[LookOutSugarLake] Kokanee lodge's application

[handr at telus.net]

Hello Mr. Weir,

I have just heard through Catherine Hansen and Russ Collins that the  
Kokanee Lodge application for a gift of crown land will likely be  
approved within the next weeks. Apparently ILMB has almost no choice  
in this matter since you must not hamper developments.

Before any decision is made, there are at least 3 facts that must be  
carefully considered:

1. Among the reasons given by MoT who has refused a permit, is the  
fact that the proposed development is far too intensive and would not  
allow for proper roads and safe traffic. Should the intensity of the  
development not be reduced and approved prior to any allocation of  
public land?

2. The developer is appealing the court's decision concerning his  
discharge to water. This appeal shows that a discharge to water is  
still being pursued. Allocation of our public land should not be  
given until such time that the appeal is removed and that we are sure  
that allocated land will in fact be used to reduce the impacts of the  
development, and not to possibly increase its negative impacts on the  
environment.

3. Engineers tell me the land in question is not suitable for a land  
base sewage system. Again, prior to allocating any public land, proof  
that the land would be used for a land based system that would not in  
any way make the water unsafe for drinking must be available.

As many of us have explained before, this development has been deemed  
far too intensive by MoT for viability, is not supported at all by  
the community, and is without question one of the most destructive  
developments proposed.  As is, this development is sure to result in  
water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, making a currently  
pristine environment an area to be avoided.

I urge you to please consider carefully all the feedback you have  
received concerning this, and to ensure that allocation of our public  
land will not result in deterioration of one of the most important  
and pristine water system in Canada. Just last spring, 174,000  
Pacific salmon fry were released in that water, giving us another  
174,000 reasons to protect it.

Hopefully,

Huguette Allen.
Spokesperson for Sugar Lake And Middle Shuswap Stewards.