Gateway Lakeview Resort development threatens salmon habitat

Concerns over Proposed Resort Presented to CSRD

By Jim Cooperman and Veronica Bene

On July 20th, the Lee Creek Ratepayer’s Association directors made a presentation to the CSRD that provided concerns regarding the proposed expansion of Gateway Lakeview Resort.

The Gateway expansion proposal has the potential to triple the population of our quiet rural residential community and, if approved, it would profoundly alter the North Shuswap Official Community Plan (OCP). The proposed bylaw currently before the CSRD Board recommends revising the OCP to allow for a Major Destination Resort to be located in Lee Creek. Currently, the OCP only allows these resorts to be located in primary or secondary settlement areas and disallows such resorts in Lee Creek.

The OCP states: “Lee Creek was not designated as a Settlement Area for two reasons: proximity to salmon spawning grounds on the lower reaches of the Adams River and its confluence with Shuswap Lake; and proximity to Scotch Creek.” (Section 10-1) and “Furthermore: “In light of the environmentally sensitive conditions associated with the foreshore of Lee Creek and the mouth of the Adams River, a Major Destination Resort is inappropriate in this area.” (Section 10-5-7)

The Gateway proposal alters these restrictions to accommodate a major destination resort in Lee Creek.

The presentation included a list of current impacts from the existing RV and cabin development; including destabilizing of neighbouring land from site terracing, illegal boat launching, increased risks to salmon nursery from fuel spills and boat activity, and sewage effluent deep lake outfall.

Potential impacts include insufficient beachfront for a resort and dock space for the potential 1000-1800 Gateway residents, increased effluent into the lake, increased fire safety concerns, the effect that the proposed 7,000 sq. foot retail space could have on Scotch Creek businesses that depend on summer residents and visitors, and increased demand for parking at the McKay Bay public swim area. As well, increased foot traffic between the resort and the beach that is across the highway could create a traffic safety problem.

Quaaout Lodge, a beautiful destination resort, has a hotel, golf course and an extensive beach and grounds. Whereas, the Gateway proposal calls for a mix of rental units, stores, RVs, cabins, homes, duplexes, a community centre, a swimming pool, and a small area of beach adjacent to sensitive fish habitat.

The presentation acknowledged how the CSRD directors will be faced with a planning dilemma. They will have to decide between making major changes to a community plan or respecting the vision of the community and protecting the sensitive salmon habitat, which would risk court action.

The bylaw has now passed first and second reading to allow for the public hearing to be held at the end of August. Hopefully, everyone who cares about the future of the North Shuswap will attend.
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Jim Cooperman, President,
Shuswap Environmental Action Society
1497 Lee Creek Drive
Lee Creek, B.C., V0E 1M4
250-679-3693, cell 319-4197
jcoop@ribaa.ca, www.seas.ca
www.shuswapwatershed.ca
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