Quarterly Update - March 2010
Meeting Highlights from this Quarter
- Executive members held a special meeting March 4 to discuss the impact increased lake traffic from the new Muddy lake subdivision could have on Little Lac des Roches and the channel connecting to Lac des Roches. New marketing advertisements posted on bulletin boards and in the real estate circulars indicated that the developers had acquired the lakeshore land used as a pullout at the bottom of the Lac des Roches west hill and would provide strata lot owners access to the lake. The potential for additional congestion on the little lake and channel is considerable and prompted the executive to send several letters, requesting the speed limit reduction request for the little lake to be a high priority and to request the development of the boat launch at Access #7 to accommodate additional users directly to the big lake and provide much-needed sanitary facilities.
- Further involvement of the society may include a request to the Ministry of Environment and Cariboo Regional District of special notification of rezoning or permitting of the lakefront property so that our stewardship concerns can be included in all decisions made on additional lake access. Real estate details are at www.rainbowcountryestate.com.
Around the Lakes ...
- Severe dock and ramp damage due to shifting ice has been reported at many residences on the big lake. Heaving ice and frost is also responsible for pushing the lake bed material up against the shore and in many cases, higher than the shore's banks.
- Despite measurements that indicate thick ice in spots, there are large holes in the ice on the big lake, most notably at Taylor's Bay (at the east end of Boultbee Road) and just offshore from the boat launch at Access #7. These may freeze over on a cold night and be less noticeable in certain weather conditions. Travel and play on the ice is definitely NOT RECOMMENDED.
- Normally, the executive have an informal "ice off" challenge for both the little and big lake, but not this year. With the unseasonable warm and dry weather, likely the earliest date chosen would be the winning date which doesn't make for much of a challenge.
- Sadly, two residents have passed away this year. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and neighbours of Judi Stacey of McCarthy Road and Sonja Mach of Gerald Crescent.
Other Stuff ...
- An open burning fire ban is imposed in the Cariboo region effective April 2. This applies to private land as well as public land and parks. No outdoor fire greater than 1 meter high or 1 meter wide is allowed. Residents will understand the need for this fire ban when they see how dry our area is already this year with little spring runoff expected from our local hills.
- Thanks to those full-time residents who were able to provide their input on a hasty poll of preferred mail pickup location in March, in response to notification that there is a revision coming to rural route postal service in our area. Of the 22 year-round occupied residences east of the Lac des Roches hill, 17 responses were received and of those, 14 indicated that the Bridge Lake Store was the preferred location for regular mail pickup.
- Thanks to Al Wallewein who has put so much time and effort into improving and coordinating our website. Al and Marie have spent many hours monitoring water quality and loon activity on Little Lac des Roches. We wish them all the best as they make their new home in Whitecourt, Alberta.
- There is much change anticipated in the demographics around the lake as there are several "For Sale" signs on lots and homes on both lakes and in the immediate area. We have free and informative "welcome packages" available for any new property owners in the area. Please let us know of any new owners in your neighbourhood.
- Congratulations to Bill and Lori Jollymore of Gerald Crescent who entertained and informed area travel enthusiasts, with a slide presentation of their trip to New Zealand for the Bridge Lake Library's "Travels on Sunday" series. Bill will also be featuring his highly-valued hand-tied flies at the Library's community showcase wall during the month of May.
Next meeting in April, details TBA