Editor: I was recently told that some of the owners of properties that were cleared many years ago felt that I was chastising them with my articles in the newspapers.
I would like to clarify something here.
The enforcement of RAR and SPEA regulations is needed to protect the lake and its tributaries. This concerns everybody, individuals as well as corporations. Many years ago it was customary to clear shore property down to the lake. The view was most important and so was easy access to the water, possibly with a nice beach. Clear-cut logging right through the watersheds was also not unusual. Logs used to be dragged through the creeks, destroying spawning beds.
We have since learned that clearing the lakeshore of all vegetation and abusing creeks is detrimental to the critters and the fish in the lake.
The rules change as society changes. We learn from our mistakes. What used to be allowed many years ago is not allowed today. That is a good thing.
Is it fair that some owners of properties in older subdivisions have lawns down to the water, or have retaining walls, while owners of recently subdivided properties are not allowed to have the same? No, it is not fair.
Nobody ever said that life or societies are fair.
When the owners many years ago cleared the lake shore and made beaches or built retaining walls, the RAR or SPEA regulations did not exist. Therefore, these owners cannot possibly be blamed. We did not know as much then, and even if we did, we had other priorities.
I do not like rules and regulations, but they are necessary in any society.
We humans tend to “push the envelope.” Each of us has a different perception. Without rules and regulations it would end up in a “Free for All.”
I don’t think that would be in the interest of any of us.
We are living at a beautiful lake. To keep it that way will require effort and determination.
Klaus Kuhn
CVRD Area I CVRD director