Major Accomplishments Since Inception in 1970

The Association was founded in 1970 to address a proposed development of Grand Island, and was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario in 1976. Incorporation was necessary to appear at the Ontario Municipal Board, and gives greater weight in dealings with developers, City Council, etc. The BLA is a non profit Corporation, consisting of Road Associations and individual private members. The Corporation is a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA) and Waterfront Ratepayers after Fair Taxation (WRAFT).

1. Grand Island

The original development proposal was for 2000 cottages (shoreline and backlot), an airstrip, possible casino, and other amenities. The newly formed BLA fought this proposal at Council with legal and Health Unit representation. The main basis was inadequate sewage treatment on parts of the island due to geography and minimal soil cover and the subsequent potential negative effect on the lake. In the end, 50 large “estate” lots were approved. The resulting financial squeeze on the developer resulted in the land reverting to the previous owner.

2. Eklin Park

The original proposal was for over 100 backlot condos, with access to just 700 feet of waterfront. Objections were based on an inconsistent land density compared to that imposed on lakefront lots and the concern of congestion on the waterfront. The net result was approval for only 15 “estate” sized lots, with the remainder of the property designated as green space.

3. Shoreline Land Use Designation

In late 1970, the Province proposed designating all shoreline as “Residential, Limited Residential, or Seasonal” based on a perceived concern of difficulty and cost in servicing an expected population migration to rural areas. “Seasonal” designation meant that only 6 months of occupancy would be permitted, from May 15 to October 15. These designations appeared in the first draft of the Victoria County Official Plan. The BLA strongly objected to this proposal, and after working with the Planning Department, succeeded in having the designations dropped.

4. Water Clarity Testing

The BLA originally organized water testing and sampling at various locations around the lake. This involved collection, recording of Secchi Disk readings, and delivery of the samples to a collection point for pick up by the Ministry. This activity went on for a number of years. This work is now under the Lake Partner Program of the Ministry of the Environment. (In addition, the BLA is now liaising with the Kawartha Lakes Stewardship Program, a multi lake program for water testing, including bacteria).

5. Indian Point Provincial Park

After the death of the owner, the Provincial Government took control of the east half of Indian Point and proposed to develop another Provincial Park. The BLA strenuously objected to this proposal, and the Government backed off. It is now an undeveloped Park area.

6. Balsam Lake Trailer Park

The BLA spent time over the years to ensure that the owner did not breach the terms of his license.

7. Eldon Dump

Early in the1980’s, the Province was looking for dump sites, and a location in Eldon Township just west of Balsam Lake was identified. The BLA helped organize a Committee and provided $11,000 to show this was a poor site for the proposed usage. The evidence suggested that it would be a poor choice for environmental reasons as the leachate would run into the Staples River and then into Balsam Lake. Professional help was recruited, resulting in the site being removed from consideration.

8. Kingsview Development

Through the efforts of the BLA and abutting neighbors, the lake frontage development was scaled down to 35 condos with lake access. The sewage system capacity was increased, and financial guarantees obtained by the City for the water treatment facility and the sewage system for which the City is now responsible. The wetlands are protected, and other environmental concerns addressed by a redesign of the layout. The proposal for the Highway 35 frontage for time share condos was deferred. All this came at a cost to the BLA of some $60,000 for hiring professional advisors, appearing before the OMB, etc. Other spinoffs include the agreement of CKL to involve Lake Associations in the development of studies and the Official Plan.

The comment by our Planner after resolution was as follows:” The BLA’s involvement achieved broader awareness among lake associations and across the City that such developments and their environmental impacts need to be examined very closely”.

9. Airport Hangar, West Bay

There is a federally approved legal landing strip adjacent to the entrance of the Staples River into Balsam Lake. A new owner has constructed a hangar, and is in the business of doing minor repairs for his customers, exchanging floats for wheels, and vice versa. The float to wheel exchange involves towing the planes from the boat launch across Fish Hawk Rd to the hangar. The landing strip is then used for takeoff. There are concerns over the impact to osprey nests, fish spawning, wild life habitat disturbance, etc. The BLA is keeping this activity under observation.

10. Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) Study

The TSW has commissioned a study to obtain input from stakeholders and the public on the future operation of the waterway. This includes items such as lake levels, storage drawdowns, lockage operation, etc. The BLA has attended public meetings and has made a submission on your behalf.

11. Proposed West Bay Development

The land adjacent to the south side of the canal entrance in West Bay has been sold (900+ acres) along with a 410 feet of frontage on the lake. The developers are investigating a golf course. However, their expertise is in high density residential recreational development. The golf course could lead to such refinements as a club house, conference center, marina, and dense lakefront/backlot development. The land will require rezoning, and there are other significant site constraints. There are also environmental concerns as part of the property is a wetland, and there is minimal soil cover. Pesticide use on a golf course might result in runoff to the lake or into wells. The West Bay Association, together with the BLA, are investigating the potential impact of this to the stakeholders on the lake.

12. Summary

It is absolutely necessary that Balsam Lake be well managed today to protect the interests of future generations.

One pays high premiums for property insurance to protect one’s investment. Like your insurance company the BLA and your Road Association are also helping to protect your investment. Environmental degradation over development and misguided political action affect the value and enjoyment of your investment.

The members of the BLA are your neighbors and also have substantial investments to protect. We appreciate your support!!!