Hello from Roy
As I write this edition of the newsletter I hope everyone is enjoying the August long weekend. Many of us have family visiting and it's nice to hear the lake is busy with the sounds of summer.
We had our AGM on July 13th with about 30 members in attendance. Lots of great questions — and for those of you who could not make it, the minutes are below.
I have been very busy this year attending AGMs in all 3 wards to discuss the Environmental Task Force that I chair. There are a lot of topics of interest to lake owners, and we have had engaging conversations.
Our social event will be held August 23rd and we are hoping for a good turnout. Last year we had about 70 members participate. The information flyer is below — please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
We have started our voluntary catch-and-release program. We've had a few submissions and hope more will come. This is a great program to protect the fish habitat for the future — and there are prizes.
I would also like to thank the Hazletons & Lorne Killam for organizing, collecting and disposing of all the washed-up old docks on the shoreline. Not only is this good for the environment but makes boating safer for all of us.
Hope to see you soon.
Roy
Newsletter at a glance
- Membership
- AGM
- BLA Social
- Photo Contest
- Catch & Release
- Your board members
Membership
As of August 2nd, we have 71 paid members. Last year we reached 85 and this year we set a goal of 90 members. For those of you that have already paid — thank you. Some of you have received a personal email reminder to renew. The BLA does so much for the lake and the $30 membership fee is needed for expenses such as buoy markers, insurance premiums, FOCA and NFLAA membership, photo contest prizes, water sampling, and our social event. If you have neighbours not yet part of the BLA, please pass on a good word.
Buckshot Lake Association AGM 2025
July 13, 2025 — Clar-Mill Community Hall, Plevna
Directors present: Roy Huetl, Paul Asselin, Russ Brown, Leslie Hoyt, Vikram Joshi, Mary Ann Ward. Roy called the meeting to order at 10:00am.
Gerry Litchy, Mayor of North Frontenac
- The mayor spoke about declining the offer of Strong Mayor powers from the province.
- EV chargers already installed in the township are a success and there are three more to come.
- Under the asset management plan there will be a 2% tax increase for road maintenance.
- The township is receiving a grant for 50% of the cost of refurbishing the rink.
- $20,000 was spent by each of North Frontenac and Addington Highlands to attract a new doctor to Northbrook, and $15,000/year will be spent to keep them. A further $15,000 over three years is committed to bring MRI machines to Smiths Falls and Napanee.
Member questions covered cell towers (Rogers), Bell fibre, public input at council meetings, fireworks during fire bans, fire-ban signage, and road quality differences between the two townships.
Henry Hogg, Reeve of Addington Highlands
- Addington Highlands looked at opening the Plevna dump to its residents ten years ago; it was too costly.
- The number of years left at the Vennachar dump — Reeve to follow up.
- Vennachar dump accepts donations with proceeds going to diabetes; a list will be posted on the Buckshot Lake Facebook page.
- Property owners can vote in any municipal election where they own property.
Roy Huetl, Chair of the Environmental Task Force for North Frontenac
Priorities of the task force:
- The proposed Battery Energy Storage System
- Net Metering — solar panels at the town offices
- Invasive species — specifically Eurasian Milfoil
- Septic Inspection Program — starting slowly, only when a place is sold
- Short-term rentals — council has decided to set up a system to monitor them
Discussion covered: exemptions for septic inspections on family transfers and systems under ten years old; the MVCA letter being voluntary not mandatory; rules about inspection timing relative to septic pumping; a query about Addington Highlands' position (not part of the program); and the BESS battery system safety and public consultation process.
Reports
Treasurer (Paul Asselin): Year-end statement and balance sheet presented.
Lake Steward (Russ Brown): Cliff Lebarron did the water quality monitoring 12–15 times throughout the year — the conclusion is that water quality is good and stable. Ministry testing does not include fertilizer.
Photo Contest (Russ Brown): The contest is on again this year.
Summer Social (Mary Ann Ward): Held at the Ward property on August 23rd. Everyone on the lake is welcome, including visiting friends and non-members. Please RSVP.
Catch and Release (Roy Huetl): A voluntary program; the board will put up a sign at the boat launch.
BLA Social
Last year's social event was a huge success. We had a great turnout and the weather cooperated. This year's event is scheduled for August 23rd, 12pm–3pm. Once again the BLA will host the BBQ free of charge, and we've added a fun event for kids — a cardboard boat race.
The social event will also be used as a membership drive, so if you have neighbours who aren't members, please invite them. Visiting guests of members are also welcome.
Thank you to Mike and Mary Ann Ward for allowing us to use their property again.
Photo Contest
The Photo Contest will continue this year. This has been very popular with our members — it's always so nice to see all of the great photos. It's amazing that we have so many talented photographers on our lake.
Photos eligible for the contest can be taken from September 9, 2024 to September 7, 2025.
Thank you to Russ Brown for coordinating the photo contest.
Catch and Release (voluntary program)
Please send in your pictures with size and proof of release. We have some awesome prizes!
Your BLA executive members
- Roy Huetl — President
- Russ Brown — Past President
- Paul Asselin — Treasurer
- Leslie Hoyt — Secretary
- Vikram Joshi — Web Admin
- Mary Ann Ward — Membership Director