Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association
S.D.R.A.
Directors Meeting January 9th
SDRA Directors will be meeting in early January. A full-day agenda includes the usual event planning & organizational issues, as well as discussions and planning of SDRA involvment in wider community issues, (e.g. Township AHEAD committee, Lake Management Plan development, septic system inspection and permits etc.).
Members wishing to raise specific issues can contact any of the Directors. Remember, too, that the ! Submit Stuff ! link at the top right of the page is just waiting for your input of 'stuff' to share with others on the website.
Inspections and Permits for New Septic Systems
The SDRA first learned about the possibility of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health Unit withdrawing its inspection services for new septic system installations in coverage of meetings of the Addington Highlands council in the Frontenac Times.
In fact, eight municipalities in eastern Ontario are affected. The KFL&A Health Unit has been inspecting and approving new septic installations in some of these municipalities since 1998, when ALL municipalities were made officially responsible for this task via ammendments, to the Ontario Building Code Act, (Section 8 - 'private sewage systems'). Rural jurisdictions like Addington Highlands, are still not large enough to support a full-time, licensed Building Official, (Inspector), so the KFL&A Health Unit has continued to provide septic system inspection and permit-granting services on a 'fee for service' basis.
The SDRA is concerned about potential risks to both public health and the environment that may result if strict and professional reviews of new septic system installations are not maintained in Addington Highlands and the other municipalities currently using the services of the KFL&A Health Unit.
Lake Steward Rosemary Teed, has put in a huge amount of effort to personally contact most of the stakeholders in this issue - to gather information and discuss SDRA concerns. She has also been in correspondence directly with Dr. Ian Gemmill, the Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A.:
We sincerely hope the recommendations in Rosemary's letter will be implemented by the agencies and muncipalities involved - to preserve the quality of streams, rivers and lakes across the area.
More SDRA archival information now available ...
After a major re-organization of material, (previously stuffed into the electronic equivalent of a closet full of old shoe boxes), the ARCHIVE item on the Main Menu now boasts /News and /Events sections going back to the startup of skootamatta.ca in late 2006. While there were attempts to use the internet as a communication tool, (www.skootamatta.com), with / for members as early as 2001, things didn't get really rolling until several years later.
Work on the ARCHIVE section will now shift to scanning as many older paper documents, (mostly old (Newsletter) mailings to SDRA members), as we can uncover. Please let the webmaster know if you come across any treasures that should be shared.
Septic System Still Backing Up ... and beginning to smell
Lake Steward Rosemary Teed has not yet had a reply from Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health to the SDRA letter protesting that agency's intention to withdraw its services of inspecting and issuing permits for new septic system installations. (The letter asked for a response by Nov 17, 2009). As pointed out by Rosemary in a follow-up email, (Nov 19, 2009), to Dr Gemmill, the Medical Officer of Health:
"We ask once again that our protest regarding your withdrawal be addressed and that you communicate with the citizens that took the time to do so for clear reasons. To question a proposed decision that potentially may have far reaching effects on our health and environment is our right. We feel strongly that a public administrator has a responsibility to respond and not simply ignore a public letter. We do expect to hear from you today and, if not, plan to carry this message of protest, concern and the lack of response beyond the Board of Health."
Still no response.
Eight municipalities in eastern Ontario are affected. Several, like Addington Highlands, are rural and have little expertise and even less cash to replace the resources and experience of the KFL&A Health Unit services - and they shouldn't have too. (Site inspections and) issuance of a septic system permit is a pre-requisite of a full building permit, (issued by the municipality, already using a part-time Building Inspector), so MUST be done by an independent, (and qualified), authority.
See Editor Jeff Green's feature article and your webmaster's personal 'letter to the editor' published in the Frontenac News.
RIP - RFP !
When the period for RFP submissions expired, (Nov 16th, 2007 - with no submissions received), the SDRA was informed by the Township of Addington Highlands that the initiative, (i.e. construction of a 'high-end' resort/eco-lodge on Sheldrake Lake), "would NOT go forward". However, with significant effort and money already invested by the three partners: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lennox & Addington County and the Township of Addington Highlands, this turned out to be false. The partners continued to investigate the possibility of issuing a 2nd, modified, RFP on an approximate 20 acre sub-section of the original Sheldrake shoreline site.
For whatever reasons, (sober second thought, SDRA factfinding and involvement, or perhaps the reports by Dr. McLeman's students also questioning the viability of such a project), the threat of a major resort development on little Sheldrake Lake seems to have, finally, been removed. SDRA Directors Bill Garnish and Rosemary Teed, attended a meeting of the Addington Highlands Township Council on Nov 16, 2009, where, Bill reports, "a motion was put forth and carried to cancel the Sheldrake Lake RFP".
Residents on Sheldrake Lake are breathing a little easier after two years of un-certainty, but the whole exercise has also been a wake-up-call to ALL residents in the area regarding the need for open and forthright communications from municipalities and provincal agencies to area constituents. Seasonal residents account for about 65% of the property tax revenue in Addington Highlands, (likely similar percentages in neighboring townships). Local businesses could not survive, much less prosper, without their presence. Municipal governments and provincial agencies cannot ignore or take this majority of area stakeholders for granted, especially where their interests are directly involved.
Letter (email) received Tuesday, Nov. 17, from the Sheldrake Lake Association:
On behalf of all the residents on Sheldrake Lake, I would like to send a hearty "thank you" to our friends and colleagues in the SDRA for all the work that was done to effectively squash this RFP.
We are...to put it mildly... delighted with the motion passed this week at council.
I believe there has been a real positive side to the issuance of the Sheldrake RFP. The Sheldrake Lake Association and the SDRA are now more closely connected and working together on a number of projects that are crucial to the health and future of our lakes. I believe that the RFP was the catalyst that brought us closer and galvanized action, on a variety of issues, for our Associations and this is now expanding to many other Associations in the Land O'Lakes area....a truly positive outcome!
Respectfully,
Derek Mendham
President, Sheldrake Lake Association
H1N1 Immunization Clinic Update
It is ultra-short notice, but the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Health Unit clinic, (originally scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16th), at the North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne, has been moved forward to Friday, Nov. 13th, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
More detail can be found at the KFL&A Public Health website.
Septic System Back Up
As reported in the Frontenac News,*** the Township of Addington Highlands has been notified by Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health that it intends to withdraw its services of inspecting and issuing permits for new septic system installations.
This proposal is of major concern to the SDRA, since it will almost certainly jeapordize the quality of this important function, and has long term ramifications for both public health and the natural environment.
A letter of complaint has been sent to the Medical Officer of Health and SDRA directors are contacting other individuals and associations to help get this proposal quashed immediately.
*** The print edition of the Frontenac News has since carried a 'clarification' of the KFL&A request to meet with the Township of Addington Highlands to explain their proposed withdrawl from inspections of new septic installations:
"Clarification - Addington Highlands
In last week’s Council report from Addington Highlands it was reported that KFL&A Public Health had missed a meeting with AH Clerk Treasurer Jack Pauhl, but the meeting had been rescheduled by mutual consent, a fact that Pauhl forgot when he was reporting to Council.
The meeting will take place in the near future."
2009 Photo Contest Winners!
After much stressful deliberation, our judge has finally come up with his pick of (3) 'Best-of-the-Best' shots from (35 !!) terrific pictures submitted in this year's contest. There's obviously lots of creative talent on the shores of Skootamatta!
1st Prize - Judy Coulter
The sharp detail of the subject stands out against a collage of abstract colour in the background. Patience, (and more than a little luck), were obviously required to capture such a delicate subject under excellent natural light conditions.
2nd Prize - Judy Coulter
A well-composed study in contrasts - from the drowned grey trunks, back to the grassy bank and on to evergreens and the fall colours beyond. A perfect reflection in the water suggests silence and a general sense of calm - everything just waiting for the first nip of frost.
3rd Prize - Louise Cole
Caught in the act! (of having fun). Youthful exuberance and joy at the beach. No Nintendo or X-boxes here! These kids are enjoying themselves with the simple pleasures of the real world. A great spontaneous shot - with the photographer maybe leading the charge?
Presentation to A/H Council
SDRA Directors, Rosemary Teed, Laury Hitchcock, Bill Garnish and Derek Mendham, accompanied by Terry Murphy, General Manager of Quinte Conservation, presented an outline of the Lake Management Planning project, initiated by the association, to Addington Highlands Council on Oct 5th. The presentation was well received and is hopefully the start of a continuing open dialogue on issues that could impact the environment in the lake district. More below ...
as reported in the Frontenac News
Poster Girls
We had only two entries in our kids' poster contest, so it is only fitting that they came from twins. Congratulations to Rachel and Jessica for their pictures and advice on helping to preserve the lake. The girls each received $25 for their posters.
Fall Drawdown
Quinte Conservation, (responsible for the entire Moira River watershed, including the dam on the Skootamatta River that controls the level of the lake), has notified the SDRA regarding their fall drawdown schedule. Please make sure docks and boats are out of the water by October 13 !
Loon Lake Lodge
The SDRA is continuing to monitor the status of this un-occupied commercial waterfront property. Details of the association's concerns have been sent to Addington Highlands township council.
View the letter to Addington Highlands council...
No hibernation in sight ...
After a late summer season, (winding up with Jim Rose's yet again spectacular fireworks finale), association directors and committees remain hard at work.
The re-organized Lake Management Planning Committee held an initial meeting to review the survey results. Terry Murphy, General Manager of Quinte Conservation was invited to explain the role of the organization and assist with discussion on how to move forward with creation of a formal Lake Management Plan. The committee is putting together introductory information about the LMP to be presented to the Addington Highlands Township Council in early October.
Follow-up actions from the July beach and campsite cleanup, (assisted by MNR Junior Rangers), will see new signage erected at the sites, as well as increased monitoring by MNR personnel.
Also watch for new signage with SDRA information at the kiosks at Trail's End and the Hughes Landing Road turnoff.
A number of changes to the association's constitution are being proposed. These include: increasing the number of possible directors, changing the method of electing officers of the corporation, appointments to the board, and terms for positions.
Lots on the agenda for the September 19th Director's Meeting !
Lots of time left for 2009 contest entries !
Keep the kids occupied on rainy days, (ugh...TOO many this year), and make sure the cameras are along on sunny outings!
Click Kids Poster Contest and 2009 Photo Contest for details.
Trash Talk on Skootamatta
If you've visited any of the beaches or campsites around the lake over the past couple of weeks, you will have seen the results of the SDRA initiative to remove trash and generally clean them up. Lake Steward, Rosemary Teed, received enthusiastic support from the MNR's Bob Walroth, who arranged for the assistance of a group of Ontario Junior Rangers, complete with their own boat, for the one day blitz that took place on July 20th.
Thanks to SDRA Directors and spouses: Kent Farrow, Laury Hitchcock, Bill Garnish, Rosemary & John Teed for their time, efforts and boats. Final thanks to The Township of Addington Highlands for allowing the collected trash to be deposited at the Kaladar dumpsite without charge.
While the Rangers commented that our sites were in "relatively good shape", (compared to some other lakes they have visited), there was, sadly, plenty of evidence that folks, (we assume area residents and visiting campers alike), still have a lot to learn about respecting crown land, (i.e. 'leave it as / better than you find it').
Ontario law permits 'camping' for up to (21) days at a single crown land location. Construction / erection of permanent structures is not permitted. Woodcutting IS permitted for campfires at remote sites - i.e. for cooking and heat, (though considerate users of well-established 'sites' either gather deadfalls or bring their own firewood - as is required in Provincial Parks). What could be simpler? Supplies get packed in and all garbage gets packed out.
SOME users of the Skootamatta sites that were cleaned are obviously 'out-of-bounds' on all counts.
2009 Annual General Meeting
Over 100 people turned out, in uncertain weather, for the 2009 AGM, held on July 4th. A new team of enthusiastic volunteer Directors was elected to continue the excellent work done by others stepping down this year. Special thanks to Lynn Garnish for serving as both Secretary and Treasurer over most of the past 15 years!
Early results from The Lake Planning Survey, (thanks to responses from an amazing percentage of recipients), were presented to members by Lake Steward Rosemary Teed. A full analysis will be done by the Lake Management Planing Committee as they develop our official Lake Plan document.
Addington Highlands Reeve, Henry Hogg, answered a number of questions from the audience regarding the new STOP signs at Hughes Landing Road and the Township's clear garbage bag program, starting in August.
Announcements and reports on other issues, including an update on status of the Sheldrake RFP, SDRA events and contests were presented.
Thanks to Gord McCullough for taking the heat at the grill and serving up hot dogs to the hungry crowd after a very succesful gathering.Pictures and minutes of the meeting.
No gas available on Skootamatta
With the closure of Loon Lake Lodge, there is currently no gasoline for sale to power boaters on the lake. Please use caution and only approved containers when transporting and storing your own quantities of gasoline!
In response to SDRA request, the LLL property has been recently inspected by representatives of both the Ministry of the Environment and the Kingston & Frontenac, Lennox & Addington District Health Unit. There are no health or environmental hazards reported at this time. The SDRA will continue to monitor the status of the LLL commercial property and it's eventual disposition and use.
Notice of Election of Directors & Officers
Election of Directors and Officers of the corporation will be held at the Annual General Meeting, 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 4th, at the Free Methodist Church, Hwy # 41, Cloyne, ON.
A slate of candidates is being put forward by the current Board of Directors. Many of our hard-working Directors are willing to stand for re-election, however there are still positions open. Additional nominations for any of the OPEN positions may be put forward by members at the AGM. If you are interested in becoming more involved with activities of the association and would consider serving as a director, please let one of the current directors know.
.Lake Management Plan Survey
Thank you to the 100 + !! respondents that have taken the time and effort to complete and return the SDRA Lake Planning Survey so far. The more data collected, the more accurately the results will represent the feelings of the survey group, (mostly SDRA members).
If you haven't completed yours yet, please try and find time to do so and get it mailed off, so we can add your voice to the results.
Cloyne Transfer Station - Sunday (summer) hours
In response to petitions to AH Council from both private residents and the SDRA, the Cloyne Transfer Station will again be open Sunday afternoons through the summer. This will support seasonal residents and vistors using the area on weekends. Sunday (summer) hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
Still to Come ...
As announced in the members' Newsletter, we will be taking a break from clothing sales this year and instead offering exclusive SDRA logo re-useable shopping bags ($5 each) at the AGM.
Details for our 2nd annual Photo Contest, as well as a kids poster contest, will be posted as soon as finalized.
Dam Fine Job
In 2007, there were numerous reports about the worsening condition of the Skootamatta dam. In response to information provided by Director Ken Hook, the dam has now been repaired by a contractor hired by the MNR. Get the full story here.
Finding
Physicians
Rural communities across Ontario, (and the entire country), are making extrordinary efforts to attract health care professionals. Addington Highlands and North Frontenac townships are co-operating to assist the Northbrook clinic with their recruiting efforts. The clinic serves a huge geographic area across both townships that includes Bon Echo Provincial Park, many lakes, (with both permananet and seasonal residents), villages and senior care facilities.
Local health services are crucial to supporting the existing population and an essential element of any economic growth initiative. Help us to put a doc on our dock. (ed. Sorry ... I couldn't resist)
May the flies be with you ...
Spring is finally here, (along with the !*#+^@*! black flies). Time to mark calendars with all the events happening on and around the lake. Check out the EVENTS tab in the menu bar above for details. (A number of interesting possibilites for day trips are now listed under "General Interest")
Thanks to all those who have used the ! Submit Stuff ! link to pass on information. This is the most effective way to share information with the whole association. [Apologies for the recent delays in response while the webmaster goofed off on vacation].
Don't forget to check the Marketplace links regularly for the latest information.
Spring Newsletter mailing
Speaking of calendars...By now, all members should have received their 2009 Newsletter in the mail. Editor Cathy Hook has produced another spectacular issue brimming with news and useful information, including a separate calendar page for your refrigerator door or notice board - complete with important phone numbers and events!
The mailing to members also included the SDRA Lake Planning Survey. Members are encouraged to take the time to carefully read, then complete and return the questionaire in the envelope provided. This is your chance to contribute to the future planning and development of your own environment. We hope to have all the surveys returned and a (preliminary) report of results availabe for presentation at the Annual General Meeting in July.
Members - Please renew your membership using the form enclosed with the mailing.
If you're an area property owner reading this, but NOT an SDRA member, please consider joining the association.
March Break @ the lake ?
Local busineses are extending a special welcome to cottagers planning to vist during the school vacation period. While weather conditions can change quickly at this time of year, there are lots of activities and different things to see that could make a visit to the cottage great fun for the entire family.
Steve Smart, (Smarts's Marina), has contacted members of the Mazinaw Property Owners Association (MPOA) with specific information and a reminder that EVERYONE will be required to have a Boater's Operator Card by September 15th, 2009.
Infomercials can be seen here
Lake Management Update
Rosemary Teed has just released her final draft of the SDRA lake planning survey. This very professional document is a tremendous first step toward the association's objective of giving area ratepayers an active and effective role in any decsion-making process that affects their envioronment. Survey results will form the basis of a comprehensive planning document for the lake and surrounding area.
Members will each receive a copy of the survey with their Spring Newsletter. The package includes a postage-paid return envelope.
PLEASE take the time to carefully read, then complete and return the questionaire.
We need your input !! This is your chance to contribute to the future planning and development of the area.
Development Committee Update
There has been a lot of activity since the formation of this group in 2008, including representation of the SDRA on the Addington Highlands AHEAD committee.
Keep up to date on the committee activities by using the /ABOUT/SDRA/development committee/ link in the menu at the top of the page, or get the latest details by clicking here.
You can use the ! SUBMIT STUFF ! link to send your comments and ideas about any development issue to the committee, or forward your comments to any of the Directors.
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.
WRAFT keeps rolling ...
The public is genuinely discontented with the Ontario government's recent re-assessment of properties across the province by Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, (MPAC), as evidenced by continuing coverage in the media. Property owners aren't buying the government's argument that municipal taxes will not directly be affected by (even) a flawed assessment, (i.e. IF municipalities deliberately reduce their mill rates in each of the coming four years that the current assessment will be used).
Waterfont Ratepayers After Fair Taxation, (WRAFT), is encouraging property owners to petition their MPP's to force the provincial government to completely overhaul the assessment process. Their latest releases are a background document and a News Release from the affiliate Coalition After Property Tax Reform, (CAPTR), organization.
Penny Caldwell, over at Cottage Life Magazine, is also following the taxation issue. Check out her blog topic and feedback.
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Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association Inc.