by trade, Dan and Bonnie have owned several businesses including a battery store, and have previous experience with small real estate projects prior to settling in Blind Bay. They have six children (soon to have four grandchildren), and have enjoyed working with all of them on the property at one point or the other in the last three years. Their oldest son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Amanda, provide on-site management, lending a strong family dimension to the resort in current and future development. Much of the work completed on-site is done by the family, with the help of several local contractors, so owners can be sure a great deal of attention is afforded to each project.

Beginning in 2005, the Baskills have been working with the local Regional District, to draft up a plausible and effective subdivision and development plan that would best reflect the historical use of the property, while giving maximum benefit to the community. Hence, a multi-lot strata plan was construed in compliance with zoning and bylaws, permitting a creative approach to private and public use in a very desirable area.

Lot “A”

This lot, comprised of 2.52 acres, is set apart for commercial uses that benefit the development and surrounding community. There is an existing store that features a grocery, liquor, bakery, take-out foods, and postal services. This service will be relocated to an adjacent property to allow for substantial expansion and increased services, and should be ready for business in early spring of 2009. A 1.5 acre parcel has been set aside for public camping until a suitable use can be determined that will benefit the community and resort guests. Twenty-four full service sites are open for camping there at present. The existing commercial building is scheduled for a complete renovation this winter, to provide for possible restaurant/ specialty coffee venues, check-in offices, and four self-contained luxury ‘motel’ suites on the top level. The lower level houses our recreation room for the resort, which has been completely remodeled for this season’s use.  

Also on the “A” lot is our manager’s residence, pool, washrooms and showers, exercise room, and laundry. A new pool and year-round hot tub is planned for spring of 2009. We’ll continue to update our friends with progress reports, and are excited to bring additional improvements.

Lot “B”

Now completed and occupied as our first ‘phase,’ Lot “B” contains 61 luxury recreation lots. This 5.19 acre parcel has been completely renovated to provide upgraded year-round services, including 70 Amp power, cable TV and telephone hook-ups, deep water and sewer, and natural gas to each site. Approximately 49 sites have been offered for sale on a shared-interest basis, with approximately 20 remaining as of July, 2008. Each site is complete with concrete pad, zero-maintenance decorative gravel, cedars, 25’ tree, asphalt driveway, unique personalized carving, and a finished 8’x10’ storage shed. Lots are about 30’x75’ in dimension, with some larger and irregular ones available. 

Within Strata Lot “B”, each RV site is apportioned into four shares, with a corresponding share in the strata to ensure maximum flexibility for our owners. Quarter interests in a basic RV site or luxury park model cottage give an extremely affordable means of securing lake access and a holiday destination. A benefit of the four shares can be to split ownership with other family or friends, or ‘will’ fractional interests to children at a later date. Quite a concept that is set up for maximum value! Because each owner is on title at the provincial land registry, GST is applicable on each site purchase, plus the provincial land transfer tax.
    
Lot “C”

The final and perhaps most important phase is a prime waterfront 3.82 acre parcel, planned for additional RV and park model cottage sites, or possible luxury cottages. We will be moving through a public rezoning process this winter to bring a portion of this land into compatible zoning with both the foreshore and uplands acreage. 

A significant area of the waterfront, together with rights of use of the existing marina, have been provided for to all resort owners and guests. The beach area includes a children’s playground, private sandy beach, new fiberglass marina, and swim zone. It is nestled at the foot of Blind Bay, protected from storms and winds, surrounded by mountain vistas, and abounding in natural wonder. 

Imagine a few friends relaxing on your deck, overlooking the bay, watching the sun set over the western hills with the sound of children’s laughter drifting up from the sandy beach and marina. Sound tempting?  Are you tired of crammed campgrounds, oppressive rules, and the noise of busy highways and train tracks? Then consider the rare and limited opportunity to join the family at Blind Bay Resort! Work is ongoing to carefully create a lasting legacy for friends who join us now, and who share our vision for family, fun and memories.

Common Areas, Easements

Although we have created three distinct lots as part of our subdivision plan, all are interconnected through the sharing of common utilities, roads, and amenities. All owners and guests have access to the beach area, use of the marina, walkways, roads, pool, clubhouse, showers and green areas.  

The new clubhouse rec room offers a welcome destination to hang out, play cards, shoot a game of billiards, or watch an action-packed movie on a large screen with friends. Special events and gatherings during non-prime seasons may be reserved and held within this fine amenity. A full weight and exercise room is located beside the showers and clubhouse, and offers the finest equipment and sauna to guests over the age of 16. An existing 20’x40’ pool provides a great place to cool off, with a new larger one planned directly across from the showers and bathrooms. A commercial hot tub will be added for year-round enjoyment. In addition to the new showers and exercise room, a private laundry has been provided for guest use. Outside the laundry room door is a small tot playground and grass area to keep that busy little guy happy while mom or dad attend to that favorite domestic duty (right!). Common green areas provide for outdoor recreation, including horseshoes, volleyball, soccer, etc. The back playfield is almost an acre in size, with room enough for a game or two before the kids head off to bed. The beach frontage will see continued improvements, ensuring ample room for guests to enjoy the warm waters of a summer afternoon. 

And of course there is the marina – ready for boat moorage and access to the Western Canada’s finest fresh water lake. The current configuration allows for 42 slips, with an application in process to expand for additional boats of a larger size. Owners access their slip for a modest daily or monthly fee, allowing the management company to accrue funds for ongoing maintenance and repair.  

Security

Blind Bay Resort is a fenced, secure property, with an entrance gate and card system in the final stages of completion this late spring. We currently provide dispatch for a community Citizens on Patrol service, and have established the first Community Policing Station for our area. Additional peace of mind is offered by locking deluxe sheds, provided on each lot. Although Blind Bay enjoys very low incidents as reported to the RCMP, we encourage people to be responsible with their possessions and property.

Ownership

Our three lot bare land strata has been created to accommodate the uses of Blind Bay Resort, under direction of the local Regional District. Within the strata, companies have been set up to provide for a shared-interest ownership, in which shares are purchased individually to legally bind owners to their designated lot. A voting share is also given in the strata corporation, to allow each owner a voice in the overall management of the property.

Shares are saleable, willable, and are able to be financed at many conventional bank institutions to ensure the protection of your investment for generations to come. A complete disclosure, including all legal documentation is provided to qualified buyers through our web page. Prospective owners will be given the opportunity to choose their favorite lot, secure it with an offer to purchase, then take two weeks to explore and close their sale. Please note that real estate transactions in BC require a BC lawyer or notary public to complete – we provide you details through the web page sales link. 

Ownership Fees

Perhaps the most common question and concern is “what are the strata fees?” To provide for ongoing maintenance and operation of the resort, owners will pay a monthly fee, set this year at $110.62/mo. for full RV lots. Property taxes have been budgeted in for this year as we transition from a single title, to one with multiple lot owners. Taxes for the new year will be addressed and charged direct to each owner, and are expected to be near the $3.50/$1000 of assessed lot values per year. These rates are among the lowest of any comparable park, and kept low by the commercial components of the strata. Parks that have gone completely strata have seen fees rise significantly, to rates well in excess of double Blind Bay Resort’s with less amenities and benefits. Rental income generated through the management company is shared between the management company and each owner, to cover advertising, administrative and cleaning costs. Management fees range from 15% to 45%, depending on length of stay by visitors, and the level of care required. The sliding scale allows us to provide superior service, while returning a maximum income to each owner benefiting from the rental pool. 

Owners will be given opportunity to book out their unused lots each year for maximum income potential early in the season.  As owners, you shall have a shared responsibility to ensure Blind Bay Resort continues as a premium destination and sound investment for all participants through participation in the owner’s corp. and strata council.

Park Rules

As in most quality resorts, rules are placed to ensure a mutually enjoyable experience for guests during their stay. They include such things as restricting the number of occupants on a lot, prohibition of unlicensed vehicles, and standards of lot upkeep. Thought has been given to the use of tents, control of pets, observance of ‘quiet times,’ and winter storage. Owners may choose to allow family and friends the use of their lot or quarter-interest time use, but are not allowed to rent their own site privately due to insurance considerations. Should an owner wish to sell, they must notify the management company of their intent and prospective buyer, so that proper documentation and orientation can occur. All rules are posted with the sale documents and disclosure statement, and are detailed on the web page for your convenience. Rules are enforced by the resort manager on behalf of the strata council, and can be modified by majority consensus.

Recreational Pursuits

Many of our guests are long-term enthusiasts of the Shuswap Lake area, and know intimately the many recreation opportunities that exist. From our nearby championship 18 hole golf course located at Shuswap Lake Estates, to family fun centers and waterslides a short drive away, there is plenty to do for the entire family. Whitewater raft down the Adams River, or check out the annual fall salmon run – truly a sight to behold. Try hiking the nearby lookout on a trail network just above us, or bring your quad for hundreds of miles of trail riding for all levels of experience. Trail rides on conventional hay-burners are available, as are tours of local wineries and an old car museum. Stock up on Okanagan fruits, savor an abundance of garden delights, or better yet, barbeque that six pound rainbow awaiting your lure off Reidman’s Point. The fishing is great!

And when the winter snows arrive, enjoy endless cross-country skiing, or visit nearby Sun Peaks, Silver Star and Revelstoke Mountain Ski Resorts, each within a two hour commute. And then there’s our favorite – snowmobiling! From family trails with warm-up cabins, to extreme powder and hill climbing, the Shuswap offers incredible snow, mild temperatures, and all levels of terrain for a memorable winter vacation all within a short drive from our front gate. The season begins in late November and runs into April and beyond. Joy!!

Comparables

The Shuswap, like the Okanagan area, has lost most of its public camping to some form of high-density residential development. A few campgrounds have converted to private RV parks with little or no public access. Blind Bay Resort provides a blend of both public and private uses that encourages variety, affordability, and revenue opportunities. Unlike most other parks, Blind Bay Resort is conveniently located off the Trans Canada Highway, just over three km’s from the nearest train and busy freeway, and in a very secluded valley on the Shuswap’s only large protected bay. The resort has a full service store, year-round services, is only a three minute drive to a world class golf course, and has ample room for family fun. Most resorts on both the North Shuswap or along Mara Lake in Sicamous all require drives to the nearest shopping and fuel, or to access the lake. Larger resorts get very crowded during peak times, while smaller ones can not offer the space and amenities of Blind Bay Resort. And if you love trains – you can drive up to see them, not sleep with them! Blind Bay, although tranquil and secluded, is relatively free from insects – a very important consideration when staying in spring and early summer. We owe this to the lack of standing water or agricultural fields where mosquitoes thrive, and we’ve enhanced this by retaining a desert-style landscaping theme.  Compare features and benefits, and you’ll find Blind Bay Resort a winner in all categories.

Conclusion

Imagine an area with four distinct seasons, lush forests, stunning vistas, warm and clean summer lake waters, great fishing and golf, and quiet solitude. Its right here, in your own back yard at Blind Bay Resort.  No other park offers such amenities and features. No other lakeside resort nestles on the banks of a quiet bay away from noisy highways, rail lines or busy city centers. And no other park offers a unique blend of public access, income potential, multiple uses, and year-round use like we do. Its centrally located, secure and private, and easy to afford… enough said? 

We invite you to become a part of our family, and look forward to your visit and questions. But hurry… the opportunity to own is very limited, and will disappear fast. 


Thank you!
Blind Bay Resort
Dan Baskill

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The perfect place to make memories that last a lifetime...