Oxbow Lake Cottagers' Association

Oxbow Lake Cottagers’ Association Annual Meeting
Saturday, June 27, 2009, 10:05 am, Interlaken Fire Hall

1.Following coffee and timbits at 9:30 am, the President, John Scarfe, opened the meeting shortly after 10am, welcoming the 40 members present. A moment of silence was observed in memory of lake members who passed away this past year: John Bowman, Ken Cheney and Marcel Van Eyck.

2.Special Guest:
Ginny Burgess, our Lake of Bays Township Councilor,
-Ginny holds regular advisory meetings with representative residents from this area including Bruce Cameron and Ed McRobbie. She feels we are being heard and we are making our mark. These representatives have been kept up to date on all activities of the township. – Regarding the G8 in 2010 there is a lot of news in the media. The dates are June 24 – 26. There have been and will continue to be public meetings with the Integrated Security Unit whose mandate is protection. Hwy 60 concerns will be addressed at public meetings and there will be a website after July 10, 2009 for more information. – The Township is currently engaged in the process of developing a Strategic Plan. The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to create a road map of where we will go from here and how the township’s money will be used in the future. At this point basic infrastructure including our roads being kept in good condition are priorities. A flyer is available with info and the Township has issued a questionnaire seeking input by the residents. As mainly seasonal residents, Ginny encourages all of us to complete the questionnaire and let the township know your priorities, and where you want that money to be spent. Call her if you have questions. This questionnaire can be completed online at www.lakeofbays.on.ca .

3.Secretary’s Report
Motion – Lynda Arnold, Gary LaChance
That the minutes of the Annual Meeting 2008 be accepted as published. Carried

4.Treasurer’s Report
Motion – Lynda Arnold, Claudette McRobbie
That the Treasurer’s Report be accepted as presented. Carried

Motion – Angie Heydon, Bill Thomson
That the Association dues for 2009 – 2010 be set at $40.00 per cottage. Carried

5.Lake Stewards – Angie and Peter Heydon
-The complete printed report included in the handout package was summarized by Angie:
Our lake is very healthy. Good lake environmental tips are included in the handout. Pay attention to what you bring into the lake. Angie explained how the readings are taken. She reported that we do have spiny water fleas in Oxbow that cause competition of what fish eat which is one of the concerns.

6.Huntsville Lakes Council – Tonia DiSabatino – Chair of HLC
-This organization is involved in the distribution of information at District and Municipal level. They provide input and monitor budget and development charges at finance meetings.
-Presently the Muskoka Watershed (www.muskokawatershed.com) is doing a lot of work in environmental studies and a new report card on the quality of water and air. This is available on line. They oversee all lakes in Muskoka and meet once a month on the second Friday from 1:30 to 3. Different environmental topics are discussed. There are free seminars coming up at the Algonquin Theatre.
-The HLC is looking for additional volunteers. Presently there are 22 lakes represented. If you are interested and able to be involved in this organization, please contact Tonia.

7.Roads – Ed McRobbie reported on his ongoing correspondence with Tom Brown, Roads Supervisor, from Lake of Bays. The west arm road will have another $6000.00 in gravel this year, and proposed in 2011 it will have $78,000 for further work if approved. The east arm road has a planned $40,000 of re-gravelling in 2013 if approved. Grading is rough and the traffic is what packs it after. The grader works with what is there. The intrusive boulder on the East Arm has finally been addressed.
Responses to questions:
-Hydro pole at the bottom of the big hill (1351) on West Arm is a concern. There has been discussion but hydro has chosen not to do anything.
-The big hill over the years has been the topic of discussion re going around it or removing, but the monies have never remained to accomplish this.

8.Summer Activities
§Friday, July 31, 2009 – Oxbow Lake Golf tournament 12:00 noon at the Grandview Executive Course – contact Bruce Cameron to be part of this fun event. It is 9 holes and best ball so great for all skill levels.

§Saturday, August 1, 2009 – Oxbow Lake Social 5:00 pm – at the Manuel’s, 1431 West Oxbow Lake Road – $15/person – adults only – Claudette McRobbie is helping organize the food and will be contacting those who have donated in the past. If you are able to help, please contact her.

§Sunday, August 2nd, 2007 – Oxbow Lake Regatta 1:30– on the shores of Oxbow Lakeside Community Club – Angie Heydon is coordinating, and is looking for your help with the activities: tug-of-war, pedal boat, kayak and canoe race plus lots of games.

9.Fire Department – Murray Arnold
-The attached handout from FOCA contains good information for fire safety at the cottage, both for owners and visitors.
-911 numbers should be visible with brush cleared that may block them.
-Cottage lane ways and roads in should also be clear of low hanging branches to allow access for emergency vehicles without damage to them.
-The fire rating is changed periodically. Presently it is at no daytime burning till after 6. Fires must be attended with a hose or water pail nearby. If fire trucks are called as a result of your negligence you can be billed $300/hr/truck.
-Regarding G8, the Forester newspaper had some articles this past week. #60 may be closed and/or may have checkpoints. You should be prepared for waits or alternate routes.
-If you are interested in volunteering as a Fire Fighter, please contact Murray.

NEW BUSINESS

10.Trial Grant re winter plowing of West Oxbow- Jim Vigmond
-In general all lake members are encouraged to communicate as a single voice on any road issues through our representative, Ed McRobbie, who has developed over the years a very good rapport with the township.
-The Township has been petitioned to winter maintain the West Oxbow Lake Road over many years. They have agree this year to a trial grant where West Oxbow Lake Road will be a test case undertaking to contract a snowplower who is insured, experienced, with appropriate equipment. The grant will be based on a formula set by the township. Application must be made in September for the coming winter season. This will only cover a portion of the cost with the remaining amount made up by the cottagers who benefit from this.

11.Community No-Wake Zone –
-Presently there is a bylaw of 9km/hr within 100 feet from shore unless dropping or picking up a water skier. In the narrows on Oxbow Lake the boating impact is greater on a variety of things including the shoreline, trees, boats, wildlife not to mention a safety concern for swimmers. Two small buoys have been placed at each end of the narrows designating this as a no-wake zone. It is voluntary to do this but will be beneficial in many aspects. You are asked to mention this to all who use your cottage and everyone is asked to respect this. A flyer will be created to let all know even those who are not active in the association. A member from the OLCC spoke in appreciation of this initiative. There was an open discussion at the AGM and support for this initiative was overwhelming.

12.Boating Issues and required licenses
-There is now a significantly different emphasis on boating and drinking. Impaired driving is illegal and applies to operating a vessel as well as vehicles. You can be suspended of your right to drive a car if in violation. This applies to operating motorized or non-motorized vessels.
-Boating licenses are mandatory by September 15 for operating a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. John Scarfe is an affiliate of Boatsmart Canada and licensed to administer the exam for these licenses.
-John will conduct 2 exam clinics this summer at THE INTERLAKEN FIRE HALL, inviting members of other Lake Associations in the area. The cost is $45.00 plus gst. A portion of the total proceeds will be donated to the Oxbow Lake Cottagers’ Association.
-Dates will be:
Saturday, July 25, at 130pm
Saturday, August 22, 1:30pm
Please contact us in advance so we have an idea of numbers.
-It is a 36 question, multiple choice exam, which you will have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete. The cost includes a Temporary Operator Card (issued immediately following your exam) and your official Operator Card (issued by mail in 3-5 weeks).
-Appreciation was extended to John Scarfe by Bill Thomson on behalf of all for providing us with this opportunity.

13.2009 Election of Directors and Executive for Oxbow Lake Cottagers’ Association

Motion – Gary Lachance, Mary Garth
That the 2009 – 1010 slate of officers as presented be accepted. Carried

Officers : for Election
§Past President – Bill Wylie
§President – John Scarfe
§Vice President – Jim Vigmond
§West Arm Rep – Bruce Cameron
§East Arm Rep – Bill Thomson
§Secretary – Lynda Arnold
§Treasurer – Diana Leicht new
§Member at Large –
§Directors – Bruce Cameron, Larry Barber, Bill Thomson, Jim Vigmond, Bill Wylie

For Appointment
§Lake Stewarts – Angie and Peter Heydon
§Roads – Ed McRobbie, Bruce Cameron, Jim Vigmond
§Sinclair Advisory – Bruce Cameron and Ed McRobbie
§Huntsville Lake Council Rep – Tonia DiSabatino
§FOCA Rep – Angie Heydon
§Regatta Marshall – Angie Heydon
§West Oxbow Cottage Sign – Ian Goodhand

14.High Speed Internet
Towers on Limberlost now provide high speed. You can contact either Vianet or Surenet for this service. The cost is approximately $180 for a regular installation then $55 monthly.

15.Colleen Dodds has an old wagon wheel light fixture in good shape that is yours if you want to come and remove it. Tonia advised that the Heritage organization may be interested if it is an antique.

16.Ian Goodhand extended a thank you on behalf of all to Bruce Cameron, Larry Barber and Murray Arnold for putting the lake markers in and removing them every year.

17.Your Pets – This is mentioned in the handout but was brought out at the meeting to reinforce the request that cottage neighbors keep their pets on their own property.

18.There is a dock on east Oxbow that floated there. If you are missing yours, contact one of the executive.

19.Ed brought to everyone’s attention:
There will be a First Aid course open to all if there is enough interest, on August 1 – 2 and August 3 –4, $140/person. This is a good level of training for anyone to have. Contact Jan Sirek at jsirek@tassolake.ca .

Home Improvement Tax credit is available for cottage improvements that are not maintenance. Be sure to take advantage of this as an allowable expense on your 2009 income taxes.

20.Adjournment at 11:35am.