Over 100 concerned residents of the Interlakes Area flooded into the Interlakes Hall on Wednesday, August 25, 2004, to listen to Robin Levesque, Manager, Major Projects, Land and Water British Columbia Inc. (LAWBCI). Mr. Levesque gave a presentation on the proposed development of Crown Land at Lac des Roches (98 lots) and Birch Lake (130 lots) which includes two lodges and a commercial sector. This meeting disseminated information that was gathered from the 125 individuals who attended the information kiosk at Eagle Island Resort from August 2-7.
Mr. Levesque stated that LAWBCI’s mandate is to proactively seek development opportunities by the marketing of Crown Land on behalf of the province. The Lac des Roches and Birch Lake area was one of the first sites picked because it had developed lakes in the area, highway access, favorable topography and already had a thriving cottage industry. He stated the vision of the proposed development was to create an award winning, environmentally sensitive, all season lakeside resort and residential community.
LAWBCI needs to identify the issues and the potential opportunities. He said these were the concerns identified at the weeklong information sessions:
- Water quality and supply
- Wildlife habitat
- Boating concerns
- Density and extent of development
- Security and emergency services
- Sustainability
A second survey was passed out at this meeting. There will be a further evaluation of the issues as a result of this survey with an overall plan being formulated. This plan will then be taken to the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) for rezoning.
Mr. Levesque stated that the rezoning process could take awhile, as an environment impact study and fire hazard study would be part of the rezoning process. He said that an independent professional biologist would undertake the impact study. The request for rezoning will not be based upon a finalized subdivision plan, but on an area basis only. Further meetings will also be held with Fish and Wildlife branches. When asked if the public could attend these meetings, he did not reply, but stated that they would have to get a larger meeting room.
Mr. Levesque then asked for questions or comments from the floor. Most of the residents at the meeting were not in favor of the proposal. The issues identified were maintaining the water quality and the concern over increased water putrefaction. Further development on Lac des Roches will decrease the water quality. It was noted that this water then progresses through Birch Lake, which is also going to have further development, thereby affecting the water quality even more. When asked what type of purchased water and sewer systems would accommodate the proposed cluster housing, (read smaller lots), Mr. Levesque could not answer the question, but stated that the technology was out there.
There were concerns raised about fish and wildlife habitat and what was going to be done to preserve it. Also, the end of Lac des Roches has several pairs of nesting loons. This is exactly the location of a proposed bridge. Mr. Levesque stated that a professional biologist would be walking the area to map all the important features. Mr. Levesque stated that proposal calls would be solicited and that a joint venture would be entered into with a developer, although there has not been any specific developer showing any interest right now.
One part-time resident who has a summer home at Lac des Roches and lives in the TNRD stated that we would have to be wary of the TNRD, as they seem to make changes to their policies on an ongoing basis, to fit the needs of each development.
When asked if the environment impact study would be available at the rezoning public meetings, Mr. Levesque stated that it was public information, but that we would have to pay for photocopying costs. He did promise to give residents one month’s notice before the public hearing process.
The meeting ended with comments about the need for a citizen’s association that can speak with a united voice on this issue. Most people were not in favour of this development and a united voice may help to downsize the proposed development. This is only the beginning of the development on these two lakes. What will happen in 20 years?
Interestingly, CRD Area Director Maureen Pinkney was present, but TNRD Area Director, Bill Kershaw was not.