September 17, 2020

Re: Opposition to the Proposed Commercial Light Industry and Storage Sites at Star Lake

Dear Mr. Sobkowich,

My name is Debbie Halhead, my husband and I own a cottage at Star Lake, Block 6 Lot 6. We, along with our children, are recent owners (2017). Although my parents owned a cottage at McKenzie Beach (West Hawk Lake) for a number or years, we absolutely never thought we ourselves would ever be in a position to own a cottage in the Whiteshell.

When our youngest granddaughter came along we realized our trailer was just too small for the family (3 grandchildren and 3 dogs) and thought we would look for a cottage in the Whiteshell, on the off chance we might find something we could afford. We feel so blessed that our dream became a reality. Peace, quiet, one with nature (so glorious to look up to the sky and see the mass of stars and to sit quietly and hear only the sound of trees rustling,  and birds talking); and a place for the children to run freely and for the most part, not having to worry about their safety.

We were shocked when we received the letter from your office advising of this proposal. Never in a million years would we have imagined this even being considered. Star Lake is part of the Whiteshell, a Provincial Park. How could this be?

It then really hit us when we realized just how close this “commercial light industry” would be to our cottage and our neighbors’ cottages; a distance of 300 metres. This is equivalent to a distance of 9 cottage lots or 18 city lots. Another way of saying it is, “light industry” would be one to two blocks from our home. We were shocked when we realized this! Even in the city, there is more of a buffer between residential and industry zoned areas.

Our assumption, based on our park experience, was that provincial parks are designated as such and protected. We fully expected that as a park, regulations would protect the park as: a place of nature; a safe, quiet and unpolluted environment where animals are protected; and a peaceful environment for the citizens of Manitoba and tourists to enjoy.

I understand from our neighbors Star Lake has one of the oldest unofficial walking/biking and hiking trails in the South Whiteshell and is enjoyed by all Manitobans. It is a flat trail with little terrain variances that makes it a pleasant walk, particularly for those who are older and can only manage a flatter terrain. Star Lake is enjoyed not only by the cottage owners but also nature hikers, boaters and beach lovers. Maintaining the current peace, tranquility, quiet and beauty are so important to health and well-being of all Manitobans!

Relevant to this is the following excerpt from a recent Global news article naming Star Lake as one of “The best, little-know summer staycation spots in Manitoba”:

The term “light” is used to describe the proposed use. Even “light” industry brings danger and pollutants of all types. To name some: noise, smells, potential for ground and water contaminants (both well water and lake water), habitant destruction, traffic, fire (we are only a block and a bit away), danger for animals and children. Industry just does not fit in a residential and recreational area!

The other concerning piece is that the proposed plan seems to allow for 14 “industry/storage” locations. This is a multiplier of 14 for the concerns raised. Your office may have the best of intentions but the holders of the risk and impacts are us, the cottage owners and our families.

In response to the advocacy for a location for light industry/storage, the search needs to consider suitability of the location. A location in proximity to lake waters and cottages/homes is just not suitable. As mentioned on the Star Lake website (http://naturenorth.com/StarLake/index.html) there are other options, away from residents and lakes, that seem more suitable (Falcon Lake Transfer Station, Manitoba Parks Service Yards, Manitoba Highway compound). If these locations are not suitable or available, perhaps there are locations off Highway 1 just outside of the Whiteshell that would be suitable (away from residential and cottage owners and water sources). Star Lake is just not a suitable location.
We trust that Manitoba Conservation and Climate will not proceed with the Commercial Light Industry and Storage Site for the reasons stated in our letter and the letters of our neighbors and as conveyed through the “petition to stop the proposed site” signatures.

Sincerely
Keith & Debbie I Halhead
Michael & Jana Halhead
Jeffrey & Debbie A Halhead

Star Lake Block 6 Lot 6