In 2002, a parcel of waterfront park land on the north end of Anderson Lake in Seton Portage (SLRD Electoral Area B) was allocated to the SLRD as a condition of a subdivision development. The land is within the traditional territory of the Tsal'alh First Nation, and is culturally significant to the Tsal'alhmec.
Working closely with the communities of Seton Portage and Tsal'alh, the SLRD is initiating a collaborative process to plan the development of the park land, in order to ensure that the land is developed in a manner that preserves the site's cultural values while enhancing wildlife habitat and improving recreation, leisure, and education opportunities for residents and visitors.
Beginning in the spring of 2018 and wrapping up in the spring of 2019, this project will provide an opportunity to harness the passion and dedication of Seton Portage and Tsal'alh community members and direct their efforts in a way that honours their intention of respecting the heritage and cultural values of the site and creating a park that fosters a stewardship ethic.
The project will lead to on-the-ground development of the park based on the information gathered through the community engagement process. This initial process will determine the detail and feasibility of the park land development.
Expected deliverables:
- Archaeological study of the park site (to be completed by Tsal’alh);
- A plan to maintain or enhance the bat population in the area through the creation of bat houses (in collaboration with the Lillooet Naturalist Society); and
- A park development plan informed through a community engagement process that improves opportunities for sustainable use by providing recreational access to the lake while preserving the heritage sites and sharing information about the cultural significance of the area and the importance of the preservation of the wildlife species through interpretive signs.
The SLRD would like to recognize that this collaborative engagement process has been made possible by the generous support of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, through a $10,000 Rural Dividend Program grant (project development stream).
Project Updates:
- June 14, 2018 — A meeting was held on June 14 with representatives from Tsal'alh, Seton Portage - Shalalth & District Chamber of Commerce, and SLRD staff to confirm the project objectives and to begin planning a community meeting which will be held at some point this fall (date and location - to be confirmed).
The SLRD will keep this page updated as the process unfolds.