Spring 2022 Newsletter
Hello from Roy,
Spring is finally here: warm weather, and of course those dreaded black flies! I hope everyone enjoyed this past winter. Even with the cold and snow, Buckshot Lake is so beautiful in the winter months. I did however look forward to March as this brought maple syrup season.
Personally, I collected over 300L of sap and made approximately 8L of syrup- a great way to teach ratios to the grandchildren.
On another personal note, I have decided to run for Ward 2 council in North Frontenac this October. I have worked in municipal government for 11 years before retiring and enjoy public service. More information on my campaign to come.
The executive committee continues its work for you. Boaters may have noticed the buoy markers are already in. Thanks again to Bob Haynes for doing this difficult task.
Another exciting project complete is our new and improved website! Please take a look and let us know your thoughts.
Our AGM has been scheduled for July 2nd at 10am. This will be an in-person meeting held at Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna. I look forward to meeting everyone in person.
Newsletter at a glance
AGM
Board Update
Membership
Environmental
NFLAA Update
Photo Contest
Your Board Members
AGM
Our annual AGM will be held on July 2nd from 10am to noon at Clar-Mills Hall in Plevna. This meeting will be in-person with presentations from some of our board members. We have also invited our local council members from both North Frontenac and Addington Highlands to join us. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, as municipal elections are scheduled for October this year. Remember that all property owners can vote locally even if they are not permanent residents.
Originally we had planned a bbq after the meeting; however, since it will be a long weekend, we thought that most members would prefer a shorter meeting to then spend time with friends and family. A social gathering, such as a corn roast, is a possibility in late August. We are looking for input from our members, and this topic will be discussed during the AGM. An agenda for the AGM will be sent out 2 weeks before the meeting. If you have an item you wish to add to the agenda, please let us know.
BOARD UPDATE
After many years of volunteering on the Board and contributing in various capacities, both Bob Haynes and David Farquharson are stepping down from their duties. We thank them for all they have done to ensure our lake and surrounding area continues to thrive. Both Bob and David have committed their continuing support for the BLA by helping in their areas of expertise. At our last board meeting, Leslie Hoyt and Vikram Joshi accepted nominations as directors; this will be confirmed at our AGM.
MEMBERSHIP
Our membership numbers from last year were very strong which indicates that so many of us feel the importance of the BLA to advocate for our lake and surrounding area. We remind everyone to renew their membership this year, and update your contact information, as we have found old phone numbers and email addresses. Also, please encourage non-member friends and neighbours to join.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Mazinaw Lanark Forest Management 10 year plan has been delayed due to COVID and thus they are operating on the previous plan. Bob has had some communication concerning the plan and will provide an update at the AGM.
Additional information concerning lake quality and invasive species will be discussed at the AGM. The good news is that our lake continues to have encouraging sample results for invasive species and water quality.
NFLAA UPDATE
The North Frontenac Lake Association Alliance continues to advocate on your behalf. Two areas of concern are mandatory septic inspections and Airbnb rentals in the area. There continues to be good discussion with the municipality concerning Airbnbs. On the other hand, North Frontenac Council has voted against a motion to investigate the need to develop a program for mandatory inspections. This means that the status quo for voluntary inspections will remain in place.
Another area of concern is a new development concerning floating cottages. We have not seen this arise in North Frontenac as of yet, but other cottage areas have seen some activity. Hopefully proper Regulations will be created before problems arise.
The NFLAA will be promoting the municipal elections this fall (October 24th) and as mentioned above, reminding seasonal owners of their right to vote: you can vote at both your home and cottage. Voting in North Frontenac can be done by phone or online.
PHOTO CONTEST
Our photo contest has been such a success and everyone looks forward to the amazing photos every year. We will once again be running the contest: thanks so much to Donna Crome for her involvement not only this year, but in the past as well.
See here for detailed information.
YOUR BLA EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:
Roy Huet, President
Russ Brown, Past President
Paul Asselin, Treasurer
Jim Bacon, Secretary
David Farquharson, Director (retiring)
Bob Haynes, Director (retiring)
Peter Lorenz, Director
Arthur McGregor, Director