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RDKB - Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

Should Crown Land Be Sold? šŸžļø

A couple who has leased Crown land at Christina Lake since 1992 wants to purchase their 0.62-hectare waterfront property for permanent ownership.

šŸ¤” But staff have concerns about sewage disposal, water quality impacts, and removing public land from community use.

āš–ļø Your regional board is deciding whether to support or oppose the sale to FrontCounter BC.

  • šŸ” The Dolemans have held a seasonal cottage lease since 1992 (expires 2030)

  • ā›µ Boat-access only property - 6.9km north of Christina Lake Welcome Centre

  • šŸ–ļø Current use: 3-6 weeks summer + spring/fall setup for recreational cottage

  • šŸ—ļø Existing structures: Single family dwelling (1992), dock, outhouse, accessory buildings

  • šŸ“‹ Local planning commission supports the sale with development conditions

  • šŸ”„ Previous attempt in 2021 was supported locally but Province requested new application

  • āš ļø Too small: 0.62 hectares is below 1-hectare minimum for unserviced lots

  • šŸš‡ Sewage mystery: Claims only outhouse exists, but floor plans show bathroom with toilet/tub

  • šŸ’§ Water quality risk: No evidence of compliant septic system to protect Christina Lake

  • šŸ“„ No permits: 1992 dwelling built without building permits on record

  • šŸ—ļø Steep terrain: Rocky slopes may not support proper water/sewer infrastructure

  • šŸŒŠ Flood/setback concerns: Uncertain compliance with waterfront development rules

  • šŸžļø Public land loss: Crown land permanently removed from potential public recreation/conservation

  • šŸŒŠ Lake protection: Christina Lake water quality at risk from inadequate sewage systems

  • šŸ  Development pressure: Private ownership opens door to more intensive future development

  • šŸš£ Community access: Waterfront area lost to private control vs community recreation

  • āš–ļø Precedent setting: Decision impacts how similar Crown lease-to-purchase requests are handled

  • šŸ” Regulatory gaps: Highlights need for better oversight of existing unpermitted structures

Christina Lake area in Electoral Area C
Location map

Should the Regional District support selling Crown land to long-term leaseholders when there are environmental and regulatory concerns, or should public land be protected for community use?

šŸ“… Regional District Board Meeting - August 27, 2025

The board will decide whether to forward staff concerns to FrontCounter BC or add additional support/opposition comments.

šŸŽ¤ Have your say: Contact your Area C director or attend the meeting.

ā„¹ļø Final decision rests with the Province through FrontCounter BC.

#crownland#waterquality#development
Aug 27, 2025