Approximately 20 people attended the Friends of Bridge Lake Society's (FoBL) public meeting at the Bridge Lake School on April 2.
The goal was to attract those residents opposed to the Crown land swap proposal under consideration by the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations (MNRO) at Bridge Lake and demonstrate how each individual can participate in the opposition campaign.
FoBL president Jim Dunbar sent a clear message to the group that each person must communicate their opposition to the disposal of waterfront crown land on Bridge Lake, which would become a residential subdivision.
The land-swap proposal is still under consideration by the MNRO and has far-reaching implications for all provincial Crown land.
Richard Smith, past president of FoBL, pointed out that while it is not uncommon for the government to dispose of Crown land, it is rare for it to consider a disposal initiated by an individual for the purpose of developing a subdivision.
The fact that the Bridge Lake property is set aside for the "Use, Recreation and Enjoyment of the Public" and has a UREP designation makes this potential disposal even more disturbing for some residents.
By providing an address list of government officials and pertinent contacts on its website, www.friendsofbridgelake.org, FoBL plans to initiate a province-wide letter-writing campaign by individuals. Attendees at the meeting were reminded a 2004 proposal to develop Crown land at the east end of Lac des Roches was met with considerable opposition from residents all over British Columbia, through a similar awareness campaign launched by area residents.
Chris Lance summed it up well with her closing remark: "This is not just a Bridge Lake issue; it is a Crown land issue."
The opposition campaign is underway with letter-writing assistance available from the members of FoBL.