NDP Environment critic Kate White wants to know more about the government’s discussion to designate some of the Yukon’s public campsites specifically for RV use.

Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Scott Kent says the concept of expanding RV opportunities in or next to existing campgrounds is still in the discussion phase.

Nothing will happen for next year’s camping season, the minister told White repeatedly during question period Monday, as he did last Thursday.

On Monday, White asked the minister to scrap the plan altogether.

Yukon campgrounds are public campgrounds, and they’re not meant to serve the private needs of the lucky few with RVs, she suggested.

The NDP has a copy of the government discussion paper about how to expand RV opportunities, as well as email correspondence between government officials last July suggesting a pilot project could be ready to go for the 2016 camping season.

“I have not had the opportunity to bring any options back to my caucus colleagues, and there won’t be any work done on this for the 2016 camping season, as I mentioned,” Kent told White on Monday.

Kent insisted the discussion is currently focused on providing additional RV opportunities in underutilized campgrounds that are at two or three hours from Whitehorse.

The discussion paper suggests there may be an opportunity to designate some campsites as RV sites available through a lottery or a seasonal term through a lease or licence.

Using existing roads and campground infrastructure would minimize development costs, unless there was an appetite to bring in power and provide waste disposal.

There’s also a suggestion about developing RV stalls next to existing campgrounds – all campgrounds – which would reduce pressure on the more popular campgrounds.

There’s a possibility of partnering with First Nations to develop RV parks on public or settlement lands, or purchasing private land for development of additional RV opportunities.

All of the options, says the discussion paper, could be seen as competing with the private RV parks.

Kent maintains the proposal is in keeping with the Yukon Party platform to increase recreational opportunities for Yukoners.

White, however, remains suspicious.

“Well, Mr. Speaker, Yukoners want to know if three, four or five months from now, this government plans on leasing campsites to RV owners for the entire season,” White said during question period last Thursday.

“Mr. Speaker, will the minister confirm that his government plans to go ahead with this plan for next summer’s camping season?”

“No, this will not be anything that’s considered for next camping season,” responded Kent.

“As I mentioned, it’s a concept. I’ve asked department officials to get more information based on a request from my caucus colleagues.”