Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park

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1 Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park Proponent Information & Contact Details Thompson-Nicola Regional District Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9 Sukh Gill Chief Administrative Officer Phone: sgill@tnrd.ca The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) serves as the local government for all rural and remote unincorporated communities located within its 45,000+ sq km boundary. Over 115 services, including fire protection are provided at the taxpayers request. In addition some regional services are also provided for 11 municipalities, 10 electoral areas and 22 First Nations. Type & Purpose of Project The impact of the 2017 Elephant Hill Wildfire will not be soon forgotten. Covering over 191,865 hectares this wildfire destroyed landscapes, livelihoods, homes, businesses and the entire Boston Flats community. For the community of Loon Lake, the recovery and rebuilding process is ongoing. While some homes were lost, and others sustained repairable or minimal damage, residents lost a vital piece of infrastructure when the wildfire destroyed the community s only fire hall. The purpose of this request is to support Loon Lake residents in the recovery process by securing property for fire hall reconstruction at a location within the community that will protect public safety and maximize the number of properties serviced. The Loon Lake Provincial Park, that is closed to the public, had been identified as a suitable location by a subject matter expert in a recently completed Fire Services Review as this site is approximately half way along Loon Lake and within 8 km of the most populous area of the community. The TNRD is requesting a park boundary adjustment of approximately 2.64 acres; the portion of District Lot 7457 (Loon Lake Provincial Park) located on the north side of Loon Lake Rd (see attached Map #1 Proposed Park Boundary Adjustment). Proposed is a two-bay building with a washroom, storage space, and training area (could be on a second floor) along with an allowance for fleet expansion. Preliminarily sized at 3150 sq ft, the building will have a 45 x 70 footprint. Property access and egress would be directly onto Loon Lake Rd. A potable water supply well will be required along with a gravelled parking area. A pump and haul vault system for waste water is proposed, as this will mitigate soil disruption and eliminate the need for a conventional septic tank and drain field.

2 Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park Page 2 Other than paved driveway access/egress to/from Loon Lake Road, there should be no impact outside of the protected area. 1. Alternatives to Avoid the Protected Area Have Been Considered. a. Rebuild on Previous Site Wildfire destroyed the fire hall located at 1705 Loon Lake Rd; which is also home to the Loon Lake Community Hall. This piece of Crown land is tenured to the Loon Lake Road Community and Recreational and Agricultural Society under Crown Lease # Rebuilding on the same site is not viable for the following reasons: The Crown lease is in the name of a society that is not affiliated with the provision of fire protection services. Any buildings on this property would belong to the entity that holds the Crown Lease unless a sub-lease is secured. At the community s request, and supported by the referendum held on June 23, 2018, effective January 1, 2019 fire department ownership and operation will transfer to the TNRD. At that point, as a publicly owned asset property tenure must be in the name of the TNRD. Attached Map #2 Species at Risk was downloaded from the Provincial CDC database. The original fire hall location (noted as Original Location) appears to be within a species and ecosystems sensitive area. This location does not meet the Fire Underwriters Survey requirements for maximum apparatus response distance for the most populous area of the community, thus impacting public safety, response times and insurance rates/premiums for the majority of residents. b. Build on Subdivision Community Park Site As part of the original community subdivision, a property on Stevens Road was identified for future community park development. Concerns related to building a hall on this site are as follows: Property appears to be within a sensitive species and ecosystem area as noted in attached Map #2 Species at Risk (noted as Stevens Rd Park). This property is located near the fire protection service eastern boundary(see attached Map #3 Fire Protection Service Area) and significantly reduces the number of properties within the Fire Underwriters Survey s requirement for an 8 km maximum apparatus response distance, thus reducing the number of properties that would qualify for a dwelling protection grade rating and insurance premium reductions. The site is only.62 acres. There would be limited space for on-site parking, resulting first responders parking along the narrow roadway, which could impact traffic flow within the community. Lot size also restricts the opportunity for future expansion. As a subdivision park this property is to be used for park purposes. Fire hall construction is not a permitted use. In addition, the lot size is not big enough to allow for dual use (fire hall and community park) This property is within the ALR, as noted in attached Map #4 Stevens Rd ALR. Authority to build on this site would be subject to approval for a no-farm use exemption. c. Purchase of Private Property The majority of the properties within the service area are privately owned. The cost to purchase land would place an additional long term financial burden on property owners, and may significantly impact the viability and sustainability of the fire protection service.

3 Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park Page 3 In addition, the majority of properties are large parcels. Additional costs to purchase 2 to 3 acres would include fees associated with subdivision, surveying, legal services, etc. 2. Overall Economic Benefits to the Province Have Been Documented The proposed site is Loon Lake Provincial Park which straddles Loon Lake Road. The lower portion (lake side) is gated to prevent vehicle access. There is a fairly steep slope to the lake, and the entire site is overgrown. The upper portion (mountain side) also has a fairly steep slope. Similar to many residences in Loon Lake, the fire hall could be built into the bank, thus taking advantage of the elevation for ground level access from the different levels. As this site has been closed to the public for a number of years there would be no loss of revenue to BC Parks or the Province in general. Community Economic Benefits Canadian insurers use Fire Underwriters Survey s Dwelling Protection Grades (DPG) when calculating appropriate insurance rate/premiums. In general, the price of insurance in a community with a good DPG is substantially lower than in an area with a poor or not DPG rating. The maximum apparatus response distance to achieve a DPG rating is 8 km by road. The proposed fire hall location will meet the 8 km requirement for the most populous area of the community. Reduced insurance premium costs will provide a financial benefit for developed properties and encourage in-fill development, thus promoting value for the local economy. The TNRD would apply for a nominal rent tenure for fire protection purposes. If the site is no longer required for fire protection, tenure would revert to the Province. In addition, if suitable public land cannot be secured, having to purchase property may significantly impact the viability and sustainability of the fire protection service. 3. Social and Environmental Impacts Have Been Documented Social The Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Department has been a community mainstay since the late 1980s. When the community was evacuated, due to the Elephant Hill Wildfire, the fire department s volunteers stayed behind and assisted BC Wildfire in establishing control lines and providing suppression services. When the evacuation order was lifted the volunteer fire fighters were on hand to welcome the community home. A community fire department provides a vital service and sense of safety. Volunteer fire departments and their members are an integral part of the communities that make up the social fabric of rural BC. On June 23, 2018 a referendum was held to determine community support for the transfer of fire department ownership and operation from a volunteer society to the TNRD. Community support was overwhelmingly in favour (79%) of this initiative. As a result the TNRD will assume ownership and operation on January 1, 2019.

4 Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park Page 4 Environmental According to the Provincial CDC database the proposed site has not been identified as a species or ecosystems sensitive area, see Attached Map #2 Species at Risk (noted as Loon Lake Provincial Park). Having said this, construction works will be undertaken with consideration given to mitigating environmental disruption and long term impact. As the site is on the north side of Loon Lake Road, no impact to aquatic habitat is anticipated. The site has sparse vegetation, and while some clearing will be required, hall placement will be determined with consideration given to minimizing impact to natural vegetation. A pump and haul septage disposal system is proposed, which will eliminate the need to install a conventional septic tank and drainage field. In addition a pump and haul system will not impact area wells or ground water. While there is documented evidence of an archaeological site on the south side of Loon Lake Road (see attached Map #5 Archaeological Site Map), nothing has been noted for the proposed fire hall location. Recognized is that the subject site may be in an area of high potential for the existence of an archaeological site, therefore the TNRD is committed to meeting any archaeological review requirements. 4. Mitigation and Restoration Measures Have Been Identified. Long term use (30+ years) is anticipated for this site. Development mitigation measures include selecting a building location in consideration of minimizing impact to existing vegetation. Installation of a pump and haul vault septic system rather than a conventional septic tank and drain field system will reduce short and long term environmental impact. Should the sight no longer be required the TNRD s commits to meeting restoration requirements as identified by the Province. 5. First Nations Interest and Discussions. The TNRD has engaged in consultation with the following First Nations. Bonaparte Indian Band Neskonlith Indian Band Tk emlups te Secwepemc Skeetchestn Indian Band Ts kw aylaxw First Nation Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band High Bar First Nation Stswecem c Xgat tem First Nation 1. Letters dated January 18, 2018 mailed advising of Stage 1 proposal. Letters were addressed to Chief and Council. Response received from High Bar First Nation copy attached as Appendix #1 - High Bar First Nation Stage 1 Consultation Response 2. Meeting with Bonaparte Indian Band April 17, 1500 hrs. In attendance: Bonaparte Indian Band Chief Ryan Day, TNRD Chair John Ranta, Electoral Area

5 Stage 2 Detailed Proposal Park Boundary Adjustment Request Former Loon Lake Provincial Park Page 5 Director Sally Watson, TNRD CAO Sukh Gill and Loon Lake Fire Department Chief Jeff Harrison. While there was no expressed objection to the construction of a fire hall in the community, there was no support for the park boundary adjustment. 3. Letters dated August 23, 2018 mailed advising of Stage 2 proposal. Letters were addressed to Chief and Council, attached as Appendix #2. No responses receive to date. Copies of any responses will be submitted as received. 4. Follow-up s regarding the August 23, 2018 letters will be sent by October 1, Copies of any responses will be submitted as received. 6. Local Community (Including Local Governments) Have Been Consulted. Communication with the Loon Lake Road Community Recreational and Agricultural Society and the Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society has been ongoing. As public meetings were held prior to the June 23 referendum general knowledge of this initiative already exists within the community. See attached letter of support form the local community association, attached as Appendix #3. The TNRD will host a public meeting for the entire community; date to be announced. 6. Provincial and Federal Agencies Have Been Consulted The TNRD understands that at this time no Provincial or Federal agency consultation is required. Attached are the following: Map #1 Proposed Park Boundary Adjustment Map #2 Species at Risk Map #3 Loon Lake Fire Protection Service Area Map #4 Stevens Rd ALR Map #5 Archaeological Site Location Appendix #1 High Bar First Nation Stage 1 Consultation Response Appendix #2 Stage 2 First Nations Consultation Letters Appendix #3 Community Association Letter of Support Appendix #4 - Loon Lake Community Petition

6 Map #1 - Proposed Park Boundary Adjustment Legend Emergency Services Facility Police Station Ambulance Station Fire Station Hospital Local Authority Office Other Cemetery Community Hall Education Emergency Response Government Building Health Landmark Recreation Transportation Utility Parcel TNRD Boundary (Outline) Administrative Boundary (Outlin First Nations Reserve (Outline) Provincial Parks & Protected A 0.2 1: 4, Kilometers Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere December 12, 2017 THIS IS NOT A LEGAL SURVEY PLAN. This map is a user generated static output from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Internet Mapping site and is provided on an as is and as available basis, without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. The information was generated from Geographic Information System (GIS) data maintained by different source agencies. Information contained in the map may be approximate, and is not necessarily complete, accurate or current. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, reliance on this information without verification from original records is done at the user's own risk. Author: Proposed Park Adjustment to accommodate construction of a new fire hall for Loon Lake

7 Map #2 - Species at Risk CDC Occurrence Map Legend Species and Ecosystems at Available Occurrences - CDC FEATURE_CODE Animal - Vertebrate Animal - Invertebrate Plant - Vascular Plant - Non-vascular Ecological Community Stevens Rd Park Species and Ecosystems at Secured) Publicly Available O Species and Ecosystems at and Historical) Publicly Avail CDC FEATURE_CODE Animal - Vertebrate Original Location Loon Lake Provincial Park 0 1: 147, Copyright/Disclaimer 6.00 km The material contained in this web site is owned by the Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed without the prior written permission of the Province of British Columbia. To request permission to reproduce all or part of the material on this web site please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form which can be accessed through the Copyright Information Page. CAUTION: Maps obtained using this site are not designed to assist in navigation. These maps may be generalized and may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. DO NOT USE THESE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES. Datum: NAD83 Projection: NAD_1983_BC_Environment_Albers Key Map of British Columbia

8 Map #3 Fire Protection Service Area Legend Library Services Library Bookmobile Stop Waste Disposal and Recycling Eco-Depot Recycle Depot Product Stewardship Depot Landfill Transfer Station Septage Pit Fire Department Response Are TNRD Boundary (Outline) Administrative Boundary (Outlin First Nations Reserve (Outline) Provincial Parks & Protected A : 245, Kilometers Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere January 17, 2018 THIS IS NOT A LEGAL SURVEY PLAN. This map is a user generated static output from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Internet Mapping site and is provided on an as is and as available basis, without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. The information was generated from Geographic Information System (GIS) data maintained by different source agencies. Information contained in the map may be approximate, and is not necessarily complete, accurate or current. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, reliance on this information without verification from original records is done at the user's own risk. Author: Fire Protection Service Area

9 Map #4 Stevens Rd ALR Legend Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Site Specific Zoning Zoning Outline Library Services Library Bookmobile Stop Waste Disposal and Recycling Eco-Depot Recycle Depot Product Stewardship Depot Landfill Transfer Station Septage Pit Emergency Services Police Station Ambulance Station Fire Station Hospital Local Authority Office Facility Other Cemetery Community Hall Education Emergency Response Government Building Health Landmark : 2,257 Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere Kilometers September 14, 2018 THIS IS NOT A LEGAL SURVEY PLAN. This map is a user generated static output from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Internet Mapping site and is provided on an as is and as available basis, without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. The information was generated from Geographic Information System (GIS) data maintained by different source agencies. Information contained in the map may be approximate, and is not necessarily complete, accurate or current. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, reliance on this information without verification from original records is done at the user's own risk. Recreation Stevens Road Park - ALR Transportation Utility Author: Parcel

10 Map #5 - Archaeological Site Location Proposed Fire Hall Site Legend Emergency Services Police Station Facility Ambulance Station Fire Station Hospital Local Authority Office Other Cemetery Community Hall Education Emergency Response Government Building Health Landmark Recreation Transportation Utility Parcel Archaeological Site (do not pro TNRD Boundary (Outline) Administrative Boundary (Outlin First Nations Reserve (Outline) 0.1 1: 2, Kilometers Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere December 13, 2017 THIS IS NOT A LEGAL SURVEY PLAN. This map is a user generated static output from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Internet Mapping site and is provided on an as is and as available basis, without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. The information was generated from Geographic Information System (GIS) data maintained by different source agencies. Information contained in the map may be approximate, and is not necessarily complete, accurate or current. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, reliance on this information without verification from original records is done at the user's own risk. Author: Archaelogical Site

11 Appendix #1 - High Bar First Nation Stage 1 Consultation Response

12 Appendix #2 Stage 2 First Nations Consultation Letters

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20 Appendix #3 Community Association Letter of Support Loon Lake Community Agricultural Recreational Society 1705 Loon Lake Road, Cache Creek, BC VOK lhl website.ca September 24 th 2018 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN ' Re; LOON LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION The Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society (LLCRAS) is the active voice and advocate for the betterment of Loon Lake Property Owners. The LLCRAS Board of Directors and community members support the Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Department (LL VFD) in their efforts to provide fire protection and education to property owners within their dedicated fire protection service area. In July 2017 the LLVFD had their fire hall destroyed as a result of the Elephant Hill Wildfire. Since then, they have been working with the TNRD to identify a new location which will offer ideal response capability to the majority of the property owners on Loon Lake Road. The previously named Loon Lake Provincial Park has been identified as the best location for a fire hall based on the recommendations of professional consultants. Rebuilding of a new fire hall is urgently needed in the interest of public safety. The fire trucks have been temporarily stored in rented, heated facilities belonging to private citizens at Loon Lake over the winter season and Fire equipment is stored at the homes of the respective fire department volunteers. This situation is less than acceptable and we as a community appeal to those responsible to assist Loon Lake in securing Crown land tenure in order to re-build our fire hall. Purchase of private lands would place an additional financial burden on property owners and further impact recovery related to the events of Thank you, (r[- ;_ Faye Morrison President LLCRAS Q'

21 Appendix #4 Loon Lake Community Petition We the Undersigned, as property owners within the Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Protection service area, hereby support the TNRD in their application to acquire land (Loon Lake Provincial Park) for the purpose of construction of the Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Departments main fire hall The previously named Loon Lake Provincial Park has been identified as the ideal location for a fire hall based on the recommendation of professional consultants. Acquisition of this land is urgently required because our original fire hall building was destroyed in the 2017 Elephant Hill Wildfire. ADDRESS

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