Gallagher Lake is growing up.
It looks that way after seeing a comprehensive draft of the Gallagher Lake Area Plan.
Members of Oliver Town council looked at the plan recently and made a few comments.
Gallagher Lake is identified in the regional district’s Growth Strategy as a rural growth area. But the plan indicates that Gallagher Lake is now “transitioning from a rural centre to a more urban community,” with the introduction of sanitary sewer and water systems.
Gallagher Lake’s population is approximately 550, based on 315 dwelling units.
Future development opportunities identified in the plan include: 30 units remaining in Gallagher Lake Village Park; 25 units remaining in Deer Park Estates; and a potential for approximately 200 mixed residential units on a 14.5-hectare part of the existing gravel quarry.
Potential future uses of the gravel pit include residential, business park and tourist commercial. At the time of adoption, the plan will retain an industrial designation at the quarry site.
The future capacity to accommodate growth in Gallagher Lake is for an additional population of approximately 765 people, based on a build-out potential of 425 new units.
Through community consultation last year, pedestrian safety on Highway 97 was a recurring theme.
Many residents have been calling for a pedestrian controlled crosswalk on the highway.
But the regional district plans to explore a trail/walkway under McIntyre bridge to address the safety concern.
“That’s fantastic, but is that ever going to happen?” said Oliver town Councillor Maureen Doerr.
Fellow Councillor Jack Bennest predicts that human nature will prevail and many pedestrians will take the quickest route to the other side by crossing the highway (without using the trail under the bridge).
In commenting on the overall plan for Gallagher Lake, Bennest said he wasn’t being critical, but stated that people moving to the community has actually slowed the development of Oliver.
Among the many ideas supported by the regional district, streetscape improvements along Gallagher Lake Frontage Road are being added to the plate.
But not every idea is supported. For example, many residents of Country Pines mobile home park do not support extending the sewer infrastructure to their area due to high costs.
Area C director Terry Schafer agreed that Gallagher Lake is definitely growing, due in part to the new correctional centre project.
He noted the area plan co-ordinates the walking paths and the underpass for Highway 97, the future commercial area (defining it) and the “Hamlet” nature of the community.
“It’s like taking a snapshot of what’s there now and how best to accommodate the growth expectations.”
Schafer said many open houses were held during the past couple of years to give residents the opportunity to have input, which was critical.
“I have to say that not everyone is going to be satisfied, but the majority will likely be comfortable with it.”
Thor Manson, a member of the Gallagher Lake Citizens’ Committee, said the plan will not be adopted until the fall because the draft is still being sent to several agencies for input.
Manson said the regional district has reached out extensively to residents to solicit their views, and for the most part, it seems these views have been incorporated into the plan.
“The final version hopefully will attest to that.”
Manson said he thinks the plan reflects many development opportunities going forward.
“I think the RDOS is just trying to plan for possible scenarios,” he stated.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Oliver Chronicle
