Emerging waterfront issues spur new association

By Mona Mattei

Christina Lake waterfront property owners have banded together to form a solid voice when it comes to dealing with lakeshore issues. At its first annual general meeting, the directors of the newly formed Christina Lake Waterfront Property Owner’s Society demonstrated the potential that a co-ordinated approach could have for lakefront residents as they invited new members to sign on.

 

"Having more members means we can provide more services and run a more robust website, etc.," said Director Bill Strukoff. "Most importantly with more members the society will have more clout in working with issues with all three levels of government and also have a better chance to secure grants wherever necessary."

 

The meeting, held last Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Christina Lake Community Hall, gave the property owners a chance to hear what the society has accomplished and contribute ideas about what direction it should be taking. Board Secretary Theresa Dergousoff gave an overview of how the group got started, and then Director Bill Strukoff addressed meetings and communications to date and how the society can help in the future.

 

The 140 meeting participants showed a great deal of support for the new society and supported the society`s work on pressing issues that the group can start to work on including milfoil infestation in the lake, proposed riparian area regulations for developments, foreshore issues like erosion, fire protection, garbage collection and even policing.

 

Anger over the implementation of multi-level government regulations that restrict potential development, frustration with inconsistent application of existing regulations and education for the public about the lake were all discussed at the meeting.

 

MLA John Slater was on hand to hear some of the concerns from the association and comment on some of the issues presented.

 

"I want to congratulate the board. It’s great to see so many people out here because we do have concerns," said Slater. "There is strength in numbers. Government doesn’t like to listen to one person at a time, they’d rather listen to a group like this all at once so that we get a common thread."

 

Representatives of the boat access property’s own association were present and supportive of the larger group, although they did not feel that the new association would replace their collaboration.

 

Modelled after a similar owners association at Shuswap Lake, the work of the board in forming the local society and developing a website has been funded by Colette and Michael Gouin. The society will be collecting memberships over the next year which will be the main source of revenue in the future. Rates could be as low as $25 per member depending on how many homeowners sign up.

 

With 250 current members, the new society represents about 45 percent of the waterfront owners at the lake. When they reach over 50 percent participation, the association will be able to confidently represent the concerns and needs of lakefront property owners.

 

“Bill encouraged all of our membership (boat access owner’s society) to join this organization. I hope they will because it’s important to have a united voice when you approach the different levels of government that we need to approach for anything that we seem to want to do. We are interested in working together and doing whatever we can to enjoy the lake and make it a better place for everyone," added Sue Verigin, chair of the boat access society.

The society plans to provide an important role of communications with non-resident owners on the various waterfront issues and to represent the group at future local meetings. 

LInk:

Christina Lake Waterfront Owner's Society