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lakesidepurchase

Municipality purchases property for park The municipality has purchased nearly a half acre of foreshore property on Alta Lake that will enable it to double the size of one of Whistler’s busiest waterfront parks.

Municipality purchases property for park The municipality has purchased nearly a half acre of foreshore property on Alta Lake that will enable it to double the size of one of Whistler’s busiest waterfront parks. The purchase of 3371 Lakeside Drive, the property adjacent to the northern boundary of Lakeside Park, for $975,000 was approved by council on Monday. The property is being purchased using funds from the Park Acquisition Reserve. The lot area is approximately 20,750 square feet, with 85 feet of lake frontage. A two-storey, four bedroom, two bathroom cabin constructed in 1970 sits in the middle of the lot, with an open lawn leading to the lake. Mature evergreens screen the building from the road and narrow bands of small trees line the two sides of the property. The vendor will occupy the property until Nov. 4, but the municipality will have access after the possession date of April 29. Although no detailed plans have been developed for the park expansion, staff are exploring several possible uses for the land, including: expanding Lakeside’s open lawn and beach frontage, relocating the concession, or renting the cabin to generate revenues. The property is zoned RS1, which permits park and playground uses. Changes to the property to enable public use of the lakefront would be minor. Long-term plans for the park will be determined in consultation with stakeholders and funded through the Capital Plan. Lakeside Park is one of three developed waterfront parks on Alta Lake. Use of the park, which has 115 feet of beach and is approximately 23,875 sq. ft. (.55 acres), has increased heavily during the last eight years, when the park’s picnic area was enlarged and improved. Municipal staff say that purchasing the property, will relieve the congestion and user demands on the park’s infrastructure.