VOLUME 34 • NUMBER 1 PUBLISHED BY THE WHITESHELL COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION INC. • WWW.WHITESHELLCOTTAGERS.COM APRIL 2015

Open Le�er its land assessments current, provides no excuse to punish co�agers with a To the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship flawed assessment scheme and rent increases that are illegal and outlandish From the Whiteshell Co�agers Association Inc. by your own Rentalsman’s standards. We have done our own homework and presented your ministry with a fair-minded proposal that accepts the raises March 27, 2015 that have already been imposed, but asks for these rates to be held in place Dear Minister Mackintosh, until a long-term solution can be worked out in partnership. Your reaction to Beginning early in March, co�agers in Manitoba’s Provincial Parks began this opportunity “to work cooperatively with stakeholders to find an afford- receiving their annual invoices for park district service fees and ground rent able solution” was to reject it out of hand. for their leased properties. Since then, the Whiteshell Co�ager’s Association Mr. Minister, you have severely misjudged the character of Manitoba’s cot- has been inundated with angry messages from co�agers, berating your Min- tagers. We are ordinary citizens from all walks of life, teachers, tradesmen, istry and asking what defense our association can provide against these bills, hydro fieldworkers, painters, union members, civil servants; a great many of which are seen by our membership as predatory. us are senior or retired citizens on fixed incomes. We regret that while your Mr. Minister, we knew what was coming, and we have been working hard government a�empts to curry the favour of seniors with the school tax rebate, and diligently with your staff in the Parks Branch, hoping to find some com- you selectively single out those seniors who happen to be co�agers in provin- mon ground that might have allowed for an agreeable solution to what we cial parks, and threaten them with the loss of their beloved family co�ages. see as disproportionately large and improperly implemented fee and rental Your effort to squeeze more tax revenue from “the likes of the Nygaards” increases. of the province (your very words, Mr. Minister) is insulting and frightening We were under the impression that progress was being made, and that a to low to modest income co�agers whose dream of affordable co�aging is be- sustainable compromise agreement could be reached. Apparently however, ing sha�ered by taxes and fees as high as $7500 per year! Co�agers are not you rejected this agreement, and in the end, showed no willingness to com- fooled by the offer of a temporary cap, in part because the terms of this cap promise and enter into a new and invigorated partnership with your major keep changing, and especially since you refuse to remove the language of the stakeholders in the Parks; i.e. co�agers. regulations that prescribe these high rates. And don’t forget those icons of the Yet your message on the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship NDP who encouraged the dream of co�agers in the first place. Perhaps you website proclaims your dedication to cooperation with stakeholders and to should consult with former premier Gary Doer, to help you understand what providing affordable access to the Manitoba Parks System. family co�aging means to ordinary Manitobans. (As described by a respected “Our website outlines how we manage and protect the province’s environ- member of your own party, (Winnipeg Free Press, 3/17/2015) “Doer himself ment... working cooperatively with.... stakeholders.... providing affordable liked to talk about a Manitoba where everyone could own a home and a cot- recreational opportunities. Our parks are among the most affordable in the tage. The message wasn’t “tax the rich,” it was “grow the middle class.” And country.” (www.gov.mb.ca/cws/minister) they did”.) Our position on the financial aspects of your new “Building the Parks Strat- We think the NDP should be protecting the dreams of ordinary Manitobans, egy” is simple. We have been consistent in our agreement to pay our fair share not squashing them. of park district service fees; but we have also insisted that you follow your own Finally, Mr. Minister, we are very much aware of how the relationship be- rules (the Parks Act) in their implementation. Your department’s failure to keep tween Parks and Co�agers throughout the province has suffered because of your fees up to date, as you claim, does not give you the right to increase these past, festering disputes. We have canvassed all of the co�age owner associa- fees without the consultation required by the Parks Act. Despite our strenuous tions in the Provincial Parks, and we are confident that they will march arm in effort to find common ground on this issue, your Ministry remains adamant; no arm with us. Our initial hope was to find common ground with you through compromises, no discussion, no transparency. You are trying to raise these fees discussion and negotiation, and to begin a new chapter of partnership for with the same lack of due process and consideration for Manitoba citizens that Parks Management and Parks stakeholders through the province. You talk the your government showed with the increase in the PST. Who will be next? You talk about partnership, yet your unwillingness to “walk the walk” by turning keep repeating your mantra; “co�agers will only pay service fees for services your back on negotiation and compromise and sticking to a rigid and mis- that they consume”. Yet when faced with evidence to the contrary from your guided approach, leaves co�agers no option but to escalate the dispute. We own data, your answer is silence. For example, you have never explained why regret this escalation, but you have provided us with no other choice. In the co�agers are paying for developments like sewage lagoons, campground Wi- hope of rekindling the spirit of fairness, we remain open to restarting these Fi, water treatment facilities which are not intended for their use, and for some critical negotiations with your department, but the ball is in your court. I look cases, which co�agers are not even allowed to use! forward to your reply in this very urgent ma�er. We are puzzled and outraged by your lack of concern for ordinary Manito- bans in your decision to raise the ground rents for co�agers to unrealistic and Sincerely, unsustainable levels. By what reasonable standard should co�agers be facing Daniel Klass what amounts to a $7500 annual tax for 3 months of access to a co�age with President virtually no services? The failure of your department, over the years, to keep Whiteshell Co�agers Association Inc. Now is IN THIS ISSUE ... the time to join ENVIRONMENT CONTEST 4 2015 PHOTO CONTEST 15

the WCA GREEN TEAM SUMMER JOBS 5 LAKE YACHT CLUBS 19

See Page 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 8 LAKE REPORTS 18-30 for PIPELINE A THREAT? 8 WHAT’S COOKING? 22-23 details DIRECTORS BANQUET 12 A WHITESHELL EXPERIENCE 25

Publication Agreement No. 40009463 2 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

21 APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 3

President’s Report

By Daniel Klass, WCA President

PART ONE: Dateline March 22 difficult because of the harsh realities have wri�en this report right at the of a legal ba�le. This is what the Min- Idrop-dead date for publication in ister has forced upon us. the first Echo of 2015. I have delayed Our decision to move forward with writing because the “negotiation” we our legal and public relations respons- are having with Parks Branch is not yet es to the Ministry’s tax grab was not concluded, and the outcome remains taken lightly. We have been very ac- unclear. The very fact that we are still tive in ge�ing our house in order and talking, as of March 22, suggests the in do�ing the i’s and crossing the t’s possibility of satisfactory resolution of of our legal position. As I am sure you our dispute with the NDP government. are all aware, taking the Government Hurry Summer! But the opposite is also the possible to court is not a step to be taken light- Photo above by Kristin Bender of Jessica Lake was the First Prize case; we may just be at the beginning ly, and we have both tried to avoid it winner in the Action Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers of a long and dragged out legal affair. as well as weighing all other options Association Photo Contest. For details and entry form for this In the past few weeks, the latest in- carefully. year’s contest, with more than $700 in prizes, see page 15. voices from Government have been One of the issues we have consid- delivered and co�agers are alarmed ered is the high cost of legal engage- Administration of the WCA may have seemed irrel- and angry to see the second of a series ment and the associated public and One of the best things that has hap- evant to many co�agers, whose com- of increases in service fees and lease government relations campaigns. But pened to WCA in the past year is the mitment to the park was largely felt as rates. The anger against government we needn’t remind you that the stakes hiring of our new Administrator. Ken an escape from the politics of the real and the Parks Branch is fully justified. are high. Co�agers will certainly lose Sommer came out of early retirement world. But now, the real world has The Park District Service Fee increase heavily financially if we remain pas- to save our skins! He brings a wealth come to the Whiteshell, and unless we has proceeded despite the failure of the sive. Over the next seven years, the of solid business experience to the job challenge the government effectively, Ministry to provide the level of con- average difference between what the and has proved himself to be a great many of us will be uprooted from the sultation, service review and financial Government is currently planning to problem solver for us...and goodness Park! Gary Kennedy, our Vice Presi- transparency demanded by the Parks extract from us in fees and leases and knows we have had a lot of problems dent, is also our Membership Commit- Act. In other words these increases what we have tried to negotiate as a thrown at us! tee leader, and with his energy and have been illegally imposed. While fair compromise amounts to tens of Provincial Partner conviction we look forward to seeing they account for only a small part of thousands of dollars each for the av- Organizations you all as contributing members. the overall increase in our invoices, erage co�ager. In that context, if you We have come to understand the im- Here’s my challenge for you all in they signify to co�agers the degree to think that the cost of our taking on this portance of solidarity in our struggles the next weeks before our AGM. First which this government fails to respect ba�le is high, just focus on the cost of with the Provincial Ministry of Conser- have a good look at your recent in- the public and follow the law. our not taking it on by simply accept- vation. While almost half of co�agers in voice. Painful though it may be, proj- The dramatic increase in lease rates ing the Minister’s decision to tax us provincial parks are in the Whiteshell, ect out to the next seven years, and that the Ministry is demanding repre- beyond the limit of our ability to pay. there are almost another 3,000 co�ag- calculate the amount of money the sent nothing but a highly regressive I want also to bring all members up ers sca�ered in many smaller parks province will be charging you for oc- wealth tax; being indiscriminately ap- to speed on a range of other activities across our vast province. They have all cupancy of the land on which your plied to all co�agers, including low or we have been engaged in. been hit by the same unfair processes co�age sits. If you are happy with fixed income individuals, seniors and Public Relations as we have. Yet many of them have no that...so be it. If not, please join us in retirees. In parallel with our legal initiatives, organized voice. We have been work- our campaign, So the policy that the Minister has we have engaged a local strategic ing to forge a united group of provin- Join the Association explained as being directed at the communications advisor, a firm that cial park co�age owners associations, ● Register on our website. Urge “likes of the Nygaards...” mainly will has a wealth of experience in working so that there is a group that can speak your neighbours to do the same. victimize large numbers of ordinary with private organizations like ours with authority for all provincial park ● Bring yourselves up to date on the co�agers, who are being faced with who are in conflict with government co�agers. Ron Smith, our President unfair plans the government has laid. the necessity of selling co�ages that policy. Our efforts in this direction Elect is leading the charge in herding ● Get busy and write your MLA, have been in families for generations. were on hold while promising discus- as many as 12 Provincial Park Co�age Minister Mackintosh and Premier What can the Minister possibly mean sions were ongoing, but we have now Owners Associations into a common Selinger to express your views, or bet- when he talks about maintaining af- commi�ed to proceed on this front. fold and we hope to have an exciting ter, plan to visit your MLAs in their fordable co�aging while at the same Website announcement to make on this front at constituency offices to be sure they time demanding lease rates of over You should all be aware of the major our AGM. know your views. $7,500 per year? He is driving many face lift and reactivation that has been Membership Commi�ee We will help you in all of these ac- modest income residents out of the given to the WCA website. We contin- It is also important that we make tivities. Our membership needs to be provincial parks! And of course we ue to work to improve our members sure that every eligible co�age owner galvanized to prove to the govern- know that the privileged few, toward experience on this site, and to make in the Whiteshell Park is an active par- ment that they are taking a very un- whom the government has suppos- it a major voice of the organization. ticipant in our activities, especially at popular stance. edly directed this ill-advised policy, Please all register at www.whiteshell- a time like this, but also to maintain See you at the AGM! We think you’ll are the very people who will be least co�agers.com! You will make Sha- our momentum for the future. We un- enjoy the proceedings at the brand troubled by the thought of an annual ron, Kristin, Angela and Deborah (to derstand that until now, the activities new Club Regent Casino Theater. tax of $7,500 on vacation property. name a few contributors to the They will be the ones ready to buy up new website) feel proud of their co�ages at fire-sale prices! achievements! Former Premier Gary Doer had a Lake Levels be�er idea, and represented the best We had already begun to make of the NDP philosophy, when he de- progress in discussions with Parks clared that all Manitobans deserve to in areas such as the Management own their own home and their own of Lake Levels. Under the lead- co�age! ership of Alan Roberts, our own PART TWO: Dateline March 26 Lake Level Management Subcom- Only a few days have passed since I mi�ee has been including gov- began to write this President’s Report, ernment officials from MIT and but there has been lots of water under MB Conservation in productive the bridge since then. To our deep discussions that should prevent regret, the Minister has slammed the the massive loss of docks that oc- door on what seemed like a promising curred in last year’s flooding. Ser�ing the Whiteshell negotiation. We saw in the negotiation As you all know, it was Park’s both a way out of the financial trap failure to draw down the high and sur�ounding areas that many co�agers had been placed levels of water in the fall of 2013 in, and also a promising beginning that precipitated the flooding to a new and improved relationship of last spring and summer. We between co�agers and Parks Branch. continue to hope that an inclu- While we hope we can maintain cor- sive communication process dial relationships with parks branch will prevent further disasters officers, we fear that this will prove like that one. 4 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Turn in 35 2015 Poachers — Report Forest Fires — Call 1-800 782- 0076 www.whiteshellcottagers.com

The Whiteshell Echo is published by the Whiteshell Cottagers Association Incorporated The WCA Environment Committee

President Contest Daniel Klass

President Elect For APRIL Ronald S. Smith Question: Vice President Garry Kennedy Only _____% (fill in the Treasurer Tom Cutts blank) of the world’s water supply is usable, 97% is oceans and 2% is frozen (for now). Past President Tom Walker (Hint: The answer appears somewhere in this

2015 Membership Fee $2535 issue of the Whiteshell Echo.) Send address changes to 1975 Corydon Ave. Suite 2D Prize for the winner is A Winnipeg, MB R3P 0R1 Phone/Fax 1 (204) 487-0556 0 Canadian Tire gift card Email $5 [email protected] (see form above) E-MAIL YOUR ANSWER TO Echo Committee Bruce Wagg Co-chair [email protected] Sharon Philp Co-chair Glenda Peacock Teresa Lopata OR MAIL IT TO: Margaret Kent Ida Reichardt WHITESHELL COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION Karen Kaplen Dawne Kepron 2D-1975 CORYDON AVE. Joann Shields Articles in the Echo are not WINNIPEG, MB official statements of the WCA unless indicated. The Echo is published five times R3P 0R1 a year and mailed in the first week of April, June, August, One name will be drawn from those October and December. entries with correct answers. You must Next Issue be a current WCA member to win. Contest June 2015 Deadline: May 1, 2015 closes April 30, 2015 at 10 P.M. All entries must include your full name, Editor address and telephone number as well as your James Buchok lake, block and lot number. Phone: (204) 831-7274 Email: Winner agrees to have his or her name published in the next edition of [email protected] The Whiteshell Echo. www.whiteshellcottagers.com Publication Agreement 40009463 APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 5 Join The Whiteshell Green Team! Summer Job Opportunities For Youth In The Whiteshell f you are aged 16-24 and enjoy nie and Nutimik Lake. These posi- You can also receive an applica- Iworking outdoors, meeting new These positions are tions are perfect for those wishing tion form by contacting Adam people and learning new skills, perfect for those pursuing to pursue post-secondary educa- Collicu�, Senior Park Interpreter we have the perfect opportunity natural sciences/biology, tion and careers in trades such as at Adam.Collicu�@gov.mb.ca. For for you! Manitoba Conservation carpentry, mechanics and equip- more information, contact Adam and Water Stewardship is looking history/geography, ment operators. by email or call 204-369-3157. for energetic, self-motivated youth education or tourism. Experience is not necessary for Deadlines for applications is to apply for the Green Team pro- either type of position (all you May 1, 2015. Please note that sub- gram. The Green Team is an ex- presentations. Interpretive Assis- need is a valid driver’s license) and mi�ing an application does not cellent opportunity for youth to tant positions are available at the on the job training is provided. guarantee you will be offered an learn employable skills and can Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary in Application forms are available interview. Number of positions of- be the first stepping stone for fu- Rennie, the Whiteshell Natural at Conservation offices at Falcon fered is dependent upon budget- ture careers in park interpretation, History Museum at Nutimik Lake Lake, Rennie and Seven Sisters. ary approval. maintenance/trades and natural and the Whiteshell Fish Hatch- resource management. ery at West Hawk Lake. These There are two types of Green positions are perfect for those Team positions – Interpretive As- wishing to pursue post-sec- sistants and Park Maintenance. ondary education and careers Green Team Interpretive Assis- in the natural sciences/biolo- tants help operate and maintain gy, history/geography, teach- the interpretive centres/museums ing/education or tourism. in the park. Under supervision Green Team Maintenance of the Senior Park Interpreter, a positions help to maintain the typical day includes duties such campgrounds, trails and day as greeting and interacting with use areas in the park. Under visitors and providing park in- supervision of the Park Works formation, as well as conducting Supervisor, a typical day in- regular cleaning of the centre/mu- cludes duties such as cut- seum. The Interpretive Assistants ting/trimming grass, cleaning will also on occasion help the Park campsites, trail clearing, and Interpreters with the delivery of painting buildings and signs. school programs and park pro- Green Team Maintenance po- grams, including guided walks, sitions are available at Falcon campfire talks and amphitheatre Lake, West Hawk Lake, Ren- 6 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

June Phillips Honourary Director and Past Echo Editor une Phillips of Brere- was just a newsle�er active today. After she visible from the origi- Jton Lake passed away with information about resigned as Chair, she nal co�age, but over the peacefully on February annual picnics and other remained involved; she years, trees and brush 28, 2015. She was a long events. and her husband Allan were cut back (with a time co�ager, Lake Di- She was editor from continued as proofread- li�le help from beavers) rector, life member and 1983 to 1988 and the ers for each issue of the and the views are amaz- Honourary Director of Chair of the Echo Com- paper. ing. the Whiteshell Co�ag- mi�ee until 1999. Dur- Her favourite place on They enjoyed having ers Association. ing that time, she met earth was their co�age friends, and especially She became a Lake Di- with co�agers and busi- at Brereton Lake. They family, come to the cot- rector in 1978, and soon ness owners in the Park bought a small one tage to visit. became involved in re- and the paper increased room co�age in 1972, She is survived by her vitalizing the Whiteshell in size and sophistica- June Phillips and with the help of children Sharon Philp Echo. At that time, the tion, a�racting new friends and family, en- (Jim), Brian (Arlene) of the writers from Echo was not published readers and advertis- larged it one addition at and Brock (Karen) and “Around the Lakes”, on a regular basis, and ers. She recruited many a time. The lake wasn’t four grand-girls. some of whom are still

Looking Back at The Echo at 50: In April, 2006 June Phillips shared her memories of ‘the echo’

published monthly, quar- Whiteshell District Asso- the Whiteshell. and bring in new ideas. We By June Phillips terly and some years not ciation to Whiteshell Cot- When the newspaper have lost people through at all. tagers Association Inc. began there were three death, illness and sale of he Whiteshell Echo is Over the years the name Many correspondents writers, Juanita Cousins their cottages. Every year celebrating 50 years of T of the association has contribute to make the Echo wrote about Otter Falls, Ol- is a new beginning. We publishing the events that changed several times, usu- informative and interest- ive Zimmerman kept the think things are going to happen in our part of the ally in an attempt to service ing. The Around the Lakes people of Falcon Lake in- be the same, but they nev- world. The newspapers more than the Whiteshell features topics by writers formed of the happenings er are; so enjoy the beauty, and TV tell a grim story cottagers. These attempts who provide the readers and Pat Braun reported on and friends and the starry of destruction and unrest were never successful re- with information from the the events at Betula Lake. nights at the lake. We have in many other areas of the sulting in ‘commercial’ various lakes throughout Our presidents change something special! world. We are fortunate publications that did not that we can slip away to reflect the concerns of the our cottages where beauty Whiteshell area. surrounds us and the tran- Records show that the WHITESHELL COTTAGERS quility of the lake soothes newspaper was known at us. May it never change. the beginning of 1976 as the When the Whiteshell ASSOCIATION INC. “Outdoor and Whiteshell District Association was Echo” and by August of being formed, a fee of one ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING that year it changed to the dollar was proposed to “Outdoor Echo”. cover the cost of stationery From 1978 to 1980 it was and postage. At that time mainly a newsletter con- Mark your calendars! the cost of mailing a letter sisting primarily of photos was two cents. and information on the an- Whiteshell Cottagers Association As the meetings pro- nual picnic. gressed and objectives In 1981 the president of were accomplished, it was Annual General Meeting the association, John Big- suggested that the asso- low, asked every Director ciation publish their own to bring in two ads in or- Wednesday, April 22, 2015 newspaper to inform cot- der to get the paper roll- tagers of the work the asso- ing again. This resulted in ciation was doing on their Club Regent Event Centre our Whiteshell Echo being behalf, rather than rely on mailed out to cottagers on letters as a means of com- 1425 Regent Ave., Winnipeg a regular basis. munication. The Whiteshell Echo is Thus on Feb. 1, 1956 the now an established news- Meeting at 7 p.m. Whiteshell Echo was born. paper that is published The first issue was four five times a year with a cir- pages and included a mes- Whiteshell merchants culation of more than 3,600 sage from Douglas Camp- mail outs. bell who was the Premier On May 15, 2001 to bet- will exhibit products and services of Manitoba at that time. ter reflect who the mem- The Whiteshell Echo has bers of the association are, starting at 5 p.m been through many trans- the name of our organiza- formations having been tion was changed from APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 7 8 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Letter To The Editor: Pipeline a Threat?

Falcon Lake and through Whiteshell Pro- leaked at least 30 times it contained dangerous It wants to send 1.1 mil- Hamilton Creek vincial Park and right since 1979. The pipe- chemicals used to dilute lion barrels per day Fishery across Hamilton Creek line has exploded many it — chemicals like ben- through our pristine at risk from and many other impor- times, sometimes ignit- zene. The local authori- park. If there is a leak, TransCanada’s tant local waterways. ing its twin pipeline. In ties ended up having lots of dilbit will spill be- new Energy East The pipeline crosses 1996 it blew up some- to evacuate 300 homes. cause shut off valves are Hamilton Creek, be- one’s house and killed Workers and residents spaced 30 km apart on Pipeline Project fore the creek intersects their cat in St. Norbert, were also in danger the pipeline. with the #1. The spot is Manitoba. from hydrogen sulphide TransCanada wants to With an overcast sky known for good fish- All of these incidents produced by the dilbit. cut costs. TransCanada and new powder on the ing because suckers and involved natural gas Dilbit has high sulphur will only pay landown- trail we venture along pickerel come to spawn rather than dilbit. A dil- content. Sulphur de- ers if the line touches the fresh snowmobile there. It is also a hot spot bit spill would be ter- composes into hydro- their land. They will tracks northwest along where an accident with rible in comparison to a gen sulphide, which in pay minimal taxes and the hydro line, near the the pipeline could spill LNG leak. high concentrations can the project will create Penguin Resort, heading into Falcon Lake. As we walk down the kill people instantly. only six permanent jobs towards the Number 1 We walk the length of creek bed following Five years later, the Ka- in Manitoba. If there is Highway. the creek between the deer and cougar tracks, lamazoo clean-up hasn’t one spill it could ruin We’re following the pipeline and the Marina the story of the Kalama- been completed. It never the Hamilton Creek and TransCanada pipeline to see if it would have zoo River pops into my will be because bitumen Falcon Lake. route as it leaves Faloma unfe�ered access to the head. It illustrates the sinks rather than floats It could tarnish the Beach towards Barren Lake. If the fish can swim risk to our park, proper- on the surface of water. Whiteshell’s reputation, Lake to see if it makes up the creek, the oil can ty, and wildlife from dil- It gets carried away un- lower our property val- contact with any water- flow down the creek. bit. In July 2010, an En- der water to mix with ues and poison the local ways which could drain Many people think the bridge pipeline spilled the riverbed. wildlife. Is the reward into Falcon Lake in the likelihood of a spill is three million litres of The ‘cleanup’ has cost really worth the risk to event of a spill. We want really low. We are wor- dilbit into the river and $ 1 Billion so far. Trans- Falcon Lake? to check because Trans- ried because this is not it spread out over 56 Canada wants to send Canada wants to con- the case. TransCanada kms. The dilbit made the more oil through this Alex Paterson vert the line to carry wants to convert the 40 cleanup workers and the pipeline which cuts Falcon Lake diluted bitumen (dilbit) year-old line which has residents sick because through the Whiteshell. from Alberta’s tar sands

Board of Directors Whiteshell Cottagers Association Inc. 2014-2015

Barren Lake Brereton Lake (cont’d) Eleanor Lake Nora Lake West Hawk Lake Don Sleeva Doug Moberg Ed Enns Angela Hogan Richard Babyak Home (204) 237-3081 Home (204) 269-4511 (204) 334-8318 Home: (204) 866-4398 Home (204) 475-4996 Lake (204) 349-8982 Lake (204) 369-5515 [email protected] [email protected] Lake (204) 349-8406

Marcel Wozny Nicola Panchysak Falcon Lake Jessica Lake Daniel Klass Home (204) 668-6390 Lake (204) 369-5217 Al Bezak Neil McMillan Lake (204) 349-2606 Lake (204) 349-2860 [email protected] [email protected] (204) 896-0584 [email protected] Lake (204) 226-1888 [email protected] Betula Lake Sharon Philp Bob Morrison Kerry Davies Cell (204) 771-7297 Cheryl Bryant Nutimik Lake Home (204) 453-1153 (204) 663-6313 [email protected] [email protected] Sandra Kline Lake (204) 349-2369 (204) 588-7007 Lake (204) 348-2888 Tom Cutts Lorna Spencer Dan Myk Home (204) 837-5049 Home (204) 254-8137 Randall Kinley Brenda Trach Home (204) 889-4561 Lake (204) 348-7290 Lake (204) 369-5702 [email protected] Home: (204) 510-3911 Lake (204) 349-8320 Cell (204) 228-6507 Lake: (204) 348-7089 [email protected] Gaeline Delmarque Caddy Lake Home (204) 489-3016 Joel Kettner Garry Parker Red Rock Lake Alan Roberts Lake (204) 348-7796 Home (204) 475-3492 [email protected] Rick Emslie Home: (204) 888-9578 Lake (204) 349-2089 Lake (204) 349-2763 Home (204) 786-3394 Lake: (204) 349-2361 Gladys Jones [email protected] [email protected] Home (204) 668-1250 Jo-Ann Shields David McNeil White Lake Lake (204) 348-2110 Robert Stalker [email protected] Home (204) 489-3508 Gary Kennedy Lake (204) 349-8676 Lake (Cell) (204) 299-4528 Lake (204) 348-7510 (204) 254-2300 Big Whiteshell (204) 348-7440 Jacques Nault Dorothy Lake Ronald Smith Star Lake [email protected] [email protected] Ray Hesslein ronaldssmith@hotmail. Norm Frederickson Deborah Seguin Home (204) 256-1547 com Home (204) 339-7493 Brereton Lake (204) 772-0647 Lake (204) 348-3231 Lake (204) 349-8804 Lake (204) 349-2050 Annette Berard [email protected] Lake (204) 369-5402 George Lemay Stan Pogorzelec Florence Lake HONOURARY [email protected] Lake (204) 349-3376 Home (204) 668-8153 Kristin Pingatore DIRECTORS Margaret Kent Lake (204) 348-3282 Home (204) 803-9464 Tom Walker John Biglow Home/Lake Home (204) 269-5988 Harry Meneer (204) 369-5221 [email protected] Ed Wilson APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 9

South East Whiteshell Medical Centre

and operates in the same By the Committee of manner. the South East The medical centre, Whiteshell Medical along with Dr. Duval, Centre has been a huge asset to our community and the n 2009, the South costs to operate the non- IWhiteshell communi- profit centre are ongo- ty, along with our local ing, so donations will be physician, Dr. Richard gratefully accepted. Duval, recognized the Should you wish to need for a year round make a donation to this medical facility to re- worthwhile cause, a tax place the old seasonal receipt will be issued. Falcon Shoppers Mall location. Please mail your A local commi�ee was donation to: formed, spearheaded SEWhiteshell by the local chamber of In May 2010 Dr. Richard Duval cut the ribbon on the new medical centre. Medical Centre commerce and the com- Box 237 Ma� Shedden Memo- munity, to put together located in the waiting was put together with- Falcon Lake, rial Fund, which is rec- a plan for a new facil- room of the centre. out any government Manitoba ognized by the plaque ity and location for this This ambitious project funding whatsoever R0E 0N0 important service to the area. An agreement was reached to construct a new medical centre building, a�aching it to the Falcon Lake fire hall. The co-operation of the community, Manitoba Conservation, and the South East Whiteshell Fire Department al- lowed this project to come to fruition. The area has been very fortunate to have Dr. Duval practicing from this location, full time in the summer months, and part time in the off season, pro- viding medical care to co�agers, campers and residents. The centre is also utilized by a mas- sage therapist, Therese Nadeau Lazreq, plus flu shot clinics, and is avail- able for any other health related programs. The current execu- tive is made up of two representatives from the fire department, two from the local cham- ber of commerce and two members of the Whiteshell Community Club. The operational costs to date have been cov- ered by the vigorous fundraising effort done to initially build the facility, plus a gener- ous donation from the 10 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 What’s In A Name? he name Whiteshell station. Tappears to be relat- Decimal is a former ed to the small, white, Post Office (1925-1959) sacred seashell known that was originally as the megis. It is be- called Dot Lake. In lieved by some Aborigi- 1933 it was change to nal people that through decimal (a synonym of this shell the Creator Dot) to avoid confusion breathed life into the with nearby Do� Lake. first human. To learn McGillivray Lake more about the history was named in 1962 af- of the first people in the ter Archibald McGilli- Whiteshell, be sure to vray, a Manitoba High- visit the Petroform site. way commissioner for Guided tours are avail- the Good Roads Branch able June, July and Au- in 1929. gust, you can contact Caddy Lake was the Whiteshell Natu- named in 1925 after J.S. ral History Museum at Caddy, a construction 349-2806 for times. Flag of Freedom Wayside is located on Provincial Road 309. engineer with the CPR. The Seven Sisters In 1871 a map shows Townsite was named name for the Paper moved here during the lake was named af- Caddy Lake and South after a series of rapids Birch. winter of 1940. In the ter the supply officer, Cross Lake named and falls that were pres- Crowduck is a nick- spring, one of the teach- Captain Brereton who as one body of water ent along the Winnipeg name for the cormorant ers and a boy painted worked on the con- called Long Lake. River before construc- which nest on an island the Union Jack on a struction of the rail line West Hawk Lake tion of the Hydro Dam in the lake. rock visible from the and who had camped was originally noted at Seven Sisters. Flag of Freedom Way- road. Below the flag here. in 1908 as Hawk Lake The name of Eleanor side is located on PR was painted the words The town of Rennie named after a surveyor Lake is thought to ei- #309 and is the approx- Freedom Forever. PR was named after the named Hawk. The Sur- ther come from a Dr. imate location of a Sin- #309 became known as noted railway engineer veyor had also named Hogg’s daughter (1931) gle Men’s Relief Camp the Flag Highway. John Rennie. It was another lake in Ontario or a name suggested in in the 1930s. During the Jessica Lake Control originally used as a re- after himself. To avoid 1922 by Dr. E. Johnson Great Depression work Dam now hides the nat- fuelling stop for CPR confusion the Mani- for Eleanor Eames who camps run by the Sin- ural Reid Falls. Thom- locomotives. toba Lake was changed later became his wife. gle Men’s Relief Com- as Reid was one of the The tiny lake of Tel- to West Hawk Lake It was first recorded as mission were set up to original homesteaders ford was named after and the Ontario to East Round lake. provide jobs and built around Cross Lake who a small CPR section Hawk Lake. Nutimik Lake was the original PR 307 and later moved to Jessica house that is located Falcon Lake was originally called Jes- PR 309. During World Lake and made a living just east of the old way- named after the Métis sie Lake and was given War II (when the relief from trapping. side site. The depot singer, Pierre Falcon, the Cree name Nutimik camps were no longer Brereton Lake was the was named for Thomas who interpreted cur- which translates as up needed), the Mani- first major lake made Telford, a Sco�ish Civil rent events in lively the river. toba Home for Boys accessible by highway; Engineer. Before 1888 it mocking songs. He is Betula is the Latin from Portage la Prairie before this it was ac- was a water station for considered to be of great cessible by locomotives and by the literary and historical r a i l r o a d early 1900s, it was used importance. He died only. The as a telegraph service on October 26, 1876 at St. Francois Xavier. APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 11 Next Whiteshell Echo Deadline Is May 1 For the June Issue Contact The Editor At (204) 831-7274 12 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Whiteshell Cottagers Association 2015 Directors Banquet

Whiteshell Cottagers Association Past President Tom Walker presents Kristin Pingatore and Michael Himbeault of Florence Lake. Bruce Wagg with the door prize of a fire extinguisher.

The annual Whiteshell Co�agers Association Directors Banquet was held March 18 at the Masonic Temple in Winnipeg. The event recognizes the contributions of the WCA’s Lake Directors to the success of the organization and also acknowledges the work of the Lake Writers who provide news articles from across the park to the Whiteshell Echo. A complete list of Lake Directors appears on page 8. If you are interested in becoming a Lake Director for the WCA, please a�end the Annual General Meeting April 22, details on page 6. If you are interested in becoming a Lake Writer for the Whiteshell Echo see details on page 18. APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 13 14 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Camp Nutimik

staff house. Activity ar- upkeep of aging build- By Peter Bergs eas sprang up. ings and infrastructure. Camp Director, As with most camps, The future is hopeful, Camp Nutimik Nutimik’s early years though, thanks to the were supported by what- giving spirit of Manito- ow does a summer ever donations came in, bans who are willing to Hcamp come to be? and staffed by an army share their time and fi- Manitoba’s newest of volunteers. The retreat nances. If you have fond summer camp is appear- centre we call House on memories of a camp, ing as if by magic in the the Rock was built in the consider helping share woods near the North early 1970s, principally your special place with a Entrance to Whiteshell by volunteers. Financial new generation of kids. Park. The new Tim Hor- donations came from Check your favourite ton’s camp will serve church members to sup- camp’s web site for op- hundreds of kids each port the effort. The fram- portunities like camp week of the summer in ing lumber came from work days. Consider tak- large new facilities built decommissioned CP Rail ing a week of vacation to by the Tim Horton Chil- boxcars, patiently dis- serve at a camp you love. dren’s Foundation with mantled by volunteers. Be on the lookout for op- significant subsidies from One of our now adult portunities to give, such multiple levels of govern- volunteers remembers as fundraising banquets, ment. Their start is very spending Saturday after capital campaigns, or different from the begin- Volunteer Justin Owzarek helping his father with a plumbing Saturday at the rail yard connection during a fall work day at Camp Nutimik. the Sunshine Fund that nings of most camps in one childhood summer. sends low-income kids our province, including uals and churches, and Others remember work- visors and activity lead- to camp. Consider serv- Camp Nutimik. almost all capital pur- ing with adults to apply ers during the summer. ing on a board or com- Nutimik’s develop- chases are funded in the the stucco to the finished The full-summer staff are mi�ee to contribute your ment parallels that of same way. In one recent building. Most of the still paid only a weekly business expertise. most camps in Manitoba. year, individuals contrib- program staff in those honourarium, and need Camps are still one of In the early 1950s a num- uted almost 1,000 hours early years also volun- to raise their own sup- the best places available ber of people connected of volunteer time toward teered their time. port if that doesn’t cover to teach kids about envi- with the North Ameri- maintaining the facility, It took almost 30 years their expenses. With mi- ronmental and personal can Baptist (NAB) con- the equivalent of hiring before the first full-time nor variations, this is the responsibility, group liv- ference of churches be- a maintenance worker director was hired. Much history of most camps in ing, healthy recreation, gan to dream of having for six months, full-time. of his time was spent Manitoba. and leadership. In short, a place to teach young Volunteers contributed looking for items that in- Even without the sur- we teach people how to people about Christian hundreds of hours to dividuals and companies prise expenses brought live a good life. With faith in a se�ing con- the camp kitchen, and would donate so that on by storms, thefts, and your help, the camp ex- nected with God’s cre- hundreds more working projects could get done. vandalism, camps have perience can be opened ation. In 1954 a trapper with kids as cabin super- The palisaded campfire difficulty affording the up to even more kids. named Edwin Vansickel area he built, for exam- donated his land within ple, was made from doz- the Whiteshell Park to ens of used hydro poles. the Baptist churches, Camps, like so many and Camp Nutimik was other things, have be- born. come more sophisticated The camp began with and more complicated kids tenting on the site, over the years. Chang- but for the next four de- ing tastes in society ac- cades the NAB churches count for some of the built up their camp prop- difference, but increased erty. The first permanent regulation and higher building was a chapel, standards in building originally with a saw- codes, transportation, dust-covered dirt floor. food service, and child Individual churches con- care administration have tributed materials and la- made summer camps bour to build cabins over much more difficult and the years, many of which expensive to run. Despite are still in use. A cook- all the needed changes, ing pavilion was built, camps still rely on dona- and then a dining hall. tions and volunteerism Seasonal washrooms re- to operate the programs placed the original out- that brought them into houses. Buildings were being. repurposed as new ones Almost half of Camp replaced them, like the Nutimik’s operating boys’ dormitories that Volunteer Mark Mueller of the Sunrise Ski Club coaches a camper in Camp Nutimik’s waterski pro- budget still comes from gram for high school students. now form the core of a donations from individ- APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 15

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6 5 16 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 17 18 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Otter Falls

By Diane Dreikluft

hope you all had a Iwonderful and safe Christmas season. As this is the first issue this year, I’d like to wish everyone a healthy and prosper- ous 2015. As I sit and gaze out the window, I am taken aback at how the scenery is so nice, white and clean in February. The snow glistens like diamonds with the sun’s rays mak- ing it look like a wonder- land. Our wonderland! The weather outside is cold, but the indoor fire makes it all so warm and toasty. Happy Valentine’s Day wish from Ashton . Lots To Do In The Snow however, enough rabbit ly enjoyed skiing when There are plenty of op- tracks to make up for the they came to the co�age portunities for those who lack of deer tracks. in February. They did wish to snow mobile, ski, Organizing not want to pack up to snowshoe, go on a hike, Winter is a great time to go home. Their dog, with make snow angels and put order to everything coat and boots and all, snow-people, as well as that was neglected dur- wanted to be outdoors as to engage in a friendly ing the summer. Down- much as possible. I think snowball fight or two. sizing, rightsizing, sort- he was puzzled because For others, your exercise ing through the fishing he couldn’t find the wa- might be achieved by equipment and tidying ter to go swimming. shoveling snow … and up fishing boxes are just Announcements there was a bit of that! a few tasks that will have I don’t have a lot of Whatever your activities, us more prepared for news to share at this the fresh air should help spring. Once the warm time, but if you have you sleep very well. weather arrives and anything you would like Deer Hunting stays, we will all want to to see in the upcoming is- Is the deer hunting in be outdoors enjoying it sues, please email me at the park responsible for all. dianedreikluft@mymts eliminating the major- Activities .net and I will do my best ity of those hoof prints Our grandsons, Land- to include it. in the snow? There are, on and Ashton thorough- Stay safe and k e e p well. Landon and Ashton with their Step-dad, skiing the trails. Next Echo Deadline is You can write May 1, 2015, for the for the Whiteshell Echo June, 2015 We welcome contributors issue from across Whiteshell Park Contact students to seniors. The Editor Contact the editor at at [email protected] [email protected] APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 19

West Hawk Lake Yacht Club

West Hawk Lake Yacht Club 2015 Sailing Program

July 20-24 Learn to Sail (Juniors age 7-15) – CANSail Levels 1-2 A repeat of our highly successful youth Learn to Sail program! A week of training for those 15 & under who’ve never sailed or have sailed a little and want to learn more. * Morning sessions – younger/new sailors, sailboats provided Cost $155 * Afternoon sessions – older/experienced sailors, sailboats provided These 2 LTS classes fill up quickly so please register early!

July 20-24 Learn to Sail (Adults age 16+) – CANSail Levels 1-2 A week of training for those 16 and older who’ve never sailed or have sailed a little and want to learn more. *Afternoon sessions only, sailboats provided Cost $175

July 20-24 Intermediate Sail Training (Juniors age 9-16) CANSail Levels 2-3 A week of more advanced sailing for those who have taken our LTS previously. * Intermediate ½ day morning class only, sailboats provided Cost $175

July 20-24 Advanced Sail Training (Juniors age 9-16) CANSail Levels 3-4 A week of more advanced sailing for those who have taken our Intermediate Training have “demonstrated ability”. * Advanced extensive all day course, sailboats provided Cost $195

August 6-9 BOOT Camp (Basic Optimist Olympic Sailing Camp) (Juniors age 9-15) We’re hosting again! 2 full days of advanced Optimist training with provincial team coaches followed by 2 full days of racing including the Manitoba Provincial Optimist Championships (10 & under, 13 & under, and 15 & under). Sailors are billeted by sailing families at West Hawk, all meals are included, evening activities are planned for each night and are a ton of fun! This is an amazing experience for any young sailor! * This is an extensive all day course, sailboats provided by WHLYC where available. Cost $195

Aug 10-14 Learn to Wind Surf (age 10 +) A week of training for those 10 & over who’ve never windsurfed or have windsurfed a little and want to learn more. Only 6 spots available! * Morning or afternoon sessions – new extremely light weight windsurfers provided Cost $195

August 15 West Hawk Lake Yacht Club Annual Races (rain day Aug. 16) Fun races start at 1 pm just North of Big Island at the entrance to Jackfish Bay. Open to all dinghy classes & sailors - beginner & veteran on West Hawk Lake. Registration starts at 11 am, please call/email for more information.

SUNDAYS - COME SAIL WITH US June 28 – August 30 @ 2 pm Sunday afternoons, meet us for unstructured, recreational sailing. Sailors of all abilities welcome, even if you don’t have your own sailboat, its lots of fun! We meet just North of Big Island at the entrance to Jackfish Bay. For those that need a little help getting their sailboat ready for the summer season please contact us!

For more information please contact: Tom Saunders (204-349-3100 lake) or Paul Krestanowich (204-774-0967 h or 204-349-2072 lake) Email us at [email protected] Please check out our online registration & club website at www.whlyc.ca

Falcon Lake Yacht Club and day trippers. quired a fleet of Opti- 22 and 23. are encouraged to dust By Jean Trottier In 1965, land next mist sail boats, Bytes, a The Club’s popular off the cobwebs, gather to Faloma Beach and CL 16, Albacore, Laser learn to sail program up the bits and pieces he members of adjacent to Hamilton and Laser II for mem- for youth is set to go and come on over to the the Falcon Lake T Creek was leased from ber use. from July 27 to 31. The club. Falcon remains Yacht Club are look- the Provincial Govern- The season officially program will use the one of the few clubs ing forward to ge�ing ment. A modest club- gets underway with the child friendly Optimist with regular adult back out on the water house was constructed first club race on May sailboats and a quali- dinghy racing activi- for another season of in 1968 and a Learn to 30 at 1 pm. In addition fied instructor from ties and club members great events, weekend Sail Program was in- to the regular Saturday Sail Manitoba. An are famously helpful sailing and family bar- troduced in 1972. An and Sunday “round adult White Sail course to folks who haven’t becues. The Yacht Club additional modern the buoys” activi- (beginners to interme- raced before or have will be in its 52nd year clubhouse with a pan- ties, the club will host diate sailors) will also been out of the boat for of operation on the oramic view of the lake some unique events be held on July 25-26 a while. The club owns lake. It was started in was built in 1980. To including the annual subject to sufficient a number of boats that 1963 with a dozen or this day members have Ice Cream Cup Pursuit sign up. members may use for so sailors from Winni- continued the tradition and Keel Boat “round- All interested sailors racing and training. peg who gathered on of ongoing improve- the-isle” Challenge on and wannabe sailors See you at the lake! weekends at the public ments to the facilities July 11 and 12 to test are welcome to come For more information dock off Faloma Beach. to enhance the expe- the me�le of seasoned out on the weekends at check out our website The club has a long his- rience of being at the veterans and neophyte 1 pm to join in the on at: falconyachtclub.ca tory of family partici- lake, sailing and enjoy- sailors alike. The ever- water fun. Co�agers See you at the lake! pation with members ing being with family popular Poker Derby with boats hidden un- from co�ages as well and friends. Over the and the Commodore’s der the co�age or bur- as weekend campers years the club has ac- Cup are set for August ied in the boathouse 20 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

Nutimik Lake

By Kerri Pleskach a fireworks show. A large group of families elcome to 2015! congregated again on WI hope everyone the creek on Jan. 2 to had a wonderful win- enjoy the nice weath- ter. Although we had er, good eats and each less snow and the win- other’s company. ter was milder com- The day also includ- pared to last year, I am ed a bonfire, GT racer still anxiously waiting rides (pulled behind a for summer to arrive! snowmobile, see pic- We spent the holi- ture at bo�om, right) days, as well as many and an adult tobog- weekends, at the lake ganing competition to spending many hours see who could slide outside. Hopefully by the furthest down the the time you read this, hill. Congratulations the snow will be melt- go out to Heather An- ed and soon everyone derson, of Block 4, on will be opening up winning the competi- their cabins for the tion. summer. I would also Pack of Wolves like to welcome back Spo�ed Addison, trying her luck at ice fishing. Rorie having fun with sparklers on New all the snowbirds! At the beginning Years Eve. Winter Fun of December, Don Once the creek froze and Joanne Burnside up, Dave made a skat- spo�ed six wolves on ing rink for the girls the lake. The wolves and we enjoyed many crossed the lake and bonfires by it. came up onto the We bought a snow- shore on Block 3-5 and mobile this year and went up into the creek. started meeting friends It took them less than for ice fishing, which two minutes to cross led us into buying an the lake. ice fishing tent. We Congratulations! thoroughly enjoy ice Jenna Schellenberg, fishing and even our daughter of Gerry and girls (who are six and Mary Schellenberg of three) can spend hours Block 4, married Mi- on the ice (as long as chael Zurba on Oct. we have snacks). 12 in Winnipeg. Con- The girls have cheap gratulations Mr. and Dora the Explorer rods Mrs. Zurba. May you that they use, and we have many happy have caught more fish years ahead! Condolences Brian Howie and the Jack he caught using Dave, Rorie and Addison practicing hockey on the kids rods than the Dora the Explorer fishing rod. drills on the creek. we have on our own Carson Rist passed adult ice fishing rods. away on Dec. 18, 2014. But, a wise man once Deepest sympathies go told me that it is not out to Doris, Carson’s the equipment that is wife, and family. Doris used (price or qual- and Carson have a cot- ity), but the operator tage on Blueberry Hill. that catches the fish. Contact Me Take a look, at right, If you have any infor- at the jack that Brian mation or pictures you Howie caught on, you would like to share of guessed it, the Dora your winter or sum- rod! mer holidays, or news Fun on the Creek or events that you Nutimik Lake was would like to share, a happening place to please email me at be on New Years Eve. [email protected] At dark, around 60 or stop by our cabin at people congregated Block 4, Lot 15. down at the creek for Have a wonderful Laura Wainwright and Diane Penner pulled behind the snowmobile by their daughters. a bonfire and to watch spring! APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 21 Betula Lake

By Angel Bozyk that can drive you nuts. Summer is Great But... he summer land- ● The mosquitoes that Tscapes remain trans- ruin bonfires, stargazing formed. Almost forgot- sessions, and midnight ten is the drone of boats skinny dips. cruising across the lake. ● The wasps that make The beach chairs and it impossible to eat out- sunbrellas are still in side without haz-mat storage, and at present suits. a ridge of ice covers the ● The squirrels that lay shoreline. waste to your new bird- For all of those that feeder (no ma�er how spend winter complain- large the words “Squir- ing about cold temper- rel-proof” are wri�en on atures, snow, ice, bad the box). driving conditions, short ● A rainy day when days and shovelling the the wine has run out. driveway, there’s just ● Four consecutive one thing to say: suck it rainy days during your up bu�ercup! It’s Cana- In picture above and below, back in November Devin Gowryluk and Kim Smith found the lake one week of summer da! Our winters are long to be great for skating, and the winter scene was beautiful. holidays. and cold, there’s no way ● The mucky, weedy around it. But it’s one of ground you have to the many perks of liv- wade through to start ing in this country too. swimming. If you stop complaining, ● The party-loving bundle up, and get out folks across the lake who there, you’ll see there don’t realize that sound is so much to do, when travels be�er over wa- you are warm enough it ter than over land (and doesn’t ma�er that the don’t invite you to the dock is hauled up and party). the lake is frozen — the ● Guests who assume sun still shines. that there’s an endless Out For A Skate supply of towels and toi- Back in November let paper. (“What do you Devin Gowryluk and mean, the bathroom’s Kim Smith found the outside?”) lake to be great for skat- ● The constant main- ing, and the winter tenance required just to scene was beautiful. I’ve keep the roof from leak- included some photos ing, the boat afloat, and so many fascinating This is one of the sweet- life that are most impor- of the kids enjoying the the shed racoon-free. outdoor activities that est times at the co�age, tant. Si�ing down with winter wonderland! ● Leeches (unless can only be enjoyed on when you throw on your that special someone Bonus: The co�age you’re hunting for bait). a beautiful winter day. rubber boots, breathe in and talking about life. skating rink has a built ● Ge�ing to the end So this year, instead of the earthy smell of air There’s just something in beer cooler. Nothing of a precious summer hunkering down until on the forest floor, and about the lake that al- beats a beer chilled in a weekend and realizing the ice thaws, we hope go for a tromp, relishing lows you to forget all snow bank after you’ve that you spent it work- you took advantage of in the absence of biting the things that cause us worked up a sweat on ing harder than you do the last days of winter flies. stress and makes us feel the rink. Of course, if it’s in the city. and embarked on a cool What’s your favourite good that we are there. too cold, you can always ● Never feeling like new adventure. sign of spring? Let me As Spring approaches head inside and warm you’ve spent enough Onto Spring.... know. chances are you’re long- up with hot cocoa. time at the co�age. It’s that time of year Even Winter’s Be�er at ing for the day when you Although it often feels Who are we kidding? when the world starts the Lake can travel away from the like winter will never We love the co�age! to come alive again af- We all get caught up city and get to the cot- end, the deep freeze Helpful Hints ter hibernating under a in our busy lives filled tage once again. Green and snow flurries will Here’s some food for thick blanket of snow. with microwaves, dish- trees, peace and quiet, soon give way to a fresh thought! What food The first official day washers and satellite TV gently lapping waves, burst of spring. Nobody items can stay at the cot- of spring is, of course, but does one ever stop loons…ahhhh. Can you wants to look back on tage all winter? March 21, but in cot- to think what it’s really feel your shoulders low- winter wishing they’d Sugar: If it’s sealed, tage country it takes a like to be at the lake. Lis- ering already? done more with their you can leave it, along few more weeks for the tening to the snow melt, Just so that summer time—it’s long enough with flour, salt, baking snow to disappear, with feeling the warmth of co�age fantasy doesn’t already. soda, soup mix, cocoa, pockets of white tucked the sun and hearing the drive you too crazy, Even if it’s bi�er cold away in the darkest parts first sounds of Spring. I’ve come up with some and the wardrobe is Continued on page 24 of the woods. It’s the simple things in things about the co�age cumbersome, there are 22 WHITESHELL ECHO • APRIL 2015 WHAT’S COOKING?

Pasta Primavera French Spring Soup Makes 6 Servings Makes 10 Servings

Ingredients Ingredients 1 bunch fresh basil 1/4 cup butter 3 cups chicken broth, divided 1 pound leeks, chopped 1/2 cup olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic 2 quarts water 1 pound fettuccine pasta 3 large potatoes, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large carrots, chopped 1 large leek, white and light green 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces parts only, chopped 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain white rice 1 bunch green onions, chopped 4 teaspoons salt 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and 1/2 pound fresh spinach diced 1 cup heavy cream 2 pinches salt 2 zucchinis, diced Directions 1 cup chopped sugar snap peas 1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the leeks 1/2 cup shelled English peas and onion, and cook until tender. 1 bunch asparagus, stalks diced, tips left whole 2. Pour water into the pot. Mix in potatoes, carrots, asparagus, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or as needed rice. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, until vegetables and rice are tender. Directions 3. Stir spinach and heavy cream into the soup mixture, and con- tinue cooking about 5 minutes before serving. 1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Hold basil bunch by the stems and dip basil leaves in boiling water until bright green, about 2 seconds. Immediately immerse basil in Farro Salad with ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking pro- cess. Once the basil is cold, drain well. Remove basil leaves from Asparagus and Parmesan stems and discard stems. 2. Blend basil leaves, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup olive oil, and Makes 12 Servings garlic together in a blender until smooth. 3. Stir fettuccine into the same pot of boiling water, bring back to Ingredients a boil, and cook pasta over medium heat until cooked through but 2 cups farro still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain. 3/4 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed 4. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over 1 cup red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved medium heat. Cook and stir leek and green onion in hot oil until 3/4 cup chopped walnuts softened, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeno and salt; cook and stir 3/4 cup dried cranberries until jalapeno is soft, about 5 minutes. 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 5. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir 2 cups chicken broth, zuc- 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives chini, sugar snap peas, and English peas into jalapeno mixture; 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add asparagus and 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided continue cooking until asparagus is soft, about 3 minutes more. 6. Pour 1/4 cup basil-garlic mixture into zucchini mixture and cook Directions and stir until heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. 1. Soak farro in a large bowl of water for at least 12 hours. Drain. 7. Place pasta in a large bowl; pour zucchini mixture over pasta 2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil and pour remaining basil-garlic mixture over the zucchini mixture. over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the drained farro, Spread Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss mixture briefly to and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, then cook the farro combine and tightly wrap bowl with aluminum foil. Let stand until uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to pasta and vegetables soak up most of the juices and oil, about 5 low, cover, and continue simmering until tender, about 30 more minutes. Toss again. minutes. Drain and allow to cool. 3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the aspara- gus, and cook uncovered until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several min- Garlic Asparagus with Lime utes until cold to stop the cooking process. Once the asparagus is cold, drain well, and chop. Set aside. Makes 4 Servings 4. Place farro, asparagus, tomatoes, walnuts, cranberries, parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over Ingredients 1 teaspoon butter and sprinkle about 3/4 cups Parmesan cheese, then toss. Top with 1 tablespoon olive oil the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Serve at room tem- 1 clove garlic, minced perature. 1 medium shallot, minced 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, trimmed 1/4 lime, juiced Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and shallots, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in asparagus spears; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Squeeze lime over hot asparagus, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving plate, and garnish with lime wedges. APRIL 2015 • WHITESHELL ECHO 23

WHAT’S COOKING?

Guinness Corned Beef Spicy Rapid Roast Chicken

Makes 16 Servings Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients Ingredients 4 pounds corned beef brisket 1 (3 pound) whole chicken 1 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Irish stout beer (e.g. Guinness®) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Rinse the beef 1/4 teaspoon dried basil completely and pat dry. 1/4 teaspoon paprika 2. Place the brisket on rack in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Rub 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper the brown sugar on the corned beef to coat entire beef, including the bottom. Pour the bottle of stout beer around, and gently over Directions the beef to wet the sugar. 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). 3. Cover, and place in preheated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Allow 2. Rinse chicken thoroughly inside and out under cold running to rest 5 minutes before slicing. water and remove all fat. Pat dry with paper towels. 3. Put chicken into a small baking pan. Rub with olive oil. Mix the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika and cayenne pepper together and sprinkle over chicken. Spinach Quiche 4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and continue roasting Makes 1, 9-inch quiche to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 40 minutes more. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes and serve. Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 small onion, chopped Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained Makes 1 - 9x9 Inch Pan 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained 1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled Ingredients 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper to taste 1 large onion, chopped 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust 1 bunch green onions, chopped 4 eggs, beaten 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup milk 2 pounds spinach, rinsed and- chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 eggs, lightly beaten Directions 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute garlic 8 sheets phyllo dough and onion in butter until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup olive oil spinach, mushrooms, feta and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into pie crust. Directions 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a salt and pepper. Pour into the pastry shell, allowing egg mixture to 9x9 inch square baking pan. thoroughly combine with spinach mixture. 2. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium 4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with re- heat. Saute onion, green onions and garlic, until soft and lightly maining Cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 35 to 40 min- browned. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until utes, until set in center. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving. spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. Stir in spinach mixture. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into pan and fold overhanging dough over filling. Brush with oil, then layer remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into pan to seal filling. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while hot. 24 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 Barrier Bay

granddaughter as she E n t r a n t s By Linda Vosper Whether they were re- experienced her first are judged duced due to the severe Canadian Christmas. based on weather last winter or appy spring to all! Can you believe that contents of the numerous wolves Dare I say it, that H as I write this Frosty speeches, seen around the area, it spring is on the way? It’s is still standing in the presenta- is hard to say. I suspect the beginning of March yard? He is a li�le mis- tion skills a combination of both. and the temperatures shapened and is losing and the There have been nu- have climbed to above weight very fast. ability to merous sightings of zero, the first time since New Grandchild share in- wolves recently. They the middle of Novem- Sue and Wayne Slobo- formation are coming closer to ber. Really, the winter dian celebrated the ar- with the co�ages, coming up on of 2015 hasn’t been as rival of another grand- audience. decks and a few were bad as the previous one. child in early December. C o d y ’ s seen strolling up the There has been a lack Baby Oliver decided to s p e e c h creek by Block 2 in Nu- of snow, not good for make his appearance in topic was timik. A caution to keep the local lodges, winter 2014 instead of waiting mental ill- an eye on your small recreation and those in until the New Year. Oli- ness with animals as a small dog love with their snow ver was born on Dec. 9 a focus or cat would be a tasty blowers. The tempera- weighing in at 5 lbs, 4 on Post hors d’oeuvre! tures fluctuated so we ounces. Proud parents Traumat- Well, news is scarce. I didn’t get eight weeks are Sue and Wayne’s ic Stress am waiting for all those straight of minus 30- son Ma� and his wife D i s o r d e r snowbirds to return 40 C. January gave us Flight Corporal Cody Lincoln, a member of Julia. Congratulations! ( P T S D ) . with all their tall tales some warm winter the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron Graduations Cody will of Holes in One, line days. It was so nice to 249, Beausejour, won first place in the 2015 Also congratulations Manitoba Effective Speaking Competition. now com- dance awards, pickle walk the roads and not to Amanda and Elena pete in ball tournaments and fight the wind chill and dian Air Cadets Squad- Belevicious. Both have the National Effective flea market finds. To all the snowdrifts. ron 249 in Beausejour. just graduated from Speech Competition of those returning we Son and Family Here He recently competed University, Amanda in Edmonton in June. hope you have a safe from England in the 2015 Manitoba with an Education de- Proud parents are Jeff journey home and look Our son and his fam- Effective Speaking gree with focus on Ear- and Raquel Lincoln forward to seeing you ily were here from Lon- Competition taking ly Years Education and from Pinewood Lodge. all in the spring. don, England over the home first place. Cody Elena with an Honours Cody, we wish you all If you have any news, Christmas holidays. had previously been a Psychology Degree. the best in the upcom- past, present or future The weather on Christ- winner of first place in Proud parents are Lori ing competition. that you would like to mas Eve was perfect, this competition three and Ray on Paradise Not Many share with all our read- with mild tempera- years ago. The Effec- Point at Barrier Bay, Deer Around ers, please contact me tures and gently falling tive Speaking Program Block 2. We haven’t seen at my email address snow. The snow on the provides an opportu- Congratulations Cody many deer around [email protected]. ground was gli�ering Congratulations to nity for Air Cadets to these past few months. with the special food increase their self con- Flight Corporal Cody I think they are wait- Your Roving Reporter we put out for Santa’s fidence, increase their Lincoln. Cody is a mem- ing until my tulips are Linda Vosper reindeer. How magical ber of the Royal Cana- ability to reason, orga- up to come and feast! that evening was for our nize and express ideas.

Betula Lake continued from page 21 crackers, nuts, pasta, could break if the con- into retirement we’ve dried beans, popcorn, If you forget something on your first tents expand and freeze), discovered it’s the per- and other items that or any canned food fect time to become contain no water. (Bak- trip out, get creative! Where else but (freezing and expansion hippies...provided you ing powder has a short- at the co�age can you whip up a dish could cause tiny splits in have enough money... er shelf life than baking the seams, which let air because we can’t live on soda and loses its po- using only a can of green beans, half in and spoil the food). love alone, or can we? tency quickly—so get a a bag of Doritos, and the last of the If you forget some- Well there you go folks fresh canister this sum- thing on your first trip another batch of prose, mer, unless you particu- ketchup? out, get creative! Where wi�y and informative. larly like flat cakes and else but at the co�age If you have something muffins.) Items with a All that said, check “best they’ve spent a winter can you whip up a dish you’d like to share drop very high sugar content before” dates as you at the co�age, but they using only a can of green me a line. Looking for- — for example, table open up the kitchen. could lose flavour. The beans, half a bag of Dori- ward to seeing all the syrup — or a very high Come May, those stale same goes for tea and tos, and the last of the lake characters again salt content, such as soy crackers won’t poison coffee. ketchup? soon. sauce, generally won’t you, but they won’t taste You’ll definitely want As I close I just have Donna Betula freeze, and are okay to very good, either. to take home anything this to share: As all of aka Angel Bozyk brave the winter cold. As for spices, it’s not in glass bo�les (which us baby boomers head unsafe to eat them after APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECH0 25

Craft your own Whiteshell Experiences

nock Point Petroforms – a sa- By Adam Collicutt cred site of Anishinabe rock Senior Park Interpreter formations. The Museum also holds a special collection hen was the last time of animal specimens. you paddled along with W If fishing is your forte, be the haunting call of a Com- sure to visit the Whiteshell mon Loon on a backcountry Fish Hatchery. Here you can lake, followed the tracks of see how Manitoba Fisheries a pine marten along a trail, raises thousands of fish and made a historical discovery stock the many waters of the at a museum, or joined in on province with your favourite an interpretive wolf howl? catch. The hatchery’s inter- Whiteshell Provincial Park pretive centre is the perfect is filled with awe-inspiring place to discover where to moments, waiting for you to fish in the park and angling unearth these hidden gems regulations. Don’t forget that and rediscover old favourites. Family Fishing Weekend is Whether it’s lying on the June 13-14 (no license is re- beach, casting a lure into the quired this weekend!) Park lake or camping through the Interpreters will have spe- boreal shield, the Whiteshell cial tours of the hatchery this offers a plethora of opportu- weekend to celebrate. nities for everyone. As your Discover the historical and new Senior Park Interpreter, I cultural importance of trap- invite you to venture through ping and furs at the Whiteshell the park and craft your own Trappers Museum. Speak to Whiteshell experience this an honest to goodness trap- summer. per on how trapping practices For the adventurer types, have evolved over the years there are endless hiking and and the different furbearing paddling opportunities. The species in the Whiteshell. Be Whiteshell is blessed with sure to join the trappers and dozens of backcountry canoe- Park Interpreters for the Fur ing options, with portages Heritage Event on September and campsites on nearly ev- 12. ery major lake. A trip into the Don’t forget to flock with the Mantario Wilderness Zone family to the Visitor Centre at will reward the paddler or the Alfred Hole Goose Sanc- hiker with scenic views and tuary. Here you can see Gi- natural health. You may even Visitor Centre at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary ant Canada Geese and other have the rare opportunity to wildlife up close in the cozy spot a moose. comfort of the Visitor Cen- If you want to hike for just tre. Discover Alf’s legacy and an hour, an afternoon or a how this unique man ensured full day, the Whiteshell offers the survival of a species once numerous self-guiding trails thought to be extinct! with interpretive signs and Did you know West Hawk brochures to guide you along. Lake was created by a meteor- Discover the boreal forest at ite? If you’re taking in Meteor Pine Point or Foresters Foot- Fest the weekend of July 11- steps trails, lake and river 12, join a Park Interpreter for ecology at McGillivray Falls, a guided hike of the Dragon the importance of nature on Fire Trail and listen in to the Amisk Trail, or geology on tales of astronomical origins Falcon Creek, Dragon Fire of the Whiteshell. and Whiteshell River trails. These are just a few of my For the history buff, plan to highlights in the summer sea- spend a day at the Whiteshell son. Whiteshell Provincial Natural History Museum at Park is filled with awe-inspir- Nutimik Lake. Interpreters ing moments, waiting for you Bannock Point Petroforms. are there to guide you through to unearth these hidden gems unique exhibits of the park’s and rediscover old favourites. email Adam.Collicu�@gov. interpretive centres/muse- historical and cultural heri- For help crafting your own mb.ca. Be sure to visit a park ums. You can also follow us tage resources. While you’re Whiteshell experience this office or go online at mani- on Twi�er @MBGovParks for there, you can find out more summer, drop by an inter- tobaparks.com for listings of park related news, events and information on the guided pretive centre in the park, or upcoming interpretive pro- activities. interpretive tours of the Ban- contact me at 204-369-3157 or grams and open hours for 26 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 History of the Whiteshell Cottagers Association

From: www.whiteshellcottagers.com

he political and economic Tconditions prevalent in Manitoba in 1951 would have discouraged all but the stron- gest and most dedicated group of co�agers from a�empting to form an organization devoted to bringing electrical power into the Whiteshell Provincial Park. At the time, the government of the day was faced with tre- mendous expenditures associ- ated with the disastrous flood in 1950, when the Red and As- siniboine Rivers overflowed creating a lake out of the Red Photo above by Peter Brown of West Hawk Lake was the Third Prize winner in the Action Category of the 2014 River Valley from Netley to Em- Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For details and entry form for this year’s contest, with more erson. It was difficult to believe than $700 in prizes, see page 15. that the Manitoba Government would be prepared to spend an Our records indicate that in 1951 there were ing on these roads for pleasure appreciable amount of money purposes. But this was not all. to develop the Whiteshell Park fewer than 700 co�ages in the Park. There was no There was no telephone ser- for co�agers, campers and telephone service and power lines vice and power lines were non- commercial operators. It was were non-existent. existent. As a result, to commu- a great challenge and was de- nicate with the rest of the world, a co�ager was required to drive scribed at that time as the im- where a gravel road led to the tages and resorts difficult at to Kenora, Whitemouth or to possible dream. power development at Seven the best of times and almost the power plant at Seven Sis- The one favourable aspect Sisters. The road continued impossible at others. The forest ters to make a phone call. Yes, was that the government had through the Park past the lakes service had cleared and estab- those were the good old days! developed a program to sup- along the Winnipeg River up lished narrow roads or trails on Only a few co�agers and camp ply electrical power to rural to the Rennie River. Later, with the perimeters of the develop- owners (as they were referred communities throughout the the erection of a bridge over the ing areas and from lake to lake to at the time) had installed province. Maybe they could be Rennie River, it was joined to in some places. generating plants for electrici- persuaded to extend this into Highway 1, south of Brereton Our records indicate that in ty. The majority of the co�agers the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Lake, just west of Rennie. 1951 there were fewer than 700 had coal oil or gasoline lamps After all, the rural electrification The road was described as an co�ages in the Park, the occu- and lanterns and wood burn- program was nearing comple- extremely dusty washboard. In- pants of which braved these ing stoves that were a source of tion. This apparently was what cessant spring rains and floods challenging by-ways. Only the inspired Art Ans, Harold Bre�, resulted in washouts and mud hardy adventurer would not Continued next page Sid Martin, Henry Milbrandt, holes making entrances to cot- be discouraged from travel- Bill Morrow and Ken Hellier to call a meeting on September 2, 1951 at Brereton Lake. The result was the founding of the Whiteshell District Associa- tion. The Park was at the time only accessible by Highway 1 which was a two lane hard surfaced road leading east from Winni- peg via Lockport, Beausejour, and Whitemouth. It entered the Whiteshell east of Rennie and then crossed the Ontario boundary three miles east of West Hawk Lake, continu- ing thirty-five more miles to Kenora. There was also an en- trance to the northern area of Photo above by Brenda Ford of Caddy Lake was the Second Prize winner in the Scenic Category of the 2014 the Whiteshell from a point Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For details and entry form for this year’s contest, with more on Highway 1, approximately than $700 in prizes, see page 15. five miles west of Whitemouth APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECH0 27 History of the Whiteshell Cottagers Association heat and used for cook- dent, Mr. Milbrant sent since 1951 is that the As- ing. Iceboxes were used a le�er on September One constant which remains sociation continues to in the summer to keep 15, 1951 to all co�ag- operate as a volunteer, food from spoiling and ers requesting that they unchanged since 1951; the Association non-profit organization blocks of ice were usu- join the Association. He continues to operate as a volunteer, to ensure that we are all ally purchased from a wrote as follows: non-profit organization able to enjoy our lake- camp owner who had “There are now ap- side lifestyle. It is most the proper facilities for proximately seven hun- which may through its grown to 2,870. Each essential that we con- storing ice. Nevertheless, dred summer residents spokesmen, add to our year brought new chal- tinue in our efforts so even though faced with in the Whiteshell. In ten holiday enjoyment in lenges. Throughout the that we and future gen- adversity, the founders years there may be two future years.” years co�agers concerns erations will not only be of our association were thousand or more. It Mr. Milbrandt was kept increasing and kept able to enjoy the park not deterred. They tack- seems imperative that able to accurately pre- the association’s officers but continue to be able led the problem of elec- we should at this time, dict the future. By 1962 busy. to maintain reasonable tricity, roads, water sup- commence the build- the number of co�age One constant which lease and service fees. ply and lake levels that ing of an organization owners in the Park had remains unchanged can now be handled on a collective basis. With the formative stages of the Association completed it was now time to press for the much-needed improvements. To the sixty co�agers at the founding meet- ing the most important issue was to defray the associations expenses. They determined that the only pressing need was for postage and stationary and that a nominal fee of one dol- lar per member would be sufficient to cover the cost. They immediately began to work on the is- sue of electrical power. By the late 1950s the association had accom- plished the main pur- pose for which it was formed and had negoti- ated bringing electricity to most co�age areas in the Whiteshell at an af- fordable price. An inci- dent worth mentioning that was taken from the files of association sec- retary Mr. Bre� in 1964. He conveyed that upon approaching a woman April 17,18 and 19, 2015 for her two-dollar mem- bership fee, her response was “We don’t have to Red River Exhibition Park pay that anymore, we got the electricity in last Winnipeg, MB year.” Unfortunately, she failed to realize that Show Hours: Friday 12pm - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm there still were other is- Half-Price Admission for Whiteshell Cottagers Association sues of importance, as has been the case for all members when they present their 2015 membership card. subsequent years. The For booth sales call Ted 250-554-1040 association’s first presi- 28 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 Dorothy Lake

ers any other time of year. By Inge Scholte Later the computer lit up with a weather warning his winter was differ- for this area due to ex- Tent from the last one, treme cold temperatures. with far less snow accu- We had not known. mulating on block roads With so many cold days of the North Whiteshell and nights the wood stove and on the fields stretch- did overtime. Which ing beyond the park en- came in handy when on trance. Feb. 11 around 7:30 p.m. The skidoo trail access at the lights went out from O�er Falls finally opened River Hills to Betula Lake, the second week of Feb- leaving all without heat. ruary, offering us the Our land-line phone opportunity to try walk- connected us with Hy- ing that route from O�er dro, which offered up- Falls to the trout pond at dated recorded mes- Dorothy Lake. sages. The power outage Because of a recent was the result of a skidoo powdery snowfall the trail groomer hi�ing a trail was not yet totally hydro pole guy wire on firm underfoot, but man- the corner of Hwy 307 ageable. and Brookfield Road. The A resident crow in the sun. In the marshy area we tense wire snapped, hit- were very curious to see ting the power lines above, the former heron colony causing massive arcing as where four winters ago the transformers of the we had counted 32 nests sub-station blew up. high up in a stand of bare We were grateful to ash trees. It lies about a 12 have several plug-in minute walk from the Ot- flashlights, which came ter Falls staging area. This on as soon as the power time we saw many more failed. They hold their dead ashes downed by charge well. The power continuous strong winds, at this lake came back on and only five disheveled at 11:45 that night. We remnants of nests hang- learned that Hydro crews ing askew from branches. had responded quickly The path curved to the power outage, do- through the bog, along ing a big repair job on a younger ash, then into bone-chilling night. Since the evergreen forest inter- we bought the co�age spersed with poplars. in 1980, we have always At the sand pits, the trail been impressed with Hy- passes south of the Doro- dro’s speedy response to Island view from a living room window. thy Lake lagoon towards emergencies. Barrier Bay, so we turned This winter had many off towards the trout days full of sunshine, lift- pond. This trail was less ing the spirit and bringing traveled, and we trudged new energy. It is now the through deeper snow. It first week of March and was a good thing Henk the snow sparkles, while always carries a walking the sun’s warmth has be- stick for eventualities. gun some early melting. Handy for me to grab as Even the birds’ voices we slip-slided through seem more cheery. Weeks knee-deep snow, crossing ago a flock of crows flew the gully before hi�ing overhead, while not all ER 10 at the pump house. ravens have left yet. The road felt smooth be- March did come in like low us as the light of Rog- a lion. When this Echo is ers’ tower led us home. published we’ll all know Two-and-a-half hours how it ended... Soon the had gone by, the wind at first co�agers will come times stinging our faces. back to take stock, and But we felt satisfied we’d prepare for another sea- Small section of an old heron nesting site in ash trees at Otter Falls. seen the trail once again, son. It will be nice to see as it is impassable for hik- all of you again. APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 29

Caddy Lake

a�end the Whiteshell Cot- By Barb and Wayne tagers Annual Meeting to Bobychuk voice your concerns. Year of the Goat (or Ram) anted to start by On the lighter side, we Wsaying Happy have entered into the New Year to all in this year of the Goat or Ram the first column of the on the Chinese calendar year. Hope you’re all and if you are a Goat/ coping with this early Ram here is what you spring weather, but on can expect. the bright side, spring is Born 1931/1991 – Met- just around the corner! al Goat; a�ributes: firm- New Year’s At The Lake ness, rigidity, persistence, New Year’s at the lake strength and determina- was very busy and since tion. The metal person is the weather at that time patient, as well as a good was beautiful there were person with strong will. lots of people celebrating Born 1943/2003 – Water with family and friends. Photo above by Darlene Karp, of White Lake was the Third Prize winner in the Scenic Goat; a�ributes: intelli- Jumping the Broom Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For details and gence, wisdom, flexibil- Another celebration entry form for this year’s contest, with more than $700 in prizes, see page 15. (Original ity, softness and pliancy. prize winning photo was submitted in colour.) took place on Decem- The water goat emotes ber 31 on Block 9 when calmness. Dennis and Cheryl Dyck 30 years. She thoroughly without “Piney” cruis- vantage of all the park has enjoyed it and for those ing along Caddy on his to offer in winter. Born 1955/2015 – Wood decided to “jump the Goat; a�ributes: strength, broom” and renew their of you that may not come pontoon with his beau- Great Fishing out because of the cold, tiful wife Pauline. Our For those of you who flexibility, generosity, co- wedding vows. Jump- operation and idealism. ing the broom is an old you should start rethink- heartfelt sympathy goes enjoy fishing get your ing the winter option. out to Pauline and her rods ready. January and The wood goat is very Welsh tradition signi- sensual. fying jumping from an Watching the snow fall family. Hank’s infectious February saw some great on the lake is a beautiful humour and incredible fishing and March (be- Born 1967 – Fire Goat; old life into a new. One a�ributes: dynamism, of their friends’ son per- sight and as Kathy found personality will truly be fore this writing) was ex- out, something that ev- missed. pected to be amazing. It’s strength and persistence. formed the ceremony in The fire goat is enthusi- a very creative way. He eryone should re-experi- Poker Derby Cancelled never too early to try and ence. Snow came a week too catch a master angler. astic and creative. gathered information Born 1979 – Earth about the happy couple Condolences late in February which led Tax Bills On a sad note, Caddy to the cancellation of the By now everyone has Goat; a�ributes: pa- from those in a�endance tience, thoughtfulness, and then wrote and per- lost another longtime Beaver Days Poker Derby. most likely received their resident when Hank There is plenty of snow new tax bills and noticed practicality, hard work formed a song with all and stability. The earth the information he had DeJong of Block 9 suc- now and all the trails are an increase once again. cumbed to cancer on open and beautifully If you are as outraged as goat is ambitious, stub- gathered. Congratula- born and responsible. tions to the two of you! January 18. The lake isn’t groomed. I hope many of some of the people we’ve going to be the same you were able to take ad- spoken to, make sure you For all of you goats, We were told it was a your lucky numbers are beautiful ceremony. 3, 4 and 9 and if you use Lots of Visitors these numbers and hap- Visitors did abound at pen to win a lo�ery, just Caddy, snowmobiling, keep in mind who gave ice fishing and generally them to you! enjoying the serenity that Welcome Back the lake has to offer. Snow Birds Some of the visitors in- Welcome home to all of cluded the four legged you snow birds. We look variety. A pack of nine forward to seeing you wolves were seen cross- and hearing about your ing Caddy from the winter adventures over beach to Green Bay. It’s the next few months. unfortunate that no one Contact Us had a camera as that As always, if you have would have been an in- anything you’d like to credible sight. contribute to the next is- Happy Birthday sue (pictures are always A long-time resident, welcome), please email Kathy Bobychuk cele- us at: caddylake@shaw. brated her 80th birthday ca in January and made a Photo above by Mariella Di Santo of Falcon Lake was the First Prize winner in the Nature Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For Until next time, stay winter trip to the cot- details and entry form for this year’s contest, with more than $700 in prizes, see warm and be kind to one tage for the first time in page 15. (Original prize winning photo was submitted in colour.) another. 30 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015 Intrepid Cottager: Get Siding on Your Side

added bonus of coming with a maintenance-free, factory applied finish. The great thing about CanExel pre-finished siding is that it comes in three different types: Ridgewood D-5 Lap Sid- ing, Ced’r-Vue Lap Sid- ing and Ultra Plank Sid- ing. These three different styles of siding provide co�age owners with the By Greg Nichol opportunity to pick a sid- ing that captures the per- hen it comes to cot- sonality they want their tage life, the goal W co�age to have, whether for every owner is the it’s new or old. same: to spend as li�le The first option that LP time on maintenance as CanExel siding provides possible. is Ridgewood D-5 siding. After all, the less time In a nutshell, it gives you spent on the upkeep of the authentic look and your co�age means more The siding product pictured above features pronounced shadow lines that accentuate authentic warm appeal of Dutch time to do the things you colours with a deeply textured wood grain look. lap siding. Best of all, it’s should be doing: fishing, easy to apply; multi-lap hiking, swimming, grill- moulded planks that are their co�age. shrinking and spli�ing planks go on easily, and ing some steaks – or sim- nine inches wide; that As for its authenticity, unlike traditional wood offer a narrow five-inch ply relaxing on your low- creates the look of a tradi- that feature comes from products. It’s also revers- appearance with the ef- maintenance deck next tional assembly, thereby its deeply-grained 12- ible for a cedar-like or ficiency of a 12-foot-long to your low-maintenance giving you that classic ce- inch wide planks; they smooth finish, and can plank that slides easily co�age. dar look. create the effect of two be used on both your into place thanks to a self- Problem is, not all cot- And like Ridgewood 4-5/8-inch planks, which co�age’s exterior, and in- aligning system. tages are low-mainte- D-5 siding (and Ultra makes for a traditional or terior. Not only that, but nance. That’s because Plank; more on that be- contemporary look. So whether you’re look- Ridgewood D-5 siding many co�ages in the low), Ced’r-Vue is easy to You can then finish your ing to bring new life to also features pronounced Whiteshell are older, with install with its self align- co�age off in style with your old co�age or give shadow lines that really wood exteriors. Or, in ment system, and also LP CanExel SmartSide your new co�age a per- accentuate the authentic many cases, co�age own- features a hidden nail as- Trim & Fascia, which of- sonality that reflects your colours (21 in all) of the ers have opted to go with sembly for a cleaner ap- fers a beautiful, durable own distinct personal different finishes, with exterior finishes (such as pearance. finishing touch. It’s ideal style, consider LP CanEx- the added bonus of a cedar) that while hardy, Last but not least is LP for corner boards, fascia, el Pre-finished Siding. deeply textured wood aren’t low-maintenance. CanExel’s Ultra Plank windows and doors and It will provide you with grain look. There’s also the fact that siding, a versatile prod- available in a variety of the authentic, rustic look If Ridgewood D-5 sid- not all low-maintenance uct that deftly combines textures, profiles, widths you’re looking for – and ing isn’t for you, you exterior products are cre- style and authenticity. It’s and lengths. give you more time to might want to consider ated equally. versatility stems from the It’s also knot-free, and enjoy your low-mainte- Ced’r-Vue siding. It’s a Naturally, some prod- fact that it can be installed resists cupping, twisting, nance co�age. great choice if you’re look- ucts are be�er than others, either vertically or diago- ing for that classic cedar and one of those “be�er” nally – a great feature, as look, yet want a product products is LP’s CanExel it allows co�age owners that’s easy to maintain. Answer to pre-finishing siding. In to install it in a way that Durable and beautiful short, it imitates the look allows them to truly re- like cedar, Ced’r-Vue sid- Environment Contest of real wood, with the flect the personality of ing comes in the form of Question on page 4: According to EarthEcho International, www.earthecho.org only 1% of the world’s water supply is usable. APRIL 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 31 32 WHITESHELL ECHO APRIL 2015

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