[LookOutSugarLake] Media Release

[Xplornet handrc]

Media Release
For Immediate Release
April, 14th, 2008.

Trying to keep Sugar Lake Sweet

CHERRYVILLE-LUMBY-SLAMSS (Sugar Lake And Middle Shuswap Stewards), the  
group that opposed the discharge of effluents from a proposed  
development at Sugar lake last year, say they are frustrated at the  
settlement agreement reached between NORD and the Developer.

Last year, NORD passed bylaws forbidding commercial developments to  
discharge effluents to water, thanks to the strong opposition that was  
mounted by SLAMSS. Shortly thereafter, the developer challenged NORD  
in court, and lost. An appeal ensued, which got settled in camera,  
last week during a NORD meeting. "Original concerns regarding effluent  
in the river are not at all alleviated" say SLAMSS. "The treatment  
system will be the same, still subject to seasonal problems as we've  
seen in similar systems installed at Shuswap Lake. Incompletely or  
untreated effluent will still end up polluting the river. The only  
thing that has changed is the distance."

Huguette Allen, SLAMSS spokesperson adds: "People are thoroughly  
frustrated at the lack of democracy from the Provincial Government.  
Sugar lake is at the headwaters of the Shuswap River system, and the  
river remains pristine all the way to Bessette Creek. Threatened  
species such as the Western Screech Owls nest on this stretch of the  
river. People all over the river system are fighting to stop the  
cumulative damages from destructive developments and marinas. Why  
allocate crown land to a development at the headwaters that will add  
pollution to the system when everybody in the community strongly  
objects to it? Why help it happen?"

SLAMSS wanted to see the density reduced considerably, not more land  
allocated to a development that is strongly opposed by the community.  
"The developer, Monty Willis, has made no attempt to discuss with  
concerned residents. Riparian regulations have been largely ignored.  
Letters, emails and phone calls to the Ministry of Environment are  
largely ignored, or worst, in some instances, blocked. Yet, the same  
ministry seems to have unlimited time for meeting with developers.  
This is making a mockery of the democratic process."

SLAMSS has always said they were not opposed to sustainable  
developments that are in harmony with a pristine ecosystem, but are  
opposed to developments that destroy it. They remind people that this  
proposed development includes a mixture of 65 RV lots and homes, on  
5.9 acres of the developer's land, now with an extra 2.5 acres of  
crown land, and that all shareholders are encouraged to bring motor  
boats, ATVs and other motorized toys, since there is absolutely no  
restriction on motor sizes.

"The science that allows these developments doesn't look at the  
cumulative effects. Allowing it to proceed as is, will set a precedent  
that will be followed by others. This is our only opportunity to  
develop a rare area in a sustainable way - once this happens, it's all  
over." SLAMSS now looks forward to the meeting the developer must hold  
with the community, as the result of a bylaw passed by NORD last year.

Contact:
Huguette ALLEN
250.547.0272
handrc at xplornet.com 
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