Edmonton-area customers still seeking refunds 8 months after glamping trips were cancelled

Two Edmonton-area residents say they are still trying to get their money back, nearly eight months after their reservations at a Parkland County glamping resort were cancelled. 

Both customers booked stays at Urban River Adventures, southwest of Edmonton, about 30 kilometres west of the town of Devon, last year.

Edmonton resident Noelle Jaipaul said she booked a stay in mid-May in one of the resort's geodesic domes for her anniversary weekend in September, but on May 31, she received a cancellation email from the company.

The email said the company was expanding and she could either rebook in the revamped resort or receive a full refund. 

Jaipaul said she requested a refund this fall, but has yet to receive the nearly $400 back.

"In our house, we really try and support local businesses and entrepreneurs and this just leaves such a bad taste in my mouth," she told CBC News in an interview on Wednesday.

John Peddle, who lives in Sherwood Park, said he booked a one-night stay at the resort for early June almost a year ago. 

Like Jaipaul, he also received a cancellation email on May 31 and has yet to receive his refund.

"$240 isn't a mortgage payment, but it's money I could use," he said.

Jaipaul and Peddle showed CBC News their booking receipts and email correspondence with the company.

Both received an email on Wednesday from the company. The email said it was committed to refunding everyone and would have an announcement and firm timeline soon.

The email suggested filing a dispute with their credit card companies if they required immediate refunds.

Peddle said he tried that, but because he paid months in advance, it was too late to dispute the charge.

Edmonton resident Angela Scheck said she was able to get her money back last summer by disputing the charge on her credit card.