Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association
S.D.R.A.
To "keep spirits bright", enjoy some more of the best holiday images collected from around the web.
Snow Removal - Trail's End Parking Lot
In reponse to an inquiry from the SDRA, the Township of Addington Highlands has agreed to clear snow from the parking lot. Residents and visitors should be aware of the following conditions stipulated by the Township:
- Ploughing will be done at the same time as clearing of the Jacques Bay Road. A plough will not be specially dispatched.
- Immediately following a significant, (+2"), snowfall, vehicles are to be removed from the lot temporarily - to allow safe and complete removal of snow.
Update - FOCA & WRAFT
The fall seminar presented by the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations, (FOCA), shared space with the annual general meeting of the spin-off Waterfont Ratepayers After Fair Taxation, (WRAFT), group for full day event on November 22nd. The SDRA was represented at both sessions.
FOCA
The keynote address was given by the Hon. Donna Cansfield - Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. This is a no-nonsense, very professional woman with comprehensive knowledge of her portfolio and its far-reaching effects on every citizen of the province, (and, indeed the whole Great Lakes watershed). She is obviously well aware of all the threats to the province's natural environment, as well as the challenges in finding economically-viable ways to protect and sustain it. There may not be complete solutions for all the problems with our environment, but we certainly seem to have a minister who is capable, and willing, to make rational decisions on complex environmental issues.
[Q] Think that old javex bottle marking the end of your water intake is a good idea? Think again! A presentation by Wayne Atkins - Transport Canada stunned many audience members by bringing to light the REAL (Federal) legislation covering navigation on lakes like Skootamatta. There are suprisingly few, (and sometimes arcane), regulations that govern just how and where the public may navigate, (and even how to define a 'boat'). Various levels of government, (and other associations), can apply for a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation, (VORR), (e.g. speed limit), for specific bodies of water, although the application must go through a lengthy review, (proving it will improve safety AND is in the public interest), before being put on the parliamentry order paper! While 'private' buoys are not illegal, per se, there are definitely legal risks by setting them out.
[A] A plain white buoy denotes a swimming area. (There are colour, marking, mooring and identifiaction rules for all marine buoys).
FOCA staffer Samantha Brown presented a review of the soon-to-be-released Lake Planning Toolkit. The production of the kit is the result of the Trillium Foundation's decision to fund such a project after an increasing number of independent requests from Lake Associations. FOCA and the Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council are the two main developers. Our own Lake Management Planning Committee will definitely be taking a close look at the kit when it is released.
WRAFT
The AGM portion of the WRAFT session was the usual dry procedure. Far more interesting was the 'town hall' forum with guest MPP's representing all three major political parties:
- Michael Prue - New Democrat
- Tim Hudak - Conservative
- Yasir Navqui - Liberal
There were some passionate voices and questions from the audience, as well as some rambling complaints. At the end of it all, it seems that the four year assessement cycle is not a satisfactory solution to many property taxpayers, (even with the 25% annual phase-in over the four years). It does not give the stability or fairness touted by its Liberal proponents. Yet the proposals from the NDP, (special rate for seasonal properties, no re-assessment until sale, municipal revenue mainly from income tax, and the Conservatives, (5% cap on property tax hikes), have their own problems too.
While WRAFT may dispute higher tax rates on waterfront property, any real estate market in the world will confirm that waterfront is a premium location. If property is taxed at 'market value', waterfront owners will pay a higher percentage. Taxation is huge issue in Ontario already - and will only get larger as the provincial economy gets the stuffing beaten out of the once-mighty manufacturing sector. We need our provincial politicians to look more carefully than ever at exactly how much, and who is going to pay to provide adequate and equal services to citizens in ALL areas of the province. Property owners can and should pay taxes, but the system has to be fair, too. People on fixed income shouldn't be forced to sell off their property as a result of escalating property tax.
Penny Caldwell, over at Cottage Life Magazine, was also at the FOCA/WRAFT event, and is following the taxation issue. Check out her blog topic and feedback.
The official minutes of the WRAFT AGM and description of the subsequent 'town hall' meeting can be seen here.
Frontenac County wants public input
Neighbouring Frontenac County has just introduced a program to look at a broad range of issues. The object is to co-ordinate future program planning. A series of public seminars has been arranged to publicize the program together with a website source for full details. This certainly looks like a serious effort to involve ordinary citzens in regional planning and service delivery. Hats off to Frontenac !
Maybe Lennox and Addington will follow ?
Being 'in the dark' isn't always a bad thing ...
Anyone who has spent a clear night at a camp or cottage in Addington Highlands or North Frontenac has had a first hand chance to marvel at the Milky Way and the myriad of constellations visible to the naked eye in the dark sky. Seems that this is indeed one of the best areas in the province for stargazing. A new, world-class optical observatory is being planned for Mallory Hill, in North Frontenac, and could be a major tourist attraction. Check out Jeff Green's report in the Frontenac Times.
Scary Season Continues!
If you've recently received your 2008 municipal property assessment, you may have good reason to be frightened.
The Ontario government has lifted its freeze on property taxes. Properties across the province have been re-assessed, (at Current Value - as of January 1, 2008), by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, (MPAC). 2009 taxes will be based on these valuations. Assessments are definitely up - in some cases 50% or more. While the new assessments are being phased in over a four year period, we are sailing into a 'perfect storm', which is poised to strike seasonal property owners a particualrly nasty blow.
Three strikes and maybe you're (forced) out...
- January 1, 2008 was comfortably ahead of the economic chaos that has taken place in the latter part of this year. There were clouds on the horizon, but the storm really broke with the sub-prime mortgage meltdown in the U.S. What this means is that the 'current value' property assessments are inflated by the amount that prices have eroded since this date, (double digit percentages in many areas). If real estate markets simply stabilize and stay flat, (and don't worsen, as many predict), this inequity will be built into taxes for four years, (until the next provincial re-assessment).
- Waterfront properties, including seasonal cottages, are already assessed at a premium rate, (a long-standing issue contested by WRAFT, (Waterfront Ratepayers After Fair Taxation), and now CAPTR, (Coalition After Property Tax Reform).
- Rural municipalities, with little or no commercial or industrial tax base and crushed by program costs downloaded by the province, will be sorely tempted NOT to reduce their residential mill rates and hold down tax increases - when they can simply do nothing and reap the windfall from increased assessments.
What can be done ?
Factual information is vital. Keep up to date with articles in the press. Get involved. Visit the WRAFT website. Read their latest open letter to their member associations, (including the SDRA). Visit the CAPTR website and follow their 'News' links, including the most recent excellent article from Cottage Life magazine.
You can appeal your own assessment if there are errors in facts, (size, frontage, type of building(s) etc.), or if you can prove that your assessment is out of line compared to similar properties near you. Details on how to go about this are contained in the assesment package. You CANNOT appeal on the basis of market conditions, since presumably all similar properties will be equally affected.
SDRA directors are currently considering how our association can most effectively represent members' concerns about rising property taxes.
2008 Photo Contest
Congratulations to Norinne Coombs on capturing the awe inspired by a Skootamatta sunset, and winning our 2008 contest. Norrine will receive the $25 Adult category prize and enduring fame in our Gallery, where you'll also find shots of the 2008 fireworks, (Bill Garnish), and an incoming summer storm, (Susan Willemsen), that caught the judge's eye.
Special thanks to professional photographer and Mazinaw neighbour Dave Deacon who graciously agreed to do the judging.
Meat Recipe Winner !
Congratulations to Marty McBride and his Big Island Burger, (aka the Skootameata). It was a close thing, but Maurice, at Cloyne Village Foods has declared Marty's recipe the contest winner. Marty will receive a complimentary meat order and set of BBQ tools from Cloyne Village Foods and a signature clothing item from the SDRA. Thanks to Maurice for helping out with the fun, and to all those who submitted entries.
See the Big Island Burger and all the other recipes submitted here.
2008 Fireworks
Another spectacular presentation by our very own pyrotechnical pro, Jim Rose. This year's show was easily the equal of last year's double-header extravaganza, (after getting rained out completely in 2006). Thanks to the volunteers who helped with traffic control and general assistance with the show. Even the weather co-operated nicely. See some of the highlights here.
Lake Management Plan (LMP)
Results of calcium testing of our lake water have been received and indicate levels unlikely to support zebra mussels, (should they accidentally be introduced as an invasive species).
2008 Secchi disk readings for water clarity have also been tabulated, along with a brief explanation of what they indicate.
As a primary step in the development of a comprhenesive Lake Management Plan, our committee is now developing a detailed questionnaire. This survey will be distributed as widely as possible, (i.e. to everyone with a potential stake in the future well-being of the lake). Feedback from the survey will be a major factor used to develop final elements of the Plan.
If you would like to comment or contribute to the development of the LMP, you can use the ! Submit Stuff ! link or contact directors Ken Hook or Rosemary Teed
.Bear Aware UPDATE - Aug 29 -
Two more sightings in the vicintiy of the Henniger Road bridge today make this an area to avoid, if at all possible. The sightings have been reported to the Bear Watch Line. Please be extermely careful around the entire Wolf Creek area.
There have been multiple bear sightings on Henniger Road and reports of scat (droppings) from other areas. With the Cloyne dump now reduced to a (bear-proof) transfer station, the local bruins may be foraging more widely. Please take all necessary precautions and educate your guests regarding the potential risks of an encounter.
Click the 'bear wise' link under the Ontario Government tab of the main menu above for more information.
Give us your best shots !
The photo contest is in full swing, but needs more entries - especially the 'under 14' category.
- pictures must be on the lake or immediate surroundings, (i.e. west side of Hwy #41)and should be directed to one of the SDRA Gallery categories
- photographer must be identified by name and must be a local resident or SDRA family member or guest. Professional entries not allowed.
- orignal size digital files are preferred, but good quality prints are acceptable, (will be scanned and returned promptly). Please have a look in the family albums!
- SDRA reserves the right to publish and use all photos at its discretion
- all entries will be published on the SDRA website
- $25 prize for best picture in both ADULT and 14 AND UNDER categories
- closing date for submissions is Monday, September 1st
Digital entries should be submitted to photocontest@skootamatta.ca
Prints should be mailed to "SDRA Photocontest", 22 Jennifer, Sharon , ON, LOG 1V0
Wasn't that a party !!
Thanks to Ron and Esther for once again hosting their traditional pot luck night. The groaning buffet table was only over-shadowed by Esther's un-believable games and contests. Catch some fun with the pictures in the latest Gallery addition.
Development Committee
In conjunction with the overall Lake Management Plan and in response to continuing concerns about potential land use on and around Skootamatta, it was also decided at the AGM to strike a committee of members and other interested parties to monitor, analyze and comment on any development planned in the area. The committee is planning to make a deputation to the Addington Highlands council as soon as possible.
A permanent link /about/SDRA/development committee has also been created in the top menu for this important item.
Still Cookin'
Thanks to everyone who submitted entries to the Recipe Contest! See them all here. Maurice will be passing out copies at the Village Foods meat counter over the next few weeks and taking feedback to help him select the grand prize winner. Drop by, pick up some fixin's and cast your vote !
WRAFT Update
We have received another plea from WRAFT, (now under the umbrella of CAPTR), to encourage members to protest to their local MPP's regarding the forthcoming removal of the freeze on property assessment by the Ontario government.
Increased gasoline prices are already having a noticeable effect on seasonal property owners. A large tax increase from skewed re-assessment of waterfront properties could be a much more serious problem!
Events on the lake this summer
A full slate of events is planned again for 2008. In support of the decision to proceed with a formal Lake Management Plan, (LMP), the SDRA will sponsor a special, public, 'Septic Seminar'. Click here, or the 'on the lake' link in the EVENTS menu above to get the whole story. Look for the little loon logo that denotes SDRA events on the calendar page mailed out with the newsletter.
LOCATION CHANGE - 2008 Annual General Meeting
A larger-than-normal turnout is expected this year, due to both the recent RFP for commercial development in the area and the proposed Lake Management Plan. To better accomodate the meeting, the 2008 SDRA Annual General Meeting will now be held at the Free Methodist Church, located just north of Cloyne, (opposite the turn for the Lower Skootamatta Lake Road). The date remains Saturday, July 5th, rain or shine,(speakers will present in the meeting hall). Seating in the hall is limited, so please bring your own portable chairs, if possible. The traditional BBQ will follow. To view the meeting agenda, click here.
2008 Newsletter
Members should now all have received their (Spring) 2008 copy. In her first fling as editor, (publisher, advertising sales co-ordinator, graphic artist, photographer, proof reader, envelope stuffer, etc. etc.), Cathy Hook has done a marvelous job. The booklet format and full colour cover pages make for a handy and durable document.
Cathy's calendar page should also be a useful addition to every cottage 'notice board'. Please note a couple of errors that did make it past all the checking before the presses rolled:
- BASS SEASON opens the 4TH SATURDAY IN JUNE (28TH)
(NOT the 1st Saturday, as printed) - Correct fax number for Addington Highlands is (613) 336-2847
Spring 2008 WRAFT Update
As members of the Waterfront Ratepayers After Fair Taxation (WRAFT), our association recives regular updates on their activities. Read the complete bulletin here. WRAFT is warning all their membership organizations"This fall Ontario home and cottage owners will receive an assessment covering the past three years. Unless further reforms are introduced, this will again shift further taxes onto waterfront properties across the province". They are urging individuals to petition their local MPP, and provide a very easy method do this on the front page of their website
Recipe Contest extended to June 21st
It started with the 'Bon Echo Broil', then it was the 'Mazinaw Monster'. It has come to the attention of the SDRA that Skootamatta is not getting equal billing at the Cloyne Village Foods meat counter! To correct this seriously-skewered local dvertising, the SDRA, in co-operation with Maurice and Rose, is sponsoring a mighty, meaty, contest to get Skootamatta properly represented at their meat counter
Do you have a favorite cut or meat dish recipe that can carry the day for Skootamatta? Click here for contest details.
2008 Skootamatta Clothing
Check out the selection of Skootamatta duds for 2008. New items this year are classic bucket hats and denim shirts. These are top-quality goods, with full-stitched embroidery. Click here, or the 'Skoot Clothing' link to see the fashions and place your order.
Final Report: "Adapting to Climate Change in Addingnton Highlands"
Dr. Robert McLeman, who spoke at the 2007 AGM, has published the final report of his study. This is a very comprehensive and timely look at the whole area and its economy, with specific observations related to climate change, (real and perceived), by residents. Click here, for details. A permanent link to this important work has been added to the 'Other'menu item at the top of the page.
Snow Damage
A number of structures in the area have suffered partial or complete collapse with the heavy snowfall this winter. Here's hoping you won't arrive at your property this Spring to find a nasty surprise!
Cottagers are advised to check carefully on entering their buildings in the Spring. Roof and window leaks during the first rainstorms may indicate structural damage from winter snow load that is not immediately evident.
(Photo) Gallery Back On-Line !!
The Gallery is back in business with a more consistent format, some additional categories and all pictures optimized, (as much as possible), for dial-up users. Please don't be shy about submitting your own digital 'best shots'. We prefer originals, (with date/time and other info in the embedded EXIF data), but will eagerly consider ANYTHING submitted for posting in the Gallery.
Coming Soon ...
Our first-ever photo contest.
Yes. We're (just a teeny bit) jealous ...
It started with the 'Bon Echo Broil', then it was the 'Mazinaw Monster'. It has come to the attention of the SDRA that Skootamatta is not getting equal billing at the Cloyne Village Foods meat counter! To correct this seriously-skewered local dvertising, the SDRA, in co-operation with Maurice and Rose, is sponsoring a mighty, meaty, contest to get Skootamatta properly represented at their meat counter
Do you have a favorite cut or meat dish recipe that can carry the day for Skootamatta? Click here for contest details.
Search Skoot
Quick Links
Marketplace
Weather
Please Support
Local Business
All Rights Reserved
Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association Inc.