E-NEWS OCTOBER 2020

Fellow LJNA members and Lake Joseph Neighbours

I’m working on this note from beside the fire on a perfectly quiet and calm but cold day, and summer feels like a distant memory. The lake water is drawn down in advance of winter and the fall colour is starting to peak. It wasn't our usually social summer but it was beautiful! 

A number of people I have spoken to are extending their fall at the cottage and are starting to wonder why they would ever go back to the city. Others are back into their fall routines at school or work.  

Wherever you are, I hope you are staying safe and healthy and you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Nancy Cohen, LJNA President

LJNA Update

Changes for LJNA Communications

You will notice that this update has a new look and some new content. This is thanks to our new editor, Karen McCullough. Karen is combining her expertise in corporate communications and in teaching with her passion for our lake to help shape our LJNA communications. Welcome Karen!

LJNA Fire Boat Campaign

Our campaign continues with enthusiasm! Since project chair Diana Piquette’s appeal went out at the end of August, many members and neighbours have stepped forward to contribute toward the purchase of a fire boat for Lake Joseph North, to be moored at Gordon Bay Marine. We are now closing in on our goal of $150,000 and hope to see the fire boat on the lake next summer. Details about the project and how you can donate are on our website. If you have any questions, contact Diana directly at Diana@dunsolas.com.

Short Term Rentals - LJNA Weighs In

Short Term Cottage Rentals has been a hot topic this summer. In response to Seguin’s invitation for public input, the LJNA submitted a letter based on our 2018 short-term rentals survey, which, among other things, showed close to 20% of Lake Joe cottagers rent for part of the year. We are recommending Seguin reconsider prohibiting all short term rentals. There are several issues that the township needs to balance that have not yet been adequately addressed in the proposed draft By-law.

LJNA Gives Input to Seguin’s Official Plan Review

Seguin’s Township’s Official Plan drives the development of many of our by-laws and is currently under revision. At the AGM in August, James Buchanan presented an overview of our discussion paper on key Official Plan issues. Our goal is to provide constructive input on key issues affecting our shoreline community. There is still an opportunity for you to engage on this issue. Read Seguin’s discussion papers on 8 areas under review, and contact James Buchanan, LJNA’s director of Municipal Affairs with your ideas and questions.

Hats Off to Founding Board President Cecil Hayhoe!

LJNA member Lois Fraser masterminded a “top notch” send off to Cecil for his long (read: 24 years) service to the Lake Joseph North Association. Member John Offut marshalled this most Covid-friendly event, which saw a flotilla of 21 boats from the Hamer Bay area parade past Cecil and Joan’s dock on Saturday, September 5, with

horn blasts and shouts of “hurray for Cecil” filling the air, much to Cecil’s surprise and delight. (Safe and Quiet Lakes, we promise this was a one-off event...) 

The LJNA has been a labour of love for Cecil since its first meeting with a handful of cottagers in September 1995, organized by member Bruce Francisco. We began to hold annual meetings the following year, and the membership quickly grew to over 100 families. At the 2000 Annual Meeting the LJNA formally became a Not for Profit legal entity with Cecil Hayhoe as President and Shawn Gordon as Treasurer. 

Under Cecil's leadership LJNA grew to a respected, strong organization, helping shape Seguin’s first Official Plan, advocating for fair taxes, achieving an agreement with Rocky Crest Resort, and helping to conserve large amounts of shoreline for future generations.

Board member Mike Finley Steps Down

Recently, Mike Finley decided, with regret, to step down from the Board. Mike is a new father and also busy building an environmental law practice. We have very much appreciated his time on the board, especially his level-headed advice and knowledge of our community. 

Stay Informed

Seguin Council Highlights

The Seguin Township Council has several important items to note in their September one-pager Seguin Council Highlights. Updates on Benthic (“Bugs in the Mud”) monitoring, Short-Term Accommodation/Cottage Rentals (STA/STCR), and a review of shoreline by-laws will be of particular interest to LJNA members. 

Hydro One Rate Increases

The Federation of Cottage Associations (FOCA) reports that Hydro One is moving all seasonal residents into a low density rate class that for many could mean increases of $60/month. Read about this and more in FOCA’s September Elert.

Take the Internet Speed Test

We all want better internet at the cottage. Seguin is updating their internet coverage maps to apply for funding to expand internet speed in underserved areas. Help by going to SmartNow, entering your location, and taking the speed test in the lower left hand corner of the home page. The data goes directly to CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) and ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). 

Port Sandfield Swing Bridge Open to Traffic

Good news for those traveling around Muskoka over Thanksgiving: the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge and Muskoka Road 7 (Peninsula Road) will be fully open to traffic until Monday, October 19, 2020. The bridge and road will close to traffic and pedestrians on October 19 at 9:00 pm and reopen at 5:30 am. Follow the District of Muskoka’s ongoing updates here.

In the Community

Many regular activities may not take place this Thanksgiving because of Covid-19, but here are a few things you can dig into this weekend with family and friends.

Muskoka Accents Bakery and Floral will be featuring pumpkin, apple, blueberry and pecan pies, pumpkin cheesecake and dinner rolls for Thanksgiving, along with the usual scrumptious breads, tarts, pastries, squares and more - all freshly made from scratch. 

Order ahead by phone (705) 378-0080 or by email loretta@muskokaaccents.ca to not be disappointed; 48 hours advance notice is appreciated. Muskoka Accents will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (These hours will continue until Christmas.) 

Loretta Jantzi opened Muskoka Accents in May 2019 at 1297 Lake Joseph Road, 500m off Hwy 400 at Exit 207. If you haven’t tasted Loretta’s baking yet, you are in for a treat!

Don’t miss the annual Rosseau Thanksgiving Market on Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its summer location at the waterfront park. The venue has changed from the Rosseau Community Hall where it was held in previous years. 

As we give thanks this weekend, let’s give back too. 

The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) food drive is taking place until October 15. Unlike other years non-perishable food donations may ONLY be dropped off in the bin outside the MLA office at 65 Joseph Street, Port Carling. Or you can make an online donation to Harvest Share or West Muskoka Food Bank.

Shop for shut-ins. This is an opportunity for those who are extending their time in Muskoka this fall. Organized by Parry Sound Rotary in partnership with Sobey’s, the grocery shopping program runs early morning most days of the week. Click here or call Linda West at 705-346-4424 to volunteer.

The Lake Joseph North Association (LJNA) represents the interests of shoreline residents on the Seguin section of Lake Joseph, including Portage Lake.  

Volunteers bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our work. Interested? 

Contact us at info@ljna.org.