NewsFlash

June 27, 2025

LOBA Annual General Meeting Saturday July 5, 2025

Lake of Bays Community Centre (Baysville)

9:00 a.m. Coffee & Exhibits

9:30 a.m. Meeting

You will find the 2025 agenda, minutes of the 2024 AGM, audited financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2024, motions and proxy here.

Guest Speaker: Captain Fred Landry, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department

Fred Landry (Captain) is a 17-year veteran with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department, Station 4 Baysville. In addition to response duties, Captain Landry is an Instructor, delivering a broad spectrum of topics to the department, neighbouring departments, and provincially through the Office of the Fire Marshal. Prior to moving to Baysville fulltime in 2004, Fred was a 25-year executive in the tech industry.

Captain Landry’s keynote address will cover a range of important topics including wildland fire prevention, safety precautions for lithium-ion batteries, smoke and CO alarms, and the Township of Lake of Bays burning by-law.

All are welcome to attend.

LOBA Water Testing Crew

Takes to the Lake 

Starting this Monday (June 30) and again on August 4 and August 23, you might see members of our intrepid Water Testing crew out on the lake during the early hours. Our water quality monitors will be collecting samples and gathering data from 23 sites. This work is being done to contribute to the Lake of Bays Water Quality Report. 

Our volunteer based water quality monitoring program has proudly been in existence, since the 1970s. We have built a good baseline of data and as revealed in the 2024 Water Quality Report, the total phosphorus and bacteria levels on Lake of Bays, indicate excellent water quality in relation to provincial guidelines. 

The 2024 Lake of Bays Water Quality Report, as well as previous years' reports can be downloaded here. 

pictures: water quality tester Stephan von Buttlar using a Secchi disc to assess water clarity

water quality tester Penny Thomas preparing a sample

Your Lake, Your Views 2025 Survey Your Participation is Important

LOBA is happy to be participating in the 2025 “Your Lakes, Your Views” survey with Safe Quiet Lakes. 

Please take a moment to share your views. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. 

It is important to hear from everyone! Please pass this along to your friends, family members, and neighbours.

The responses will help us to understand the priorities of our members, what people value from their cottage experience, how they use the water and their boating activity concerns. Results from past surveys have guided planning at Safe Quiet Lakes and have been shared with Transport Canada, municipalities, the OPP and boating organizations. The survey will run until July 21 and can be easily accessed from any device.

We look forward to sharing the results with you in the fall. Your voice is important!

Celebrate Indigenous culture at the 2nd annual Muskoka powwow

"See Muskoka Through Our Eyes", the official powwow of the Parry Sound Friendship Centre, will be hosted on June 28 and 29 at Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge.

More details>

You’re Invited to Connect with Nature

The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation is hosting a series of guided events that explore the beauty, biodiversity, and heritage of our local landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious to learn, there's something for everyone.

Annual Butterfly Count – Sunday July 6, 9:00 a.m.-noon

Take part in a butterfly survey and help track local species while enjoying a morning at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. You’ll learn how to spot different butterfly species and contribute to vital conservation data. No experience needed—just a keen eye and love for nature! A great activity for all ages.

Silent Boat Rally – Saturday July 26, 9:00 a.m. – Dwight Beach

This is an ecological tour of the Lower Oxtongue River in your canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Partake in a leisurely paddle along the meandering, nearly motionless, breathtakingly beautiful river. A wildlife sighting contest includes prizes over lunch beside Marsh’s Falls. $25 per person. Ideal for novice paddlers.

Mushroom Forays – Saturday Aug 23 and Saturday Aug 30, 9:00 a.m.

Join us for a walk in the woods to learn about wild mushrooms—their habitats, features, and importance to the forest ecosystem. Great for curious minds of all ages! August 23 will be on a Bondi Village trail. August 30 begins on the Sherborne Lake Access Road.

Learn More & Register

These popular events fill quickly – register soon!

From the Township of Lake of Bays:

Official Plan Open Houses Scheduled - Wednesday August 13 and Saturday August 14 to share your ideas and help shape the future of land use in Lake of Bays.

More information>

Increased Burn Violations Cause for Concern - On June 18, 2025, firefighters from the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to two separate fire-related incidents: one burn complaint and one uncontrolled burn. Crews from Station 1 in Huntsville were dispatched to both scenes.

More information>

Outdoor Rescues Highlight Need for Preparedness - as fire department responds to two separate rescue incidents involving individuals lost in remote areas.

More information>

Two New Accessible Parking Spaces Near Dwight Beach - across from Dwight Beach and Gouldie Park.

More information>

From the District of Muskoka

Clear Bags Program for Waste - now in effect for all residents who receive curbside garbage collection. Starting January 1, 2026 the program will expand to include waste drop-off at transfer stations.

More information>

Between Two Pines - Read the current update from the District>

District Chair's Dock Party in Support of United Way Simcoe Muskoka Saturday August 9, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Port Cunnington Lodge

This special event supports critical programs in Muskoka through United Way Simcoe Muskoka. With a commitment of over $615,000 invested over three years, United Way is creating real, lasting change through local partnerships. Programs like the Mobile Youth Wellness Hub, Getting Ahead Across Muskoka, and the Home Relief Bank are not only addressing immediate needs-they are offering dignified, sustainable solutions. More information and to book tickets>

Do you have family or friends who would like to keep up to date with LOBA NewsFlashes?

Direct them to the LOBA Homepage

and click the E-NEWS button on the right of the page

photo by David Fulford

Happy Canada Day!

Through education, advocacy and engagement, our mission is to foster a

healthy natural environment, responsible waterfront development, a thriving community, and a Lake of Bays shared respectfully and safely by all.