February 2026 Newsletter

Sponsor Update

We are wrapping up our LPRA Sponsorship Program for 2026 soon. If you have a business/company that you would like to have featured, please contact Heather Meulemeester, Chair of Sponsorship Committee at sponsorship@longpointra.ca for details.

Winter at Long Point

Winter at Long Point offers a special kind of magic, as summer strolls along the beach are traded for crisp winter walks along the shoreline and across the channel. This year, the season has been especially remarkable.

For the first time since the winter of 2014-2015, Lake Erie is nearly completely frozen. According to Mike McKay of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor, just 1% of the lake was frozen on January 14, yet in less than a month more than 90% experienced a rapid freeze.

These cold conditions have frozen the channels, creating unique opportunities for winter fun and offering a rare chance to experience the quiet, breathtaking beauty of the Point.

Norfolk County Property Taxes - 2026

In January, Norfolk County Council approved a 2026 levy operating budget of $146,503,100. Up $10 million from 2025. The 5.5% property tax increase this year is in step with previous increases as follows, 5.7% in 2023, 6.3% in 2024 and 4.3% in 2025. If it’s any consolation, a median home assessed value of $246,000. will add about $212. to the average tax bill of $4,084.

Please refer to the Simcoe Reformer article below for more information:

Norfolk councillors approves 5.5% residential property tax increase for 2026 | Simcoe Reformer

Rockin’ On The Point - Saturday, August 22

The LPRA Board are ecstatic to announce that Rockin’ will carry on for another year thanks to Steve Whelan and Barb Sovereign. These folks have hosted this event on their property since 2018 and are simply amazing allowing us to invade their property again! Thank You!

We have booked Andy’s Drive-In Wagon for food and the band performing at the event should be finalized soon. We are looking for donations to our Silent Auction. Tickets will be available at the LPRA AGM on Saturday, June 13. Stay tuned for further details.

A Lake Level Check‑In

By Steve Selk

In addition to the ice cover, Lake Erie’s water level is currently about 0.3 feet/3.6 inches below its very long-term average (over 100 years) and approximately 3.5 feet lower than in 2020. This is welcome news for property owners concerned about high water levels, though perhaps less so for some boaters. As snow cover melts and spring rain arrives, the lake will begin its seasonal rise; however, current forecasts suggest levels will remain lower this year than last.

The accompanying graph below presents the current water level outlook, based on data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Spending Initiatives Update

Guided directly by the feedback many of you shared in last year’s member survey, the Board has been carefully reviewing potential spending opportunities, with a focus on understanding what services and initiatives are already covered by Norfolk County and where LPRA funds can make a meaningful, complementary impact. The goal is to ensure any proposed spending reflects member priorities, avoids duplication, and delivers real value to the community. As always, members will have the final say on any significant spending decisions at the AGM.

Website Update

Launching next week!!

We’re excited to share that an updated LPRA website is launching next week. We will send an email blast and post on Facebook! We are currently in final review. The new site will include a Members Only page featuring exclusive content, important updates, and practical resources tailored specifically to LPRA members. This space is designed to grow with your input.

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and Short‑Term Rentals

On February 10 at the Norfolk County Council in Committee Meeting, a staff report recommendation in favour of a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT ) in principle was approved in a 5 to 4 vote. For details, please go to Simcoe Reformer February 11:

Norfolk councillors approve 4% accommodation tax for overnight stays | Simcoe Reformer

Fast forward to the Regular Council Meeting February 24 the item was pulled for discussion and in a vote of 5-4 the MAT was deferred. Scroll to 4.20 to begin listening to one of three deputations in support of the MAT and then to 45.26 when Council discusses, debates and defers.

Council - February 24, 2026

Norfolk council defers implementation of municipal accommodation tax | Simcoe Reformer

Municipal Elections

October 2026

Everything you need to know about the upcoming municipal election can be found here.

Elections | Norfolk County

Key LPRA Dates to Remember

LPRA Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Rockin’ on the Point

Saturday, August 22, 2026

March Public Open Houses - North Shore Resilience

Sarah Emons, Conservation Director, Long Point Biosphere Region has asked that the following meetings be forwarded to all members.

“Do you live, work or play on the beaches and coast of Lake Erie? There is a growing awareness of the risks posed by extreme weather and climate change on our coast including erosion, loss of infrastructure, homes and natural assets such as coastal wetlands. Join us to learn more about the physical processs shaping our coast, ask questions to technical experts and provide feedback on the issues impacting you and your community,”

March 24 – Birds Canada Headquarters – 15 Front Road, Port Rowan 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm

In Case You Missed It…

Family Fishing Opportunities

Free Fishing

Free fishing weekends are a great way to introduce kids and families to the water. No fishing license required, while still respecting conservation limits.

Upcoming dates:·

Mother’s Day Weekend: May 9 & 10, 2026

Father’s Day Weekend: June 20 & 21, 2026

Boating License Update

January 6, 2026

Transport Canada has updated Pleasure Craft Licensing (PCL) rules. ·

Boat licenses are now valid for 5 years and include a $24 service fee

Changes to boat information or ownership must be reported within 30 days

Older boat licenses (1974 or earlier) must be renewed by March 31, 2026

Important: This applies to your boat license, not your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Full details and renewal deadlines are available from CanBoat.

Watch your Email- Expiring Memberships

Membership renewal notices have been emailed/mailed to all members whose memberships expire in 2026. Check your spam folder for possible email misclassification. If you did not receive a renewal reminder email, you are all paid up for 2026. Kindly forward your membership fees to either P.O. Box 34, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 or etransfer to our NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: info@longpointra.ca (please note: the "p" was dropped from the "rpa" as well as changing from .com to .ca)

Due to bank requirements, it is necessary that members provide a second email to complete the e-transfer with an actual password. Thank you for your continued support of the LPRA and our work for the Long Point community.

Get Involved — Your Voice Matters

The LPRA is powered by its members.

If you are interested in volunteering to serve on the LPRA Board of Directors, please forward your name to info@longpointra.ca prior to our Annual General Meeting on June 13. We are a working group of individuals, all Long Point property owners, who find the roles rewarding.

Share ideas, suggest content for the new website, and contribute your favorite Long Point photos.

info@longpointra.ca

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Long Point Ratepayers' Association | P.O. Box 34 | Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 CA

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