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LETTER: Access to Maple Lake will be compromised it development proceeds

Dear editor,
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Fishing from a kayak is one of the many recreational opportunities available at Maple Lake. (File photo)

Dear editor,

Recently on my walks past the Cumberland Cemetery, I noticed sign boards along the road stating “Notice of Application for Development.”

They show a map of the area and four lots (every corner of the Island Hwy/Comox Valley Parkway intersection) that are slated to be developed.

One of the planned developments/subdivisions would cut off the access road to Maple Lake, a jewel in the Comox Valley. This lake and its surrounding area has been used for recreational purposes like fishing, walking, swimming by the people in the Comox Valley for years. It is stocked with trouts twice a year.

I live nearby and I have met people there enjoying the peaceful setting of the lake not just from the Valley but from various parts of B.C. and even Canada!

It is a beautiful spot for swimming in summer, for walking all through the year, for fishing and even ice-fishing or ice skating if we get a winter cold enough. The only thing that would make Maple Lake even more enjoyable would be building a walking trail that goes all around the lake.

Now it is threatened to be developed by a private party (Trilogy?) and in the process will most likely be lost to the public. What a shame and shortsightedness of the council of Cumberland to refuse to have this parcel of land developed as a regional park. I can understand that turning Maple Lake and its surrounding area into a public park might be too big a financial burden for the Village, but how about all the municipalities of the Comox Valley and the regional district getting together to raise the funds and buy this lot to create a public park?

Perhaps there might even be some grant money available from the province for protecting and preserving a beautiful part of the Comox Valley.

I am sure that all taxpayers in the Comox Valley and especially all the young families who have moved to Cumberland in the last few years and are now contributing to Cumberland’s financial well-being would enjoy this little lake for family outings.

Let’s save this jewel for future generations!

Gerti Roither

Minto Road