Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
A landowner in Oliver wants to develop an RV park, but first the issue of trespassing must be resolved.
Jane and Aaron Stelkia addressed Town council on March 28 to discuss the long-standing issue near Casa Rio and the hospital.
The west half of the paved portion of Spillway Road is owned by the Town, and the east half belongs to the Stelkias.
Director of Development Services Randy Houle explained the Town inherited this road from the province several years ago, but the fact is it’s trespassing on the Stelkia property.
Houle said the Ministry of Transportation is aware of the situation and has completed preliminary studies on how to correct it while improving traffic safety in the area.
In the interim, the Stelkias want to develop an RV park on their land between Spillway Road and Black Sage Road, Houle said. They are also requesting Town services (water and sewer) to the property.
“Council is seeking a more formal request from the Stelkias and then at that time we can investigate whether this is possible or not,” Houle said.
During the discussion, Aaron confirmed that half of Spillway Road is on Jane’s property. Aaron said this has been brought to the Town’s attention many times without a resolution.
Aaron said his uncle Jim erected some posts on the road years ago but someone “cut them down with a chainsaw.”
He told council that Jane, now 92, wants to develop that strip of property into RV sites.
“We’re not here to argue about putting posts in the middle of the road (again),” Aaron said, suggesting a trade-off with the Town by giving them access to water and sewer for the RV park.
“Many times we tried to get things happening but it never seems to go anywhere . . . Jane is stuck from doing anything with her property.”
Aaron said he thought of using an excavator to put some steel posts in the road to spark some action, but he admitted he didn’t want to do that.
Jane commented that she would like to see something done before she leaves this world.
Councillor Aimee Grice asked the Stelkias whether they want to reclaim their land or leave the situation as is and tie into the Town’s water and sewer system.
Aaron said they want the latter.
Grice also wondered if a previously discussed roundabout at the McKinney/Black Sage Road intersection will cause a problem for the Stelkias.
Aaron said it would be up to the ministry, not the Town, to address that with possible compensation.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said council recognizes that something needs to be done in this area.
Councillor Dave Mattes suggested Town staff work with the Stelkias on a formal request followed by a meeting to discuss potential solutions and other innovative approaches.
Mayor Martin Johansen said they need to ensure that access to Casa Rio is maintained.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed, saying Caso Rio residents want a solution too, adding that Spillway Road is in “rough shape” right now.
It was noted the road started off as a wagon trail at one point.
