“The Development is Dead”
These were the words Charlie Wyse, MLA for the South Cariboo used on November 28 when he called our society. He had just received a letter from Marie Sturman, Manager, Crown Land Opportunities Branch indicating that the Government’s plan for residential and resort development at the east end of Lac des Roches was “set aside” as “it does not fit in with the Province’s goals and objectives”. Charlie’s office provided us with a copy of the letter that morning.
The following week, we received the same letter directly from Ms. Sturman, a copy from Bob Findlay of the TNRD Planning Department and an email from Maureen Pinkney, Area Director of the CRD. It was reassuring to have all these people contact us with the good news.
Although we are very excited about the Government’s decision, we will continue to proceed with developing our land-use proposal as they may have longer term ideas for this land, such as logging, inclusion in an aboriginal land treaty or simply save it for future development.
Joan Silver, staff reporter with the 100 Mile Free Press contacted Minister Pat Bell and quoted him in her article in the Cariboo Connector on December 7. Bell said about the development, “At this point it’s on hold and we have no plans to bring it back”. “We had enough input from residents and First Nations and we appreciate everyone’s time and effort”.
Although we are all celebrating this good news, we remain cautiously optimistic on the future of this land.
Administration
Meeting formats – We have changed the format of our meetings to begin with an informal social segment for discussing activities not directly related to business.
Membership – Our count is still 195 members strong.
Finances – We have approximately $1,000 in the bank and incurring costs for maintaining our website only.
Press coverage – The community column in the 100 Mile Free Press is a source for information on activities at LdR and is currently published monthly.
Around the Lakes …
Wildlife – The 10th annual Bridge Lake Christmas Bird count will be held Dec 29th – phone Wendy for details (593-2327) the night before if you will be coming.
Monitoring – On November 6, Gordon Marshall took Marg Sidney of the Ministry of Environment out on LdR to conduct the bi-annual water testing. She is “happy with the health of the lake”.
Ice On Little Lac des Roches – November 20.
Ice On Lac des Roches – December 8.
Other Meeting Items
Old Signage – Our “Help Save This Lake” sign at the rest stop has been lowered so that it cannot be seen from the road in response to concerns raised by the Ministry of Highways. It will be removed shortly.
New Signage – The new area information sign for the rest stop will be designed similar to the Interlakes Community Hall sign. If approved, the sign and its installation will be funded by the CRD.
Creel Reports – Residents who completed these catch reports during the year are asked to return them to Gordon Marshall if they have not already done so.
Road Speed – We were advised that the legal speed on all secondary roads is 80 km/hr, however the Ministry of Highways has agreed to install Pedestrian Slow signs at both ends of Gerald Crescent.
Welcome Packages – We will expand the contents of our Welcome Package to include more community information. We will also produce a one-page introduction sheet that can be left in a discrete location at vacant residences.
Rural Crime Watch – Due to an increase in break & entries in the Interlakes area, a number of residents are joining the RCW program. Posted signs and watchful neighbours are a known deterrent to criminal activity and residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
The executive members have established an informal telephone “tree” for advising each other of activity in the area that seems out of the ordinary.
Dumping – There has been more illegal dumping of wood waste on the Wavey Lake Forestry Road. The Ministry of Forests has attempted to burn it three times. They are asking us to report any suspicious activity that may assist them in finding the offenders.
Eagle Island Trees – A resident of Eagle Island Road is concerned that the Ministry of Environment did not react to her concerns about removal of trees from the riparian zone. We have decided to send a letter to the Ministry indicating our concern that they may not take an active interest in a reported issue.
Fire Coverage – Although the east fire truck that services Lac des Roches still needs a permanent home, Leroy and Kerry Wright, new owners of the Bridge Lake Store, are providing temporary parking so that Kilometer-based insurance policies for fire protection will not be affected by the loss of the fire hall.
Speed Limit – We are initiating the process to have the boating speed restriction on Little Lac des Roches changed from 20 km/hr to 10 km/hr.
Map-based Land Use Presentation – No status change. This will be the focus of the executive’s work in the coming winter months.