About Friends …
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake organized in 2004 to oppose the residential development proposed for the east end of Lac des Roches. The group is currently focused on lake water quality monitoring, environmental reporting and community communication. We encourage all residents and regular visitors to join our society and stay informed on the important issues that arise around our lakes. Watch our website for news and updates. Annual General Meeting – Oct 12, 7pm, Lac des Roches Resort dining room.
From our Chairman, Barry Reid
Even though we love living here year round, we seem to often be on road trips. The last one took us back to the eastern US to visit friends (then down to Nashville and Memphis for the music, but that’s another story!) While in Pennsylvania we stayed with a friend whose brother owned a small fishing cabin on a lake outside of Scranton PA. Well, it used to be a fishing cabin, but now it’s almost totally surrounded by almost eighty large houses whose residents (when they show up at the lake … not very often for most) bring a huge assortment of gasoline-powered toys for both water and land. Not a problem if they are used appropriately, but …
This small lake’s shore line is filled with housing, with only one public access point which has neither parking nor facilities. These recreational houses are in what is called “tier one” properties. A road circles the lake just behind tier one and on the opposite side of the road is “tier two” – generally smaller houses on larger lots. A second road circles tier two and provides access to tier three where lots are for sale, many of them already being filled with houses. A lake residents’ society was established to deal with the problems of water quality and over-development, but those who like to fish are overwhelmed by those who see the lake as only a playground and an investment. When the society passed a resolution to limit further development in “tier four” they very quickly received a letter from a developer/owner of the land in tier four, threatening a lawsuit if they pursued their desire to limit development and deal with the problems of water debilitation and recreational practices.
Now, what has this to do with Lac des Roches? Well, it simply shows how fortunate we are here in BC to have a different method of land tenure. The concept of “Crown Land” has to be one of the best ideas any politician ever had! To be sure, private developers can create developments within the law, but at least we don’t have to fear the overwhelming stress on our lakes which would come if we followed the American model. So, let’s enjoy our lakes, preserve them for our grand-children, and keep our Crown Land as it is! We may not know how well we have it here!
What’s up around the lakes?
Speed reduction on Little Lac des Roches – Our society supports the proposal to reduce the boating speed on the little lake from 20 km/hr to 10 km/hr. The lengthy change process is now sponsored and supported by Bruce Rattray, our elected director for Area L of the Cariboo Regional District. Several copies of the revised petition are in circulation and we encourage all supporters of this change to add your name to the list.
New monitors for Phinetta Lake – Kurt and Karen Roy at Opax Mountain are very busy this year. In addition to re-opening the café for breakfast and lunch, Kurt has taken over the lake quality monitoring and loon survey data collection for Phinetta Lake. The added commitment to their already busy schedules of maintaining both the Birch Lake Fishing Camp and their own hunter’s cabin will keep these two entrepreneurs busy all year.
Bridge Lake crown land swap – Our neighbours to the west at Bridge Lake are looking to all area residents for support in their opposition to the crown land swap for the Heritage Island land. The owner’s attempt at a housing development on his land met with an outpouring of opposition by both members of Friends of Bridge Lake and the public. Heritage Island is privately owned, yet all the other islands on Bridge Lake are designated as park land. The owner has proposed to swap the island for crown land on the south shores of Bridge Lake for housing development, just west of Greenall Road. Many people do not agree with this swap. To learn more about the land swap issue, go to www.friendsofbridgelake.org
Garbage bins and recycling – The removed TNRD transfer bins at Opax are missed by most of the residents in both the TNRD and the CRD. While the transfer station just north of Little Fort seems like a reasonable option for residents travelling south, it’s accessibility is limited as it is now a manned garbage and recycle site. The Interlakes Refuse Site, the most logical alternative is still fully accessible – for now. Kurt Roy at Opax Mountain Café and Resort has looked into the availability and cost of providing a private garbage collection service at Opax and would be interested in any feedback or suggestions from residents interested in sharing in the use and cost. We are still very limited with regard to recycling options. The depot in 100 Mile House takes in much of household recyclables, but city dwellers should try to take as much as possible, back to their blue bins at home for recycling.
Downsizing – The growing numbers of “For Sale” signs in our community is an indicator of anticipated changes in our demographics. More of our senior, long-term and permanent residents are relocating to less remote residences with more amenities than the Interlakes area can offer. In a recreational area like ours, homes and hobby farms will likely be purchased as seasonal cottages for temporary vacation stays. Lack of permanent residents can affect the outcome of proposed changes that govern the area and seasonal residents are always encouraged to keep informed of area issues.
Reduced road abuse – There is a noticeable decrease in unwanted vehicle play on the roads around the lake as residents and visitors seem to have moved their play to back county trails and this is appreciated by many residents. The roads seem much safer with less traffic.
High speed internet is here – ABC Communications (formerly the 100 Mile Net Shop), is providing high speed internet to Lac des Roches. The tower can be seen at the high point on Lac des Roches (aka “Angus”) hill, off Eagleridge Road. Not all properties have the needed direct line of sight to the tower, even if the receiver is mounted atop a roof. Tree leaves interfere sporadically with our signal so summer is the best time to ensure a healthy signal can be received all year.
Wine glasses sought – The Bridge Lake Community School Society is in need of wine glasses for use at their annual fund raising dinner. Word is out that any wine glass which holds 4 to 6 ounces of wine will do to defray future rental costs for the society. Wine glasses of any shape, colour or size will match the existing eclectic dishes and cutlery patterns in use now. Donations can be dropped off with Sharron (8588 Boultbee) or call 250 593 0041 to arrange a suitable pick up point and time.
Thank you Lac des Roches! – Thanks again to everyone in our small community who helped raise over $1,000 for the travel fund for McCarthy road resident, Piper Lof, who travelled to Switzerland in July and performed rhythmic gymnastics at the World Gymnaestrada. She is a lucky girl to live in such a generous and caring community.
Volunteers needed – Several local organizations are struggling to maintain traditional events due to lack of volunteers. With our increased seasonal and aging population, many long term volunteers have had to bow out of helping at several community events which have led to event cancellations. The Highway 24 Lions Club, Bridge Lake Community School Society and the Interlakes Community Organization are just a few of the non-profit organizations who provide excellent services in our area and can use additional support.
Membership renewal
If we know how to contact you, we will keep you informed – quarterly and with urgent notices!
Download the membership form here.