About Us
Why we exist as the Columbia and Windermere Valley Property Owners’ Society
Background
Registered in 2026, the Columbia and Windermere Valley Property Owners’ Society (“CWVPOS” or the “Society”) has been created in response to the letter sent by the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nations (FN) in June 2025 (posted under the News tab), requesting the immediate suspension of all new and currently proposed development in and on the shorelines of Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake (the “Lakes”) until an “indigenous led” lake stewardship plan is developed and implemented. The activities to be suspended by ?akisq̓nuk include, but are not limited to:
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Dredging activities
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Dock installations or expansions
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Boat launch installations or maintenance
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Marina upgrades or maintenance
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Private shoreline alterations
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Beach expansions
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Stormwater outfall installations
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Water intake installations
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New commercial lake-related ventures
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Mooring placements
CWVPOS is concerned that:
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There has been a lack of transparency by the BC Government, and apparent delays or denied permitting for projects, such as dredging, boat launch construction and repairs, retaining wall construction, with no clear reference to a verified moratorium on lakefront development.
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The rights of property owners are being denigrated with no communication having occurred between the BC government and landowners.
Our actions are centred around achieving transparency of government decisions regarding lake management requests led by the ʔakisq̓nuk FN, sharing information and coordinating actions with an alliance of organizations and individuals, and attending and actively representing the views of the Windermere and Columbia Valley patrons at Government proceedings. Ultimately, we wish to achieve a path forward to align representation of the patrons of the Columbia and Windermere Valley, while confining the ʔakisq̓nuk influence on the management of the lakes and foreshore:
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We do not support a FN led lake management system
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We oppose a moratorium of lakeshore development and require transparency on permitting and clarity for the reasoning of permit delays and denials
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We do not support a new BC Government inventory and assessment of existing uses of the Lakes, and the future prohibition of further development.
The Society’s membership encompasses a range of local community members, including residential landowners, businesses, marinas, resorts, strata organizations, and community associations. Our members have established property rights in lands that would be subject to the moratorium requested in the ?akisq̓nuk letter, as well as any stewardship plan for the Lakes.
?akisq̓nuk Claims of lake damage and contamination are not valid
?akisq̓nuk has indicated that the Columbia and Windermere Lakes have been damaged by boat use, and that water chemistry has deteriorated. Water testing completed by the BC government and local sources indicates that no deterioration of water quality has occurred, and that rapid flush rate of the lakes (28 days in the summer and 39 days during the winter), contributes to water quality that meets provincial standards. Fact sheets on water quality are posted on the News Tab.
?akisq̓nuk is also actively soliciting the federal government to ban the use of “wake mode” operations of boats in the Lakes; their Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) application has been accepted by Transport Canada and they want to be the local authority that applies to Transport Canada to get regulatory change in support of their initiatives.
Page 35 of ?akisq̓nuk 2025 Annual Report state: "Transport Canada has approved AFN to proceed with applications for Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs) on Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere. These regulations would aim to restrict “wake mode” operation on both lakes to protect shallow ecosystems from deep wave action, which stirs up sediment and harms aquatic life. AFN will act as the Local Authority in this process. We’ve completed the Preliminary Assessments and, as part of the process, are preparing to engage the broader public for spring 2026. This initiative has not yet been made public, and the Lands and Resources Department intends to engage with AFN members"
The Society is reviewing VORR processes, and will be submitting a request to Transport Canada for representation in processes pertaining to lake management.
While ?akisq̓nuk representatives have indicated that anyone expressing concern regarding their management of the lakes and foreshore is fear mongering, our concerns were validated in early April when Doug Kay, President of CWVPOS was interviewed live by CBC Radio Kelowna. He was able to clearly state our concerns regarding lack of consultation regarding the ʔakisq̓nuk FN lake management request, the potential loss of lake usage and subsequent risk to property value.
Chief Donald Sam of the ʔakisq̓nuk FN then spoke and by the end of the interview it was clearly established that we were not fear-mongering and are facing real risks with regard to FN activism, including the banning of wake boats, removal of docks, no further development anywhere along the two lakes, with an intent of FN control of the lake and foreshore. The Chief indicated that talks were underway with the BC Government regarding a stewardship framework. A link to the interview is available under the News tab.
Legal Representation
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (“Osler”) has been retained to represent the Society. Osler assisted the Society Board in preparing a letter that CWVPOS sent to the BC Government on March 6, 2026, requesting that the Society be involved in any processes pertaining to the ʔakisq̓nuk FN action as initiated in their letter of June 23, 2025. An access for information pertaining to all records in the possession or control of the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship relating to the letter dated June 23, 2025 from the ʔakisq̓nuk FN was filed on April 14. Copies are available on the News tab. The Society has submitted an application to VORR indicating we want to participate in discussions regarding lake usage. The ʔakisq̓nuk FN has been designated as the local authority by Transport Canada; we understand they will be required to consult with users prior to any decision regarding lake usage, and we will actively seek to provide input.
The Board
The Society was registered in February 2026, and has duly constituted bylaws, a Board of Directors (“Board”), and initial funding. During the start-up period members and alliance organizations have been updated regularly by email. Regular Board sessions with members attendance will be scheduled on a regular basis, and our website will provide ongoing updates.
The Board has capacity for up to 7 members: we currently have a start-up team of four Board members and will be adding additional Board members focusing on those who represent Stratas or large groups of landowners and lake users, or who can contribute through their professional expertise. Board members have been actively engaging with representatives from other local organizations as well as individual land owners regarding a coordinated and strategic path forward.
Our Board is comprised of the following:
Doug Kay, President
Doug (72) has enjoyed the Windermere Valley as an important part of his life ever since he was 6 years old when his grandparents treated the family to a holiday and stayed at, what was then known as Dean’s Cabins. The family were frequent visitors to Lake Windermere and in 1971, Doug’s father-in-law was one of the founders of Terravista, built on the same site as Dean’s cabins. Doug and his wife were frequent visitors at Terravista and when their own young family arrived bought their own cottage on Upper Baltac Road in the 1990’s, that they owned through their kids elementary and high school years. This cottage was sold and Doug and his family, now including 3 grandchildren became property owners in the Windermere Valley again with the purchase of a townhouse condo at Terravista in 2019. This decision was grounded in our history including enjoyment of boating on the Lake and the surrounding environment including golf, cycling, skiing at Panorama and the X-Country ski and skating trails on Lake Windermere in the Winter.
Doug is a semi-retired oil and gas executive with a career now spanning over 48 years. His roles in the business has included several officer positions including President & CEO and over the last 12 years has served as a Director including Chairman roles at several companies including non-profits. As an entrepreneur, Doug has been a co-founder of several successful companies, helping arrange the initial capital and leading these companies to a profitable liquidity event.
David Huggins, Vice President
Since 2020 my wife, our two children, and I have called Akiskinook Resort and the Columbia Valley our second home. It has become our essential reprieve from the hustle of Calgary; a place where the community feels truly special. We’ve built lasting friendships here and are deeply invested in ensuring the Valley remains a vibrant place for the next generation to enjoy. Whether we are boating with friends, fishing the lake’s hidden corners year-round, or skiing Panorama in the winter, the Valley is where our family comes to simply have fun.
Professionally, I am a CPA with over 20 years of experience in senior finance and operational roles across the construction, energy, and waste industries. I currently serve as CEO of an Alberta-based civil and utility construction company. Previously, I spent a decade as a Finance Executive for a waste management firm, where I focused on building the financial foundations necessary for long-term stability and sustainable growth. I am committed to bringing that same focus on preservation and longevity to the community we love.
Mike DuBois, Member
Mike is a life long, full-time Windermere resident. He owned and operated Shadybrook Resort & Marina for 26 years where he gained extensive experience in regulatory and First Nations issues. For the past 40 years, Mike has spent over 200 days a year recreating on Lake Windermere in a variety of ways often with his wife (another local)
and two teenage children. Mike is valuable for his local and historical expertise. Mike is also President of the Columbia Valley Boating Association.
Victoria Calvert, Secretary and Treasurer
Victoria’s family have been property owners in Windermere Vally since 1958, representing four generations. Her family are active boaters and paddlers, who enjoy hiking, cycling, and skiing in the valley. We are active members of the Terravista community.
Rick Brost, Member
I am retired after a successful 35-plus-year career in the information technology sector, where I held senior sales and director level roles with leading Silicon Valley companies, including Cisco Systems, Oracle and VMware. My expertise included data center and internet security within major organizations in the energy, oil and gas and banking sectors. I co-founded a software company that grew to 125 employees before being acquired by GE IT Services Canada. I have owned property in the Invermere Valley for 26 years. From 2001 to 2010, I served on the board of the Akiskinook condominium association in several roles, including president for several years. I rejoined the board in October 2025.
Funding
We anticipate $50,000 of expenses are likely to be incurred for the initial year in support of our initiatives and actions as described above. As such, funding is being sought from organizations and individuals who are likely to be impacted by the FN actions and objectives. A donations campaign will occur by spring, 2026. Confirmed funding at this point is almost $60,000, however we are actively seeking funds, and are asking that groups or Stratas with numerous land owners request $5,000, $10,000, or more from members at their AGMs or during town halls. The ʔakisq̓nuk FN is very well funded, and has hired a PR firm, Change Makers, and is actively and strategically pursuing their lake management objectives.