Camping tourism hurt by flooding in Black Diamond

Flooding has hurt tourism in the southern Alberta community of Black Diamond, where a popular campground was washed away.

The Foothills Lions Centennial Park Campground sits along the Sheep River. The campground, which has 75 sites and a day-use area, was completelydestroyed last month when heavy rainfall brought massive flooding.

Campground spokesman James Lee says the park fees raised money for the Lions, who reinvested it in the community.

"Lions We Servethats our motto, and in order to serve that takes some money. We hand out between $60,000 to $80,000 within the community every year and that might seriously compromise some of that."

Many of the campers also spent money in Black Diamond, especially in the strip mall across the way.

"This time of year, thecampground is packed and they count on that, they have liquor store and grocery store," said building owner Mario Dal Callo.

Lee expects to partially open the campground next month, and have the rest open by next year.