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Location
An
eight km narrow two-lane rural road meanders from the junction of Highway
101 at the Garden Bay turnoff, north of Madeira Park, to Irvines Landing
at the entrance to Pender Harbour inlet. This area is known as the "Venice
of the Sunshine Coast" and is a popular summer playground for outdoor
recreation and all types of water sports.
Historical
Overview
The Sechelt nation spent the summer months in Pender Harbour and returned
annually to the major fishing camp located on the Irvings Landing site.
Later this settlement was one of the major ports-of-call for the coastal
steam ships that serviced the isolated logging camps on remote inlets.
Today, the hamlet is home to a small community of active retirees and,
during the summer season, large numbers of tourists and seasonal residents
who visit to take advantage of the varied recreational opportunities.
Our Future
As with many of our coastal communities, we rely heavily on income generated
from the tourist trade. However, residents have become increasingly concerned
that newcomers be made aware of the challenges we face and the balancing
act necessary to maintain this unique environment for all to enjoy.
What's Happening?
A BC-wide real estate boom has fuelled an influx of both permanent and
weekend residents. This trend continues to escalate and extensive blocks
of timber are being logged locally to accommodate more development.
AAQWA was
formed in 2003 by local residents concerned about the fresh water resources
of Hotel Lake which is already exhibiting environmental damage. Further
study of data and reports on file has confirmed that all of Area A's lakes,
from which our drinking water is drawn, are under similar pressures.
AAQWA has
made represtation to the Sunshine Coast Regional District that a comprehensive
review be undertaken as a matter of urgency to ensure adequate planning
for servicing all future development proposed for Area A.
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