Corbett Lake Fishing Lodge Merritt, BC

Location Overview

Corbett Lake Lodge is situated 15 kilometers east of Merritt on the Coquihalla Connector (Highway 97C), within the Thompson Nicola Regional District. Situated near the junction of the Nicola Valley and the Kane Valley, this region is famous for its provincial parks, fly-fishing, cross-country skiing and cattle ranches such as the Douglas Lake and Quilchena Ranches. Corbett Lake is within an easy 3-hour drive from the City of Vancouver, and is within a one-hour drive of both Kamloops and Kelowna. Kamloops is the Thompson Nicola Regional District's dominant commercial centre, and has a population of approximately 80,000. Kelowna is the economic centre of the Okanagan with a population of about 100,000.

The dominant feature of the Nicola Valley is Nicola Lake, a 15,350-acre lake that is very popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers and small dinghy sailors. Monck Provincial Park is situated on the southwest shore of Nicola Lake and provides for 71 campsites. Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park is located about 15 kilometers south of Corbett Lake on Highway 5A.

The Kane Valley is a haven for Nordic skiers with over 40 kilometers of trails and loops to explore. With a base elevation of 1160 meters (3800 feet), the timbered valley has a micro-climate that can provide ideal Nordic skiing conditions. The snow is generally dry, seldom more than 1 to 1.5 meters deep, and the air temperature is usually between 0 and -15 degrees Celsius throughout the winter.

Portions of the Valley have been farmed since the 1890s and selectively logged during the past 30 years. The ski trails follow old logging roads and skid trails through open timber and across natural grassy slopes.
The Kane Valley accommodates a variety of four-season recreational users, including mountain bikes, horseback riders, hikers and fishermen. Every year, towards the end of June, the "Kane Valley Classic", a fun and low-key mountain bike race is held.

Property Overview

The overall size of the Corbett Lake holdings is approximately 305 acres, however the Coquihalla Connector bisects the land into two distinct components. The Lodge, Corbett Lake and all the improvements are located on the east side of the Highway on approximately 60 acres, while the balance of the property, is situated to the west and is unimproved. Some timber has been removed in this area, and access roads to subdivision standard, have been constructed. The eastern property also has significant frontage on Courtenay Lake, located at the south end of the property.

This offering is for the 60 acre lakefront property which contains the Lodge and the improvements. The vacant 245 acres on the other side of the highway is available separately from this offering.

The grounds surrounding the lodge and improvements are lightly timbered and, in general, the topography slopes away from the highway towards the lake. This portion of the property is more reminiscent of a park than a resort. The favourable topography also provides for additional privacy from the highway and views of the lake. The site is serviced with Hydro and telephone. There is a new well with a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute.

The Coquihalla Highway has been widened and straightened along a section that travels through the property. In addition, the Highway has also been lowered, which significantly reduces the road noise in the area. As part of the reconstruction of the Highway, a new access to the lodge, with a grade level interchange (including left turn and acceleration lanes) has been constructed. This interchange also provides access to the property on the west side. Meanwhile, the frontage on Courtney Lake will have its own access.

The property is surrounded by ranchlands and Crown Forest. Neighbouring properties that have frontage onto Corbett Lake include the Nicola Ranch and Quilchena Ranch, two of the major ranches in the region. To the south and west, the property is bounded by the world famous Douglas Lake Ranch, and an extensive area of Crown Forest. The Crown land in this area contains the Kane Valley cross-country ski area, with an extensive network of maintained trails.

Corbett Lake

The only access to the Lake for fishing is through the Lodge. The lake is stocked with hatchery trout and is strictly controlled for fly-fishing only with no gas motors permitted and a maximum per person daily catch limit of two fish. Guests regularly catch trout in the 12-16 pound range and each year up to 10,000 fish are taken from the Lake. The Lake is aerated by the Lodge to enhance fish survival rates and most fishing is done on a catch and release basis.

Improvements

Developed over its 60 years of history, the Lodge consists of a main lodge and 10 guest cabins. The cabins are all equipped with small kitchenettes and can sleep 4 or more guests. The historic main lodge features a dining room, bar, commercial kitchen, porch, and 3 rental units that open out towards the lake. Some of the older cabins are a simple Pan Abode type. The lodge is commencing a program of upgrading some of these cabins and others would likely be replaced.

Legal Description

PID 008-883-521, Lot 1 District Lot 2808 Kamloops Division Yale District Plan 15109, Except Plan KAP68274

PID 011-955-198, District Lot 2808 Kamloops Division Yale District Except Plans 15109, 16314, H811 and KAP68274