Municipal Hall

March 10, 2008 / 12:00 AM

Maple Ridge, BC: Today Mayor Gordy Robson, Member of Parliament Randy Kamp and MLA Randy Hawes turned the sod to signal construction of a berm and fish channel at Whonnock Lake which will ensure the recreational and habitat values of the lake are preserved. Over the past several years fluctuating lake levels have threatened continuing use of the lake for recreational boating and swimming as well as training for competitive canoe and kayak paddling. The Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club have called Whonnock Lake home for many years but drops in the water levels over the past few years have caused the Club great concern. The installation of the berm on the east side of the lake is intended to stabilize water levels while the installation of a fish channel and habitat restoration will help to bring back some of the natural values previously lost at that end of the lake.

The District is currently finalizing acquisition of the lands which will mean only two properties remain to be acquired for the District to achieve its goal of owning all of the lakefront in an effort to preserve the site for future generations. Together the acquisition of the land and the works which are about to be completed represent an investment of $1.4M by the District in the project.

While turning the sod Mayor Robson said, "On behalf of Council and our citizens I am very pleased to be taking this first step toward resolving such a long standing concern for our citizens. We want to thank both senior levels of government for assisting us through the various regulatory processes necessary to ensure all of the best practices can be brought to bear, while still preserving the recreational opportunities at the lake."