Courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Association

Welcome to January 2015 NewsBites

The MLA reminds everyone to check their cottages and homes regularly during the winter season. The Muskoka area has received well over four feet of snow in the last few weeks and we encourage you to ensure your roofs are shovelled. It’s always good to routinely check your property. If you are unable to make the trip to Muskoka, there are many service companies in the area that would be pleased to attend to your property.

DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA

Infrastructure Funding – It was announced at the December 15^th Council meeting that the Muskoka region will be receiving about $1.6 million over the next 3 years through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.  These funds help municipalities maintain critical infrastructure needs by providing long-term support for rehabilitation and repairs. The funds are to be used only for roads, bridges, water, sewer or storm water projects. District staff will be putting forth spending recommendations in the 2015 budget for Council’s consideration. The MLA is pleased to hear of this important funding being made available to maintain and update the area’s services. The MLA is aware of the District budget coming up soon and will be reporting further on this once our team reviews it.

Long-Term Development Plan for the Muskoka Airport – At the December 18^th Planning and Economic Development meeting, committee passed a motion to recommend to District Council that a long-term plan for the Muskoka Airport be developed. The airport is an important economic driver for the region and has the potential to substantially increase tourism through the addition of a second runway. This motion will come before District Council at the January 19^th meeting. The MLA will be interested to see what the District’s future plans are for the airport and what impact it will have on our area.

Bala Falls Update – Last month Swift River Energy Limited was again before District Public Works Committee. Swift had not fulfilled all the conditions requested by the District prior to acquiring the entrance permits needed to begin construction in Bala. District Public Works Commissioner Fred Jahn stressed the need for a performance bond from Swift River as it relates to the Hwy 169 bridge. The bridge is part of the main transportation corridor through Bala and is a critical District asset. Committee agreed all conditions must be met prior to the issuance of any entrance permits. Staff will report back to Committee later this month with their specific concerns and recommendations. The MLA is pleased that the District is taking extra care to ensure District assets are protected. The MLA has always been concerned that sufficient performance bonds are secured when private companies, such as Swift River Energy, are undertaking major development projects.

Recreation ‒ The Muskoka Snowmobile Region and local snowmobile clubs are starting to groom the trails in Muskoka. While access is limited at this point, it is expected that groomers will be working around-the-clock in order to have the trails open for the upcoming weekend. Click here for up-to-date Muskoka snowmobile trail conditions.

Several cross country ski trails are now open as well. For a complete list and maps click here

TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

Taboo Resort Temporarily Closed – Taboo Resort closed in early December after the main building sustained more than $350,000 in damages from an October fire. According to Anne White, Director of Marketing for the resort, the resort is shutting down for an undetermined length of time with no plans to reopen in 2015. However the Taboo and Sands golf courses will be operating in the spring. Taboo will continue to operate the shared facilities for the condominium owners. The MLA is concerned that yet another resort will not be operating in 2015. This is not good news for the resort industry in Muskoka.

Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society Receives FED-NOR Funding ‒ Parry Sound/Muskoka member of Parliament Tony Clement announced that FED-NOR funding in the amount of $78,750 will be forthcoming for the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society. The funding will go towards developing a strategy for a major expansion of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre is an important cultural and heritage site that draws many tourists. The MLA is pleased that this site has received this funding. Former MLA Board Directors were instrumental in ensuring that this funding was obtained, and several current Board members support this organization.

New Treasurer for the Town of Gravenhurst – On November 28^th Mr. Ken Watson retired as the Town of Gravenhurst’s Treasurer after 27 years of service. The new Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services is Mr. Val Sequeira. The MLA wishes Mr. Watson all the best in his retirement and welcomes Mr. Sequeira. 

SEGUIN TOWNSHIP

Seguin Councillor, Jack Hepworth’s Monthly Report – Many thanks to Councillor Hepworth for allowing the MLA to distribute his monthly newsletter to our members. His latest report can be found here. Of note is the 2015 Budget Binder. Council and the Finance Committee began discussions of the 2015 Preliminary Budget, Strategic Plan and Community Development Plans Monday January 12^th. The MLA recommends that you take some time to read this preliminary budget document. It’s a thorough, easy-to-read report detailing Seguin’s 2015 Strategic Plan, 2014 Successes, Community Development Plans and the 2014 Financial Update. Seguin provides an excellent roadmap that could benefit all municipalities in Muskoka.

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES

TML Comprehensive Zoning By-Law – TML has received several submissions outlining various concerns with this new by-law. Three individuals delegated at the December 15^th planning meeting; MLA’s Anne McCauley being one of those people. Lengthy and detailed discussions took place with the resulting modifications to be made to the zoning by-law: (1) the restriction concerning the reconstruction of legal non-complying/non-conforming structures stating that the structure must be deemed damaged or unsafe before allowing it to be rebuilt will be removed from the by-law, as will the previous completion date limitations; (2) limited development (via a percentage to be determined) will be allowed in Minett subject to the existing holding zone; (3) gazebos will be required to be set back at least 1 metre (3 feet) from the shoreline; (4) saunas will be allowed in the lower level of a boathouse but within the cumulative limit of 100 square feet allowed for a sauna, washroom and utility room; and (5) a definition of a pump house will be added into the by-law in order to restrict its use. The by-law is scheduled to return to Planning Committee on January 19th. The MLA will continue to follow the progress of this important by-law.

Delegations Regarding Swift River Energy’s Power Plant Project at Bala Falls – December 16^th saw several delegates in TML council chambers expressing their concerns over the proposed Bala Falls hydro plant. Swift River Energy’s VP, Mr. Frank Belerique, and Swift’s project architect, Mr. Karl Stevens of Stevens Burgess Architects Ltd., were also present to give council an update on their progress and to provide sample architectural sketches and elevations of the power plant. Mr. Belerique stated he hoped that Swift River would be able to begin fresh discussions with this new council. Presenters were asked to provide committee members with a list of their specific ‘asks’ from the Township. TML Interim CAO Clayton Harris was instructed by committee to prepare a staff report which will be presented to committee in January. The MLA will be present at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting on January 20^th.

Bala Heritage Conservation District (HCD) – The previous TML Council passed a by-law which established an HCD in Bala. TML has received appeals from CP Rail, Swift River and from 7 property owners along Bala Falls Road. TML staff is currently putting together a package to be submitted to the OMB. It is expected an OMB pre-hearing will be set for late 2015. Representatives of the MLA have sat on TML’s Heritage Committee and we are following this latest development of an OMB appeal with interest.

Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding – TML will be receiving close to $130,000 from the Ontario government for infrastructure projects. TML will receive $43,016 in 2015 and again in each of the following two years. The purpose of the fund is to provide annual funding to build and repair critical infrastructure in municipalities with 100,000 or fewer residents. Eligible infrastructure projects include roads, bridges, and water and wastewater projects. The MLA is pleased that TML will be awarded this funding to maintain TML’s necessary infrastructure. We will be looking to see what projects this funding will be applied to in the TML budget. 

TML Committee Positions Available – TML is  advertising for community members to volunteer their time to sit on the following committees: Budget Committee, Community Centre Hall Boards, Grants Advisory Committtee, Heritage Advisory Committee and the Parks and Trails Committee. To view the bulletin regarding how to appy please click here. The MLA encourages you to think about donating some of your time and expertise to give back to your local community. The MLA usually has a number of members who volunteer to serve on one or more TML committees. This is one of the ways the MLA can continue being relevant and provide up-to-date information to our members. 

Turtle Jack’s Tribunal – The Residents of Port Carling Association (RAPC) have recently received the news that the Alcohol and Gaming Association of Ontario has denied Turtle Jack restaurant’s request for extended hours of outdoor patio music. As previously reported, the MLA took a position that outdoor noise, as per Turtle Jack’s request, was excessive. RAPC, along with support from the Township of Muskoka Lakes council, the MLA and the MRA, was able to persuade the tribunal that Turtle Jack’s request would ruin nearby people’s enjoyment of their properties. The RAPC sent a note of appreciation to the MLA for our help in this matter. MLA congratulates RAPC on their win. This is a perfect example of what can be achieved if we all work together to preserve the Muskoka we love.

———– The MLA wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy 2015 ————-

The post Muskoka Lakes Association January NewsBites appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Kai Chan from the University of British Columbia presents the 3rd lecture from the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment. On June 8th and 9th I recorded the presentations over the two day summit. Broadcast, in part, by CBC Radio’s Ideas with Paul Kennedy, (here’s the 2014 Muskoka Summit CBC broadcast), these were world-class lectures, presented here in Muskoka. I am delighted to be able to ensure these are available to the world.

CBC Ideas: Muskoka Summit on the Environment

Kai’s engaging presentation: Towards a Future Both Better and Wilder: Harmony Through Small-Planet Ethics.

It is time for small-planet ethics, wherein we treat our planet as we do our house and home.

The question, of course, is how to enable such behavior. The answer—to be elaborated—lies in unlocking the immense potential of human ingenuity and compassion, and the filtering the current cacophony of competing noise. Enable people and organizations to contribute simply and enjoyably—but meaningfully—to a future both better and wilder, and they will.

Copyright © 2014 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

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The 121st Muskoka Lakes Association Annual General Meeting will be held on July 25^th at the Port Carling Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy some refreshments and snacks and have to opportunity to meet other members.  You’ll hear about new MLA programs and updates on activities we’ve undertaken on your behalf.  You’ll also meet incoming President Michael Hart and hear about his ideas for the coming years.

We hope you’ll come out and enjoy an evening with your fellow MLA members.

Please reserve your space by emailing info@mla.on.ca or calling 705-765-5723.

The post Muskoka Lakes Association AGM appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Here’s the message from the MLA and the linked .pdf below it.

To: steve@cottageinmuskoka.ca:

As promised, the MLA continues to monitor water levels throughout our catchment area.
The attached freshet update, issued yesterday afternoon, details current watershed conditions throughout Muskoka/Parry Sound.
We encourage you to review the attached document, which provides significant detail, and to take action to protect property if your residence is located in one of the affected areas.

Muskoka Lakes Association

2546_MNR_Update_-_Parry_Sound_Muskoka_-_April_25_2014

The post Muskoka Lakes Association – Ministry of Natural Resources – Muskoka Parry Sound Flood Warning update appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect.

Residents within the Parry Sound-Muskoka area are advised that some additional or prolonged flooding will occur within known flood-prone areas of many rivers and lakes. Recent warm air temperatures and rainfall has now accelerated the melting rate of the remaining snow pack with an increased runoff into local waterbodies. High water levels or flooding will occur over the next 24-48 hours within Lake Muskoka and the Moon River as part of the lower Muskoka River sub-watershed.

Residents are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around rivers and lakes as high water levels and flows continue. There is the potential for higher water levels and flows than what is currently being experienced.Residents may wish to take action to protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates to this Flood Warning will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
The current weather forecast through to Saturday April 26th is for daytime temperatures in the range of 5-10 degrees Celsius with near freezing nighttime temperatures. Today’s forecast is calling for a range of 3-30mm of rainfall Friday through Saturday.

Description of Current Conditions
A significant amount of the remaining snowpack has melted in recent days due to warm air temperature and rainfall, increasing the runoff into local river systems. A significant amount of snow still remains within local watersheds at higher elevation areas including the western slopes of Algonquin Park; the headwaters of some local river systems. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will continue to melt the remaining snow pack with continued runoff into local river systems and lakes.
Expiry Date: This message will expire Friday April 25, 2014; 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

** FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
Contact Information
For more information please contact: Ministry of Natural Resources Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509 or 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

The post Muskoka, Parry Sound Flooding Update appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The Ministry of Natural Resources -Click here to enter text. Parry Sound District is advising residents within flood-prone locations that a Flood Warning is in effect as flooding is imminent. Residents affected by flooding in past years are advised to take immediate action to secure or protect property in advance of river flows and lake levels rising to flood levels.

Those residents that have evacuated their homes in past years due to flooding may wish to make similar preparations at this time as rising water levels will hinder, limit or prevent the ability to evacuate as driveways and roads in lower-lying locations become impassible.

All residents in close proximity to local rivers are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution as river flows and levels rise.

MNR continues to monitor weather conditions and flows and water levels. Further updates to this Flood Warning will be issued as conditions change.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The current forecast is calling for 45mm or more precipitation beginning the evening of Saturday April 12th through Monday April 14th. The forecast through to next Monday is for daytime high temperatures up to 16 degrees Celsius with near freezing nighttime temperatures.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds continues to be greater than the normal or historical average for early April. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will significantly accelerate the melt of the snow pack Saturday through Monday. It is expected that the melting of the snow pack and rainfall amounts will significantly increase the amount of runoff into local rivers and lakes.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Wednesday April 16, 2014; 12:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

** FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

First Nation and Municipalities please contact: 705-646-5531

Other Inquiries please contact:  705-646-5509

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flood

The post Parry Sound, Muskoka: MNR issues a Flood Warning appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The Muskoka Watershed Council has launched an online campaign to bring the 2014 Watershed Report Card to life! This new user-friendly digital report card will provide information on water quality; phosphorus levels in your lake, the likelihood your lake will get algal blooms, the health of your wetlands and tons more. What is not measured cannot be managed. If you love Muskoka and care about protecting its natural beauty please get involved! There are many ways you can help:

• Receive exciting rewards by donating
  • Interested in a classic boat cruise for 2?

• Leave comments on the campaign page
  • What do you think of this project?

• Share the link with interested friends and family members
  • Know anyone who loves our scenic environment? Fwd this email!

Please visit the campaign page for further details about this project. It is important to have active participation during the first week of the campaign, so please do what you can to share the care of this special place of rocks, trees, and especially water, that we all love. A small contribution can make a big difference to the protection of our environment. Tell us what you think of the campaign by leaving a comment on the campaign page: www.igg.me/at/StewardshipWorks.

We are very fortunate to have such a passionate network of people supporting our mission to champion watershed health in Muskoka and its associated watersheds.

Thank you!

The post In Muskoka, the environment is the economy. For cottagers, protecting the Muskoka watershed, protects your investment. appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Dr. Watmough explains implications of calcium losses on lake ecosystems.

As mentioned last month in this cottageinmuskoka blog entry and this news story from the Huntsville Forester (Cottage Country Now), the decline of calcium in our lakes can affect our lakes recovery from acid rain as well as zooplankton in our lakes, which are are very sensitive to declining calcium levels.

From the Muskoka Watershed Council Lecture Series I have just finished editing and have just posted this video on the Muskoka Watershed Council’s YouTube page.

This is interesting information of value not only for those who own a cottage in Muskoka, but all of us who live in or visit Muskoka. In the presentation Dr. Shaun Watmough of Trent University helps us understand:

Why should we care about calcium in the environment?

How are calcium levels in lakes, vegetation and soils changing?

What is causing these changes?

What will be the impact of timber harvesting on lake calcium levels?

What are the critical uncertainties?

Declining calcium slows the recovery of acidic lakes.

The post Muskoka’s Lakes: The Calcium Story appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

https://vimeo.com/76351898

The Great Muskoka Paddling Experience generously supports the work of the Muskoka Watershed Council. Past cottageinmuskoka.ca post, and here are some additional links to published articles on the event:

– Muskoka Watershed Council media release: story
– Town of Bracebridge media release: story
– What’s Up Muskoka : story
– Muskoka Magazine: story  (scroll down a page).
– Bracebridge Weekender: story

The post Reminder: The Great Muskoka Paddling Experience is this Saturday! appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

©www.cottageinmuskoka.ca

Mentioned in a number of Muskoka Watershed Council lectures over the past few years, calcium decline in Muskoka Lakes and in particular, the consequences of timber harvesting on lake calcium levels have been hinted at as a potential direct cause of declining health of our lakes in Muskoka. Here’s a past primer news story from the Huntsville Forester (Cottage Country News).
This week, we have an opportunity to discover more.

Dr. Shaun Watmough, an Associate Professor in the Environmental Resource Science Program at Trent University in Peterborough will present.
Here is a synopsis of the lecture:
Decades of acid deposition have depleted soil calcium reserves and, when combined with timber harvesting, predicted losses of calcium from soil are considerable and may ultimately threaten long-term forest health and productivity and lead to negative impacts on lakes.
In this talk, Dr. Watmough will provide an overview of our current understanding of calcium biogeochemistry and describe the reasons for the widespread decline in calcium levels in lakes and the implications of calcium losses on soil fertility and forest health in addition to impacts on lake ecosystems.
With an emphasis on south central Ontario, Dr. Watmough will document a nutrient budget for a selection harvesting regime in central Ontario hardwood forests. This work is then extrapolated to regional harvesting activities and management issues are discussed.

The lecture is this Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Nipissing University – Muskoka Campus, 125 Wellington Street, Bracebridge, P1L 1E2. As always, admission is by donation

The link for this lecture and registration is here.

The post Timber harvesting and the health of our lakes: The Calcium Story appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.