In early June, while visiting their daughter’s new home in Kamloops, Lac des Roches residents, Tony and Marguerite Neill received a wonderful photo album, sent by their son, Scott, and his family who reside in Australia. The picture on the last page was that of their young grandson, holding his new passport. Viewing this photo was the cue for the surprise entrance at the front door of Scott, his wife, Bec, and son, Finn, ending their clandestine journey to Canada. The timing could not have been better because a few days following Scott’s arrival, Tony and Marguerite finalized the sale of their rental business in 100 Mile and their commuting lifestyle was about to change. It is going to be hard for all their well-wishers to top this unexpected retirement gift but no doubt, the many friends and neighbours of these long-term lake residents wish this hard-working couple the absolute best for their well-deserved life-of-leisure, at last.
Better wet than dry
Our rainy spring and resulting high water level is a welcome surprise, but what it brings is some unwelcome hazards, namely floating debris on the lake. Several old logs and broken trees have been lifted from the shore and pushed around the lake by the shifting winds. Boaters are reminded to never let down their guard when it comes to watching for on-the-water hazards, especially after exceptionally high rainy periods.
Calling all neighbours
I wish to extend a big thank you in advance to all those neighbours who will be volunteering at and supporting the upcoming Bridge Lake Stampede on July 3. The events scheduled throughout the day should prove entertaining for participants and spectators alike. The hardy country pancake breakfast begins at 8 a.m. and is followed later in the day by grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and, of course, French fries smothered in gravy. See you all at the rodeo grounds.
Busy schedules
Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake met on June 16. Water quality monitoring is underway at all four lakes in the chain — Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. High water levels have taken their toll on several loon nests, but one chick is being closely monitored by its parents and our local birders on the big lake. BC Lake Stewardship Society’s report on the health of Lac des Roches is being finalized and will soon be available on several websites. The group is concerned about lack of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access at the west end of the lake and will continue to investigate options. Prior to the upcoming annual general meeting on Aug. 25, the group is planning a public consultation open house for review of its Optimum Land Use Plan, a culmination of its work for the past few years, likely scheduled for Aug. 7.
Rezoning application
A rezoning application is underway for a change to the Muddy Lake Subdivision at the headwaters of Lac des Roches that would see an increase in the number of lots from the original proposal. The process of rezoning land in the Cariboo includes a future public hearing that may be of interest to residents, particularly those living on or near Gerald Crescent, the adjacent property. Up-to-date information on land use is always available through our Cariboo Regional District Area Director Bruce Rattray’s website at www.brucerattray.ca.