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Before 250 FOCA-members from across the province, attending in person and virtually, LOBA President Wendy Gibson accepted the award on behalf of the Association, and recognized the community effort that helped earn this award. Wendy thanked:
- The joint working group of representatives from LOBA and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, along with hired lawyers and planners,
- The LOBA Board of Directors who monitored progress and supported our participation,
- And most importantly, the LOBA members who supported us with words and donations.
Wendy’s advice to other lake associations was that the best way to protect natural heritage areas or specially valued private property or public lands from development is through formal conservation easements or land trusts rather than relying on official plan policy and zoning which are subject to amendments. Wendy noted that participation in an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal should be a last resort, but if lake associations consider it, they are advised to ensure they have a clear mandate to do so and that having reserve funds enables an association to hire professional consultants and respond quickly to land use planning issues as they arise.
This award could never have been achieved without the support of our members.
Thank you!
The Terry Rees Achievement Award is given annually to a
FOCA-member association and celebrates the successes and best practices of
waterfront communities across Ontario!
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top: photo by Rob Stimpson
above: Wendy Gibson accepts the (newly named) Terry Rees Achievement Award
from FOCA Executive Director, Terry Rees
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