RDEK puts fate of Lot 48 on hold

People concerned about the ecological and cultural values along the east shore of Columbia Lake must wait Until May 2008 to learn the fate of District Lot 48.

At their May 2007 meeting, the East Kootenay Regional District board of directors decided to wait one year before giving a third reading and public hearing to bylaws 1880 and 1881. The bylaws, if passed, will downzone the 300 acres of land located on the east side of Columbia Lake from resort development to agricultural, the actual present and historic use of the property. The board allowed this extension on the condition that the group working on a solution for the East side of Columbia Lake table a meaningful and substantive update at the November 2007 meeting of the RDEK.

The property is currently owned by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd. and zoned for commercial purposes (although at the moment it's essentially a hayfield). More importantly, the only access to the site would require rezoning a portion of Columbia Lake Provincial Park to create an access road.

However, the request to create a road in the park has been placed on hold and discussions to swap land parcels between the resort operator and the province ensued, after much public outcry against resort development and alteration of park boundaries.  The cultural values of the east side of Columbia Lake are paramount to local first nations. The process to find a solution involves the Ktunaxa and Akisqnuk First Nations, the resort operator, as well as the province.

Wildsight and friends of Columbia lake (FOCL) will watch the progress of this issue closely. While we appreciate that this land is owned privately, the unequaled environmental, cultural and scenic value of DL 48 together with the fact it is surrounded by provincial protected lands and only accessible through a class 'A' legislated provincial park, puts it very much in the realm of public interest. We support a solution that addresses the interests of the community and the environment.

However, at this time, the greatest concerns for Wildsight and FOCL are the negotiations, which aren't open to public scrutiny. There is a perception of secrecy that concerns many residents who expect the RDEK directors to represent their constituents in an open manner.

While Wildsight and FOCL see great value in the board moving expeditiously to public hearing and third reading of the bylaw, we understand that there is an opportunity for a solution that would satisfy all interests. This understanding is based on faith in the sincerity of the parties involved and in the validity of the information made available to us.

Representatives for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort stated that in six months time or well before then they will have the appraisals completed on (Lot) 48 and other crown land parcels contiguous to the main Fairmont Hot Springs Resort area.

Find out more about more about what Wildsight is doing to protect the East Side of Columbia Lake