August 26,
2017
To the LSAC
Councillors: Matthew Ferris and LSARA
RE: RV’s on Vacant Residential Land
We have
owned a lot in the Lessard Lake Estates for over 30 years. A little history – the county was pretty
happy to see the lots in this subdivision sold (the initial developer went into
receivership) after several years in limbo they would finally receive some tax
revenue. The lots were mostly treed and
only had services to the lot.
One other fact, although I have not substantiated this, but I’m told prior to the lots going to auction, or shortly after the county had a machine in to cut all the weeds in the lake bottom, to allow for boats, and make the lake more appealing.
One other fact, although I have not substantiated this, but I’m told prior to the lots going to auction, or shortly after the county had a machine in to cut all the weeds in the lake bottom, to allow for boats, and make the lake more appealing.
Lot owners
completed the development of lots, and most of the lots became seasonal
getaways for many families. There was no
bylaw at the time restricting RV’s. Some
erected homes, some made the lot their primary residence and many only parked
their RV’s during seasonal visits.
Our
families have made this a summer gathering and holiday destination for many
years. We pay our taxes, which are much
higher than we would pay for vacant land in many other locations; we do not
fertilize our lawns; have a holding tank for septic, which is pumped out
regularly; therefore not contributing to the contamination of the lake.
The value
of the lots have not depreciated; regardless of the fact most lots have RV’s
and or park model units. In fact when
some residents built permanent residences our taxes increased, which we
understood.
We pack out
our garbage; and do not utilize the county systems.
We do park
our personal RV most of the summer, especially now with one of us retired. I have used this location as my base when I
am working from Edmonton, and when attending events in and around the
county. We have family and friends that
come from other locations in Alberta and BC to spend a weekend, week or so to
visit. 95% of those people reside
outside the LSAC; therefore they are spending money in your county, attending
county events and contributing to the local economy. Some summers, if we took into account gas
purchased for vehicles and boats, groceries bought, and other purchases made
just because someone is here, this lot would spend $10,000 or more in this
county. So we do contribute to the good
of the county, we do try to abide by rules and in turn have many years of great
memories at the lake and family connections stay connected.
When I look
at my neighbor, who lives here year round, we also consider how they feel;
however, we maintain our lot and although some weekends may have up to 5
campers we never leave our camper for more than a few months. Most of the time the neighbor has our empty
lot buffering them from others – looks like a good deal to me.
I agree, lots
should not be crammed with RV’s, but when you have lots next to a lake a
reasonable person would assume the lake is used for recreational purposes and
those recreating would want to be close.
Bylaws
should not be created without input from those effected; and this did not
happen. Interesting that notice was sent
out when fines were going to be enforced; but no notice was sent out prior to
the bylaw. In this digital age, and in a
county that hosts many summer residents, one would expect to find this
information readily on the county website.
There needs
to be some order or compromise to ensure lots do not become dumping grounds for
old campers, and are not used as mini campgrounds. Paying additional fees just to park an
owner’s RV and enjoy their private property is ridiculous and has to be
exceptionally costly to enforce.
Perhaps
that time could be spent keeping ATV’s out of the lakeshore and destroying
habitat.
Perhaps a
limited number of RV’s per lot May 1 to Oct 31;
if the issue is with noisy neighbors, talk to them; the first and
usually best resort is to have honest and respectful discussion.
As long as
a lot is clean, cared for, and used as one would any home, regardless of
whether a house, RV, or other is there truly an issue.
Yours truly
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