NewsFlash

May 31, 2024

2023 Lake of Bays Water Quality Report Now Available

On July 3, August 7 and August 27, 2023, volunteers collected water samples from 23 sites on Lake of Bays including deep water locations, nearshore sites adjacent to developed areas, undeveloped shorelines, at both the Oxtongue and Hollow rivers, and at the Oxtongue Delta. Water clarity was measured and samples from all three dates were analyzed for phosphorus. The August 7 samples were also tested for E. coli and total coliforms.

As in previous years, total phosphorus and bacteria levels were well below applicable Provincial guidelines indicating excellent water quality in 2023. Statistically significant increases in phosporus that have been noted in the past were absent with the addition of the 2023 date. Quality control sampling was increased relative to 2022. There were a larger than usual number of bad splits (where one sample of a duplicate is contaminated). Necessary changes in quality control and tester training are being implemented for 2024.

The full 2023 Water Quality Report by Hutchinson Environmental Sciences can be downloaded here.

Previous years reports can be downloaded here.

photo by Carolyn Madonia, 2022 photo contest submission

Exercise Caution at the North End of Ten Mile Bay

After the washout on Highway 35 earlier this year, a number of large trees were washed into the north end of Ten Mile Bay and some have become stuck there presenting a boating hazard. A concerned LOBA member contacted the Ministry of Transportation and has been assured the logs will be removed but the timing has not been confirmed. In the meantime, please slow down and exercise caution when boating in the north end of Ten Mile Bay.

FAQs Regarding Roads License Agreements

The Township of Lake of Bays has launched a webpage with resources and a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Roads License Agreements for properties accessed via Unopened Road Allowances.

An Unopened Road Allowance is a surveyed road allowance owned by the municipality that does not contain a Township Road. Meaning that it has never been formally "opened" or established as an actual public road or highway through construction and legal assumption by the Municipality. Some residents who access their properties via privately maintained roads/driveways located on these road allowances have already received letters requiring them to enter into a Roads License Agreement with the Municipality. These agreements aim to manage liability and risk for the Township, private owners, and Lake of Bays taxpayers.

In response to community feedback, the new webpage provides clear and detailed information addressing common questions and concerns from affected property owners. Key topics covered include:

• Why Roads License Agreements are required
• Legal basis for these agreements
• Explanation of what constitutes an unopened road allowance
• Overview of the Roads License Agreement process
• Standards for road maintenance and safety
• The risks to private owners, the Township, and Lake of Bays taxpayers associated with not having an agreement in place
• Current roads identified as Unopened Road Allowances

The Township hopes that this centralized webpage will clarify common questions and misconceptions the public may have regarding Roads License Agreements. For more information and to view the new page,visit LakeofBays.on.ca/RoadsLicenseAgreement.

For more information, contact:

Steve Peace – Superintendent of Public Works

Township of Lake of Bays

engage@lakeofbays.on.ca

(705) 635-2851

Draft Economic Development Strategy

The Township of Lake of Bays has prepared a Draft Economic Development Strategy for review and comments from Council and the public. This draft strategy is being presented at the June 4, 2024, Council meeting. The agenda for this meeting can be found on the Township's Agendas and Minutes webpage. The draft strategy is now available for public review and feedback. By reviewing the draft recommendations and offering comments, community members can play a crucial role in shaping the final strategy, ensuring it aligns with the community's needs.

All residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft strategy by June 3, 2024. 

To view the draft strategy, make a comment, or learn more, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/EDStrategy.

For more information contact:

April Best-Sararas

Director of Planning Services

Township of Lake of Bays

705-635-2272 ext. 1252

abest-sararas@lakeofbays.on.ca

• Township of Lake of Bays moving forward with Municipal Accommodation Tax: Read the article at DopplerOnline>

• Household hazardous waste drop-off information for Hunstville and Lake of Bays>

LOBA and FOCA

Did you know that all Lake of Bays Association members are also members of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA) and can access members-only materials on the FOCA website as well as take advantage of member benefits like:

• Rogers Preferred Plan for FOCA Members

• June 5 webinar by Peter Lilico, entitled Cottage Succession Planning, Tax Strategies.

First, use this link to create your own Username (many people use their email address for this) and Password (known only to you), as a “Sub Account” of our association.This link is unique to LOBA members, and should not be shared with others.

If you need any technical assistance, please reach out to FOCA directly at info@foca.on.ca

Read more about what FOCA is doing in their May 2024 Elert>

Community Idea Exchange Sessions

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is hosting a series of community engagement sessions designed to gather valuable input and foster a collaborative dialogue about the proposed multi-site regional hospital capital redevelopment project. These interactive sessions will be held at both hospitals on June 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2024. If you are unable to attend an in-person session, you can also share your feedback through an online community survey available here.

Deep Dive into the Redevelopment Model: Learn more about the proposed model. This is an opportunity to understand the specific elements of the plan and how they are designed to enhance health care in our community.

Transforming Local Health Care: Discover how the proposed changes will transform local health care. Learn about the enhancements planned for our physical sites and the positive impacts these will have on our services and community.

Share your Thoughts and Impressions: We value your input and want to hear your thoughts and discuss how the changes may affect you and your community.

Brainstorm Ideas to Support Health Care Transformation in Our Region: We want to hear your ideas on how to make this new model work in our community. We’ll ask participants to brainstorm and collaborate, creating solutions to address community concerns.

Aligning and Energizing Our Community: We aim to get everyone aligned and excited about the potential improvements to our facilities. This is more than just a building project; it’s about setting the stage for superior patient care and improved health care for Muskoka and region.

We’ll be hosting these interactive workshop sessions in Muskoka during the month of June. Each session will be approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes) and will require active engagement and collaboration from participants.

Registration

If you’re interested in joining a session near you, please click this link for more information, dates, times and registration details.

Due to the interactive nature of the format, one registration is permitted per person across all dates/locations.

Online Engagement Survey

If you are unable to attend an in-person session, you can also share your feedback through an online community survey available here.

Tourist Accommodation on Lake of Bays, 1862 - 2023

by Doug Cunnington

A 346-page book with nearly 700 photos on the history of Tourist Accommodation on the Lake of Bays from 1962 to 2023. This anthology explores the hardships of survival of the early pioneers which ultimately led to the development of the Lake of Bays tourist industry.

Inquiries, call Joanne Cunnington,

705-635-1466

Reading, Interesting Links and Events

Making News

• WATER SAFETY ADVOCATES RENEW CALL FOR CANADA-WIDE MANDATORY LIFEJACKET LAW: Read the article at Cottage Life>

• ROAD SALT USAGE DOWN ACROSS MUSKOKA: Read more at DopplerOnline>

• BLACK FLIES, DEER AND HORSE FLIES; WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE AND WILL THEY BE BAD IN ONTARIO THIS YEAR?: Read more at MuskokaRegion>

• LARGE HORNET SIGHTINGS IN MUSKOKA SHOULD BE REPORTED: Read more at DopplerOnline>

• HERE IS HOW 'OUR BODIES ARE INSEPERABLE FROM OUR ENVIRONMENT' BY THE MUSKOKA WATERSHED COUNCIL: Read more at MuskokaRegion>

Newsletters and Updates

• UNDER THE SURFACE: Read the May Friends of the Muskoka Watershed newsletter>

Photo by David Kennedy

2022 Photo Contest submission

Through education, advocacy and engagement, our mission is to foster a healthy natural environment, responsible waterfront development, a thriving community, and a Lake of Bays shared respectfully and safely by all.

Lake of Bays Association

info@loba.ca

www.loba.ca 

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