Hello from Roy
Hope everyone had a great summer, and you are now enjoying the cooler weather. It seems all the boats and docks are out, and they will soon be replaced by ice rinks. Your executive met in October and has many exciting ideas. First, look for an updated website in the new year. We are also planning our AGM for 2022, and we are hoping for an in-person meeting with some live entertainment and a BBQ. The tentative date is July 2nd.
A big thank-you to Donna Crome for organizing our photo contest and to all of our participants. Below are the 4 category winners. You can see the winning photos on the BLA website.
I would also like to acknowledge our business memberships, and welcome our newest: Creative Grapes, in Plevna. If you are interested in making your own wine, give Jennifer a call.
Membership
Our membership has increased to 77. This is fantastic as our 2020 numbers were 56. Thanks to everyone for promoting the association on the lake and especially to Russ Brown for the extra work.
Environmental
Bob Haynes advises that the Mazinaw Lanark Forestry 10-year plan due date has been extended by 3 months. Hopefully we will have more information with the next newsletter.
We have not heard back from FOCA regarding our sampling program for invasive species. We do expect this to be completed very soon.
I recently attended a FOCA webinar, and boating etiquette was a major concern for many lakes. A reminder:
As many longtime residents of the lake are aware, there are many boating hazards: shallow areas and rocks. Please remind guests and renters to boat with caution. It is also important to remember the harmful effect that boat wakes can create to the shoreline and wildlife. Of special concern is the channel area between Craig Island and the north-east shore, which is very narrow, shallow and a spawning area for fish.
Lake Protection Workbook — designed for property owners to assess their own lakefronts, and includes suggestions for making shorelines more environmentally friendly.
Roy Huetl has accepted a position on the Source Water Protection Committee with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. His presence on this committee will bring new insights to our association regarding environmental protection.
Township Advocacy
David Farquharson has been communicating with North Frontenac with a request to lower the posted limits from 60 kph to 40 kph. Unfortunately the township does not believe this to be an issue, so the 60 kph signs are still up. We will continue to advocate for a lower limit, which is safer considering the hills, bends and gravel.
The North Frontenac Lake Association Alliance (NFLAA) has brought forward a concern regarding Airbnb rentals. There have been many complaints to townships regarding noise and large parties disrupting residents (so far mostly on other lakes). The NFLAA is in contact with North Frontenac about by-laws. The BLA executive supports the NFLAA in principle.
Photo Contest
Congratulations to the winners of our 2021 photo contest! Everyone seems happy with their prizes. The winning pictures and categories are posted on the website, along with some honourable mentions.
Volunteers
We are looking for help with the following:
- For our social event next year (assuming we can get together)
- Ideas for improving our association
- Website management expertise
- Volunteers for committee work
Please send us an email through the website, or stop for a chat when you see one of us on the lake.