MANITOUWABING LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, July 11th, 2009 - 9:30 am
 

The President, Peter Good called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Tina Gregg reported that there was a quorum. Minutes of the last Annual Meeting were moved by Chris Peters and seconded by Fred Fifield. All members were in favour, none against. Motion approved. Gloria Weber offered to act as temporary Secretary to take Minutes.

The Treasurer, Doug Weber, gave his report. This report can be found on the website.
Moved by Phil Boyd and seconded by Rey Knighton. All members were in favour of accepting the report. Motion approved.

Doug Weber gave a report on the Lake Partner program. The results have not varied greatly over the past years with phosphorus readings averaging 10-13ug/L and clarity readings of around 2 meters throughout test areas. These results are considered acceptable for the type of lake. These tests are fully funded by the Ministry excluding the volunteer effort required to complete the testing. In 2008 volunteers completed 45 tests for e.coli around Lake Manitouwabing as well as rivers and streams feeding the lake. The tests results ranged from a low of 3 CFU/100mL to a high point at the foot of Hardies Creek between Longhorn and Baileys of 150 CFU/100mL. Not as many tests are being done as in previous years due simply to the fact that volunteers are needed. These tests are funded from dues and a donation from the Township. There are eight different zones where the tests are carried out and six or more sites in each zone. Volunteers were requested to do testing and be directors and the results were as follows: 

Doug answered various questions from the floor on Manitouwabing Lake testing.

A Georgian Bay Stewardship Council report was also presented that stressed the importance of membership utilizing phosphate-free materials.

Phil Boyd gave a report on Speed signs and marking of rock shoals (VORR). He pointed out that only Transport Canada can approve VORR’s. Information received from the recent surveys sent out by McKellar council show that 80% want speed limits posted as well as the no wake signs. We have requested that council approve the 10/30 signs. (No more than 10 km per hr within 30m from shore). They will discuss this further at the next meeting to be held July 13/09. Questions from the floor regarding individuals posting these signs on their own and Phil suggested that he would like to hold judgement until after the July 13th meeting. The association will be looking into the cost of signs and report back via our website and newsletters on the process of obtaining same. We were requested to ask council to include information on this process and the 30/10 speed limit with the next tax bill.

The President’s report was given by Peter Good. He provided brief comments on the WyeRidge Development with additional comments from Greg Rae. An input and suggestion meeting on the issues discussed will be held July 22/09 and a public meeting on all of the planning issues to be held Aug. 9/09.

Elections were held facilitated by Peter Haidle. Peter explained that elections are required every two years. Linda Thompson has resigned as secretary. All existing executives were re-elected by acclamation and Dirk Vermeulen has agreed to be the secretary for the coming two years.

Other Issues:

An issue arose concerning an attack by dogs on a member. The member was concerned about township bylaws concerning dogs running free. Mike Galley provided his input from personal experience on how to handle the situation through the Ministry of Natural Resources rules regarding dogs loose in wildlife areas which will curtail this activity in our area. The complainant must be willing to go to court to press charges.

Roger Godbeer recommended that the Association to take an active stand on the revised official plan regarding areas that could impact cottage owners investment. A number of possible areas were suggested.

Town Planner John Jackson has asked for input on the maps provided on McKellar Township website, this is critical to determine density on the lake.

A member acknowledged the involvement of Frank Pearce in keeping us abreast of the developments regarding the OMB.

Motion to adjourn, moved by Caroline Kelly and seconded by Richard Kent. Meeting adjourned at 10:35am followed by presentations from:

The Ridge at Manitou on their Audubon Society Certification.

The West Parry Sound Hospital Association on their fund raising initiatives and doctor and nurse recruitment successes.

The McKellar Conservation Association on their success in the fish hatchery program thanks in part to the generous donation of the MLCA.

A presentation by Debbie Zulak representing David Moore, Reeve of the Township of McKellar, on the accomplishments and initiatives of the Township of McKellar for the past year and projects for the coming year.

Gord Zulak presented his views on mail-in voting. Gord was introduced as being in conflict with the association’s view on this. He detailed his thoughts and concerns.

Much discussion occurred between the membership and Gord Zulak.