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Anderson Lake dock an orphan no more

SLRD briefs: CWA zoning gets second reading; McKeever memorial in the works
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DOCK EXCHANGE The SLRD is assuming jurisdiction over the Anderson Lake dock and boat launch and constructing a brand new dock this fall. File photo

A long-neglected, well-used piece of Area C infrastructure is getting a new lease on life.

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) board of directors agreed to submit a License of Occupation for the dock at Anderson Lake.

The dock is located on a Ministry of Transportation right of way in D'Arcy, but until now it has been unclear who had jurisdiction over it.

"We've been working on it for a while and that dock is not getting any better, so we're extremely enthusiastic to see something built there this fall," SLRD board chair Jack Crompton said.

The SLRD has set a ballpark figure of $100,000 for the new twin dock and boat launch, with a request for proposals to be issued soon.

"It will be a completely new dock, with similar and potentially larger proportions," Crompton said.

"But that is a dock that really serves the whole region as there's people from all over this region who own holiday property up there... it will mean a dock that's able to stand up to the high use that it gets."

CWA REZONING GETS SECOND READ, STAFF CABINS

Canadian Wilderness Adventures (CWA) is another step closer to getting permanent zoning in the Callaghan Valley.

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the SLRD board passed second reading of a zoning amendment bylaw that would allow CWA permanent zoning. The tourism operator has operated under a number of Temporary Use Permits for years, with the current one set to expire in November.

"The board discussed the importance of this company to the region, of the work that they do and the value in ensuring the long term viability of CWA," Crompton said.

The board also amended the proposed bylaw to allow eight new employee housing units requested by the applicant.

"There was some discussion about the additional employee housing, and the board felt the employee housing was an accessory use to the primary outdoor adventure use," Crompton said.

But the rezoning process isn't done yet. A public hearing is to be held in Area D before third reading, and some conditions must be met before adoption, including assessment reports for associated water-related issues.

The Squamish Nation also said it is "not prepared to consent to the proposed amendment at this time" in a letter to the SLRD.

"The area in question falls within 'Phase 2' lands under the Squamish-BC Land Use Planning Agreement (2007)," Chief Bill Williams wrote in the letter.

"Under that Agreement, the Province and Squamish were to engage in further discussions in relation to Squamish's land-use objectives in this area. These discussions have not occurred and land-use planning remains a live issue."

The lands in question are among those the Squamish Nation is considering for designation as "Wild Spirit Place," Williams wrote, and consultation has not occurred between the nation and CWA.

Requests for comment from the Squamish Nation were not returned before Pique's press time.

SLRD PLANS MCKEEVER MEMORIAL

The SLRD has set aside $4,000 to memorialize the man who worked so hard to connect it.

Gord McKeever, project manager for the Sea to Sky Trail, passed away last month after he suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

"Gord gave incredible energy and passion to making sure that the Sea to Sky Trail would happen, and it's made our region a much, much better place," Crompton said.

"So I think it's a recognition of someone who made a tremendous difference, positively."

The project is still in the early stages, and discussions are planned with McKeever's family to decide on a fitting memorial.