Stronger Together:
Informing, Advocating, Empowering

Sproat Lake
Property Owners Association

Together, we have a stronger voice.

Join over 500 Area D property owners and residents who have come together to protect our rural way of life and help shape the future of Sproat Lake Area D.

Updates
Click below links

Go to the Budget Poll and let us know your priorities for the ACRD 2026 Budget

Municipal Study Update and how to get involved

Letter to Dir Cote July 2025

Changes Are Coming

Significant changes are coming that will impact how you live on your property in Sproat Lake Area D.

New OCP policies that will lead to bylaws that increase costs and restrictions for: docks, renovations, new builds, guest services, RV use, and home-based businesses.

Residents have told us they are concerned about increased spending, fees and taxes for few services, impractical OCPs leading to costly bylaws and ill-conceived expensive initiatives, like proposed bus routes to Port Alberni.

SLPOA Encourages ACRD to Reassess Spending Increases

New provincial report confirms ACRD spending on administration increased 91% and ranks as the third least efficient district in the province.

Our findings corroborate this increase in spending. See the SLPOA March Newsletter, which highlights an 82% rise in ACRD General Government services costs for Sproat Lake since 2020.

What are your thoughts and comments?  Email us at info@sproatlakepoa.ca

Community Concerns About the Proposed Official Community Plan

COMPLEX OCP

Residents repeatedly called for a short, clear OCP that contains only what is legally required by the government. Several commented that the document is so complicated it would require hiring a lawyer just to understand it. Since it was noted that an OCP is not actually required, many residents felt the better choice was to do away with this OCP altogether.

DOCKS

Many residents objected to including dock policies in the OCP. They argued the ACRD has no jurisdiction over docks and is attempting to circumvent that by placing the policies within Development Permit Areas (DPAs). The proposed rules would require expensive permits and multiple technical reports while providing little or no measurable benefit to water quality or the environment. Residents said they want neighbours to be respectful of privacy and views, but they do not want another layer of bureaucracy, delays, permits, and costs when the Province already regulates docks

COSTLY

More Policies Mean More Costs Residents voiced growing anger over already high property taxes and questioned why the ACRD continues to add hundreds of new policies without telling taxpayers what they will cost. They asked why no financial analysis has been done to estimate: • the additional staff needed to administer and enforce the new policies; • the cost of consultants required to prepare environmental and technical reports; and • the cost to homeowners to comply with the new requirements

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Here's How DPA I in the OCP will affect you. Under DPA 1, before you can proceed, you will be required to hire a Qualified Environmental Professional to inspect your property and prepare reports identifying wetlands, wildlife habitat, mature trees, riparian areas, bird nesting areas, and other environmental features. You will need to submit a detailed landscape plan showing every tree to be removed or retained, the species of new plants to be installed, their pot sizes, protective fencing locations, and an itemized cost estimate for all landscaping work. The OCP now requires environmental monitoring during construction, monitoring for at least a year after construction is complete, restoration plans for disturbed areas, post-construction reports, and security deposits or letters of credit to guarantee the work is completed to their satisfaction

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DPA II is framed as hazard protection, but this section primarily creates another layer of regulation that increases costs, delays, and restrictions for property owners while expanding the ACRD's control over private property. The practical impact for homeowners will NOT be environmental protection, but increased costs, more paperwork, longer approval timelines, and greater uncertainty about what can be built on their property.

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DPA III – Form & Character: More Red Tape We Don't Need. This Development Permit Area isn't about protecting public safety or the environment. It's about giving the ACRD more control over how commercial and multi-family developments look. DPA III requires a Development Permit and allows the ACRD to regulate things like: • Building design and exterior finishes • Landscaping and screening • Building placement and massing • Parking layout • Signage • Lighting • Landscape plans prepared by qualified professionals

Who Are We and  What We Stand For

We are proud owners and residents of Sproat Lake Area D, united by a shared appreciation for the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and strong sense of community that make this place so special. Our focus is simple: to protect and nurture the rural, residential, and recreational character that both long time residents and new property owners value so deeply.

We believe in a balanced approach, supporting thoughtful progress while preserving the laid back lifestyle, rural nature, and quiet enjoyment that defines our area. We share timely information with our members and advocate for practical, common sense solutions with minimal regulatory burden, We support keeping policies, bylaws and government permits and interference to a minimum while promoting a culture of good neighbourliness and mutual respect.

By communicating and working collaboratively with our regional district, provincial representatives, and local organizations, we strive to ensure that Sproat Lake continues to thrive today and for the future. Change will happen, but together we can shape it in a way that protects what we love most about where we live.

Your Voice Matters

As a property owner or resident of this beautiful Sproat Lake community, you must be informed and understand the implications of upcoming Bylaws and Official Community Plan changes. These changes will not only affect your life but also the future of our community.

Take Action Now

Your opinion is vital to preserving Sproat Lake’s unique beauty and ensuring a sustainable future. Join us in creating a better tomorrow for you, your children, and future generations. It’s not too late, and it’s easy to get involved. Sign up and become a member today!

Become a Member Today!