After a two-year delay, the construction manager of the Irvine's Landing marine resort hopes to begin building this summer, but the source of the resort's water supply is still up in the air. Issues with permits, water supply, the highway and design plans stalled the building process, said Greg Hoover of Aries Construction Management Ltd.
The four-storey, 100,000 sq. ft. condominiums with 32 units would be beside the Irvine's Landing Pub in Pender Harbour.
The development proposal to take water from Hotel Lake was met with concerns from residents and conservationists two years ago. The lake supplies drinking water to the area, and the concern was the resort would deplete the water, impacting the fish habitat.
But Rob Jupe, one of the four shareholders in I.L. Marine Resort Inc., says he is willing to look at alternatives, such as drilling a well, desalinating ocean water or paying to upgrade Hotel Lake.
A year ago, Garden Bay Water Works transferred its Hotel Lake water supply licences to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) for the Daniel Point development. The licences would allow the SCRD to take 11 million gallons of water a year from the lake, which Pender Harbour director John Rees said is more than sufficient.
But the Area A Quality Water Association (AAQWA) appealed the licence transfer to the provincial Environmental Appeal Board, which has not yet made a decision on the appeal.
"Our position is there isn't enough water in Hotel Lake," said Joe Harrison of AAQWA. Steve Lee, head of the SCRD's infrastructure services, said the resort owners haven't made a commitment on the water supply. He added the owners have the discretion to look into other water sources, and the SCRD doesn't want to stand in the way. Even if the appeal were in the SCRD's favour, Lee said there is a 50-50 chance the resort would get the Hotel Lake supply.
The SCRD has been doing a hydrological study of the lake. Lee said the study has been delayed because the consultant, who could interpret the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' data, has a medical problem.
James MacPhail, a resident of 15 years, appeared before the SCRD two years ago, speaking on behalf of the Hotel Lake Water Conservation Association. The group was opposed to the development taking water from Hotel Lake because of the environmental impact. In an interview this week, MacPhail said since then, the SCRD has taken measures to protect the lakes, through surveying and bylaws, and he is encouraged by the positive changes.
The SCRD hasn't finalized the resort's development variance permit, according to the SCRD's head of planning Judy Skogstad. If completed, the next step would be to apply for a building permit. "We think we're getting close," Jupe said. "We expect to hear from the regional district's lawyers soon, hopefully this week."
The SCRD board approved a height variance two years ago for the L-shaped development. The condo units could be owned, then put in a rental pool when owners aren't there. Jupe said the company has sold 15 units already. The resort would be allotted 20 berths at the Irvine's Landing marina, Jupe said.
Hoover expects the development would take one year to build.
