Kaslo chief administrative officer Robert Baker gave a verbal update to council regarding the Quality Property Developments (QP) South Beach rezoning application during its July 9 meeting.
Village staff and QP, the property owner of South Beach, are currently discussing key terms that might appear in a draft agreement.
“This is all about putting our thoughts on paper, so that council can take a look at what some kind of agreement could look like,” said Baker. “Then [council] can make a decision on whether to proceed [with the zoning amendment].”
QP is seeking to have South Beach rezoned to allow for an RV park development. The zoning amendment bylaw has been given first reading only, in October 2023.
Baker said the Village would like to see QP set aside a 30-metre-wide pathway along the riparian zone, from the highway to the lakefront. The Village would also like to see another setback along the shore, 15 metres from the natural boundary of the lake. These setbacks will give the public access to the river and the lakeshore, and protect the environment.
The Village is also asking that QP have the land reappraised, to ensure the numbers are accurate. Baker assured council that the appraiser is a third party chosen by both the Village and QP, and that they will be unbiased and impartial. Ultimately, Baker said, council would agree on the value of the land, which would be put into a draft agreement.
The agreement would also be contingent on the owner supplying environmental, geotechnical, and archaeological assessments. Baker said the first two reports have been completed. An archaeological assessment will be completed soon by a third party.
Baker brought up the issue of staff time; gathering the information needed to make an educated decision on the agreement costs money. Baker assured council that QP would be responsible for these costs, and that they would not be borne by the taxpayer.
“Things are definitely moving along, and the ball is in the landowner’s court,” said Baker.
Community Structure Protection Plan
Jessie Lay, Kaslo’s FireSmart co-ordinator, and Fire Chief Eric Graham gave a presentation to council about the Community Structure Protection Plan (CSPP).
“This is a very operational document,” Lay told the Valley Voice. “It serves as a preplan for responders in the event of a significant wildland urban interface fire event.”
The plan was created in consultation with BC Wildfire Service, to be used by BCWS and other response agencies when they are called to action to protect Kaslo and area.
In May, Lay, Graham, and deputy fire chief Doug Yee toured Kaslo and area with Lou Wilde, a structure protection specialist with BCWS. The plan covers the area from Loki Lots in the south to Schroeder Creek in the north.
“It was a really good opportunity to have BC Wildfire Service make a connection to this community,” said Graham during the council meeting. “I think the biggest key piece is the pre-planning for BC Wildfire – they know the community, they know the resources we have, and what we’re up against.”
The CSPP has two parts. Part one is intended to help local authorities and community leaders with emergency preplanning and community education.
Part two is for first responders, providing information specific to Kaslo and area that can be used during an emergency.
“The document outlines potential safe zones, access and egress, and tender fill sites so incoming supports can have a lay of the land before arriving on scene,” said Lay. “It is also a great resource for folks who want to learn more about proactive measures and objectives to cultivate community resilience to wildfire at local events.”
Lay reinforced that the best thing individuals can do for collective resilience is to get a FireSmart home assessment done.
For more information, email Lay at firesmart@kaslo.ca
Beer gardens
Council adopted an amendment to the Village’s beer garden regulation bylaw, which removes the requirement that beer garden licenses must be approved at least 30 days in advance of an event.
With the amendment adopted and taking effect immediately, Kaslo Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA) was granted a beer garden license for its end-of-season tournament and celebration.
Councillor Matthew Brown recused himself for this item, as he is part of the KBSA.
Kootenay Lake Partnership
Baker will represent the Village of Kaslo in the Kootenay Lake Partnership (KLP).
Formed in 2010, KLP is a multi-agency partnership that supports management decisions that keep the Kootenay Lake ecosystem productive and healthy.
Partners include the RDCK, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Lower Kootenay Band (Yaqan Nukiy), the Ktunaxa Nation Council, Canadian Columbia Inter-tribal Fisheries Commission, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Interior Health Authority, and the City of Nelson.
