Major development dead in Lac des Roches
By Joan Silver - 100 Mile House Free Press Staff
Lac des Roches and Birch Lake residents can breathe a sigh of relief. The proposed development of Crown Land around their lakes will not be going ahead, it's a dead proposition.
“We're tickled to death to get an early Christmas present,” Bill Jollymore of the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake said.
In 2004 the provincial government through Land and Water British Columbia, proposed a huge development with 500 full-time residential units, a hotel and golf course in the area. Residents formed the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake to fight the project.
“We knew we'd win eventually because we applied so much pressure and we were well organized,” Jollymore said.
The intervening years were tense; the group couldn't get information and were told it was still under consideration or still under review. The group plans to keep meeting to maintain their stewardship of the area which will include monitoring water quality and fish and wildlife.
Jollymore noted that the group is also drafting an unofficial community plan so they'll be prepared when the Caiboo Regional District works on their official community plan.
“We can't let our guard down,” he said, adding “the government is wanting to get into the hospitality business and they'll do something shady if you're not watching.”
Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands was contacted by the Free Press to comment on the project. “At this point it's on hold and we have no plans to bring it back.” he said.
He wouldn't, however, go as far to say never; suggesting that never is a long time. “We heard enough input from residents and First Nations and we appreciate everyone's time and effort.” Bell said.