The provincial government has taken one step closer to swapping Bridge Lake waterfront for Heritage Island, where it could then create a reserve.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) issued a release stating it is removing 11 hectares of Crown land on the south shore of the lake from a restrictive designation called a Use, Recreation and Enjoyment of the Public reserve (UREP).
Noting this will prevent the 28-hectare Heritage Island from further development, MFLNRO states the change also allows the government to consider an outstanding local development application.
Cariboo Heritage Land Development Ltd. (CHLD) originally proposed the land swap in October 2008, after an outcry by the Friends of Bridge Lake – a resident group against developing the island.
CHLD principal Julian Kenney then offered to trade its privately-owned island in Bridge Lake for a 90-acre package of Crown land that includes the UREP parcel.
If approved, a development CHLD originally planned for the island could relocate to the new site on the south end of the lake.
“We are pleased to hear the provincial government has provided this opportunity to protect Heritage Island for the future by having it publicly owned,” says Kenney. “We look forward to working with the community to achieve that objective.”
A swap would allow the province to designate the island as a public reserve, protecting the island’s environment, archeological sites and recreational value in perpetuity.
While some area landowners also opposed this proposal, the MFLNRO states it worked with local residents, conservation groups and the Canim Lake Band to address concerns and develop the land-exchange plan.
Before the province makes a final decision, however, the developer must submit biological and archeological impact reports.
Prior to any development proceeding on either the private or the Crown land parcel, the
Cariboo Regional District would also have to rezone the land.
Kenney says he is aware of all the conditions that must be met.
After a time lapse of five-and-a-half years awaiting MFLNRO’s answer, he adds the CHLD will reactivate its files before commenting further on what the next steps might be.
