#crownland
Should Crown Land Be Sold? šļø
A couple who has leased Crown land at Christina Lake since 1992 wants to purchase their 0.62-hectare waterfront property for permanent ownership.
š¤ But staff have concerns about sewage disposal, water quality impacts, and removing public land from community use.
āļø Your regional board is deciding whether to support or oppose the sale to FrontCounter BC.
š” The Dolemans have held a seasonal cottage lease since 1992 (expires 2030)
āµ Boat-access only property - 6.9km north of Christina Lake Welcome Centre
šļø Current use: 3-6 weeks summer + spring/fall setup for recreational cottage
šļø Existing structures: Single family dwelling (1992), dock, outhouse, accessory buildings
š Local planning commission supports the sale with development conditions
š Previous attempt in 2021 was supported locally but Province requested new application
ā ļø Too small: 0.62 hectares is below 1-hectare minimum for unserviced lots
š Sewage mystery: Claims only outhouse exists, but floor plans show bathroom with toilet/tub
š§ Water quality risk: No evidence of compliant septic system to protect Christina Lake
š No permits: 1992 dwelling built without building permits on record
šļø Steep terrain: Rocky slopes may not support proper water/sewer infrastructure
š Flood/setback concerns: Uncertain compliance with waterfront development rules
šļø Public land loss: Crown land permanently removed from potential public recreation/conservation
š Lake protection: Christina Lake water quality at risk from inadequate sewage systems
š Development pressure: Private ownership opens door to more intensive future development
š£ Community access: Waterfront area lost to private control vs community recreation
āļø Precedent setting: Decision impacts how similar Crown lease-to-purchase requests are handled
š Regulatory gaps: Highlights need for better oversight of existing unpermitted structures
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?
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Official Votes
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š 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.
š¤ Have your say: Contact your Area C director or attend the meeting.
ā¹ļø Final decision rests with the Province through FrontCounter BC.
Crown Land Approval Decision Made
šļø Should neighbors get Crown land approval with development conditions?
Christina Lake's Advisory Planning Commission just decided on Ken & Pam Doleman's Crown land application - with important strings attached for future development.
š Decision from August 5, 2025 APC meeting
š Ken & Pam Doleman applied for Crown land through FrontCounter BC
šļø Previous 2021 application stalled due to COVID-19
š Property has 1992-built structure with outhouse only
š§ No new development since acquisition - just maintenance
š§ Grey water pit currently on property
ā APC unanimously supported the application
š Future building permits must comply with Official Community Plan
š Waterfront 100 Development Permit area rules apply
šļø Floodplain Bylaw compliance required for development
š” Protects neighbors from unregulated growth
š Stay Informed About Local Development
Electoral Area C APC meets regularly at Christina Lake Welcome Centre.
šļø How to Get Involved:
- Attend monthly meetings
- Comment on applications
- Monitor Crown land decisions
August 5, 2025 meeting minutes now available