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A new proposal by the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) to the Parks Canada agency will connect 525 cabin units to the water and sewer main next summer — regardless of whether renters require the private services.
Changes to the seasonal old campground in Clear Lake have cabin renters in an uproar.
A new proposal by the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) to the Parks Canada agency will connect 525 cabin units to the water and sewer main next summer — regardless of whether renters require the private services.
Each camper will pay $5,000 and can continue to use the public facilities including cook sacks, public washrooms and one shower building, which will remain until they are no longer needed.
The new dual water and sewer system is not finalized, but the CLCA board touts it as a "win-win."
"If you do a dual system, both sides get their wish," said Trevor Winters, president of the Clear Lake Cabin Association.
The two sides being those who agree with or oppose individual water and sewage connections that are part of Parks Canada regulations stating; "every building on a lot that fronts or abuts on any part of a street on which a water main or sewer main has been laid must connect the building directly to (the mains.)"
"It’s a municipal project so everyone must pay their share," Winters said. "But no one is forced to hook up."
Another CLCA recommended adjustment — changing the annual permits to 42-year leases — will aim to ease the burden of the project, as the fee can be financed.
Currently, seasonal campers at the old campground enjoy a low rental fee of $800; $484 for the permit and around $300 for water, sewage and garbage.
However, following a recent Parks Canada rent review, which appraised the land at $75,000 based on the value of undeveloped lots, the rate will move closer to the national average between $1,700 —$2,000, starting next year.
"We have gone 20 years without a rent increase," Winters said. "We knew this was coming."
The leases will amount to roughly $1,500 per year, including utilities.
"If we’re going to be paying this kind of money, (a lease option) just makes sense," Winters said. "It gives cabin owners a fair share of the land, you can put your children’s name on the lease too."
The change to leases will take effect April 1, 2013.
For CLCA past president Bruce Hembroff, the board did not adequately consult cabin owners before its decision.
"My main issue is the process our board of directors went through to proceed with this," Hembroff said of the consultation that began more than five years ago.
In 2007, 87 per cent of the 525 permit holders returned their ballots in a recorded vote. At the time, only 175 holders were in favour of the water and sewer system and the motion was lost.
In November 2011, the board — in conjuction with Parks Canada agency — mailed out another survey asking campground users about facilities. This time, the answers were anonymous "and will not be considered as a formal vote in favour or opposition to the questions asked" the cover letter read. A disclaimer followed stating the opportunity for a formal vote "could be made available as part of the review process."
"It was a very confusing survey form to complete," said Hugh Davis, a cabin dweller for more than 30 years. "I’ve spoken to some of the older cabin owners who once they saw ‘no vote,’ threw (the surveys) out."
Satisfied with a sample size of 307 cabin renters, the CLCA reported in January this year 56 per cent of cabin owners who responded want water and sewer installed in cabins and 21 per cent were in favour of a dual system.
A total of 236 cabin owners formed the majority the CLCA said it used in determining the impending changes.
"The survey results from last winter clearly indicate a majority in favour of proceeding with at least a dual system at this time," the CLCA wrote in a hand out.
Since the board announced its decision in January, the Parks agency office has received 107 calls seeking information. There have been six letters to the agency in opposition.
"Every time we go through these processes, we pit neighbour against neighbour," said Dale Wallis, Parks Canada agency site manager. "We get to move forward, we want this debate to end."
The dual system is set to remain as it’s proposed until 2019, five years after the project is completed. Old facilities will only be closed by a mutual agreement between parties. The shower and washroom facility will remain a permanent fixture at the campground.
"If they decide not to put a washroom in the cabin, there will still be a washroom for them," Davis said.
The CLCA association will hold a general meeting July 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Jamboree Hall, Wasagaming.
» dponticelli@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 19, 2012
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Changes to the seasonal old campground in Clear Lake have cabin renters in an uproar.
A new proposal by the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) to the Parks Canada agency will connect 525 cabin units to the water and sewer main next summer — regardless of whether renters require the private services.
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Changes to the seasonal old campground in Clear Lake have cabin renters in an uproar.
A new proposal by the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) to the Parks Canada agency will connect 525 cabin units to the water and sewer main next summer — regardless of whether renters require the private services.
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