5 Comments

1. Stan Armstrong on February 28, 2019 at 7:04 pm

   2 Points :Through the Association, we are aware that the Band has set standards for Septic Systems on which lease renewal will hinge. There has been no formal notice from the Band to this effect which would notify all leased properties including the Assoc membership. Did I miss something ?

   With the anticipated high water levels expected this year, has the Band changed their plans for traffic usage on the Beach ?

   Many Thxs

   Reply
   • SCOI Board of Directors on March 1, 2019 at 8:03 pm

     Stan,

     Thank you for your questions via the SCOI website.

     There has been no formal notice from the Band that says lease renewal is predicated upon septic systems being up to code. However, you may be aware that the septic upgrades to code are part of the Band’s efforts to transition their land management responsibilities to fall under the First Nations’ Land Management Act rather than under the Indian Act where they are now. When this transition is complete our leases will be with the Band rather than with the Federal Government (The Band currently only acts as the Crown’s agent). To complete the transition there are lots of things required of the Band. One of them is that they need to show the feds that they are able to manage their lands responsibly which includes ensuring that all septic systems are up to code. And failing this, that they have systems and policies/programs in place that will lead to all septic systems being up to code.

     The Band (and SCOI) are hoping the transition will be completed by the end of the current lease period (April 30, 2021). The Band knows that there are too many systems and not enough contractors to get everything attended to by that time. However, I believe that the Band wants to have inspected all systems and identified those needing to be upgraded/replaced by April 2021. Those still not meeting code by that date need to be on a contractor waiting list with an approved septic system plan in place.

     So technically everything will likely not be up to code by the time of lease renewal, but everyone will have had to commit to getting this done by that date.

     Should the Band not reach its transition goal by April 2021, we believe rather than have our leases renewed by the feds for say a further 10 years, the Band will extend the existing leases for a couple of years or for as long as they think it will take to get the transition approved. I think that even if we end up getting extensions on our leases there will still be the same pressure to get the approved plans completed and then through the extended lease period, let the work be completed so that it is all done by the time the transition is approved.

     So the band is encouraging cottage owners to have their system inspected by one of the recognized contractors to see what needs to be done, if anything. Then it is up to the cottager and the contractor to submit a plan for Band approval and issuance of a septic building permit. That is the way to get on the contractor wait list and then it happens when the contractor can get to it. The band is also doing its own inspections on systems they think are in need of attention. They are dealing with those such that the ones representing the greatest threat to groundwater go to the top of the priority list and they work with contractors to get them done first.

     As for the no-cars-on-the-beach initiative, last fall the band hired a consulting company to help them gather community input and to develop policy and operating guidelines for this initiative. Cottagers were included in the consultations and more that 230 completed the on-line survey. The consultant presented its report and recommendations to the Chief and Council last week. SCOI will be trying for a meeting with the Chief in the next few weeks. This should give the Band a chance to figure out what they will be doing in the coming year and beyond. We know that to do this right is a huge undertaking and that it will have to be done in increments. Once we understand what will be implemented in 2019, we will let everyone know via the SCOI website.

     Sincerely,
     Rob McLaughlin
     SCOI secretary/treasurer

     Reply
2. Ian Rasmussen on February 28, 2019 at 9:05 pm

   Wow! We are So impressed with the tone and intent of this letter!

   Reply
   • Gerry & Deb Kraemer on February 28, 2019 at 10:58 pm

     We continue to be impressed with Chief Anoquot.

     Reply
3. Wayne & Judy Tozer on March 3, 2019 at 6:38 pm

   Thank you so much for the information and the great communication!
   And thanks to Chief Lester Anoquot,
   much appreciated

   Reply