Mississagua District Cottager’s Association Summer Newsletter – June 29, 2016

Summer Newsletter – June 29, 2016 ...... 1 Swimming Lessons ...... 2 Annual Regatta ...... 2 Water Level Update ...... 2 Mississagua Lake Dam Replacement Update ...... 3 Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park Update ...... 3 County of Peterborough Roads ...... 5 Municipality of Roads ...... 6 City of Roads ...... 6 The Cottage Kit ...... 6 Nuisance Bears ...... 7 Garbage to Garden Program ...... 7 Peterborough Musicfest ...... 7 Drones ...... 8 Shoal Markers & Buoys ...... 8 Wakeboarding and Skurfing...... 10 What is the difference between a Life Jacket and a PFD? ...... 10 MDCA Website Update ...... 13 Volunteers ...... 13 Membership Drive ...... 14 MDCA and CCRAI? ...... 14 MDCA Executive ...... 16 Comments ...... 16 Welcome to the Spring/Summer Newsletter! (OK, Summer Newsletter) We have had input from many sources including Stakeholder Group for the Kawartha Highlands (SGKH); Municipality of Trent Lakes, Cavendish Community Ratepayers Association and Parks Canada

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 1 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association

Swimming Lessons

Little Gull is hosting swimming lessons again this year. There are three different two week sessions:

Session 1 July 5-15, Session 2 July 19-29, Session 3 August 2-12

All sessions run Tuesday to Friday mornings. For more information, click here.

Annual Regatta

We invite everyone out to the annual MDCA Regatta on August 13th. 2016 starting at 1:00 PM at Little Gull Marina. The regatta offers races for all ages and is open to all cottagers on our lake system. Annual membership fees include participation in the regatta.

There has been talk of adding a sailing event to the regatta. If you are interested in participating in this type of event, please email me at [email protected] and let me know what type of craft you have and how many participants would participate.

Water Level Update

(The following update was provided by Cavendish Community Ratepayers Association; used with permission.) We had a relatively warm winter with limited snow accumulation and an early snow melt. The TSW crews began replacing logs in our dam in early March. By the end of the third week of March the lake was about 70% full, several logs were out of the dam and it appeared that there was lots of storage available for spring rainfall events. However extreme rainfall in the last week of March resulted in a rapid rise in lake levels and river flows. In early April lake levels reached a near 25 year high of 2.73 metres above the sill of our dam, just below the 25 year high of 2.74 m recorded in June 2000 and April 1991. The high levels were reached with heavy ice still on the lakes creating a significant risk for ice damage to shorelines and shoreline structures. Several logs were out of the dam in an attempt to relieve high levels with ice resulting in extremely high levels in the river. The new culvert near the Lou Phillips Road bridge was able to pass the waterflow and the road washout of 2014 was not repeated. TSW maintained the maximum possible flow at the dam to relieve the high levels without any damage. High water levels in March and April 2016 were not restricted to the Mississagua Lake Chain, or even to the Upper Trent Basin. There was flooding and significant ice damage

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 2 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association across a wide area including the Muskoka lakes where several boathouses were destroyed by ice. The principal cause for the high water levels was heavy rain. The Haliburton monitoring station recorded 171mm of precipitation in March or 238% of the 72mm monthly average, and 73mm of the total fell in the last 5 days of the month. At the Parks Canada precipitation gauge just downstream of our Mississagua Dam recorded 112mm in the final 8 days of March, including 52mm on the 30th and 31st.At the time of writing this note on May 17th the levels on our lakes have come down to near normal for this time of year

Note*: At the CCRAIs most recent meeting (June 25, 2016), Ted Spence (CCRAI Board Director and CEWF Chair) gave an excellent update to the above. Essentially, we haven’t had much rain recently and we should be prepared for an earlier draw down on our lakes.

Mississagua Lake Dam Replacement Update

Also at the CCRAI meeting Darryl Whitehead of Parks Canada updated the status of the new dam to be built on Mississagua Lake*. The new dam will be built immediately next to the existing dam on the south side. The new dam will retain the 3 chute, 8 stop log format. The stepped profile will also be kept to preserve the heritage look of the existing dam. Finally, the height of the walkway will be increased for safety and the overall height of the dam will be lowered for efficacy Construction will require a staging area to be cleared immediately to the west of the concrete walkway. The new dam will be built in phases: • Clear the staging area and access • Build new concrete wings to new dam structure • Build coffer dam around chutes 1 & 2 while chute 3 remains in operation • Build new chutes 1 & 2 • Remove coffer dam around chutes 1 & 2 • Build coffer dam around chute 1 while either chute 2 or 3 becomes operational • Build new chute 1 • Remove old dam

The tender is expected to be issued in August with construction beginning in September. *Note: the design is still in the preliminary stage. There is still some environmental work to be done and then the final design. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park Update

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 3 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association A meeting of the Stakeholder Groups of the Kawartha Highlands was held on April 18, 2016. The following notes are extracted from the minutes of that meeting.

• The Park Superintendent started by highlighting his Team is busy getting ready for another Park Camping Season. He introduced the new Acting Park Biologist • In 2015 there were 22,000 Camper Nights ... up from the 20,000 in 2014. He mentioned it will probably now level off at 22,000. • There are many requests for ‘Hike-To’ sites but that is probably not going to happen for some time. It involves many steps through the ‘Park Management Plan’ for consideration (examples: no compromising the ecological integrity of the Park; the environmental & social capacity; does it measure up to the “Values” criteria in the Park Mgt. Plan; impacts on shorelines; 100 metre buffer zone around private property & LUPs’; no new campsites on naturally producing lake trout lakes; and, so-on). The Park Superintendent will keep the SGKH up-to-date on the ‘Hike-To’ campsite developments and ‘vet’ everything through the SGKH. • The Park Superintendent mentioned that the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park (KHPP) Stewardship Committee formed in June 2014 has held several educational events including a very successful “Water Testing Seminar/ Workshop” – May 9th, 2015 in partnership with the Lakes Association (NORKLA). Through that event and the networking it provided, a relationship developed with Dr. Paul Frost, Aquatics at Trent University whereby Trent Students worked with Travis Cameron through the summer doing extensive water testing in many Park Lakes to compare results with similar testing that was done in the ‘70’s. Further, Trent is hosting a ‘Research Day’ on April 28th to bring Faculty and Park Staff/Stewardship Committee together to discuss research needs in the Park. Norma Houle, Mississauga/Gold Lakes Cottagers’ Road Group asked if she could get the reports from this testing. • Travis continued to do Turtle awareness education with Township/County grading of the Fire Roads in the Park. Again last year he had a volunteer group that monitored Turtle Eggs with many being incubated into snapping turtles and returned to their original habitat for release. Over 200 spectators (many children) watched the release. • Travis did guided hikes in the Park. The Buckhorn Trail Association Volunteers worked with the KHPP Stewardship Committee to create a 1.5km. ‘Interpretive Trail’ off Hwy. 36 just north of Buckhorn at the southwest corner of the Park along the Mississagua River. It was officially opened on Oct. 3rd last year. There is an initiative formulating to create an interpretive trail on the east side off Anstruther Lake Road at the Looncall Lake access parking lot. • Travis last year did skink and hog nose snake mapping habitat on rock barrens and bat surveys. He also led lake trout genetics testing on Bottle, Sucker & Anstruther Lakes (how much genetic strain is still there). The south end of the Park has some alvare vegetation which is rare in south/central . • The Park Superintendent is continuing to implement the Park Mgt. Plan Parking Strategy for expansion at the Anstruther Lake Access and Gold Lake (Beaver

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 4 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association Lake Rd.) access. He will be moving forward with public consultation this summer. Les Holroyd, Ratty’s Narrows Road Assoc. raised the concern that when Ontario Parks/MNR use ‘Crown Land’ for parking lots it allows the public to park free and can overload the area with ‘Day Users’. He feels the Gold Lake/Beaver Rd. access which is Crown Land has had a major impact on the capacities of Gold Lake and its property owners. • New Boat Caches are being requested and The Park Superintendent mentioned it could result in ‘Quotas’. He will again, ‘vet’ this through the SGKH.

County of Peterborough Roads

Buckhorn

Figure 1: Looking south from Trent Lakes side The work to repair the Buckhorn causeway on County Rd. 23 is well underway. The traffic management plan involves new stop lights which control access in the single lane section of construction. However, there is a flaw in this plan where cars going north are getting trapped on the bridge during a light change. This is the result of the stoplight and traffic lane designations at the intersection of County Rds. 23 and 36 (the liquor store turn). A suggested temporary re-designation of turn lanes and through lanes has been passed on to the County Roads Department.

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Figure 2: Looking North from Selwyn Township Stories of people waiting for upwards of an hour have been reported. Please plan on needing extra time. Peterborough

There are also potential delays coming north on Highway 115. The bridges over the and the railway underpass just north of the Otonabee are both restricted to one lane. These lanes are very narrow. Please be careful. Municipality of Trent Lakes Roads

There are no big projects planned this year. Regular maintenance and resurfacing projects are scheduled. Putting down hard tack surface treatment on Mississagua Lake Rd (about 2.4 km) and Baldwin Bay Rd. (about 1.2 km) are planned for August

City of Kawartha Lakes Roads

The bridge on County Rd. 36 north of the lights in Bobcaygeon is also under construction. Allow extra time if you are travelling through Bobcaygeon. Again, stories of people waiting for upwards of an hour have been reported. The Cottage Kit

The Municipality of Trent Lakes has put together a “Cottage Kit” for those who rent out their cottage. The Kit includes: • A One-Time Waste Disposal Pass • A clear garbage bag • A blue recycling bag

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 6 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association • A sturdy bag for fibers • An information package for renters Nuisance Bears

Although there have been increased sightings of bears in our area, there has not been a significant increase of nuisance bears. For more information on how to deal with nuisance bears contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-866-514-2327.

Also, although the County advocates composting using a digester type composter, composters have been known to attract nuisance animals including bears.

Remember to keep all waste in secure containers and do not leave smelly waste outdoors overnight.

Garbage to Garden Program

Peterborough County has a program called “Garbage to Garden”. Environmental Services will come out to your property and install either a composter or digester you have purchased from the County or Municipality. They will also give you a tutorial on best composting practices and an information package. If you are interested, please call the County office at (705) 775-2737. Peterborough Musicfest

Peterborough Musicfest is a free admission musical/entertainment program held at Del Crary Park in the City of Peterborough. This year’s lineup includes:

• June 25 Serna Ryder • June 29 Kiefer Sutherland Band • July 1 Power House (Chicago Tribute) • July 2 I Mother Earth • July 6 Gowan • July 9 Sultans of String • July 13 Hey Rosetta • July 16 The Reklaws and Cold Creek County

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 7 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association • July 20 Union City and Gentlemen Husbands • July 23 The Box • July 27 Whitehorse • July 30 The Last Waltz • August 3 MacArthur Clark & Meghan Patrick • August 10 Jocelyn Alice & Ria Mae • August 13 Classic Album Live (Fleetwood Mac Rumours) • August 17 Hotel California: Eagles Tribute • August 20 Platinum Blonde • August 24 High Valley

Drones

This is sure to become a future issue on our lake system. As a pre-emptive strike against potential lawlessness, I think we should make an effort to agree on the following principles:

• Drones should not be used to invade other cottagers’ privacy • Drones should not be used to interfere with other cottager’s peaceful enjoyment of their cottage • Drones should be operated well within their operable and controllable range • Drones should not be used where they can become a hazard to others safety (e.g. interfering, whether intentional or not, with boating, swimming, etc.) • Drones should be used only under adult supervision • Drones should not be used to annoy, chase or otherwise harass wildlife.

Shoal Markers & Buoys

Much has been made of the potential liability of putting out markers to identify hazards in our lake.

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 8 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association Traditionally, cottager’s have marked hazards close to their own properties. The MDCA (unofficially) only puts out one marker for Gull Rock. This is an older marker with triangular markings. A new flashing beacon was installed about 4 years ago to replace the highway style emergency flashers which required multiple battery replacements each year.

Some other local associations put out markers but not all. Further, the quality and security of placement lead much to be desired (e.g. one year colored channel markers were reversed). One association uses orange balls but I am not sure if they are marking a channel or a general hazard.

Other noticeable markers which are put out each year by cottagers are red and green channel markers at the north end sandbar (going upstream towards Little Gull Marina) as well as at the entrance to the Catchacoma Narrows. “Javex” bottle style markers dot the lake. These mark either a water hazard such as a rock or a shoal or could simply mark a cottager’s waterline.

In the end, if you put a marker out, you should probably follow these guidelines:

• It marks an actual hazard, channel, or safe passage • It is obvious what it is for (e.g. hazard, channel, information, etc.)

• It is well constructed • It is properly placed • It is well anchored • It is well maintained • It is properly marked

ALL THAT BEING SAID, boaters are responsible for the safe operation of their vessel. This includes being aware of hazards. As a general rule, cottagers are reminded to stay well away from shore when travelling about our lake system as well as staying away

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 9 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association from travelling between islands and shore. KEEP IN MIND, even following this rule may lead to trouble. As the lake level is drawn down more hazards arise where it was once safe.

MDCA has been experimenting with marker designs with a proper waterproof hazard label and has come up with a model that meets the above guidelines. If you would like one made, please email [email protected].

Wakeboarding and Skurfing

The popularity of wakeboarding and skurfing* increases every year. While obviously a lot of fun, these activities have some unintended consequences for those not participating – namely, excessive wakes. The large wakes created by wakeboarders and skurfers can be a danger to other boats and cause damage to docks and shorelines. But, it is not just boats and docks that are at risk. These activities, if occurring too close to shore, can cause a three foot (3’) wave to come ashore at alarming speeds. This can easily knock a small child off balance and hurt them (or worse). So please, if you are having fun and wakeboarding on our lakes, stay as far away from shore as possible to allow your wake to subside.

Note*: Skurfing is the sport of surfing down the front of the wake wave without a rope. To be successful, the wave needs to be a certain height. It is a very dangerous activity. If the “tow” boat must stop quickly or steer into the direction of the skurfer, the skurfer could be seriously injured either by colliding with the tow boat or falling into the propeller.

What is the difference between a Life Jacket and a PFD?

(The following is an edited version of an article on ACEBOATER.com, an online boating exam site; used with permission) Life Jackets

A Transport Canada approved standard lifejacket, when worn properly, is designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up in the water, allowing them to breathe. The standard lifejacket is keyhole style and comes in two sizes - one for people who weigh over 40 kg (90 lbs), and one for those who weigh less than 40 kg (90 lbs).

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 10 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association Key elements of a Canadian standard life jacket are: • The keyhole (i.e. over the head) style • They are either red, yellow or orange • They have reflective tape or markings • They have a whistle • They have both a keyhole and waist strap • They have a Transport Canada approval (not a US DOT approval)

Fitting a Life Jacket

As general rules of thumb: • Read the information panel and make sure you are using the proper weight class • Place the life jacket over your head. Make sure the straps are at the front • Secure the keyhole and waist straps • The straps should be snug but not overly tight. The keyhole strap should be lower than your mouth. If the strap covers your mouth, the life jacket is too small • Have someone pull up on the life jacket. If it comes off, it is too big. If it rises and obstructs your mouth or nose, the life jacket is too big • A Life Jacket must be worn loose to allow the water to flow under it in order to turn you face up.

PFDs

PFD means Personal Flotation Device. PFDs are available in a wide range of approved types, sizes and colours. While PFDs are more comfortable than lifejackets because they are designed for constant wear, they do not offer the same level of protection as life jackets. You must have at least one approved PFD for each person onboard. When buying a Personal Flotation Device, look for a Transport Canada approval stamp or label. The PFD must be of an appropriate size for each individual (i.e. you must have a PFD that fits each person on your boat). During a nautical excursion it must be available and within reach at all times on board the pleasure craft. Specific PFDs

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 11 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association Specific personal flotation devices exist for many different sports such as in kayak, canoeing, fishing, sailing, etc. When you purchase a PFD, choose the model that is the most appropriate for the activity to be practiced. Personal Flotation Devices for Infants

It is important that an infant wear a PFD that corresponds to his/her size and weight. An infant can easily lose a PFD that is too big. On the other hand, a PFD that is too small will not ensure proper floatation, and in both cases, the infant is at risk and may drown. The personal flotation devices should be snug fitting, yet allow freedom of movement of arms and legs. Approved PFDs types?

There are two approved types of personal flotation devices:

1. Inherently buoyant PFDs which have buoyancy capabilities due to their construction from unicellular foam or macro cellular elements; 2. Inflatable PFDs, which are fitted with an oral inflation device and a manually activated CO2 inflation system. Note: Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on children, kayaks or white water.

Fitting a PFD

As general rules of thumb:

1. If you can’t make your life jacket fit snugly, then it is too big. 2. If you can’t comfortably put it on and fasten it, it is too small. 3. To ensure a snug fit, have someone pull up on the shoulders of your lifejacket while you are wearing it; your chin, head and neck should not slip through.

PFD's Floatability

Make it a habit to periodically check the floatability of your PFD. The PFD must offer a sufficient degree of floatability to allow it to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water and be able to maintain this position until the person is rescued. Life Jacket or PFD Expiry Dates

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 12 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association There is no expiry date for a PFD or lifejacket, but the Transport Canada approval becomes void if it has been damaged, repaired or altered; therefore, it is no longer usable and must be replaced. This measure may seem somewhat extreme, but one must be made aware that no control method exists to verify the quality of the repair or of the alteration. A repair or an alteration may compromise the floatability of the PFD and consequently, approval by Transport Canada is no longer valid.

Many pleasure craft operators neglect to care properly for their Life Jackets and PFDs. Some people use their PFDs as a cushion in the pleasure craft. Others use them as fenders to protect the hull while the craft is docking. The material inside the PFD that ensures the floatability could break-up and the external shell could become torn. Please be careful, it could save a life someday! MDCA Website Update

Work continues on the MDCA website.

We now have a real web site developer taking on this responsibility.

The focus of the site will be on topics relating to cottaging and social interactions for MDCA members. The web services will include typical listings such as a bulletin board, a business directory and activities page among others. But what we hope will make it popular is by giving each function a social feature (where feasible). For instance, business listings will have a section for members to recommend or rate businesses. The “Events Activities” section might allow members to recommend or rate an event or activity (e.g. the yearly fireworks event, local exhibitions and fairs such as the Peterborough Ex or the Kinmount Fair) and have more detail for events such as are there activities for teens, pre-teens, toddlers, seniors; or where to park; or can you bring outside food?

Ideally we would also have features which answer questions cottagers’ have expressed in the past (e.g. what restaurants are open late on Sundays; is this store open on Sundays or Holidays?)

It will be a work in progress. It will start out as a free site but will move to a paid site (membership fee) once the bugs are worked out. Volunteers

We are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help out in any way, please let us know. I can be reached at 416-873-8164 or [email protected]. Hopefully we can get a few volunteers to help with the website. We are specifically looking for

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 13 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association two volunteers to help with a) web content - posting new information, archiving old information, and making sure content is up to date; and b) managing memberships.

The first volunteer position could be filled by a high school student looking for volunteer credit or a resume booster. The second position could be held by anyone 18+. Membership Drive

Do you know a teenager with time to spare this summer? If so, we may have a small job for them canvassing for members. In the past, we have sent out teens in pairs to go around the lake and canvass new members. They are paid a fee for each member they sign up. They can do a walk around on a designated road or do the same by boat. They need to be supervised by an adult. If your teenager is interested, contact [email protected]

MDCA and CCRAI?

CCRAI, the Cavendish Community Ratepayers Association (Inc.). Why should I join it as well as MDCA? We get this question a lot. While there is some overlap between the two groups (and with road associations for some) there are things each group does better. The following table summarizes each organization’s priorities.

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Priorities MDCA CCRAI Incorporated No Yes Insured No Yes Supporting Role to CCRAI on Taxation Issues ✓ (Lead) a case by case basis Supporting Role to CCRAI on Land Use Planning ✓ (Lead) a case by case basis Supporting Role to CCRAI on Resource Development ✓ (Lead) a case by case basis Supporting Role to CCRAI on Municipal Services ✓ (Lead) a case by case basis Supporting Role to CCRAI on County Issues ✓ (Lead) a case by case basis Stakeholders Group for 2 CCRAI Directors are Past President is Co-Chair Kawartha Highlands Members

Community Safety Supporting Role to CCRAI ✓ (Lead) FOCA Member Lapsed ✓ CCRAI Director is Chair of CEWF Supporting Role to CCRAI CEWF Water Levels ✓ ✓ (Lead) Water Quality ✓ ✓ (Lead) Water Hazards ✓ (Limited) × Interactive Social Site Website Static Information Site Only (Under Development) Newsletters ✓ ✓ ✓ Annual Meeting ✓ (Informal at Regatta) Regatta ✓ × Social Events ✓ (Part of Web Site Plan) × Activities TBD ✓ (Topical Meetings)

Summer Newsletter 2016 Page 15 of 17 Mississagua District Cottager’s Association MDCA Executive

We are looking for some people to step up and take leadership positions with the MDCA. There are some things we could do or improve doing if we had a full executive, like:

1. Incorporate 2. Rejoin FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations) 3. Get insurance for putting out markers 4. Strengthen our voice 5. Increase our sense of community.

Comments

As always, comments and suggestions are more than welcome. Please use the following contact information to send me your concerns:

Email: [email protected] Cottage*: 705-657-8363 Cell*: 416-873-8164

* You can leave a message at either number.

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