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Letter to Editor
ShareSolutions should benefit all
Published: November 18, 2008 5:00 PMUpdated: November 18, 2008 5:23 PM
As a frequent visitor to the Sicamous area over the years, I would like to advance a solution to the issue of usage on Mara Lake.
There are quite a number of residents who live around Mara, who feel the boat use has gotten to be too much and that the speed and congestion result in a danger both to humans and the ecology of the lake.
While arguments can, of course, be made against this, you can initiate solutions which would resolve the situation, while continuing to allow the enjoyment of the lake for all.
The channel currently is a no wake zone. Mara Lake could be made into a slow speed zone, say a maximum of 10 to 15 kilometres an hour. This would certainly reduce the threat of collision, as well as wake damage to the shoreline and its wildlife. It would also discourage excess traffic on the lake, but in a way that is fair to all users.
Residents have to remember that they do not own the lake and this solution is fair to all users. Perhaps an area could be designated for use by ski boats, protected and well marked.
It seems to me that some loud and vocal groups love to complain, but their solutions are based upon their own narrow interests.
It is hard not to feel that some people are interested only in protecting their privileged status quo and, as a result, they are willing to use whatever arguments they can muster to support their end game.
If people are serious about resolving the issues listed above, then perhaps it is time to support common-sense solutions.
Terry Ostapovich
