It’s thanks but no thanks in the case of a would-be Anglemont land donation.
Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors have had to respectfully decline an offer by Robert and Evelyn Isley of one hectare of land to accommodate the future relocation of the firehall in Anglemont.
In December 2012, the board accepted the donation, subject to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) not requiring the regional district to become a diking authority for nearby Ross Creek.
Ross Creek flows in a southwesterly direction north of the property, which is located in the Agricultural Land Reserve adjacent to Squilax-Anglemont Road.
But MOTI did not approve subdivision of the Isley’s property based on potential flooding hazards that exist with the creek.
The ministry provided the opportunity for CSRD to hire a qualified professional to study the watershed and develop recommendations, but Gary Holte, interim team leader of Community Services, recommended the board not accept the land donation.
Area F North Shuswap director Larry Morgan told directors he had spoken to the Isleys and the Anglemont fire chief.
“I think everyone understands and is willing to put this on the back burner,” he said. “They will likely look for an alternate site.”