National Volunteer Week, April 19 to 25

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2026 is Ignite Volunteerism.

It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada.

A Message from LOBA President, Paul Gleeson

This week is National Volunteer Week and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Lake of Bays Association volunteers.  

LOBA was founded in 1927 and is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers. We strive to represent the common interests of seasonal and permanent residents of Lake of Bays. At 1,200 member families, we are the third-largest lake association in Ontario. 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.

Our five areas of focus are:

• Environment
• Development and Land Use Planning
• Government Relations
• Community Engagement
• Association Sustainability and Effectiveness.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers with a wide range of expertise that enable our Board of Directors, Committees, Water Quality Testers and Area Stewards to carry out and execute our mandate. If you would like to participate in achieving positive, impactful benefits for the lake, please consider volunteering in one of the capacities mentioned above. It doesn’t take a lot of time and is a great way to show your support for sustaining Lake of Bays for current and future generations.

It's all about the lake!



left top: Who is the volunteer wizard behind LOBA’s Instagram and Facebook posts? It’s Illoana Smith! Learning as she went, Illoana has significantly enhanced LOBA’s social media presence, while also connecting us with other relevant social media channels. We have over 2000 followers on each site!  

left middle: Big shout out to Kieran Molony for managing LOBA’s Water Quality Testing Program for the last 5 years! A MSc student at University of Guelph, Kieran has been hands on during summer weekends prepping sample kits, assigning test sites, collecting the samples and compiling data for analysis by our consultants. He’s retiring as team lead but will still be helping out as a water tester this summer. Thanks Kieran for setting an excellent example for other student volunteers.Today's volunteers are tomorrow’s leaders!

left bottom: As a professional planner and life-long cottager on Lake of Bays,

Sally Coutts lends invaluable experience to LOBA’s Planning, Development and Government Relations Committee. The PDGR team participates in municipal Official Plan reviews, comments on land use policies and monitors development applications that have lake-wide impacts. Sally’s thoughtful and balanced input is greatly appreciated! Members like Sally who have knowledge and expertise to share, help LOBA fulfill our mission.

middle bottom: For the past 12 years, Daphne Curtis has served as Area Steward along Narrows Road and Bayview Avenue at the Dorset end of the lake, walking her stretch, welcoming new neighbours, and keeping a caring eye on the lake that has given her family so much. Beyond her stewardship role, she has devoted countless hours to the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, bringing the same warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication that she brings to everything she does. Daphne is proof that stewardship isn't just a role, it's a reflection of a life well lived alongside a lake you love.

right bottom: For over five years, Stephan von Buttlar has been a dedicated deep-water testing volunteer. He monitors the health of Haystack Bay, 10 Mile Bay, and the channel between Bigwin Island and the South Shore. His ongoing commitment ensures accurate and timely water data and sampling techniques to contribute to the annual water quality report for the lake.

Thank you Illoana, Kieran, Sally, Daphne, Stephan and

each and every Lake of Bays Association Volunteer!

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.