Dear Editor,
I have a concern about the proposed new marina. I would like to be guaranteed that the existing lake access (the bay beside the pier) remains free and open to boats to allow for access to the restaurant area.
Will the new marina ensure the demise of the waterfront fireworks in the summer? Will the boat launch be open to the general public and what are the expected costs?
I personally don’t want to sound like a communist but I have deep concerns when developers get control of the lake. Will I be allowed to access the lake even if I don’t want to pay the $14,000 lease costs? We have seen council promise public access only to have the fees increased from $5 to $40.
Developers do most things for personal profit. Council’s responsibility is to ensure the town is not damaged through the changes. We have seen the results of the existing marina and I do not agree with any aspect of that plan. To me the losses exceed any possible gain and there is no assurance the project will ever be completed.
I have seen the methods of communication that the town often uses when dealing with known unpopular plans. I need straight answers and guarantees. So far I feel that the developers have been given preferred treatments.
The proposed marina has a substantial revenue stream with virtually no construction costs and if approved will again control lake access. I go to B.C. regularly and I love that the lakes are free and open to the public.
I hoped that the province was in charge of that but it does not seem to be that way, and the town does not consider it a priority of planning, so it’s left to people like me, the unpaid, to try to get the answers without the small print.
Merry Christmas,
Lyle Dressler,
Sylvan Lake