Hello from Roy
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer months at Buckshot Lake. We have had some very hot weather, along with rain to keep things green. With the first part of the summer being a little drier, we all remember the forest fire which was so close to our lake. Fortunately the winds cooperated to keep it from reaching Buckshot Lake, and we can thank the MNRF & local firefighters for their extraordinary efforts. Remember — enjoy your camp fires, but ensure that you have a bucket of water nearby, and do not leave them unattended.
We had our AGM on July 29th with guests from North Frontenac (Mayor Lichty) and Addington Highlands (Reeve Hogg). Fire Chief Eric Korhonen and Fire Prevention Officer Jackie Leach also presented. Minutes are below for those who did not attend. Membership is a concern, as discussed at the AGM.
I'd like to thank Arthur McGregor and Jim Bacon for their years of service to the BLA board. Jim in particular has been part of the board for 14 years. And welcome to Mary Ann Ward as our new director.
Newsletter at a glance
- AGM
- Membership
- Photo Contest
- NFLAA update
- Your board members
AGM — July 29, 2023 (minutes)
Directors present: Roy Huetl, Jim Bacon, Vikram Joshi, Arthur McGregor, Leslie Hoyt. Not in attendance: Paul Asselin, Peter Lorenz.
Arthur McGregor opened with "Ode to Buckshot Lake."
Gerry Lichty, Mayor of North Frontenac
- Tax rate going up in North Frontenac by 2.98%.
- Much was learned from the Centennial Lake wildfire.
- Weed cutting on the side of the road has doubled in price.
- 306 cell towers being built (majority Rogers).
- Bell currently surveying for high-speed fibre.
- Milfoil is an invasive species found in area lakes.
- North Frontenac has a by-law to deal with noise — register complaints about a specific address on the NF website.
- Short-term rentals are a big issue; a by-law is being worked on but extremely difficult.
- Mandatory septic system inspections are another huge issue — council is divided.
Questions included: logging near the boat launch (answer: salvage, not development); short-term rental enforcement (very expensive and lucrative for owners who launch legal challenges); Derecho road-side debris cleanup (volunteer opportunity); parking at the boat launch (BLA posted two no-parking signs).
Henry Hogg, Reeve of Addington Highlands
Reeve Hogg commented that they share many issues with North Frontenac. Cell towers would not be activated until 2026 at the earliest. AH has put together a "renter kit" for short-term rental issues.
Questions covered the Denbeigh ambulance (single 7am–7pm shift), and a rumour of another wind test station (no signed contracts in AH or NF).
Fire Chief Eric Korhonen, North Frontenac
He spoke about the importance of listening only to reliable sources such as the NF fire department website, the township, and the OPP — not social media.
Best steps homeowners can take:
- Have smoke detectors and CO₂ detectors and check them monthly.
- Keep vegetation 10 metres from your home.
- Install roof sprinklers.
- Cover a stove fire to put it out.
Jackie Leach, fire prevention officer, reinforced checking smoke detectors (including for blocked tubes and vents), checking CO₂ detectors, moving fire extinguishers monthly, and having an escape plan. She spoke about fireworks — federally regulated; if a municipal fire ban is on, no fireworks; if a Restricted Fire Zone is put on by the province, fireworks are permitted.
Director elections
Two directors retired: Jim Bacon (14 years of service) and Arthur McGregor. Mary Ann Ward was nominated by Roy Huetl and seconded by Arthur McGregor.
Membership
At the time of writing, we have 57 paid members for the 2023/2024 year. We had just over 70 last year; we would like to see this increase. The treasurer's report indicated we are heading into a deficit — last year we ended $426.06 in the red. If we forecast the next 4 years with the same membership numbers and expenditures, we will be out of operational funds. Buoy maintenance costs continue to rise, and insurance is our largest single expense. The BLA is asking for your help — please ensure your membership is up-to-date, and nudge neighbours to join.
Membership to NFLAA and our insurance costs have increased. It was agreed that just the fact that the BLA puts out shoal markers is worth the $30, not to mention maintaining the boat launch. Governments will not respond to individual concerns, only to a lake association.
Treasurer's report
The BLA is currently spending $426.06 more than revenue generated last year. A small reserve exists. If membership numbers stay low we will have no operating funds in 4 years.
Lake Steward report
Russ Brown provided a summary of water quality — as in past years, good numbers with no invasive species entering our system at the time of sampling.
NFLAA
The big concerns: mandatory septic tank inspections, short-term rentals, cell towers, and floating homes (which the province has banned).
Photo Contest
The photo contest has always been a popular activity here on Buckshot, and we will continue the tradition for 2023. Thanks to Donna Crome and Russ Brown for continuing to manage this initiative. As always, winners will be announced in the fall newsletter and on our website.
NFLAA Update
The next meeting is August 19th, 2023. Key agenda items: septic inspections, liability insurance, lake carrying capacity, financial update, short-term rentals.
Your BLA executive members
- Roy Huetl — President
- Russ Brown — Past President
- Paul Asselin — Treasurer
- Leslie Hoyt — Secretary
- Vikram Joshi — Web Support
- Peter Lorenz — Director
- Mary Ann Ward — Director