Proposed: Commercial Light Industry and Storage Sites at Star Lake

To: Dale Sobkowich Head of Commercial Policy, Planning and Programming, Parks

Cc: Sarah Guillemard, Minister of Conservation and Climate

Cc: Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba

Cc: Jon Sigurdson, Whiteshell Cottager’s Association

We are cottage owners at Star Lake, Lot 4 Block 4.  We received the letter concerning the proposed commercial light industry and storage site.  We feel the time provided to respond is insufficient particularly as many people are at their cottages enjoying what is left of the summer and not receiving their mail.  We do not agree with the suggestion that Star Lake is a suitable location for any commercial development.  We understand that there may be a need in the South Whiteshell for the storage site and we are confident that an ideal location can be found, perhaps near the transfer station.

The proposal to construct and permit a new development on the Star Lake ‘old dump’ has raised many matters of interest and issues on the part of local residents. At a minimum, this plan needs to be fully evaluated before any decisions can or would be made.

In order to understand the implications of the tabled storage site, a Loss Control Risk Assessment should be performed to evaluate all potential risks, exposures and consequential impact for all stakeholders. The study should include, but not be limited to:

 1)      Environmental

                                                              i.      Materials on site – what are the projected occupancies?

                                                             ii.      Waste

                                                            iii.      Ground water

2)      Safety  

                                                              i.      Fire risk

                                                             ii.      Fire fighting

                                                            iii.      Security

                                                           iv.      Evacuation

                                                             v.      Service interruption

                                                           vi.      Traffic concerns

                                                          vii.      Attractive nuisance        

 3)      Esthetic & Personal Enjoyment Matter

                                                              i.      Trails

                                                             ii.      Wild life

                                                            iii.      Recreation

                                                           iv.      Proximity to  private cottages

 4)      Authorities overseeing site activity and adherence to regulations

                                                               i.      Particulars and specifics

 5)      Insurance and financial responsibility

                                                               i.      Details and documentation

 A qualified contractor at the outlay of those making this proposition should be engaged to perform the risk assessment with the report available for all interested parties to review.

As property holders at Star Lake who are extremely concerned with the above noted project, we request, expect and frankly insist upon satisfactory and complete responses/answers to our issues as raised above.

 Greg and Cheryl Mussell

Lot 4 Block 4, Star Lake