The lack of boat launches on Gull Lake was one of the main concerns voiced last night at an open house regarding the newly-proposed Lincoln Ranch residential community on the east-side of the lake.

More than 50 people showed up to Lincoln Hall to voice any worries or to give suggestions on the 160 acres that are expected to be developed into a 100-lot residential space with a 9-hole golf course and walking trails.

A question that was floated around was the need for more public boat launch areas, especially if the development goes through.

Glenn Brown, who’s been a resident in the area for 50 years, believes all future development will be restricted by lake access.

“I know down at Aspen, when they get too busy, they send them to Wilson’s (Beach) which has caused a lot of problems. It’s a small launch and I believe they do charge on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”

As for the development itself, Brown said he has a lot of trust in Glen Fraser with Riser Developments, who’s leading the project.

“I have complete faith in his level of development as well as water management and making it a really nice place for the community and the people.”

Regarding boat launch areas, Fraser said it’s an issue that would need to be addressed with Lacombe County and encourages residents to do so.

Fraser said overall the public seems happy with the development and is looking forward to the next stages of the project.

“We have the public consultations, we take them under advisement and will put together a package for council to consider. We’ll go to Lacombe County council for the first reading and start on our way of approvals.”

“You’re required three readings to get rezoning approvals for a project in the County and we are on the road to that.”

The property is currently zoned as Agricultural, but needs to be rezoned to Recreation, Residential Conservation Cluster and High Density Residential.