Sweet dreams and ugly nightmares

Dear Editor,

We went to Wasa Lake last Sunday evening to go for a swim. We have a dog so needed to avoid public beaches and the beach in front of waterfront homes, less hassle that way or so we thought. So we went to one of those public highway accesses that the Highways Department were so wise to have designated so many years ago to preserve public access to the lake.

There are six, apart from the provincial park boat launch that I'm aware of. As the recently upgraded Provincial Park boat launch is often very busy and does not allow dogs, the public highways access points make wonderful places to launch a car topper boat or are the only allowable locations on Wasa Lake to take your dog for a swim.

The public access we chose is appropriately named Elm Street. It is just off of Dogwood Street which runs along behind the Wasa Pub. It is a fabulous place to swim with your dog. The beach is about 100 feet long and parallels the road. It has a lake bottom of small gravels that is easy on the feet. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of this location is the 100 foot long dock that is full of powerboats and other watersport toys. The lakefront beach is clearly crown land owned by the Province of British Columbia and yet this private dock is tied up on the shore.

The other drawback is the private property owner on the other side of the road away from the lake. It seems they feel the crown land lakeshore is their private property simply by having their dock located there or perhaps by having a view of this beach from across the public road. Only minutes after arriving, we were told to leave and that this was not a public beach. We had no music, no alcohol; we were simply going for a swim with our dog.

The property owner, who clearly did not live there year round, persisted in hassling us until we left. How many people have been chased off this publicly owned beachfront access over the years? Having looked into the question and having confirmed the legal status of the land, many - I am told by local residents. I think the time has come for our government, be it Highways, Environment, or the Integrated Land Management Bureau, to TAKE BACK our crown lands, especially very sensitive ecological foreshore, from those that not only are in trespass, but hassle the public that have a right to this public recreational access. Time and time again, our right to recreational access on our own crown lands is in jeopardy, we need to speak out where we can to stop it. So ended our 'NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET'.

P.S. - Thanks to the polite, patient and understanding RCMP constable who was asked to attend and quickly realized the property owners did not own the beach.

P.P.S. - If using any of these fine public access roads, please remember to pick up after your dog for the sake of all those that follow.

Thanks,

Roger Tierney

Kimberley, BC

Dear Editor,

The Dinner Date for Eight is the annual Symphony of the Kootenays fundraiser. This year, I was the lucky winner. The Symphony Board of Directors prepared and served a fabulous dinner comprised of seven courses. My Symphony friends and I revelled in an evening of fun and laughter.

I would encourage community members to purchase tickets next year. Only a limited number are sold. The chance of winning such a great evening could be yours and simultaneously, you will be supporting the wonderful gift of this outstanding Symphony in our community.

Sincerely,

Connie Mangan

Cranbrook