President’s Message Spring/Summer 2011Another summer season dawns as the ice weaves its way down the centuries old path to renew and refill the lakes below. At 841 feet above sea level, Balsam Lake has always been known as the jewel of the Kawartha’s and it is our mission to keep a watchful eye and ensure that the environment and history remain for all to enjoy. What are the challenges that lay ahead? There are many. Phosphorus, E-Coli, Fish Habitat, Boat Wakes and noise along with understanding of how everyone’s foot prints impacts our lake. This will be our first year having a booth at Coboconk Fresh Water Summit on June 18 th and we have also earmarked a donation of $250 to help make this summit a success for Coboconk. Barbara Peel, our board member from Driftwood Village volunteered to organize our booth. Come out and say hello to her and the other volunteers and enjoy the many festivities of the day. Our alliance with the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association remains strong and they bring to the forefront the challenges of all lake associations, such as taxes and hydro issues. Visit them at www.foca.on.ca. We will continue to be involved with the Kawartha Lake Stewards (http://klsa.wordpress.com/) and to our many dedicated volunteers; words cannot express how grateful we are for your time and efforts The Hazardous Markers initiative was started by Drew Davison of Long Point and has come to fruition through the efforts of his successor Jeff Taylor. The sites that have been chosen are Togo Island, Grand Rock, north of Grand Island, Mackenzie Point and another just north of the entrance to Corbin Creek where there is a large shoal. Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, August 7 th, 2011 at the Coboconk Community Centre from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and registration is at 8:30 a.m. The presentations will include an update on the Balsam and Cameron Lakes Management Plan, an informative session from a Biologist, and we will also be speaking about Corporate Membership into the Balsam Lake Association and will need your approval. We have invited Mayor Ric McGee to speak to our group along with inviting your elected Council representatives to attend. Please remember our mission statement: “To retain, promote and improve the interest, security and enjoyment of the registered owners of cottage occupied properties of lake front lots on Balsam Lake in the Townships of Bexley, Fenelon and Sommerville in the Province of Ontario, and in pursuance thereof to assist in the proper development of those lake front and properties having access to Balsam Lake not as yet so occupied, so that Balsam Lake can continue to be a healthy, scenic natural summer and winter resort free of pollution. Further, to do and assist in doing, such other things as may be deemed in the best interests of the said present and future cottage owners of the whole Balsam Lake area. Further, to receive and provide information and advice from and to the various Cottage Owners’ Associations now and hereafter organized in the Balsam Lake area.” All of your elected executive and board members have donated their time to make the Balsam Lake Association a success and as President, I am very proud of their dedication to this organization. To further attain a higher goal, we will need volunteers such as you to assist in our efforts so please reach out and contact us if you have some free time. This summer I hope you rediscover the secrets and many memories Balsam Lake has to offer. Donna Braniff |
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