June 2025 Newsletter

AGM Summary

Our AGM was held on June 12 with 41 members (and with partners, about 63) in attendance. Our meeting attendances are shrinking each year but we still achieve quorum.

2025 AGM President’s Report

Causeway Tree Planting / Landscaping

In short, our understanding was that following the tree removal, NC would be implementing a Causeway landscaping project and we, the LPRA, would be engaged in the planning discussions and possibly contributing to any associated cost. Unfortunately, no meetings / discussions were held with us. NC recently told us that our money would be better spent elsewhere.- if you recall, the motion approved by the membership at last year’s AGM called for up to $15,000 be allocated to this landscaping plan. No monies were exchanged as it appears minimal landscaping will actually happen along the Causeway. As a result, at this AGM we’ll be asking members to approve a new motion, rescinding the $15,000 motion.

Traffic Issues

The back-up along Erie, specifically on nice weather, long weekends at times, can back up all the way from the New Park to Abigail Becker / Austin Parkway, if not worse. Thanks at least part to the Board’s lobbying for answers and solutions to the problem, Ontario Parks advised that for the 2025 season they’re implementing a paperless permit program at LP Provincial Park where visitors are no longer issued paper-based permits for camping or day use visits, which will reduce transaction times for printing at the Park entry. The Park has also partnered with an undisclosed local business on Highway 59 to post signage that will announce when the park is at full capacity. This will be in addition to its social media communication efforts on weekends to provide real time park capacity. The gate arms at Cottonwood (the Old) Park will be permanently removed making access easier and no longer requiring guests or visitors to drive to the new park to register. There is some progress on the summer traffic issue.

Short-Term Rentals (STRs) (e.g. Air BnB’s) in Norfolk County and Long Point

At present, there are no rules, by-laws or even general guidelines on the use of STRs. Apparently, the issue is currently with NC staff, who will propose some form of guidelines to Council for consideration (e.g. # of guests per bedroom, # of bathrooms, holding tank or septic inspection requirements, # of cars in the driveway, etc.) These are the types of guidelines or by-laws other cottage country municipalities have passed. Note that the LPRA Board has not taken any position on being in favour or against; we’re only looking for clarity. We’ll keep members updated on this issue.

Littoral Cell Shoreline Restoration Project

Sarah Emonds (LP World Biosphere Reserve), working with professional engineer and ecologist Peter Zuzek, have partnered with at least 17 LP beach front property owners in the planting of native grasses in an attempt to build up and protect the shoreline and beaches from the significant damage and erosion our high water levels can cause. A good example of this project is at the Austin Pkwy Beach Access.

New Membership Renewal Options

The Board has discussed introducing more membership renewal options (e.g. a 3- or 5-year renewal option). Speaking for myself, I can never remember if my annual membership renewal is due and I always elect for paying for 2 years at a time. The Board wants to gauge the membership’s interest. By a show of hands, how many of you would be interested in a 3-year or 5-year membership renewal option if it was available? [Note – By a show of hands, the majority of LPRA members present were in favour of a one-, three- and five-year membership. We will be working on this item over the next few months for unveiling in 2026.]

Paid Parking Revenues

If you remember at last year’s AGM, the Board promised to try and determine how the parking revenues raised in LP will be ear marked or devoted to LP. I believe that 25% was supposed to be dedicated to the community in which those revenues were raised. Our Councillor, Tom Masschaele, has advised us that any spending decision has not yet been made, but that the net surplus from parking operations for 2022 to 2024, are being held in reserve pending a future staff report which will recommend spending of the funds.

Retiring LPRA Directors

It’s with regret that I announce that two long standing Board members, John Godin (8 years on the Board) and John Henderson (13 years on the Board) have decided to pass the torch and not stand for re-election as both their terms are up. Both have tirelessly donated their time and energy over the years to the Board, making the Board and the LPRA itself better for it.

Our Great Backroom Volunteer

A special shout out to our amazing Carol Mitchell (ex-officio Board member), who has devoted so much of her own time organizing and dealing with membership renewals, sponsorship invoicing, accepting payments, formatting and sending out our monthly newsletters, and other things that I’m sure I’m missing. Carol is here again today to oversee the registration, all despite having moved to St. Thomas. Thanks again, Carol!

In terms of total members, we are one of the largest cottage associations in Ontario at 400 members.

Items from the AGM

The motion in 2024 to donate up to $15,000 towards a proposed Causeway landscaping project was rescinded by voting members.

Rick & Ethel Kerckaert and Al & Darlene Homeniuk, both long-time members of the LPRA, were the winners of the early membership renewal draw. Their memberships have been extended by one year.

A complete set of AGM minutes will be forwarded to the membership once they are approved at our next board meeting.

New LPRA Directors

Welcome to the newly elected Directors John Everett and Rick Levick.

Warning – Tick Transmitted Disease

There have been two canine confirmed reports of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) present at Long Point. One canine was not diagnosed correctly and unfortunately died. Thankfully, a neighbouring property owner’s dog is now recovering from confirmed RMSF, his low platelet count is now back to normal. RMSF happens very quickly, loss of appetite, lethargic, difficulty walking. Check out Dr. Scott Weese, Epidemiologist, University of Guelph, “Worms and Germs blog” for more information and be aware.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ontario | Worms & Germs Blog

Reporting Phragmites Growth

Thanks to the efforts of many, the phragmites infestation is largely under control, but new growth may still appear. Please notify the LPRA (info@longpointrpa.com) if you spot any new growth and include its approximate location.

LPRA Membership Renewal

Four renewal notice reminders have been sent to members over the last 6 months. All good things come to an end, therefore, effective June 30, if you have not renewed, this will be your last newsletter and removal from our LPRA Facebook will follow shortly after. To renew, please etransfer to info@longpointrpa.com $20. for one year, $38. for two years OR contact Karen Deans 519-694-3486 and we will make arrangements to pick up your payment.

Rockin’ on the Point

Our 11^th annual Rockin’ on the Point community fundraiser will be happening on Saturday, August 16, 4 – 7:30 pm. Music sets are scheduled to begin at 4.20 and end at 7 pm. We are hoping for an ‘encore’. The band will be Beach Bash featuring all your Beach Boy favourites.

Tickets are $20 each and will be available for purchase from LPRA Directors, or at 145 Woodstock Ave, or at the door (if not already sold out). The Long Point Lions Club will be on-site to barbeque hot dogs and hamburgers at the event, so please bring your appetite and cash to support them. There will be a Silent Auction. If you have any items to donate, they can be dropped off at 145 Woodstock Ave. Boating/fishing items, tools, candles, wall art, LP memorabilia, board games, new linens, pillows, gift certificates, regifts, you name it, it all sells. Further details to follow via our LPRA Facebook and newsletters. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer at the Silent Auction, please call Karen Deans @ 519 694-3486. Hope to see you there.

Bylaw Department – Complaint Form

One must complete an online form to complete a complaint regarding property standards, noise, parking, signs, fences, animal control, zoning, etc. Your name will remain confidential. Go to for complete details. https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/council-administration-and-government/by-laws-and-policies/by-law-services/

Ontario Provincial Police

Summer is here, and the fun has just begun at Long Point. Periodically, we can have a bad apple or two causing problems on the beach on Crown Land/Public Land abutting private property. The NC bylaw department has no jurisdiction over this portion of land; therefore, you must call the OPP non-emergency at 1-888-310-1122. In case of emergency, please dial 911. The OPP may not respond due to call volumes, but its important issues are reported and recorded.

Who You Going To Call

Everything you need to know and how to contact Norfolk County is summarized on this link. Complaints, comments, work orders you name it, it’s all here. https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/contact/