OCTOBER 2025 NEWSLETTER

We Are Back!

The LPRA Communication Team took some time off over the Summer, and although we are all still enjoying summer-like weather conditions at the Point, it's back to work! If you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter, contact info@longpointrpa.com  

Rockin’ on the Point – Fight the Phrag

Rockin’ on the Point started in 2013, and since 2015, all net proceeds have gone towards the eradication of Phragmites. This year, our annual community fundraiser held on August 16 was another success, raising $10,292. after expenses. That means to date, we have now raised a net of approximately $82,000 plus $25,000 in grants.  This year $5179. was raised at our Silent Auction versus $7199. in 2024.  A carved decoy by Joe Kish donated by LPRA Director Rick Levick, fetched $1200.00, which certainly helped the bottom line. 

The day was a scorcher with the sun blazing and the temperatures HOT! The Long Point Lions Club catered the event with bbq’d burgers, fries, etc., and entertainment was provided by the Beach Bash Band, who played a wide variety of Beach Boy hits. Attendees expressed very positive reviews when departing that evening, asking when the next Rockin’ was happening!

To Nate Field, who permits the food wagon on his property, the LPRA board members who volunteered, Eric, Jason, Jim, our go-to ticket sellers, all the helpers, everyone who donated silent auction items, especially those who donate to us without fail, year after year, and those who assisted during the silent auction, thank you. You’re all fantastic, well done! 

We extend our sincere appreciation to Steve Whelan and Barb Sovereign, who have hosted Rockin’ at their property since 2018, excluding two years, during COVID. There are not too many folks who would set aside an entire weekend during the Summer season to accommodate this event. From the delivery of portapotties, erecting and dismantling the tents for both attendees and the band, tables set up in their boathouse, carloads of silent auction items being delivered, and then the arrival of attendees, it’s a lot for anyone. Thank you!  

Thanks to all of the following LPRA members, businesses and others who donated to the Silent Auction. Apologies if someone is missed.

Phragmites

If you wish to help with the continued removal of phragmites, please mail your donations to LPRA, PO Box 34, Port Rowan, ON  N0E 1M0. The LPRA has renewed a phragmites work agreement with the Long Point Biosphere Reserve. If your donation is for $100 or more, a cheque made payable to the Long Point Biosphere Reserve will generate a tax receipt. Otherwise, cheques may be made payable to the LPRA. 



Due to the efforts of many, the phragmites infestation is largely under control, but new growth will reappear. Notify the LPRA (info@longpointrpa.com) if you spot any new growth and include its approximate location. The information will then be forwarded to the appropriate agency to deal with. 

Thanks to the two members who have reported to date.  

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

On September 15, the Ministry of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a memorandum to Public Hospitals and Primary Care, which states in part, “…….recent reports have confirmed the emergence of RMSF in Ontario with two confirmed human cases with compatible clinical presentation and confirmatory laboratory evidence, both with exposure at Long Point, Ontario. Additionally, multiple dogs with a history of travel to the Long Point area were diagnosed with RSMF this summer.”

Please be aware. RMSF can be fatal for both humans and canines. There is one confirmed case from June, of a dog that died while vacationing at Long Point.  It’s the writer’s understanding that regular tick prevention medication does not protect from RMSF. The Grand Erie Health Unit has now posted one RMSF sign at the Woodstock Parkway access. 

The Grand Erie Health Unit – July 25 Bulletin https://hnhu.org/wp-content/uploads/Rocky-Mountain-Spotted-Fever-Fact-Sheet-rev-July-2025.pdf

Simcoe Reformer - September 19 https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/long-point-linked-to-human-cases-of-rocky-mountain-spotted-fever

Memorial Forest Dedication Service

For 33 years, on the third Sunday in September, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) hosts a tree planting ceremony at the Backus Heritage Conservation

Area.

This year was no exception. A brilliant sun and calming breeze set the stage for Pastor Ted Smith to provide comforting words with Brenda Atkinson’s touching musical accompaniments.

Penny Provost-Bondy (owner of Stub’s Grub) and Betty Chanyi, along with 164 others, were honoured by the planting of two white oak saplings in the midst of the vast memorial forest.

The LPRCA ensures only sturdy native trees are planted to enhance and preserve the environment.

This is a wonderful way to commemorate loved ones and provide a lasting legacy to their memory, especially those connected with Long Point. A permanent logbook of all the

celebrated names is kept at the Backus Education Centre.

For information on how to donate please go to:

https://www.lprca.on.ca/forestry-stewardship/memorial-forest/

Facebook

We pride ourselves in communicating with our members in a timely manner on a variety of topics via our Long Point Ratepayers’ Association Facebook site. Our fb is exclusive to LP property owners who are LPRA members. Just click on the fb icon to join. 

Sponsors

Be sure to review our Sponsor page on our website for complete contact information by clicking on the Sponsor business cards below. It’s extremely important that we support local!

We have you pretty much covered. From building construction, renovations, contractors, window replacement/installation, realtors to sell your home, a furniture centre to help after you move in. A company that hauls away your demo material/junk, a highway trailer specialist, a tree service company, a dedicated gift shop, a company to help you with your breathing/home care needs, marinas, take out food and groceries, landscaping to excavation, septic design, and someone to haul your septic away. While this is all happening, you can have Fido or Kitty groomed at our LP groomer.