By Lyonel Doherty

A group of homeowners on Vaseux Lake is “appalled” by a proposal to exclude 1.2 hectares from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) for a 35-unit campground development.

Norm Gaumont, chair of the Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association, said the plan for 3500 Highway 97 will have a negative impact on the bird sanctuary that is “one of the last jewels in the Okanagan.”

Ecora Engineering has submitted an application to the Agricultural Land Commission to exclude a piece of property from the ALR to develop a trailer park on the waterfront (in a location historically occupied by a campground.)

There is currently a 1.8-hectare vineyard and wine-tasting room on the property.

Ecora Engineering said the owner is interested in pursuing a tourist accommodation development that will complement the winery business.

The site is adjacent to a protected area (bird sanctuary), but the “sensitive waterfront area is protected from development,” the firm stated.

But Gaumont expressed a concern about the commercial venture seriously impacting the lake’s riparian values and wildlife habitat.

He noted the trailer park with 35 cement pads within 20 feet of the shoreline will result in destruction of the sensitive shoreline ecosystem.

“Anywhere from 50 to over 100 individuals can be expected at the trailer park year-round and they will have access to the shoreline which is presently a bird habitat.”

He also expressed concern about the potential for sewage leaking into the lake.

“An independent study needs to be done to assess how future flooding will affect any wastewater treatment system on the property,” Gaumont said.

In addition, he pointed to public access off Highway 97, which could pose traffic safety issues.

He said the association believes that wildlife conservation should take precedence over a commercial trailer park. According to Gaumont, more than 500 people have signed a petition against the proposal.

Ecora pointed out that in 2010, the commission approved 29 lakeshore RV sites on 1.2 hectares conditional on planting the vineyard.

But Gaumont said this decision was made with no consultation with the public.

He noted that a 12-unit development on the property was rejected 10 years ago.

The Times-Chronicle is waiting for additional comment from Ecora Engineering.