Gallagher Lake business owners and residents discuss safety concerns on Highway 97 and how to get the regional district and Ministry of Transportation to take responsibility for the hazards.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Residents and business owners of Gallagher Lake have found a voice, and they plan to use it.
The first meeting of the Gallagher Lake Citizens’ Committee on March 18 was pivotal in identifying what the group hopes to achieve.
Committee members Barry Holiday, Les Dunlop, Grant Stevely, Sunny Chahal, Bill Barisoff (chair) and Thor Manson (vice-chair) met at Ye Olde Welcome Inn to hash out a plan.
The meeting was also attended by Area C director Terry Schafer and Donna Butler, regional district development services manager.
Schafer said the committee will serve as a “sounding board” for Gallagher Lake residents and neighbours.
He noted the committee discussed where and when to have a public open house in mid-April so that everyone can provide input.
Some of the issues that will be on the table include: parks and open spaces, environmentally sensitive areas, Highway 97 safety concerns, population forecasts, beautification and infrastructure.
Schafer said the committee discussed phasing possibilities for sewering the east side of Gallagher Lake.
Members addressed concerns about the “bottleneck” of McIntyre Creek bridge, and emergency access on both sides of Highway 97.
Schafer said Butler hopes to draft an Official Community Plan for Gallagher Lake by July, which will subsequently be adopted by the regional district.
Manson said they appreciate, as private citizens, being part of the consultation process before any recommendations are made to the regional district.
“Hopefully, the recommendations that come from the committee do, in fact, become an important part of any development plan for the community.”
Manson said a few of the committee members were surprised that future development is being considered at this time, because there is so little land in the Gallagher Lake area available for development.
“On the other hand, change is always inevitable, and it is better to be prepared for that eventuality than reacting to it.”
Manson commended the regional district and director Schafer for making this consultation available.
“In my opinion, he (Schafer) has done a very good job in representing his constituents.”
Stevely, proprietor of Dubh Glas Distillery, said he believes the new committee will lead to a constructive plan for the future of Gallagher Lake.
He commended the regional district for taking a proactive approach in forming the group of representatives.
Stevely said he would like to see an updated Official Community Plan that properly reflects the needs of the community. “It should be respectful of business growth, tourism potential and residential needs.”
Having moved from Banff National Park to the Okanagan, Stevely came from an outdoor oriented and active lifestyle.
“I personally would welcome an opportunity for an expanded trail system that would allow access to some of the beautiful area that is connected or surround the Gallagher Lake area.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
