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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife resident Rohan Brown is raising an alarm over a five-year city plan to develop waterfront residences on Grace Lake. Brown is concerned about the ecological impact the proposed residential development might have.

"My main concern has to do with the environmental integrity being kept intact," said Brown, adding that he is most concerned about destruction of vegetation and natural environment of the area.

The city's General Plan proposes to have 30 homes built on the lake as part of a decade-long plan to build 1,500 housing units in the city. An analysis of the land's suitability for development has not yet been undertaken, the plan states, so the figure could change in the future.

The plan describes the lots as a pilot project for waterside residences, which will be under a five-year review and could be expanded by the city if the lots are deemed successful. Currently, there are only two small buildings at the far end of the lake.

Because the lake is narrow, the water is calm, attracting canoeists and kayakers, Brown said. If residences are built, he fears this could lead to motorboat use, resulting in choppy water and damage to fish populations.

"If development is allowed on Grace Lake, I think it is important that they restrict what the property owners are allowed to do with the shoreline," Brown said. "If property owners and others are going to be driving around the lake on motorboats, it will ultimately alter the character and damage the environment of the lake."

A Nov. 14 version of the General Plan stated that 'motorized watercrafts are not permitted ... to maintain the ecological integrity of (Grace) lake." It also states homeowners will not be allowed "to install docks or other private structures on the shoreline." As of Nov. 28, this policy was removed.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said that the issue is not in the city's jurisdiction.

Even with the approval of the Harbour Plan, which council is currently reviewing, the city would not be able to change the ban on shoreline structures and motorized watercraft, he said.

"The Harbour Plan is related to Great Slave Lake and not smaller lakes; regulation on lakes is federal," Van Tighem said. When asked whether this could change, he said it was possible.

"Anything can change, but there is no real reason to change anything. That lake has many uses from dog sleds running up and down it, to snowmobiles running up and down it, to canoes running up and down it. It probably even has power boats running up and down it because it is fairly accessible."

Amber Wonko, a communications officer with Transport Canada for the Prairie and Northern Region said in an e-mail last week that there are no federal restrictions for motorboat power boat usage on that lake.

"Currently, there are no existing Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations in the Northwest Territories, including on Grace Lake," she stated. "The (regulations) can prohibit or restrict vessel activity on Canadian waterways for reasons of safety or environmental protection. Under the (regulations), local authorities can apply to the federal government to impose restrictions to navigation in specified Canadian waters."

The plan also states a 50-metre natural buffer will be placed around the shoreline of the lake to allow for trail development and to ensure public access to the water.

Van Tighem said that the city has been interested in developing residences on the lake for many years and it was included in the municipal Smart Growth Plan.

He said the project should help address affordability concerns and offer different housing lifestyle opportunities. Brown has been one of only a few that he has seen who oppose the development, Van Tighem said.

"Anytime there is a new idea, there are going to be different sides and different views," he said. "In this instance, it is longer term residences that we are recommending going forward."

The plan indicates waterside residences will be marketed to those who have less interest in being close to central amenities, and that having residences on the lake could allow people to walk to work.

The proposed lots are in close proximity to the Kam Lake industrial park.

Kam Lake Property Owners Association member Eric Sputek said his organization has been in consultation with the city over the past year in part because of the nearby housing projects at Grace Lake and Bloc 501 to the north. Sputek said as long as there is a zoned buffer area that delineates between neighbouring residential areas and the industrial aspect of Kam Lake, his organization supports the project.

"As far as we can see, there is no reason why they shouldn't (develop)," said Sputek. "The city does have to grow and this area is indicated in the Smart Growth Plan and has been talked about for some time. Granted there may be some things there needing to still be looked at, but the city has the option to implement special considerations to the area alongside the lake."

Brown said the project reflects poor planning.

"I don't see how allowing luxury waterside residences on Grace Lake is consistent with smart growth," he said. "If the growth of the city truly is smart, the city should value and protect its most important natural areas.

Grace Lake is probably the most important natural area in Yellowknife in that it is the only medium-sized road-accessible lake close to the city that is still in largely pristine condition.'

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