Thank-you goes out to the Lac des Roches residents who recently provided information regarding their postal service. Evidently, we can expect a change to rural postal service in our area soon and we were given an opportunity to provide feedback. Of the 22 year-round occupied residences, 14 of the 17 contacted indicated Bridge Lake Store as their preference for regular mail pickup. Respondents stated the convenience, security and having Bridge Lake as their town name as their reasons for this choice over rural roadside boxes. The information was forwarded to our rural postal representative Sheila Michener.
Public hearing
Cariboo Regional District Director Bruce Rattray will be hosting a public hearing at Interlakes Community Hall on April 26, starting at 7 p.m. , to discuss two proposed amendments to the Interlakes Official Community Plan. The amendments would be to include policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gases as required by provincial legislation, and to include vacation rental of residential properties as an allowable use under the provisions for Temporary Commercial and Industrial Permits. The close of the public hearing is the last opportunity for constituents to have input into these amendments, including any written submissions by those who may not be able to attend. Details are on Bruce’s website at www.brucerattray.ca/pages/areainfo/communityplans. There are several cabins on Lac des Roches that are potentially affected by this change.
Congestion
Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake (Friends) met on March 4 to discuss the possible impact on Little Lac des Roches by increased boating traffic from strata-owned lots of the new Muddy Lake subdivision. Working with Transport Canada and the RCMP over the years, the local lake stewardship society supported enforcement of the boating speed restriction of 20 km/h to mitigate damage to the sensitive shores and personal property. Further speed reduction on Little Lac des Roches to 10 km/h and development of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access on (big) Lac des Roches are initiatives that Friends members will continue to promote and encourage recreational power boaters to use the big lake and avoid the sensitive small lake and connecting channel as water playgrounds.
Wind needed
It is unlikely, but a few good wind storms blowing in from the west may help push the ice back to the east, and, thereby, mitigate some of the damage that has occurred to docks on the Lac des Roches so far this spring. The incredible force of the moving ice has snapped beams as large 10 square inches and reduced some two-by-four ramps to kindling.
Entertainment
Ducks and geese are returning to the area and providing a humorous interlude for residents. What we don’t see, we can easily surmise from the tell-tale tracks on the snow covered ice near the open water around the edges of the lake. After awkward landings on the solid ice, they walk, they sit, they walk and then take flight again, presumably in search of food.
Celebrations
Best wishes to Tony and Marguerite Neill who are celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary this month. Still operating a successful rental business in 100 Mile House, we wish them many retired years together soon.