Community Forum

March 28, 2025

August 22, 2024

James Littley from OBWN Visits with Some Twin Lakes Residents

Community Statement on Archaeological Findings and Site Protection in Twin Lakes

The recent Archaeological Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) Report for Lot 280, Twin Lakes has identified significant cultural and historical resources within the area, including the expansion of archaeological site DhQw-2, which dates back thousands of years. This site holds important Indigenous and scientific value, containing lithic tools, faunal remains, and evidence of past habitation.

As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that any development, land use, or flood management activities respect and protect these historical resources. Under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA), archaeological sites—whether previously recorded or newly discovered—are protected by law. Any ground-disturbing activities, including construction, landscaping, or infrastructure work, require careful consideration and may necessitate further archaeological assessment.

The Lower Nipit Improvement District (LNID) acknowledges that this is a new development for the community. We are working hard to understand the issues and their impact on the broader community. Once we have more information, we will be happy to share it with the community. Until then, we cannot speculate on potential outcomes.

Mitigation measures such as project design modifications, controlled excavation, and site monitoring can help balance development needs with heritage preservation. Collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Provincial Archaeology Branch, and local authorities will be essential in shaping responsible land use decisions that honor the history and cultural significance of the Twin Lakes area.

We encourage residents to stay informed, respect protected areas, and engage in discussions about heritage conservation and sustainable land management. By working together, we can protect these irreplaceable cultural resources for future generations while ensuring our community’s development aligns with legal and ethical standards.

Recently some residents arranged a visit from James Littley, OBWN to give some feedback on the milfoil in the lake. He also expressed a desire to understand the area and residents took some time to give him a tour. His advice with regards to the milfoil is that the pink Invasive Milfoil is a contaminant for any lake and should be removed (best by pulling the roots/raking when the lake temp drops below10 degrees C). This is so that any branches that do not get removed will not float & reroot but will freeze & not reroot. The milfoil should not be cut unless the lake temperature is below 10 degrees C. This invasive milfoil is not healthy for any lake species/turtles.

September 7th, 2024

Twin Lakes Community Harvest Dance

June 11th, 2024

Site Visit and Consult with Gorman Bros. Lumber

Dave Hetherington, Glenda Stewart-Smith, Richard Heller and Subrina Monteith were able to join Matt Scott from Gorman Bros. Lumber for a tour of the proposed logging site for 2024 and a look at previous sites. It was an incredibly informative visit and provided an insight into the lengths Gorman Bros. go into when planning. Both the province and the company are very aware of the importance of protecting the watershed and restrict the number of trees taken in the area to minimize impact. This is regulated by Forest Planning and Practices Regulation and means the company must not ” a material adverse impact on the quantity of water or the timing of the flow of the water to the waterworks”. For 2024, the companies focus is on harvesting the trees damaged in last year’s fire. Both Dave and Glenda were very impressed with the experience and the opportunity to ask questions. As of April 1, 2024 Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) holders are required to publish a Forest Operations Map (FOM) of any proposed cutting and road permits. The Forest Operation Map Portal allows interested members of the public to see forest operations.