Skip to content

Positive reception for cabin by Echo Lake

Black Tusk Helicopters promises to make proposed structure open to the public
pix
Black Tusk Helicopter representative Danielle Saindon, standing in the centre, talks about the company’s proposal to build a cabin by Echo Lake.

Black Tusk Helicopters received mostly positive feedback for a proposed cabin by Echo Lake during a public hearing held by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District on Feb. 19.

Some people have previously expressed worry the project would commercialize the lake and sully what some considered pristine environment. However, generally speaking, those voices didn't appear to be present among the dozens meeting at the Sea to Sky Hotel.

The hearing marks the last phase of public input before the motion goes to third reading, and, should it pass that, adoption.

Echo Lake is outside the District of Squamish and lies in Electoral Area D, which is under the jurisdiction of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

"This cabin really gives us the opportunity to not only share some of the beautiful places we have in a respectful and well-maintained manner, but it also gives us the ability to maintain Squamish-based adventure tourism employment and careers for our employees," said Danielle Saindon of Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.

The company is proposing that the regional district change Echo Lake's zoning to allow for the construction of a two-level cabin with two bathrooms, a common area and a bunk room that would accommodate 10 people. Also included would be a kitchen, foyer, lounge, and deck.

SLRD documents state there is already a camping area by the lake and that Black Tusk has been flying people in via helicopter. The company does not own the land, but B.C. has granted the organization commercial tenure over the area. Effectively, this means Black Tusk is leasing it from the province.

In total, the cabin would take a floor area of up to 150 square metres, or about 1,614 square feet.

Black Tusk also applied for two camping pads.

"I think the benefit to the community is that we're willing to share that with you and that we're willing to allow people to use the cabin," said Saindon.

The company says it will allow members of the public to use the cabin. Those interested in staying at the facility will be able to book online using a first-come, first-serve system.

"The site proposed right now is the best location," said Dave Williamson of Cascade Environmental, the company assisting Black Tusk with the proposal. "It's the lowest impact site we could find. There is no visibility from Squamish; the riparian zones are all protected; it's set back from the lake; it's on a large bedrock outcropping so there will be no site disturbance; no digging, very little concrete if any to provide foundation for it — it'll just sit on the rock."

Many people present during the meeting sung praises for the project.

There were some concerns, however.

Local resident Rachel Shephard brought up the company's plan to fly out waste from the site.

At a certain point, it may be a great challenge to fly out the material fast enough, she said.

In response, Saindon said onsite composting toilets and greywater filters are being considered.

She said that could reduce or eliminate the need to fly out waste. Greywater describes water used by bathtubs, sinks and washing machines that hasn't come in contact with feces.

The waste management methods are still subject to approval by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Matt Gunn applauded the company's promise to allow the public to use the cabin, however, he hoped that this use could be added to the proposed zoning amendment.
Gunn works as a planner for the District of Squamish but was speaking as a local resident in this meeting.

"I personally would be more comfortable if there were elements that were in the zoning as well... if there were use elements that dictated it had to be open to the public," he said. "My... suggestion would be to somehow make it that ‘definition of use' could capture these elements that I think are important — probably recreational use to the community."

This would ensure that should the cabin be sold to another company, the public will still be able to use the facility, he said.

Another concern brought up was the size of the structure.

Because of the cabin's large size, one person said it would be better characterized as a "house," which could be a potential eyesore on the land.

This is not the first time that Black Tusk has proposed a cabin at Echo Lake.

Previously, the company applied to the SLRD in 2010, but a decision on the matter was deferred.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks