GORDON—The new ‘Priddle Park’ campground is now open in Gordon/Barrie Island. The new trailer, recreational vehicle and tenting campground opened early last week. “Technically we’re open, we don’t have any signs up and haven’t been able to do any advertising thus far,” said Cole McLaughin, one of the developer/proponents of the project, along with his father Hugh, told The Expositor last week.
“We have people staying at the campground now, and we have three trailers coming in for the Gore Bay Harbour Days celebrations (the last weekend in July),” said Mr. McLaughlin. He noted there are five camping sites open as part of the first phase of the development.
Mr. McLaughlin had explained previously, “our plan is to start with building a few campground sites as part of the first phase.” He explained trailer, recreational vehicle and tenting sites will be available. “We are looking at a total of 17 sites over a three-four stage plan. Initially, we are looking at having 8-10 sites in place this summer. There are port-a-potties on the site, with town water and fire pits at each site.”
The new campground is called Priddle Park in memory of Mr. McLaughlin’s grandfather, Frank Priddle who owned the Priddle Timber Company (which was sold to the Ontario Paper Company) and was mayor of Gore Bay at one time.
There is plenty of room for development and expansion on the property, which is located off Highway 540 just outside of Gore Bay (the same property where the former driving range was located).
