Public Input Compiled for Lake Windermere Management Plan

December 2, 2009
©The Valley Echo, Loree Duczek

After carefully reviewing more than 600 surveys and compiling the information gathered during two public workshops this summer, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and its consultant are very pleased with the participation and feedback received to date for the Lake Windermere Management Plan.

"We had 607 comment forms submitted and while there were varying views, there was consistency in many areas," says RDEK Planner, Karen MacLeod.  "The Lake Management Plan is intended to be a reflection of the community's vision and goals for the long-term enhancement and protection of the lake, and we were very pleased with the level of response."

The majority of responders supported the following suggestions;

• continued boating opportunities
• designated swimming areas and boating restrictions in environmentally sensitive areas
• adoption and distribution of information on safe boating practices
• water quality monitoring and analysis
• community sewer systems
• regulatory measures to protect and enhance shoreline and sensitive areas
• improved public access to the lake
• construction of a new public boat launch
• enforcement of the requirement for approvals for foreshore works
• strategies to deal with ice huts and their removal from the ice

In addition, the majority of respondents were opposed to restrictions on power driven vessels and overnight moorage.

Opinions were more evenly split on questions related to marinas, docks and buoys.

"The feedback received will play a key role in shaping the direction of the Plan and reinforces the need to implement practical, enforceable, policies that balance the social, economic and environmental values of the lake," adds MacLeod.

"I hope that the level of involvement and interest continues as we move forward with the drafting of the Plan.  We want people to be involed in this process and their participation is very important to its success."

The consultants, Catherine Berris Associates Inc., will now begin drafting the Lake Windermere Management Plan and the RDEK hopes to have an initial draft ready for public review in February.

For more information, please visit the Regional District of East Kootenay website.