newsflash

June 30, 2023

Annual General and Special Meeting

Saturday July 8, 2023

9:00 Coffee & Exhibits, 9:30 Meeting

Dwight Community Centre

Take notice that the Annual and Special Meeting of members of the Lake of Bays Association will be held on Saturday July 8, 2023 in order to:

• Confirm Amended and Restated By-Law No.1.
• Approve the reduction of the number of directors from 18 to 13.
• Receive the financial statements and the auditor’s report for the year ended October 31, 2022.
• Elect directors.
• Appoint the auditor and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration.
• Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

The text of the members resolution confirming Amended and Restated By-Law No.1 and the special resolution fixing the number of directors at 13 form part of this notice and can be found on the LOBA website in the Explanatory Memorandum on Key Changes to By-Law No.1.

The Amended and Restated By-Law No.1, proxy form, audited financial statements and auditor’s report for the year ending October 31, 2022, and the minutes of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of Members are available by clicking here.

Guest Speakers

Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare will provide an update on the planning and funding for new hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville, and healthcare delivery in Muskoka.

Terry Rees, Executive Director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations will provide an update on important issues FOCA is currently addressing in cottage country.

Delegation to Township on

Planning, Long Docks, and Public Education 

At the Township Planning Committee meeting on June 27, 2023, LOBA continued its advocacy of a balanced approach that allows development provided the shoreline is preserved. 

We asked Council that, when making variance decisions under the Development Permit By-law, they ensure compliance with the criterion that “the natural waterfront will prevail with built form blending into the landscape and shoreline”. LOBA pointed out the intrusive impact of some development applications has been underestimated, and that shoreline vegetation buffers should always be a priority. Also, regarding any requested longer dock applications, we asked applicants be required to provide measured and surveyed water depths to justify any such intrusion out into the lake. 

As planning standards can be hard to understand, LOBA asked the Township to put out plain language public education materials. The goal is to increase awareness and encourage compliance.

Our delegation was well received by Council, which asked Township staff to report back on longer docks and public education.  

LOBA wants to continue to partner with the Township – Mayor, Councillors, and staff – to ensure the lake and shoreland remain beautiful and environmentally sustainable for generations to come.

READ: LOBA's delegation submission

WATCH: LOBA’s delegation at the Council Planning meeting - delegation starts at 1:08:16

In Memory of Ian White

The Lake of Bays Association has lost a valued board member and good friend with the passing of Ian White on April 30, 2023, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Ian and Sue White built their cottage on Whiskey Bay in the early 2000s. It was a place they enjoyed with family and friends in all four seasons. Soon after arriving on Lake of Bays and eager to get acquainted with the community, Ian volunteered to be an Area Steward for LOBA, a position he held from 2007 until this winter. He joined the LOBA Board of Directors in 2010 as the Chair of Membership and served as President from 2012 to 2014. Ian continued to serve on the LOBA Board for another nine years fulfilling the role of Chair of Nominations and Volunteer Relations and then again as Chair of Membership in 2019 until November 2022. Ian also served on the Board of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations for several years. Ian’s thoughtful, kind, and calm demeaner was much appreciated by his peers on the LOBA Board. His attention to detail was invaluable to the Membership and Area Steward programs, and his genuine interest in all things related to Lake of Bays will have a lasting impact on the Association. In his spare time, Ian enjoyed kayaking and canoeing and walking the road. He always had a friendly smile for everyone and time for a chat.

He is missed.

As we move into the Canada Day long weekend, take a moment to review LOBA's Boating Brochure and make sure your family, friends and renters are familiar with the rules of safe and courteous boating.

Share the Lake!

TOTAL FIRE BAN

Still in Effect for Muskoka

Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Chief Gary Monahan has confirmed that there will be NO fireworks this Canada Day. The Baysville Canada Day Fireworks event has been rescheduled for Saturday August 5.

During a TOTAL FIRE BAN, no fireworks are permitted.

To report a wildfire in northern Ontario, call 911.

HAPPY

CANADA DAY

2023!

Photo by: Ann Morrison

photo by Jacqueline Paterson

2022 Photo Contest submission