Developers of a Gull Lake RV resort are opposed to Lacombe County building an inland marina as part of a proposed park development.
Delta Land Co. Inc.’s Frank Wilson and Lance Dzaman sent the county a letter saying another inland marina would compete with their own, which has been built as part of the Sandy Point RV Resort on the southwest corner of the lake.
Developers point out they built a large public beach, washroom and shower building, playground and picnic areas as part of their project. More than $2 million has been invested in those facilities and other protected lands, all of which have been turned over to the county.
Sandy Point also includes an inland marina, which will have leased boat slips for Sandy Point residents and other boat owners. Revenues from that operation were expected to offset some of the costs of developing all of the public facilities.
As well, Sandy Point developers expect to pay about $2.5 million in a levy to the county. That Lake Access Levy would likely be tapped to develop an inland marina, if it goes ahead as part of the county’s proposed Anderson Park project.
“This means that Sandy Point will be the major contributor to paying for a marina that will in fact be in direct competition with their own marina,” say the developers.
Sandy Point’s contributions should be put towards projects there, such as adding a lake skating rink, snowmobile and ice fishing staging area, year-round washroom or other amenities.
Dzaman said he had no further comment until developers had a chance to speak with the county.
Tim Timmons, county corporate services manager, said council is aware of the developers’ concerns but the Anderson Park project remains in early stages.
“Really, at this point in time, we don’t know if we will be constructing an inland marina or a boat launch until such time as the study comes back, which will advise us whether either or both are even feasible,” said Timmons.
A report from environmental consultants is expected to go to council for review early next year. A decision on whether to go ahead will follow. Federal and provincial approvals would also be required.
Work began this summer at Anderson Park, a picnicking and recreational area between Wilson’s Beach and New Saratoga subdivisions on the east side of the lake.
The county is considering a double-boat launch and marina with washrooms and paved trail to parking. The park is expected to include trails, disc golf, volleyball courts, soccer field and an amphitheatre.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com