The Northern Refection
A publication of the Wollaston Lake Home & Cottage Association

2009 SPRING NEWSLETTER

Click on 2009 Spring Newsletter to view a PDF copy of the newsletter. 

 

2008 SPRING NEWSLETTER Volume 7 Issue 2
(Click on pages below)

President's Message, by Peggy Stewart

page 2  - Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Report
             and Report on WLHCA WEB SITE

page 3  - Bancroft & Area O.P.P Detachment,  Hideaway Grill & Market and Owenbrook Golf Course

page 4  - Wollaston Township Waste Disposal Site, by Dylinna Brock

page 5  - Wollaston Fire Department, by Sara McIntee

page 6  - West Wind Gallery & Gifts, Island View Cottages, Specked Creek Trout Farm and Marvel Rapids Golf

page 7  - WLHCA Schedule of Summer Events

page 8  - Municipal Review, by Bob Ireland Councilor

page 9  - Municipal Review (continued) and Red Eagle Trailer Park

page 10 - Cottage Do's and Don'ts

page 11 - Director of Environment Report, by Rick Clark and Emergency CPR Course, by Anne Ireland

page 12 - Getting the Cottage Up & Running (continued from page 19) and Ron Earle Excavating information

page 13 - Membership Report, by Anne Ireland , Elm Street Supplies,
              Irondale Metal Works and The Coe Hill Dharma Centre

page 14 - Bognar Tree Service, The Third Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Tennis Anyone? and
              Molloy's Property Maintenance & Amsoil Sales

page 15 - Coe Hill Library, by Bonnie Weise and Bancroft Just Wine and Beer

page 16 - Financial Update, by Beryl Lee and Taking Care of Your Septic System, Cosby's Small Engines and
              The Old Hasting's Gallery

page 17 - Lake Steward's Report, by Steven Neville and Clark's Country Market

page 18 - Tucker's Marine

page 19 - Getting the Cottage Up and Running, by Peggy Stewart and Coe Hill Country Market

page 20 - Remax Country Classics Ltd., Realtor

A Recycling Reminder .....  Hang this on your wall!

2007 FALL NEWSLETTER

To view the fall newsletter select:  Fall  Newsletter

2007 SPRING NEWSLETTER

To view the spring newsletter select:  Spring Newsletter
 

2006 FALL NEWSLETTER

Selected portions of the fall newsletter are listed below, including a link to the spring newsletter.  Scroll down to read or select from menu item to go to the specific article.

WLHCA President's Message
2006 Wollaston Township Municipal Elections
Candidates for 2006 Wollaston Township Municipal Elections
Murky, Weedy, Slimey Lake?
Septic Reinspection Program Update
Wollaston Fire Department
Take a Kid Fishing Derby
Children's Fun Day
Golf Tournament
WLHCA Website

Spring Newsletter
 

 

WLHCA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE (Fall Newsletter)

           Every day more branches are bared,  as red, orange, yellow  and gold leaves blanket the ground. There is no doubt that summer is over and the Wollaston Lake Home and Cottage Association (WLHCA)  Newsletter is heading your way. 

            It was a great summer on the lake as the pictures and reports of the summer events will reveal. August had particularly warm weather; ideal for boating and swimming and lying in the sun. Our thanks go out to all the conveners, volunteers and sponsors who made all the events possible. Their work contributes so much to the social life on the lake. Because of them,  we know our neighbours better and can work well on issues that affect us all. Our WLHCA provides  another way that we can stay well connected and play our part in protecting Wollaston Lake and the environment that depends on it.

            We are very fortunate that last year’s executive were all willing to return  for another year.  They were returned to office by acclamation at the Annual Meeting in August. Our organization becomes stronger as new “voices are heard and we hope  to persuade more of our members to play a role in the executive.   Although I said that I would not return, my health improved and I look forward to another active year. Please join me in thanking all of your executive for the time and terrific effort they contribute to WLHCA.

             One of the main issues that has come to the attention of the executive is regarding  the quality of water in Wollaston Lake.  Readings from recent tests show higher levels of phosphorus and possibly other chemicals. The article by Leslie Rolfe, Anne Ireland and Beryl Lee on Page 3 highlights our concerns.  It is a “call to attention” for all property owners on the lake and outlines  environmental practices that will promote good water quality. Bob Ireland is chairing a Committee to examine the water quality concerns further and to propose an action plan.       

 

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2006  WOLLASTON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

by Jim Miller

 

For results of the 2006 Elections go to:

www.township.wollaston.on.ca

and select Information and click on 2006 Elections.          

 

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MURKY, WEEDY, SLIMEY

 

THIS COULD BE THE FUTURE OF WOLLASTON
 LAKE ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY

 

          A recent study of Wollaston Lake indicates that the lake quality appears to be deteriorating.  Tests done by the Ministry of Environment show increased levels of some chemicals in our lake.  This year, phosphorus levels were higher than all previous tests. Phosphorus is a key cause of excessive algae and weed growth.  In the past Wollaston Lake has had among the worst water quality of all other lakes in the area.  The Ministry of the Environment will be doing further testing in the fall to complete the study and will provide us with a copy.

 

          These increased chemicals feed the algae, grow more weeds, threaten the trout population, and can result in MURKY, WEEDY, SLIMEY water.

 

HOW DID THE CHEMICALS GET INTO THE LAKE?

         

          Many of them come from inside your home or cottage.  They are the result of leeching and leaking septics, no septics, overused septics, fertilizers, and the wrong dish soaps and cleaning products that have phosphorous and other chemicals that do not belong in the lake.  Artificial fertilizer is very hard on the lake  it contains high levels of phosphorous much of which gets washed down into the lake by rain.  The chemicals leech from your septics, and along with the fertilizers, they all drain into the lake.

 

HOW DO WE SAVE OUR LAKE?

 

          Prevention is the key.  We cannot wait until our property values drop.  We must take action now.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE YOUR PROPERTY VALUES:

 

1.   Make sure that your septic is functioning properly and use it carefully.  Have it pumped out every 3-5 years and don't overuse it.  Check the labels on your household products and make sure that they are phosphate free.  For example, use liquid dishwasher detergent instead of powdered or tablets because of the lower phosphate content.

 

 

2.    Use no fertilizers or chemicals of any kind on your lawn.  Rain water and the run-off take these straight into the lake to feed the weeds and the algae.

 

 

3.    Keep your shoreline natural.  Never mow your lawn to the water's edge.  Leave a shoreline buffer zone to act as a filter to slow the chemicals from entering the water.

 

   YOUR CHOICE: A BEAUTIFUL GREEN LAWN
 OR A NOT-SO-BEAUTIFUL GREEN MURKY,
 WEEDY, SLIMEY LAKE. 

4.   The health of our lake and our property values depend on you and your neighbours.  Tell your neighbours and spread the word.

Check out the website for further information.
 The following file is a PDF version of a letter from
 the Ministry of  Environment on this issue.
Letter on Lake Water Quality  

The above article was written by Leslie Rolfe, Anne Ireland and Beryl Lee for the newsletter as a response to recent tests  that raised concerns about the  water quality in  Wollaston Lake.  The executive has established a Lake Quality Committee chaired by Bob Ireland to continue the research begun by Leslie this summer. Leslie and Dennis Rolfe are our Lake Stewards and test Wollaston Lake water for clarity, ecoli, and phosphorus, twice each summer with funding by WLHCA.

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WOLLASTON LAKE SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION PROGRAM UPDATE

by Bob Ireland 

          A quick update on the Septic Re-Inspection Program which was approved by Wollaston Township Council Feb 7, 2006 to begin in the spring of 2006:

          Wollaston Township entered into an agreement with Marmora and Lake Township to jointly implement this program in both municipalities to benefit from the resource and cost sharing that could be made. 

          The WLHCA helped the Township prepare and present an application to HRDC for a grant to cover the employment costs for six months of a recent graduate from a qualifying institution to help implement this program and set up the database so that the program can be administered on an on-going basis.

          So, here's where we are.  We now have a septic re-inspection program built into both Townships' 'Building Department' budgets on an ongoing basis, to re-inspect all properties in the township, lake and non-lake, at least every five years to ensure that septic systems are in place  and functioning properly.   Funding is  supplemented by an HRDC grant, which could be renewed, This focus was derived from data that points to septic systems, and more importantly lack of, or mal-functioning septic systems being the largest contributor to ground and lake water contamination.

          The township advertised a position and hired Alicia Van Vaals in July to work with our Wollaston Building Inspector, Dave Earle and the Chief Building Inspector, Frank Mills, in Marmora and Wollaston Lake.  Her job is to research the properties to be inspected, including all the available building permit documentation to ensure that when an inspection is done that it is done with all the available data.  She then will document in a new database, all the data and the inspection results so that on an ongoing basis the Township has an accurate record of which property has what septic system and where it is.

          To date, 31 properties have been inspected, three of which have had minor issues. These issues  are being addressed by our Building Inspector.  In addition, the building inspector is dealing with two properties reported that are in violation of the Building Code. Please keep in mind that the Re-inspection Program is a preventative program and if you see or suspect that a specific property has an issue, you should report it to the Township Office and it will be dealt with as part of their normal business processes. 

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WOLLASTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 

 by Sarah McIntee, Wollaston Fire Chief 

          We are coming into the, yes, winter season and as a result home owners are going to start up their wood stoves/furnaces to ward off the inevitable cold which means that unfortunately “chimney fire season” is upon us. Some food for thought:

          A study was conducted and it was found that13.5%, or one out of eight fire department calls to chimney fires involved responses where there had been a previous chimney fire. Each chimney or flue pipe fire is preventable. Chimneys and flue pipes should be inspected annually by home owners and cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free of accumulations of combustible deposits. Regular and properly conducted maintenance can assist in detecting potential problems and avert fires which may lead to loss of life, injuries and property loss.

           In conjunction with chimney fires are the absence of smoke alarms in the home. In every day life, for me whenever I cook, smoke alarms can go off for non-fire related emergencies. There are smoke alarms out there with a pause feature which can be handy for such occasions. The question you need to ask yourself, are you willing to take the chance with your loved ones in the event of the unspeakable, a fire?

          When closing up your cottage at the end of the season, remember if you are leaving an electrical heat source in place ensure that there are no combustibles (clothes, table cloths, etc.) near the heat source, or that can fall on the heat source in your absence.

          Winter can be a wonderful season, please help us keep it happy and merry.  For those of you who, like me have already begun the Christmas count down, (much to the dismay of my family and friends), please follow a thorough check list so that  you will enter into the new year having had a fire free season.

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TAKE A KID FISHING DERBY

          On July 8th, Bronwyn Sage, with help from Peggy Stewart and Bev. Meyers from Island View Campgrounds welcomed many youngsters bringing their fish to be weighed at the Annual WLHCA Take a Kid Fishing Derby . Bronwyn has been responsible for convening this day for many years now and her expert organization and efforts are really appreciated. For many youngsters on Wollaston Lake this is their first chance to taste the excitement of reeling in their first catch. For others, its the lure of catching the "Big One"

Below are the results of the Derby:

CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER

Ist - Luke LaPalm with a 1 ib. rock bass
2nd - Graydon Hogg with a 12 oz. bass
3rd - Lauryn Donahoe- with a 6 oz. bass
4th - Bryar Hogg with a 4 oz. sunfish

CHILDREN 6-9 YEARS.

1st -Jacob Ben - 2Lb 8 oz. bass
2nd - Travis Bennett - with a 1 lb 8 oz. small mouth bass
3rd - Jack LaPalm - 12 oz. rock bass
4th Colin Bracup 8 oz. rock bass
5th - Curtis Wright 4 oz rock bass

CHILDREN 10 TO 12 YEARS

1ST - Cole McCaw - 1Lb. 8 oz. bass
2nd - Curtis Diacup - 8 oz. bass
3rd - Brad Diacup 4 oz. rock bass
4th - Madison Pearce 3 oz. Bass

          

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CHILDREN’S FUN DAY

        WLHCA would like to thank Victoria Pusiak for organizing and running Children's Fun Day.  Over thirty children enjoyed a very active and laughter filled day on July 22nd at the beach at Island View.

          Volunteers Becky Benaissa, Liz Lee Jennifer Campbell and Sue Bland led the children through activities such as filling up leaky pop bottles and pouring the contents into a pail, throwing water filled balloons at opposing teams, dressing in a baggy set of clothes then swimming or walking  to the floating dock, taking off the clothes and leaving them for the next person in the team, a three legged race, fish pond, face painting and to top it all off a jelly and whipped cream eating contest. The morning was topped off with a BBQ  lunch of hot dogs and drinks prepared by Steve Pusiak, and Mike Bland , assisted by Ben Benaissa. Each child went home happy with a prize of their choosing tucked under their arm and a smile on their face.

          A big thank you again to Bev and Bill Meyers who were wonderful providing the beach, the BBQ, a place to fill water balloons, and many items that were needed at the last minute.

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WLHCA 2006 GOLF TOURNAMENT

         Golfers from WLHCA had a beautiful day to test their golf swing on the morning of July 15th at Marvel Rapids Golf Course. WLHCA appreciates all the work by Ken Smelser, assisted by Cindy Merriman in planning such a great tournament. Everyone went home happy, as the prize list was large enough that all players went home with a memento of the day.

         The winners with a new record score of 29 was the group of Jordan Hayes, Tom Lehman, Willie Acton and Gord Stowar.

Scott Laitinen won both closest to the pin awards

The winners of the longest drive were Valerie DeHaseth and Mike Pickering.

        I would also like to thank the local businesses and individuals that generously donated prizes to the table. They are as follows, Rudy Electric, Pilot Insurance, Red Eagle Campground, Island View Store and Cottages, The Hastings Gallery, Coe Hill Country Market and the Hideaway Restaurant, as well as Randy Osborne at East West Plastics for making the signs and Tom Lehman for the after golf snacks.

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WLHCA WEB WORDS
 Go to:    www.wollastonlakehome.com

by Jim Miller

         The WLHCA web site is now at www.wollastonlakehome.com, as reported in the spring newsletter. The way to remember the location is to think of the first three words of WLHCA with no capitals, no spaces & .com ! Or think of wollaston lake as home. Use these three words and add a .com!                                     

          Web site content changes this year have been the inclusion of the spring and fall newsletters, new site content for planned and completed events, inclusion of new event photographs and the introduction of a Lake Recipes page! Three short videos are also included for high speed internet visitors. Photographs from previous years are archived on a separate page of the site for easy reference. 

Peggy Stewart's Editor's Note: Jim is also working on the web site for Wollaston Township which will provide useful local information.
 Go to www.township.wollaston.on.ca 

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CROWE RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

By Tim Pidduck, General Manager, Crowe Valley Conservation Authority 

            Thank you to WLHCA for their invitation to submit an article regarding Wollaston Lake from the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority. I offer the following few thoughts and comments for you to ponder during those days when you long to be back at the lake.

            For the month of July, water levels were at or above the summer regulated levels.  Unfortunately, the month of August water levels were not so kind. Our Water Resource Technician performed all operations and procedures at our disposal to maintain levels as high as possible during the difficult time period.  Regrettably, there are factors beyond the CVCA’s control that play a significant role in determining water levels.  It is the cumulative effect of these factors that resulted in low levels.   One of the conditions that plays a significant role is the size of the drainage area of the Deer River watershed.  While it sounds like a significant area, for a lake the size of Wollaston, it is relatively small.  Without at least average precipitation during the course of the month (or significant precipitation at key times - i.e. thunderstorms) to recharge the drainage area, then, water flowing into Wollaston will be drastically reduced.  It has a compounding effect and it is that inflow (and precipitation directly into the lake) that the lake relies on to maintain a summer level.  Precipitation, although not the only factor, it remains fundamental to ensure good recreational water levels.  There are other considerations that must be taken into account, however, my allotted space does not permit room for further explanations, therefore I will have to forego additional details at the moment.

            I would also like to inform your membership that current water levels are close to the lower range of the summer level, however, the fall drawdown process will be initiated the week after Thanksgiving in order to begin lowering the lake to the regulated winter level.  If anyone wishes to discuss water levels or any other issues pertaining to the CVCA mandate, please feel free to contact myself at our office.     

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CANDIDATES FOR THE 2006
 WOLLASTON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

 Each candidate for the upcoming municipal election was offered the opportunity  to submit 200 words in answer to the following question;  Why should the Permanent and Seasonal Residents of Wollaston Township vote for me?”  Articles were printed as submitted. 

 

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Albert Vader For Reeve 

Dear Friends;

            Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.  Having always believed that we are all residents as ratepayers, maybe with different needs and backgrounds, but all working to make Wollaston the best place for ourselves and our family.

            I have always lived in Wollaston and my main work has been farming and secretarial. As well as work at home I have held positions in several organizations which has allowed me to see Canada.  I have worked with many councils and have not seen many that did not have the township at heart.. This council has been no exception. I have been impressed to see renewed growth again. Real Estate and new building has gradually improved. Young families have taken over businesses making this their home. Lakes are getting built up and many are returning to our beautiful countryside.

            Next term we have two major problems to solve. These have solutions but many are not affordable. Our waste site may close, and the answer may be a pick-up depot. We also have new rules on septics.  We have an agreement in principle with the Bancroft plant, but no firm price yet. 

We have worked for several years to get a grant to help the capital costs of 620 Hwy.  So far the governments haven’t made highways a priority.

 

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Dan McCaw for Reeve 

            I, Dan McCaw, seek election for Reeve. Six years ago while in council a “water clean-up program” was started. May 2006, the environment completed testing on Wollaston and twenty other trout lakes in the area. Report follows:

*Wollaston Lake has concentrations of ammonia, total phosphorus, nitrate and dissolved organic carbon that are higher.

*Dissolved oxygen profiles indicate that Wollaston Lake has good Oxygen concentration for all fish species except lake trout.

Therefore lake trout habitat in this lake is stressed. Beavers are a nuisance in our area and their pond water flows into our lake from three locations. I feel this has to be corrected to save Wollaston Lake. In my opinion we need new and better methods of waste management. Removal of Septic system, sludge remains a concern. For summer, at least one local contractor has had his licence renewed for three years..If elected, I  will work to the best of my ability, with council for the people.   I can be reached at (613) 337-5705 or Box 294, Coe Hill, On. K0L1P0 

 

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Brent Goodwin for Deputy Reeve 

MARGARET AND I HAVE RESIDED IN WOLLASTON TOWNSHIP FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS DURING THAT TIME WE HAVE EXPERIENCED BOTH RURAL AND NOW A VILLAGE LIFE STYLE  OF OUR UNIQUE SMALL COMMUNITY.  I HAVE SERVED ON COUNCIL SINCE 1997 AND HAVE NOW DECIDED TO STEP UP TO SEEK ELECTION FOR THE IMPORTANT POSITION OF DEPUTY REEVE.  MY PROGRESSIVE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED AS A COUNCILLOR, I FEEL WILL BE A GREAT BENEFIT TO THE TAXPAYERS DURING THIS NEXT TERM. SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUES COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT ARE:

 1. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE CLOSURE OF OUR LANDFILL SITE AND  WHAT TO DO WITH FUTURE DISPOSAL OF OUR GARBAGE IN THE MOST AFFORDABLE WAY.

 2. LOBBY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FOR MORE FUNDS TO MAINTAIN AND RESURFACE 620 HIGHWAY WITHIN OUR TOWNSHIP.      

 3. TO HAVE IN PLACE A PLAN ON HOW TO DISPOSE OF OUR SEPTAGE WHEN THE 2008 PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS BECOME LAW FORBIDDING THE DISPOSAL OF SEPTIC  WASTE ON LOCAL LANDS.  IT HAS BEEN AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE  YOU THE TAXPAYER OF WOLLASTON  TOWNSHIP. DURING THE PAST NINE YEARS AND ASK FOR  YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT TO ELECT ME AS YOUR DEPUTY REEVE. 

 

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Chris McGowan for Deputy Reeve

Hello.  

My name is Chris McGowan.  I have had the opportunity to move from a seasonal  resident to a permanent  resident of the area.  I feel that there is a need in Wollaston Township for a new prospective.   

The township needs a broader tax base, and to do this, we need to attract new business, obtain both provincial and federal grants.  To enhance our fire department, library, and community services.  We need to attract more tourism dollars.  We must improve on our services regarding roads, waste management, policing, fire and safety.  We must clean our beaches and improve our trail systems.  We need to become more business like, in the finances of the community and more accountable to the public. 

If I am elected, this will be part of my focus.  I take great pride that myself and my partner, Keri McLean have been successful  in business in Toronto and now in this area.  I am a person who is not afraid of making a decision  whether it may be the one you want to hear or not.  I am honest and committed to the community.

 

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Graham Blair for Councillor 

As many will know, I have been a local resident for almost three decades and I have operated a business on the main street of Coe Hill for several years. I believe that a vote for me to continue as councilor in Wollaston Township will be a vote for someone who has a real and genuine interest in the operation of this municipality.  

If I am elected on November 13, I will be embarking on a second term as councillor and will be bringing with me, the benefit of three years experience at the council table. In those three years, council has addressed many issues (some controversial) and, as a councilor, I have been directly involved in discussing and attempting to resolve them. Some of these issues are ongoing and I would very much like to be able to see them through. The past three years have been a tremendous learning experience for me and I am actively seeking the support of the voters of Wollaston Township so that I will have the opportunity to put to use what I have learned about municipal government for the benefit of all. 

 

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Ron Earle for Councillor 

It’s election time again. The past three years went by very quickly. I would like to thank those who put their confidence in me in the last election and gave me the opportunity to sit on council and act as  your voice. Once again, I am asking for your support as I am running for the position of councilor. I promise to work hard for our community, give all issues careful consideration, and handle whatever affairs arise to the best of my knowledge and ability.

The past three years were very busy ones for council as we had a variety of very important and demanding issues to deal with. I predict that the next 4 years will also present many if not more challenges. We have a problem with our land fill site due to the excess garbage and the new government regulation that will have to be addressed. Other issues  are taxes, property standards, septic systems,, business development and growth of our communilty.

 I look forward to serve you as councillor.                            Thank you, Ron Earle. 

 

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Lynne Hyde  for Councillor

Hi Everyone,  

Many of you remember me as the guy that used to own the gas station. I have lived here with my wife Kitty for about 35 years where I have always had an interest in local politics. I am a member of the Wollaston Recreation Committee, and am largely responsible for organizing the Canada Day festivities. We choose to live here (as have most of you) because the environment is clean and the lifestyle less stressful and a little laid back. We are becoming a retirement community, as is all of the Bancroft area. I believe this is a good thing but we must find a way to share the tax burden more fairly. I am a long time member of the Coe Hill Legion branch 581 and past president of the Coe Hill Business Association, Because I now have more time to devote, I am asking for your vote on Nov. 13.

                                                                                        Thank you. Lynne Hyde.

 

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Bill Pearce for Councillor 

SEEKING REELECTION AS COUNCILLOR

First I would like to say “thank you” for your support over the last three years.  Being on Council has been a rewarding experience and a chance, for me to make a difference. 

            During my term I worked hard on many committees, the most important one being the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority. During the 2006 budgeting process I was instrumental in having the tax mill rate reduced by 13%.  During my time on council I played a strong role in union negotiations and the hiring of new employees.  

            Some of the items, which will affect your future tax bills, are the cost of closing the landfill site and the building of a transfer station. Septage (from septic tanks) will have to be processed in sewage treatment plants adding cost to both the homeowner and the Township.  These along with roads are but a few of the issues facing the new council. 

            The last council was a pleasure to work with.  We had a good mix of qualifications and experience.  Together we were able to resolve and implement a number of key items. 

You as a taxpayer need strong representation.
On Election Day vote Bill Pearce.
I would again like to stress the importance of having Council representation from the Wollaston Lake residents.
“Your vote is important to me and the Lake Residents”

 

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To view the WLHCA Spring Newsletter click on:  Spring Newsletter
 

WEATHER  FORECAST

AREA MAP

LAKE RECIPES!

 

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