Lake House Diaries 12

      In those days, there were many Canadians interested in holiday property and if it was on a lake, so much the better. The Okanagan, on either side of the border was ideal for this as the summers were hot and dry and there was a vacation feel in the air day and night. The lake was great for boating, water skiing, and all manner of motorized craft, and even a little fishing if you were not fussy about what you caught. So it was no surprise that some land developers (from Canada) bought a huge tract of land directly across the lake from Greg and Ethel's bay. 

     The area was affectionately known as Turtle Bay. Because there was little development on the east shore of the lake, this little bay was more or less ignored and could only be reached by boat. Everyone in Greg and Ethel's family had at one time been to Turtle Bay. There was lush vegetation down to within a few feet of the beach and the shore itself was a clean sandy beach. The water seemed to be clearer and cleaner here too and it felt like a little tropical paradise, lacking only a few palm tress. Many hours were spent here in perfect peace and quietness, with only the sound of the gentle waves lapping at the shore. 

     Not everyone in the community was excited about the prospect of hundreds more residents, many with boats and Seadoos. The town itself would benefit economically, and it would provide a few jobs after construction, but the little strip of undisturbed beauty would be lost forever. The housing project sprung up rather quickly and seemed to sell like hotcakes. It was geared for the upper middle class, the BMW, inboard motor boat type of people. Indeed, many Canadian doctors, dentists and lawyers bought in, partly as a great vacation spot, and partly as a an investment with high capital gains potential because prices were on the rise. 

     It was appropriately named Veranda Beach. The architectural theme was nostalgic Americana, hearkening back to a time when everyone had a screened in porch on their rambling bungalow, on streets that were mostly pedestrian friendly with large open spaces in residential areas for play. The beach was a long curving arch of golden sand with plenty of boat docks and parking outside of the village for boat trailers and all vehicles. The amenities area was surrounded a pool and was highlighted by a 50's style diner/soda fountain styled restaurant. It soon became a destination, even for those who did not live there. 

     The town of Oroville welcomed the project and there was no objection to extending the town's services such as sewer and water to the outlying development. The talk was that the same services might be extended to the west side of the lake too, suddenly putting a whole new light on the value of property owned by anyone, property from the Canada/US border to the town of Oroville. The 'Oroville meetings' began to take on a new flavor as this reality began to sink in.