Proposed: Commercial Light Industry and Storage Sites at Star Lake

Sent to : premier@leg.gov.mb.ca. Minister of Conservation and Climate. Minncc@leg.gov.mb.ca. Director of Parks. Sd@gov.mb.ca

In regards to the letter received about building a light commercial industrial storage space at Starlake. The lack of consultations with cottage owners is outrageous. You had plenty of opportunity prior to this letter to gauge the thoughts and wishes of cottage owners at Star Lake.

What exactly is light commercial industrial? Who are the industries pushing for a project of this size? Who is paying for the development of this site?who actually owns that property? What will and would be stored? What security measures would be in place to protect the environment and habitat ?

These are only a few of the unanswered questions that need to be addressed. Even if these questions can be answered, any project of this magnitude does not belong beside cottages and lakes. I am totally against any plan to allow any facility to be developed at Star Lake.

Whoever is behind this project can go find their own piece of property outside of the park. Purchase it with their own money. Develop it with their own money. Do not try to establish a project like this at Star Lake or any other lake.

I am 66 years of age and discovered this beautiful lake and cottage community when I was 21 years old. Immediately I fell in love with the breathtaking views,hiking trails,peace and serenity of being in a provincial park. Over the years I have witnessed the lack of care and erosion of park facilities which has threatened the beauty of Whiteshell Provincial Park. It is called a park for a reason. To let nature thrive and a place for people to enjoy the great outdoors in peace. By locating a facility so close to cottages is unacceptable.

Over the years I have seen hunting allowed in the fall with an influx of hunters using the trail which starts behind the cabins. No longer are people able to enjoy the trails in the fall for fear of getting shot by a stray bullet from a hunter.

There is only 1 road accessible to cottage and beach goers. This road is heavily used as it is. Adding more to the mix will not only cause more dust in the air but cause more damage to a road that constantly needs grading to alleviate the stutter bumps caused by excess traffic. An added hazard by new additional traffic to pedestrians of all ages is paramount. Biking,strolling , children walking to the beach , would all be put in greater danger with more traffic. The intersection of 301 and Star Lake road 456 is dangerous enough with blind corners either way. With more traffic coming in and out the risk of accidents are even greater.

Star Lake is not an option for this project. Perhaps it can be developed at the transfer station outside Falcon Lake. There is plenty space for development. An access road exists already which is only used for depositing refuse. No cottages would be impacted by the use of this land. I understand the need for space for contractors and such but not near cottages. Keep are parks as parks not commercial developments.

Lawrence Santa. Block 6 Lot 13. Star Lake Manitoba. Wickedwichka@gmail.com.