Photo: Stan Hutton (far right) spoke to Hanna town council at their Jan. 13 regular meeting about the state of use of Fox Lake. Rural Alberta Report/Screenshot

The Town of Hanna council heard a presentation that included concerns that Fox Lake could be maintained to a better standard. The presentation was made at the Jan. 13 regular meeting of council.

Stan Hutton appeared in person at council’s meeting to discuss his concerns with Fox Lake’s condition and potential. Readers unfamiliar with the area should note Fox Lake is located west of the Town of Hanna.

Hutton began his presentation by noting his concern with the lake’s condition, but didn’t go into exact detail about that condition. “It hasn’t been that way for a number of years,” said Hutton.

Hutton continued by stating that when the lake’s not full and accessible, usage drops considerably, suggesting water level was a problem.

He also wondered if the proximity of Prairie Oasis played a role in Fox Lake’s condition. Prairie Oasis Park is located south of Hanna on Hwy. 36.

Hutton observed that the Town of Hanna owns Fox Lake’s water licence.

He then asked about a study that mentioned a Fox Lake campground and was wondering if there was an action plan to implement any of those recommendations.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk responded, “Not at this time.” The mayor noted he was familiar with the report in question and quoted a price tag of $175,000 for recommendations from that report.

The mayor further stated he did some reading about Fox Lake and discovered that land has been dry in the past; actually, stated Povaschuk, it was dry enough to farm.

Hutton then listed off a number of questions or concerns he had about Fox Lake including spring runoff control, a channel from the creek, a gate which accesses Fox Lake, repair of the boat launch, maintenance of the beach area, slumping and erosion plans, the town’s response to a recreational living study, private development around Fox Lake, homes or cottages on public land, the possibility of the town selling or leasing houses or cottages around the lake and if the town wasn’t interested in Fox Lake improvements, would it be willing to hand water rights to Special Areas.

The mayor responded by saying Fox Lake has been busier over the past three years than it has been for 25 years prior.

However, Hutton stated he believed Fox Lake couldn’t compete with places like Prairie Oasis because of the lake’s condition.

At this point there was also a disagreement over whether Hanna’s population is dropping; Hutton suggested it was.

However, council and town staff responded Hanna’s population has actually been growing recently.

Hutton closed his presentation by noting he was surprised there isn’t more development at Fox Lake.