White Lake project gets rejection vote
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year.
FEBRUARY 18, 1972 – A residential development which would have threatened the existence of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at White Lake has been turned down, but the federal government is to be warned it should take steps to protect the $2.7 million observatory.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen decided last night not to enter into a land use contract with Vancouver businessman Robert W. Porter, who wants to develop a 150-unit recreational and retirement community at St. Andrews-bythe-Lake, about three miles north of the observatory.
Mr. Porter has the right to appeal the decision to the British Columbia minister of municipal affairs.
Regional district directors also decided to write the federal government pointing out there will be future plans for development near the observatory and the regional district will not be put in the position of continually defending the observatory
The letter is to point out the area is zoned for subdivision to 10-acre lots and to suggest the government take action to protect the observatory.
Development Sought
Another application for a land use contract for a development near the observatory is also before the regional district board. It is for a 4,000-lot subdivision at Twin Lakes about five miles west of the observatory.
Work Interference Seen
The decision not to allow development was made following a public hearing last week at which scientists from the observatory, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia said the electrical interference from the proposed community would interfere with the work of the observatory and could force its closure. At last night’s meeting, directors also head from N. D. Mullens, director of the Vancouver regional office of the federal department of justice, on behalf of the Attorney-General of Canada. Dr. John Galt, director of observatory, said following decision to turn down the development he was pleased the regional district decision protects the observatory and the staff would do its best to justify the boards faith in their work.
Value Of Rights Stressed
A motion for the regional district to enter into the land use contract was made by director Cliff Devine of Cawston, who said the right of the individual is of more value than the $2 million the federal government has invested in the observatory. (Observatory officials gave the investment at $2.7 million.)