E-NEWS MAY 2024

Fellow LJNA members and Lake Joseph Neighbours,

Spring greetings! I hope you are enjoying a few moments on the dock between the spring chores.  Its been a splendid couple of days on Lake Joe, the birds are back, the trees are leafing out gently, and the biting bugs are still a bit sleepy.  A wonderful time to be up at the lake!

This weekend, we had an interesting surprise while clearing construction debris along our shore.  We uncovered what was probably an eastern red-backed salamander. It scurried across the rock and back into hiding in the leaves. When I looked it up, I learned that though it is most commonly observed in deciduous or mixed forests, it may also be found in cool, moist white pine or hemlock forests - such as along the shores of Lake Joe.

The LJNA started a new chapter on April 20^th with the approval of our revised Bylaws and Articles of Amendment. Thank you to the members who joined the Special Meeting on Zoom and those who sent in proxies.  We were thrilled to see so much interest and support.

A salamander on Lake Joe. Many small creatures thrive in the small piles of driftwood and leaf litter along our shores.

We are sad to pass along the news of the passing of Bruce Francisco.  Bruce worked with Cecil Hayhoe and others in the early days to launch the association, helping to canvass neighbours to build support, and to develop the ideas that still inform our work today. Bruce’s positive energy will be missed by many in our lake community.  Here's a link to the obituary. 

The Board has been working on some new things for this summer including the launch of an Instagram account and a project to learn more about the loons on our lake.  Our AGM will be on Saturday August 3^rd – mark your calendars now. 

Along with some news of our recent activities, this enews has a full selection of updates from the many organizations whose work helps to keep Lake Joe beautiful. I welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@ljna.org.

Warm regards,
Nancy Cohen, President

LJNA Update

Seguin‘s New Site Alternation Bylaw & Tree Cutting Bylaw  - Our Views

We are pleased to see these important bylaws approved by Seguin Council in early March. Thank you to our Councillor Terry Fellner for spearheading this initiative. It’s a great start and will help control some of the most egregious practices (like clearing a site without a permit). The LJNA has been advocating for stronger controls on tree cutting and blasting in the near shore area for some time. Council and staff has committed to improvements as needed. We look forward to working with staff and Council to learn from the implementation and to bring forward refinements.  In particular, we would like to see more guidance on appropriate blasting in the near shore areas. 

Contact bylaw enforcement at this link to report a complaint. It is important to note that the site alteration bylaw applies to new permits only.  Building permits issued prior to March 4^th are exempt. More Information from Seguin is included below.

We encourage all lakeside residents to become familiar with these 2 bylaws and to help preserve our lake for the generations to come. 

Update on Other Municipal Matters

At the same time as this new site alteration bylaw was passed, the LJNA was informed of a large land clearing underway near Seely Bay. The owner had begun to clear the site (legally) before Seguin’s new bylaw came into effect on March 4th. Neighbours contacted bylaw enforcement and a stop work order issued.

The property in question is also applying for an increase in lot coverage from the permitted 5.0% to 8.4% within 60 meters of shore – over 68% more. 

Based on the information presented, the LJNA has submitted a letter to Council objecting to the application and outlining our concerns. This proposal is a large increase from allowed, would dominate the shoreline adversely affecting the “view from the canoe”, and sets a bad precedent. The public meeting was heard by Council on April 2^nd.  Council deferred a decision pending submission of supporting information on revegetation plan, elevations, storm water drainage and other matters. The application is expected to be on Councils agenda on May 13. We are in discussions with the Township and the owner about strategies to minimize the visual and environmental impact.

Please be in touch if you have any questions or comments.  

LJNA Wants You!

Do you have loon nests near you? Are you a bird watcher? Are you actively reporting sightings on ebird or the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey?

The LJNA would like to help increase awareness of the loons on our lake. We are canvassing the membership for interest, volunteers and ideas. Sydney Smith, a student at Rosseau Lake College and LJNA member has volunteered to assist in this project. Please be in touch with Nancy or Lynda McCarthy if you would like to be part of this initiative

Do you have accounting background? 

We have an immediate need for someone who can take over the Treasurer position. This winter our Treasurer, Shelley Spence was appointed to be the 14^th Auditor General for Ontario! Unfortunately, for us, her new position requires that she step down from the Board. Bookkeeping duties continue to be handled by Nick Pemberton but we would like to find someone with accounting background to round out the board. 

Some of the other volunteer opportunities include helping to coordinate the AGM, keeping an eye on Council activities, benthic and water quality testing, ...

We always welcome your ideas and participation! Please talk to any board member or contact Nancy at info@ljna.org for more information.

Seguin Township News

Site Alteration and Tree Conservation By-law Approved

In early March, Seguin Township announced the approval of both a Site Alteration By-law and a Tree Conservation By-law, marking a significant advancement in their commitment to environmental stewardship. The by-laws have been enhanced to be more implementable, robust and clear on expectations.

Further information can be found HERE.

$2 M Gift to Help Restore Rosseau Memorial Hall

Early this year, Seguin Township announced a gift of $2 million from the estate of Robert (Bob) Foote to support the restoration of Rosseau Memorial Hall. The gift was committed as a bequest and comes at a pivotal time for the hall with restoration plans now underway and its centennial celebration approaching in August.

Seguin Community Events and Library Activities

Seguin Township offers several ways to get involved in the community while staying active and healthy!  More information at these links:

Seguin Sport and Recreation Programs

Seguin Community Events Calendar

Seguin Library Website

Of Interest and Partner Updates

MLA Updates – Concerns about the JW Marriott Concert Venue & Flood Watch

JW Marriott Concert Venue:  Friends of Muskoka and the MLA have been raising concerns over a new plan to create a 10,000 person concert venue beside the JW Marriott.  A group of cottagers have drafted a letter supporting the steps being taken by Mayor Peter Kelley and Council to address public safety, noise and other significant concerns with holding large outdoor concerts like this in Muskoka.  

If you would like to add your name to the letter, you can email: LookingAfterMuskoka@gmail.com

Flood Watch Update: While threats of flooding this spring appear to have subsided, you might be interested in reading about what is being done to reduce water levels and prevent flooding in the future. Here’s a link to the MLA’s April flood watch update.

The MLA ‘s Newsbites has a great round up of news for the Muskoka Area.

View the April one HERE.

Changes to Capital Gains Tax - Have Your Say

Many of you will have heard of proposed changes to the capital gains tax announced in the recent federal budget.  Long-time member Paul Tyers writes in with some personal thoughts and a call to advocate for change.

Fifty years ago this May, I took a leap as a 20-year-old university student by purchasing a piece of Playfair Island in Lake Joseph for $24,000—a bold move that brought me nearly 800 feet of lake frontage. Reflecting 50 years later, the true value of this investment isn't measured in financial terms, but in the countless family memories created at “the cottage”. My wife and I, along with our children and grandchildren, cherish the time spent here and are dedicated to keeping this retreat within the family.

As a Chartered Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, I thought I had a foolproof plan to preserve our family sanctuary while also managing our business's succession. However, recent changes in the federal budget has compelled us to revise our approach to tax and estate planning. Our strategy will be guided by two main principles:

1. The KISS principle—Keep It Simple, Stupid
2. Don’t let the tax tail wag the dog of our investment objective

I encourage fellow cottage owners to tailor your planning to your family’s unique needs and aspirations. It’s also important to actively advocate for the revision or postponement of new tax regulations that could impact our legacies. 

Paul Tyers - ptyers@wealthstewards.ca

FOCA has put together some background materials for members and are asking everyone to write to their MP. Here’s the link:  https://foca.on.ca/property-taxation-assessment/

FOCA Benefits for LJNA Members

The LJNA is a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers. FOCA speaks up for waterfront property owners across Ontario on issues our mutual concern such as taxes, environmental issues and more. LJNA members are entitled to several very interesting benefits including discounts on insurance, purchasing AED’s and more.

Click HERE for information on the membership benefits   The discount on insurance can be substantial. 

Click HERE for the latest Elert from FOCA.

Muskoka Watershed Council – 2023 Report Released

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card, produced every five years by the Muskoka Watershed Council, scientifically assesses Muskoka’s watershed health. 

The message of the 2023 edition is that Muskoka’s watersheds stands at a crucial turning point. While currently healthy, they are gradually degrading in several ways, and our existing management systems seem incapable of halting or reversing this negative trend. We need an integrated, watershed-scale management system capable of dealing with the multiple stresses our iconic environment now faces.  Read more HERE.

In the Community

Georgian Bay Biosphere – MNIDOO GAMIi -  Plant Sale

Support your Biosphere by ordering native plants online! Over 50 species of wildflowers, trees, and shrubs are available to order now until May 24. All plants must be pre-ordered online and picked up on Saturday, June 8 at either Parry Sound or Port Severn. This year there are over a dozen new species to choose from.   The link is HERE.

Ripple Muskoka in Support of the Muskoka Conservancy – June 24^th

Muskoka Conservancy is your local land trust, and it’s our job to protect space for nature in Muskoka.  Join other supporters at his year’s Ripple Muskoka fundraiser for a night of good food, live music and drinks. All proceeds go towards the Muskoka Conservancy.

Lake Joseph North has a number of properties protected by the Conservancy and Conservation Easements including portions of Chief’s, Island K, Yoho and Dawamah.  protect the interior lands behind the shoreline as well – all of which are important for wildlife habitats and healthy eco-systems.

CNIB Lake Joe- Cookout with Cuddy

The CNIB Cookout with Cuddy is back!  Tickets for the August 17^th event will go on sale on May 17^th and will certainly sell out within a day or two. Help support the camp and provide transformative experiences for people with sight loss.  Sponsorship opportunities available now. More information HERE. 

The E-News is published on a regular basis to keep Lake Joe residents and LJNA members 

informed of items of importance and interest to them. 

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