LOW Area News - Summer 2020

Volume 50

Number 3

Summer 2020

L I S T I N G S • M A R K E T E VA L U A T I O N S B U Y E R R E P R E S E N TAT I O N • R E N TA L S

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1545 REDDITT RD | BLACK STURGEON $ 899,000

LOT 5 PROFESSOR ISLAND $ 345,000

MCCALLUM POINT RD | CLEARWATER BAY $ 825,000

26 WORONA BAY RD | BLACK STURGEON $ 563,700

1807 KENRICIA RD | CLEARWATER BAY $ 1,495,000

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292 BRANCH RD 16 STORM BAY RD $ 789,000

12A LORI-LEE BAY | WINNIPEG RIVER $ 579,000

MINAKI YURTS $ 770,000

560 CONEY ISLAND | LOTW $ 749,000

307 BEAUTY BAY RD | BLACK STURGEON $ 499,000

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156 SLATE ISLAND | LOTW $ 499,000

LOT 22 1635 PIPESTONE POINT | LOTW $ 299,000

LOT 8 COPELAND’S LANDING | MALACHI LAKE $ 209,000

9 BEAR PAW TRAIL | LOTW $ 799,000

LOT 7 FR 5 RUSH BAY RD | LOTW $ 1,295,000

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610 CONEY ISLAND | LOTW $ 899,000

LOT 3 BIRCHCLIFF ESTATES | BLACK STURGEON LOT 5 BIRCHCLIFF ESTATES | BLACK STURGEON LOT 7 BIRCHCLIFF ESTATES | BLACK STURGEON LOT 8 BIRCHCLIFF ESTATES | BLACK STURGEON $ $ $ $ 219,000 219,000 210,000 219,000

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LOT 11 GOLD CREEK TRAIL WESTVU DR | BLACK STURGEON TJ3 BEAUTY BAY GOLF COURSE | BLACK STURGEON

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138 MAIN ST S, KENORA, ONTARIO |

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toll free

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19 SANDSTONE PLACE | KENORA $ 69,500

LOT 9 DARLINGTON TRAIL | WINNIPEG RIVER $ 199,000

1.800.528.8848 | INFO@CABINCOUNTRY.COM | WWW.CABINCOUNTRY.COM

In this Issue 3

Cover photo by Kim Pirie-Milko

LOWDSA

Late in the day last summer while heading out for a fish, we made a brief stop on the south east corner of Treaty Island. The sky was looking a little ominous but showed hope with the setting sun breaking through an opening in the clouds and casting amazing colour in our midst. Where there is light there is hope!

President's Message 3 Executive Director's Note 4 Our Contributors 5 Letters to the Editor 7 Fire Bans lifted but caution advised 7

FireSmart: Protect your home & cottage from wildfire 56

Stewardship begins “at home” 8

Shaking off the rust: some quick thoughts on the rusty crayfish 57

Mark Your Calendars 10 Kenora Stuff and Bridges & Falls: Special edition for LOWDSA members 10

58

LakeSmart 2020 12 Government Notes 15

Notes from Razberry Lane: Everything old... can be new again! 58

LOWDSA Annual General Meeting delayed to September 18 Online Member Directory 18 LOWDSA mobile boat wash station 20 Requirements for docks and waterfront work: Need to know regulations and resources 21

26

“Head”acher: A beloved Coney Island legacy

by Rosemary Robertson

29

Here Fishy Fishy: Family Fishing can be fun!

by Shauna DeGagné

32

Boat passengers should know boating basics!

by Marianne Nuttall

35

In the District

Know your emergency plan and location— it could be a lifesaver! 35 Water levels 37

Living

Septic Systems 101 60 Beyond Fishing: The Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre in Sioux Narrows 40 Laclu Camper’s Association 41 What’s Happening on your lake this summer? 42

44

Deadly Beauty

by Barry Corbett

46

Have you had the cottage talk? by Patrick O’Connor

48

Environment

Summer reading recommendations by The Muse 63 Member Recipe: Irresistible flax seed cookies bring the family together 64

66

LOWDKids!

Fun with Fungus 66 Kat the Nature Dog: Who’s doing the pecking? 68

70

Services

Real Estate Listings 70 Classifieds 72

SOS: Save Our Songbirds 48

Home & Cottage Services 74

‘Springing Back…’ 50

Advertisers’ Directory 75

Three ways the summer research season at the world’s freshwater laboratory will look different this year 52 Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation: Part 1: Phosphorus variability in Lake of the Woods 54

76

The Lady Nanton Convalescent Home by Lori Nelson

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

1

President's Message HARDY BOCK & CHRIS SEMENCHUK Editor’s note: We are again sharing perspectives from Hardy Bock, LOWDSA’s outgoing president and incoming president Chris Semenchuk while we await the Annual General Meeting, now rescheduled to late September.

Q: What are you looking forward to for LOWDSA as COVID-19 restrictions are lessened?

Chris: Definitely ways we can engage with our members, whether than means within social Hardy Bock distancing protocols or other ways. Our seedling day, which occurred on June 27, is one example. I’m happy that we were able to still hold the event in a way that was safe for everyone. Everything is slowly evolving and we are continuing to look at what adaptations we need to make to deliver programming in the ‘new normal’.

Hardy: I’m looking forward to the resumption of our LakeSmart program in its original form but recognize that these kinds of face-to-face activities and relationships are going to be different.

Some of the ideas we have for delivering LakeSmart virtually are quite exciting and will make it possible for more people to participate, often at timing of their choosing. Our activities and programs that bring people together may need to be adjusted, and they will be because they are so important to LOWDSA. It’s where we really have a chance to engage with members. I think as a community we’ve shown that we can do this; it’s just a matter of being innovative.

Q: How have these unusual times reinforced what you understand about LOWDSA’S mission?

C: We’ve seen how passionate people are about getting to their cottages, not only here in Northwestern Ontario but right across Canada. We recognize that it’s been difficult for our members who were asked to stay away. This is where delivering on our mission—providing leadership, education and communication on issues affecting the Lake of the Woods region—has been so important. While many of the decisions being made weren’t our responsibility or within our control, we felt an obligation to get the most up-to-date information to our members through our communication channels—whether an eNews bulletin, social media or the LOWDSA website.

It was great to see LOWDSA staff and directors keeping members informed via social media. Not surprisingly, the videos that Shelley Bujold (assistant executive director) created to share lake views with our members, giving them glimpses of ice-out and the arrival of spring that they might not be seeing in person, were most popular. (That is until our bear tree topper video went viral.)

Chris Semenchuk

members like Don Parfitt have been reaching out to the community to help us figure out who we need to talk to in order to get the latest information for our members. It’s also shown that LOWDSA has a robust early warning system for communicating news to members. We are very fortunate to have a full time executive director, like Diane, that makes it possible for us to respond to these kinds of situations in a very short time.

Q: What is the first thing you’ll be doing personally, once this has passed?

H: Having a family dinner with the kids and grandkids.

Traditionally, the May long weekend marked the start of summer at the lake with everyone coming down at the same time. That was greatly missed.

C: Family dinners, getting everyone together at the lake, and going into town for supplies or something special, maybe picking up some flowers for our planters. I am missing all of that.

Q: Any closing comments?

H: There’s been talk that we’ll need to rebuild relationships after this, but I think we’re also seeing how strong those relationships are and what we’ve been able to achieve by working together.

Throughout all of this, LOWDSA, as an organization, has shown its ability to build bridges with government, with people who share environmental expertise and concerns, and with the business community. We have these unique relationships, which is a benefit to our members.

C: I think we’ve grown as an organization in seeing where we needed to try something new and be even more innovative to respond to the changing landscape. I’m really proud of how we are coming through this and credit our board as well as our staff. Diane and Shelley have been instrumental in coming up with their own ideas but also bringing to fruition suggestions they received from the board, from members, and from the community. They deserve an enormous thanks for their efforts.

H: This has really highlighted the importance of having board members and staff with close ties to the community. Our executive director, Diane Schwartz-Williams, and board

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

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Executive Director's Note Changes and challenges present new opportunities and potential Change and adapting to change are much more than recurring themes on many pages of this issue of the Area News; they are the key determinants Diane Schwartz-Williams. of pretty much everything LOWDSA Photo: Tom Thomson is doing and will do now and for the foreseeable future. Many of those changes are less than welcome, presenting a real challenge in determining how to adapt. Others have stopped us in our tracks, but only momentarily. Adapting to some changes presented new opportunities and potential. And we seized them, LakeSmart being the most notable—see page 12.

Your board of directors and staff had a plan for the association for 2020. It was a well thought-out, solid plan that we were eager to share at the annual general meeting in April. That plan began changing in February as the impacts of COVID-19 first began to settle in and continues to be recast with date changes, reformatting and even cancellation of familiar association events.

Is this the summer we were expecting? Nope, and not one we could have imagined just a few months ago.

Are there some downsides to the changes forced on us by COVID-19 that we cannot override or work around? Absolutely, and none more so than travel recommendations and restrictions that slowed the arrival of seasonal residents from within Canada and at time of writing, continue to prevent the return of our seasonal residents from other countries. We miss you all.

This will be a summer so far removed on so many levels from the ‘lake-time’, when seasonal residents return, that we look forward to each year. But, thanks to a creative, innovative approach and a committed, responsive group of LOWDSA directors, we are making the best of it, reshaping several LOWDSA programs and activities, cancelling others, and seizing opportunities to make lemonade out of lemons wherever we can.

Don’t be surprised if you see that last sentence repeated again in my note in the September issue of the Area News. We have not seen the end of changes made necessary due to the impact of COVID-19 and the government protocols—none of them predictable at this point—that will continue to vary from province to province, federally and internationally.

Another change ahead for LOWDSA is more predictable and presents further opportunity and potential. My contract as executive director is up for renewal as of December 31, 2020, and after much thought I have decided not to renew it. This was not an easy decision. I love so much about my work. It is interesting, energizing, rewarding—and yes, challenging and there is much more I would like to do for LOWDSA. But this is the right decision for me, and I truly feel it presents an excellent opportunity with great potential for the right individual and indeed the association.

We will be looking for someone to take on this role, to start several weeks before the end of the year. A proper career posting, including a full description of responsibilities and required qualifications will soon be available and advertised, shared online and in our eNews. If you know someone that you think would be the right candidate for this position (or maybe it’s you) and would like more information, please contact me at diane@lowdsa.com.

I will admit that it is a little odd to read those last two paragraphs again. Seeing these words in the Area News will make this step more than thoughts and conversations. It becomes a public confirmation that we’re moving down this path. The next six and a half months will be very busy in preparation for the transition, and I am up for it! I am energized, excited, motivated, determined... and yes, a little sad. But, enough about that for now. My thoughts on my time with LOWDSA are for later and another issue of the Area News.

Right now, it is time to face the changes and subsequent adaptations needed in our COVID-19 world!

The official publication of the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

PUBLISHED BY

DISTRIBUTION & MEMBERSHIP

Wake Marketing Inc. 140 Main St. S., Kenora, ON P9N 1S9 Phone: (807) 407-7252

Lake of the Woods Area News is published five times per year and is mailed to LOWDSA members. To receive Area News visit lowdsa.com and become a member today.

Publisher: Mike Greaves, mike@areanewsmagazine.ca Editor: Leanne Fournier, editor@areanewsmagazine.ca Art Director: Shayla Smith, shayla@wakemarketing.ca Design & Layout: Mike Newton, Ashley Pereira Advertising: Deb Polakoff, deb@areanewsmagazine.ca

Publication mail agreement #43107013. Printed in Canada.

UPCOMING EDITORIAL DEADLINES August 1 September 26

© 2020 LOWDSA. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent.

Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the author and may not represent the view of LOWDSA or Wake Marketing Inc.

4

LOWDSA

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Our Contributors Kelli Saunders lives in Kenora with her husband of 25 years and they have two adult sons. Her 30-year career as an environmental consultant has focused on environmental impact assessment and resource management and, most recently, international cooperation and project management around water quality issues and promoting good water stewardship in the Lake of the Woods watershed. She holds an MSc. in Biophysical Processes and Resource Assessment from the University of Guelph. She is a certified fitness instructor and she runs a healthy tea and coffee business as well. Kelli has always enjoyed the outdoors—something that she has tried to instill in her children and in her career paths.

Lil Anderson Bonnie Baltessen Sumeep Bath Phil Burke Bev Clark Barry Corbett Shauna DeGagné Taylor Fenn Leanne Fournier

Marianne and Rod Nuttall are avid sailors and have been teaching boating safety courses to local boaters since the program was first introduced in 1999. They have retired from teaching, now that most boaters have their Pleasure Craft Operator Cards.

Heather Gropp Lucas King Jack McKenzie Drew Monkman Lori Nelson

Patrick O’Connor, President of Blackwood Family Enterprise Services, has been making memories with his family at their cottage on Hay Island, Lake of the Woods, for almost as long as he’s been helping multi-generational families create their own financial legacy. Pat specializes in facilitating difficult conversations like “the cottage talk" enterprising families need to sustain their long-term strategic plans. An active volunteer and board member with a variety of community-based organizations, Pat annually puts his mettle to the pedal for the 220 km Canada Life Ride to the Lake from Winnipeg to Kenora. The ride raises funds and awareness for Ducks Unlimited and its wetland conservation work.

Henry & Anita Rasmussen Rosemary Robertson Jacob Rodenburg Dave Schwartz Diane Schwartz-Williams

LAKE OF THE WOODS DISTRICT STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATION Executive Committee

Board Members

Staff

Contact

PRESIDENT Hardy Bock, Black Sturgeon

Dave Christie, Granite Lake Garth Collier, Ottermere Lake Jason Coreau, Big Traverse Bay Carley Fyke, Welcome Channel Lucas King, Woodchuck Bay Chelsea Lobson, Kendall Inlet Jackie Lowe, Gun Club Island Jeff Rempel, Pine Portage Bay Trevor Templeton, Minaki John Waterer, Clearwater Bay

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Diane Schwartz-Williams (807) 543-4287 diane@lowdsa.com

P.O. Box 1160 Kenora, ON P9N 3X7

VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER Christine Semenchuk, Storm Bay PAST PRESIDENT Nancy Salmijarvi, Welcome Channel DIRECTOR Don Parfitt, Winnipeg River

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Shelley Bujold (807) 468-8715 shelley@lowdsa.com

EMAIL info@lowdsa.com

M LOWDistrictStewardshipAssoc N @lowdsaLakeTime P @lowdsa TOLL-FREE 1-888-265-9784 PHONE (807) 468-8715

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

5

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We’d like to hear from you!

Letters to the Editor

Help us continue making this magazine great.

Send us your comments, suggestions, pictures and story ideas: editor@areanewsmagazine.ca.

Dear Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association, A while ago I received a letter from a cottager, asking that our fishing guides and guests show them more respect. There was some misinformation in the letter, so I wanted to write to my fellow LOWDSA members about the shared responsibility we all have to be respectful of one another—visitors, fishing enthusiasts and guides, camp operators and property owners.

The problem I see is that some people are becoming very possessive with what they own yet seem to have little respect for the private property of others. In some cases, this seems to extend to claiming ownership of crown land and the water in front of their cottages. This is unacceptable.

Over our time here, our fishing guests have been yelled at and offended by property owners many times when they are politely casting down the shoreline. Rather than being unreasonable, it is much better and easier to just be friendly.

One thing many new property owners, seasonal and yearround, don’t realize is that when they develop their shoreline with docks and boathouses, they are often creating ideal conditions for fish. The shoreline projects are creating shade and cover that provides a place for bait fish to hide and then of course the big fish come in for supper. The anglers seize the opportunity to angle for these fish.

This isn’t a new problem. Back in the 1970s and 80s, there was a lot less development on the lake, but there were still a few people that were a little less than polite and not inclined to share when it came to people fishing in front of their cottage.

Over the years, we've had to phone the police a half dozen times when property owners got so carried away that they became vulgar and dangerous when guests fished by their cottage.

Fire Bans lifted but caution advised

Private cottage renters must make the same effort to let their guests know and respect lake etiquette, which I believe is very simple. Respect each other’s privacy, share our wonderful resource, and just be nice. Tourists who bring much needed new money to the region have the right to fish these waters like everyone else.

We need to remember that Lake of the Woods is an international lake that we must respect and share with all users, no matter where they are from.

With the whole world in a wait and see holding pattern, no one is sure what the future will bring and for many of us our personal and business lives are very different from ‘normal’ right now. That is definitely the case for us, and for the first time in a very long time Smith Camps will not be opening the bar and restaurant to the general public for the 2020 season. We are taking this opportunity to make some necessary upgrades and work towards planning our retirement.

We’ll miss seeing everyone in the restaurant, hope everyone is keeping safe and healthy and look forward to seeing you on the lake in the future, when it’s safe for all of us.

Sincerely, Al and Joanie Smith, Smith Camps

over the phone. For information: kenora.ca/living/ emergency-services-and-preparedness/fire/burning-permits/

Information as of June 1, 2020, A fire ban in the City of Kenora and the Restricted Fire Zone for the Northwest Region imposed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have both been lifted.

However, conditions remain dry and residents are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution when burning. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check to make sure fires are permitted before lighting.

City of Kenora regulations From April 1 to October 31, controlled seasonal burning is in effect which means no day burning. Evening burning can take place two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise.

Burning permits are required for all outside burning within city limits, except campfires. If you require a burning permit, please contact City Hall at 807-467-2000 to purchase

One plus with licensed tourist camps is that we advise guests of the do's and don't's and to go wide if fishing down the shoreline and there are kids swimming or people are relaxing or sunbathing on the dock. Also, as a tourist camp, we are often the first ones to get a complaint from property owners and usually it is not our guests causing the problem.

The detonation of fireworks is prohibited at all times except 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, U.S. Independence Day, Labour Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. MNRF regulations – outside municipal boundaries While burning permits are not generally required, from April 1 to October 31, controlled seasonal burning is in effect which means no day burning. Evening burning can take place two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise.

Kenora MNRF Fire Management Headquarters: 807-548-1919 MNRF Fire Management Headquarters (Morson Area): 807-274-8643 Check the MNRF website for the most current information: ontario.ca/page/forest-fires To report a forest fire call 310-FIRE.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

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Stewardship begins “at home”

BY KELLI SAUNDERS

In this busy life, it’s sometimes hard to slow down, stop and think deep about a topic, at least for me.

I’m not often the philosophical type, though I’ve started to think more in this direction with age and as I have more interesting, deeper discussions with my children now that they are adults. Don’t get me wrong, I am passionate about many things but not always outspoken about them.

When I was asked to write an article about stewardship, I had to stop and think what it really means to me, despite the fact that my career has been all about stewardship. But it’s been about helping others to be stewards—stewards of water, land, air, decisions, policy, partnership. This has been my world for the last 30-plus years since I took my first job out of university with the Ministry of Natural Resources at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

I grew up in Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, but most of us had little or no connection to that lake. It was “over there”, something that we might drive by, somewhere we may walk next to, but it was hard to actually relate to it or appreciate it. I even did my undergrad thesis on the impact of groyne structures on beaches on Lake Ontario, and I still saw it as something

Title photo: A paddle with youngest son, Connor (2009) in Whiting Bay, Lake of the Woods. Bottom row, left to right: Camping in places like Bass Lake, Ontario are what began a lifelong passion for the great outdoors; A love of canoeing started early; Enjoying a swim with dad in London, Ontario (1965).

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LOWDSA

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Our boys grew up boating around the lake and

very “over there.” I’m not sure why, but I just didn’t have an appreciation of it.

hauling camping gear to islands—I guess it was

When I really think about it, I now recognize that any understanding of the word stewardship grew throughout my childhood when my parents would take us every single summer on a road trip somewhere new in North America.

It would always be camping, in a trailer or a tent trailer or an RV—whatever model my mom and dad had ventured into trying that particular year.

important to me that they had something similar to what I had growing up. Our family memories on this lake are rich and I continue to be absolutely amazed by its beauty every time I get in the boat.

They are the ones who gave me the opportunity to truly “experience” nature, to walk trails in every park we visited, to walk in the dark to the nightly interpretive shows at the park amphitheatre and wander home to the campsite with a flashlight and know a warm fire and marshmallows were waiting. They were the ones who let me “experience” the mountains, the prairies, the ocean coasts, the Kentucky hills through my window in the station wagon and then get out to hike a trail, picnic on a beach, and breathe the fresh air at the stops along the way. My friends were jealous—I was so very lucky.

When I moved to Kenora in 1999, something struck me that conjured up all of those same feelings I had travelling with my parents—especially when out on the water. As soon as we started to explore Lake of the Woods and other small lakes around us, I developed an emotional attachment. I constantly felt the pull, the need to be near it.

So, when I stop myself to think deep and philosophically about “stewardship”, it’s actually quite easy. For me, it’s really about respect. I respect my life, I respect the forest, I respect the land, I respect the water. Why wouldn’t I? I have gained so much from just experiencing it and it has impacted my entire life in a very positive way, so it certainly deserves my respect.

Stewardship is recognizing that respect. Simple things like not leaving garbage on a trail or allowing it to enter the lake, taking part in roadside cleanups, not letting my car idle, using toxic free cleaners and dishwasher tablets, taking my garbage home with me after a weekend of camping, and continuing to walk in the woods. I feel like I need to be a steward both in my home and outside of my home—to me, they are equally important.

Respect drives all of this and I remain amazed at the beauty of this world that is so deserving and in need of all of us, in whatever large or small way, to be good stewards. an

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

9

Mark Your Calendars Check online at lowdsa.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for changes and updates to LOWDSA programs and activities. We will also send updates in our eNews, so make sure we have your current email address so that we can provide

Kenora Stuff and Bridges & Falls: Special edition for LOWDSA members

you with those updates.

Zoom Meeting

1 AUG 28 JUN

— TO —

LakeSmart Team virtual dock visits Available 7 days per week For more information or to book a visit go to lowdsa.com/cpages/lakesmart

SEP TBD

LOWDSA 58th Annual General Meeting – Winnipeg Details on time and location to be determined.

Register online at lowdsa.com/events and we will email you the information you will need to participate.

AUG

8

Free Metal Waste Collection Day 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Pye's Landing Get all the metal junk out of your yard, shed, garage and surrounding bush. Drop off by truck or boat. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload.

This summer, LOWDSA members will receive special editions of Kenora Stuff and Bridge & Falls magazines. This marks an important first-time collaborative effort in unprecedented circumstances by LOWDSA, Wake Marketing, Tourism Kenora and the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

Kenora Stuff is typically available only for pick-up at local spots around Kenora and the area but this year the magazine publisher, Mike Greaves of Wake Marketing, is going to “bring it to local and seasonal residents rather than them trying to find it”. This initiative came out of the recognition and need to put more emphasis on drawing in local and seasonal residents to the area’s businesses.

For those of you not yet familiar with Kenora Stuff, the magazine contains information about local eating, shopping and personal services. Bridge & Falls, which features the best from Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, will be familiar to many of you as it has been distributed with your summer issue of the Lake of the Woods Area News in past years.

Your association is pleased to be part of this collaborative effort and to be able to share this special edition of these magazines with you. The hope of all partners in this collaboration is that by showcasing the communities, seasonal and year-round residents can re-engage with the businesses that are nearest to cottage and home and closest to their hearts at the lake.

Our partnership in this initiative is presenting a great opportunity to get in the door of 7,000 households in the Kenora area with an introduction to LOWDSA and its story, programs and activities. While we have many members that live year-round in the Kenora area, there are many more who are not familiar with our association. A two-page spread in the magazine will be dedicated to bridging that gap.

This is a one-time, extraordinary exception approved

by LOWDSA in response to special circumstances in unprecedented times; one that your board feels provides benefit to the association, the Lake of the Woods communities and to all LOWDSA members.

Preliminary plans in the works & dates pending depending on COVID-19 restrictions and protocols. Check in often for details.

lowdsa.com N @lowdsaLakeTime M LOWDistrictStewardshipAssoc P lowdsa 807-468-8715 • 1-888-265-9784 • info@lowdsa.com • Box 1160, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X7

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LOWDSA

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

“Dedicated to Lakefront Property”

Ian Carmichael Broker of Record

OFFICE

807-467-2323

CELL

807-466-2236

lakeofthewoods.net

carmichaelrealestate@lakeofthewoods.net Thinking of Selling? Call me for a no obligation fair market evaluation of your property.

Thinking of Buying? I can provide Buyer Representation you deserve and can trust.

Call me directly for assistance and qualified experience at 807-466-2236.

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LakeSmart 2020 Celebrating 10 years of lake stewardship and innovation.

BY DIANE SCHWARTZ-WILLIAMS Summer 2020 marks LOWDSA’s LakeSmart program’s tenth birthday, and we’ve been planning to celebrate this milestone for almost a year. Celebrate it we will, although not quite the way we had anticipated.

To say that we’re feeling some impact of COVID-19 would be putting it mildly. Concern for the safety of the LakeSmart team and LOWDSA members has required us to step back and take a hard look at what all of this means for our traditional LakeSmart program and activities.

We have our collective fingers crossed that we’ll see our distinctive LakeSmart boat on the water sometime in July. If possible and safe for all concerned, we’re ready to make that happen. While your new LakeSmart team may be working virtually, they are looking forward to a busy summer connecting with LOWDSA members and friends in new ways.

Not knowing if/when physical distancing protocols will be reduced, we realized that having LakeSmart team members together in one boat was not an option for at least part of the summer. Our summer calendar of events was being stripped with cancellation after cancellation. The Matiowski Farmers’ Market—a primary venue for the LakeSmart team to interact with the public—is going to be limited to food vendors only.

No boat, no events, no market... what did that leave?

We decided…LOTS! It could be a whole new playing field if we got creative and adapted our program and activities to a very different kind of summer.

LakeSmart 2020 will indeed be unlike previous years, but it will still be very familiar, and in some ways, even bigger and better: • Brand new team for 2020 • Program extended and starting earlier: June 1 – August 28 • Going virtual in a big way including Zoom ‘dock’ visits (individual or group) • Introducing virtual events and activities—webinars, videos, Zoom activities • More resource development • New research projects

Tried, true and new LakeSmart remains an environmental outreach program unique to our area. It is delivered by a team of three university students, each with an environmental education focus, who spend the summer sharing information on ways we can live and play green at the lake. As always, they will be sharing practical knowledge about what we can each do to contribute to a healthier lake ecosystem and spreading the word about being more sustainable in our stewardship of land and water. They are equipped with knowledge and resources on a broad range of topics including creating and maintaining shoreline buffer zones, reducing run-off, septic systems, using eco-friendly cleaning products, preventing the spread of invasive species, safe boating and more.

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

2019 LakeSmart team, Myles King, Reed Cupeiro and Krista Robinson.

See you online!

For a short while, it seemed that COVID-19 would cast a huge shadow on LakeSmart 2020 and our tenth anniversary celebration. Fuelled by our passion for the program, board commitment to delivering it, sponsor support, and with some creativity and innovation, we turned those veritable lemons into lemonade. We are really excited about how this has ramped up LOWDSA’s ability to deliver on its mission—providing leadership, education and communication on issues affecting the Lake of the Woods region. Our outreach and potential to engage with those who love our lakes and want to see them preserved to be enjoyed for generations to come—members and non-members alike—has increased exponentially.

For information about LakeSmart 2020, to book your personal or group visit with the team, or to join in events and activities, contact us at lakesmart@lowdsa.com, lowdsa.com/cpages/ lakesmart, or call 807-468-8715 (TF 1-800-265-9784) and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Sponsors and funding make it all possible Introducing your 2020 LakeSmart Team Abbi Friesen Abbi lives in Winnipeg and has had the privilege of spending her summers growing up on Lake of the Woods. Her passion for the environment and aquatic ecosystems led her to study Environmental Science at the University of Manitoba, where she has recently completed her second year. Abbi is eager to learn and grow with LakeSmart, as well as develop new strategies for outreach and education in this pivotal time.

The LakeSmart boat, generously supplied by our lead sponsor, Woodlake Marine, is the key to the program and likely its most recognized feature. However, the LakeSmart program is only possible with the additional support of LOWDSA member donations to the Environmental Initiative and Special Projects (EISP) fund and other sponsors.

While we have been successful in securing sponsorships and funding for LakeSmart 2020, we continue to explore funding alternatives for coming years. Ongoing support from LOWDSA members is key to our ability to deliver the LakeSmart program year after year. Please consider donating to the EISP fund to help meet our funding requirements for this effective program.

For more information or to make a contribution contact Diane at 807-543-4287 or info@lowdsa.com.

Thank you to our 2020 sponsors:

Brie McCardle Brie has grown up and lives on Black Sturgeon Lake in Kenora. She is studying Environmental Science in Southern Ontario and just completed her first year. She is committed to sustainability and adores the outdoors.

Her love and knowledge of the lake and surrounding environment will be useful for anglers, hunters and recreational residents. Brie is looking forward to a great summer with the LOWDSA team and everyone she meets.

Jordan Amatuzio Jordan is from Winnipeg, and a recent graduate of the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources at the University of Manitoba. Throughout her education, she has gained a great enthusiasm for environmental education and sustainability. Jordan grew up visiting Lake of the Woods with family and friends and is looking forward to her first summer working at the lake.

We also gratefully acknowledge funding support received through the ECO Canada Co-op Student Work Placement and Canada Summer Jobs programs.

Get to know our 2020 LakeSmart sponsors at lowdsa.com/cpages/lakesmart

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

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Government Notes Your LOWDSA directors and staff communicate regularly with representatives of a number of ministries and departments at all levels of government. We enjoy positive working relationships including collaboration on issues of concern to LOWDSA and our members. These open lines of communication make it possible for us to access and share government bulletins in a timely manner and go directly to the source with questions on your behalf.

BY DIANE SCHWARTZ-WILLIAMS We continue to monitor COVID-19 announcements and updates from all levels of government that have particular relevance to our members who travel to and from the Lake of the Woods district. Two announcements were made just as the Area News was going to print: Federally, it was announced that, by mutual agreement, the Canada-US border closure to non-essential travel would be extended until at least July 21. The Government of Ontario announced that it was extending the emergency order until June 19 with details on the impacts on restrictions to follow.

We will continue to share the latest updates through our eNews, website and social media.

Given the frequency of changes to regulations and restrictions, as well as the many layers of information and differences from one province to another, the best sources for all COVID-19 information are the official ones. The individual provincial and federal websites dedicated to COVID-19 are the most up to date.

Most member inquiries we receive are about Ontario, Manitoba or Canada (federal) and we have posted links to their websites at lowdsa.com under News. Information for other provinces and states can generally be found online from local reliable sources.

eNews updates in May and June

necessary. There are also reasons why you may need to travel to your lake property, to check on ice damage after high water levels at freeze-up, or perhaps to satisfy insurance requirements. The decision on whether or not to head to your cottage under the present circumstances is a personal one, and will be made by everyone for their own reasons and should be respected as such.”

If you do not receive an eNews and would like to in the future, make sure we have your current email address.

Provincial Need for accessible, effective consultation and appeal process for property owners in unincorporated areas Over the past few years, LOWDSA has repeatedly spoken to the need for, and lack of, opportunities that are available for consultation/engagement with organizations and stakeholders in the unincorporated/unorganized areas who have an interest and stake in the development and environment of the area.

We decided to address the issue by sending letters to several ministries on more than one occasion with little or no response.

On May 6, another letter on this subject was sent to the ministers for Municipal Affairs and Housing, Environment, Conservation and Parks, Natural Resources and Forestry as well as to Kenora MPP Greg Rickford, Minister for the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines.

We email our eNews to LOWDSA members 8–10 times per year, sharing info and updates that come up between issues of the Area News. Our early May eNews included a letter co-signed

by LOWDSA president Hardy Bock and Kenora mayor Dan Reynard and Responses received to date indicate that this matter falls to the accompanied by messages from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We are currently Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce, awaiting the ministry’s reply to our most recent letter.

Harbourtown BIZ, Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls and Township of The letter is too long to include here but was distributed with our Lake of the Woods. The letter reaffirmed June eNews. Following are some key excerpts: earlier messages regarding limitations of local health infrastructure and “Prompted by concerns raised by LOWDSA members and a supply chains, but the key message was five-month dialogue with them, it is time to address this same acknowledgement of the real and lasting contributions seasonal issue with your ministry on behalf of our members yet again. residents make to our lake communities—and how much our The development at the centre of this particular dialogue is communities and local businesses are missing seasonal residents. a construction project in Kendall Inlet on Lake of the Woods.

While we are not going to discuss the specifics of this project, nor As noted in the letter: “We recognize that there are instances advocate one way or the other, we do want to speak to LOWDSA’s where isolating at the lake makes sense and may even be recognition on behalf of its almost 3,000 member families of the

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

need for accessible, effective consultation and an appeal process for property owners in unincorporated areas with respect to future development."

“Given the potential of some developments to have a significant impact on future development and, more immediately, the environment in the unincorporated areas, we would respectfully suggest that real effort should be made to engage property owners in the unincorporated areas and to provide some medium for consultation. Further, we would suggest that this should be the practice going forward on any matters having the potential to impact unincorporated areas.”

Postponement of property tax assessment The Government of Ontario has postponed the planned property tax assessment for 2021 to maintain stability for property owners.

In 2021, the tax levy will be based on 2020 assessments as opposed to the updated 2021 assessments.

Deferral of unincorporated area property tax payments The Government of Ontario is extending the amount of time that taxpayers in unincorporated areas have to pay their property taxes without interest or penalties.

All unincorporated areas are in northern Ontario outside of municipal boundaries. Each of the four property tax instalments due in 2020 will be deferred 90 days for those taxpayers that need more time. For example, taxpayers who would be required to pay the April 7 property tax instalment will have until July 6 to pay this instalment without interest or penalties.

This deferral of unincorporated area property tax payments applies to all of the levies that are collected through the consolidated Provincial Land Tax (PLT) bill. This includes PLT, education property tax, and any Local Road Board and Local Service Board levies that are paid through the PLT bill.

In order to support the work of Local Roads and Services Boards and to ensure this deferral does not have a financial impact on these boards the province will continue to make payments to local boards for levies that have been billed as previously scheduled. In addition, to ensure this does not have a financial impact on school boards, the Province will adjust payments to school boards to offset the deferral.

The Provincial Land Tax (PLT) is the property tax paid in unincorporated areas of northern Ontario outside municipal boundaries. The province collects the PLT to help fund important community services, such as policing, land ambulance, public health and social services on behalf of unincorporated areas.

If you have any questions about PLT payments or billing, please contact the PLT administration office in Thunder Bay at plt@thunderbay.ca. For additional questions about PLT, please contact the Provincial Land Tax Policy Unit of the Ministry of Finance at info.propertytax@ontario.ca More information: fin.gov.on.ca/en/consultations/landtaxreform.

Four-laning Highway 17 update On February 22, 2020, local media reported a statement from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that said: “the ministry is currently finalizing design plans and environmental approvals for the first project that is planned between the Ontario/ Manitoba border and Highway 673. The project is anticipated

Zoom Meeting

Book your Zoom ‘dock’ visit with LOWDSA's LakeSmart team in July or August!

For more information or to book a visit: » Go online to lowdsa.com/cpages/lakesmart » Call 807-468-8715 or TF 888-265-9784 » Email info@lowdsa.com

Take advantage of the knowledge and resources available from the LakeSmart team, including healthy shorelines, buffer zones, reducing run-off, invasive species, safe boating, septic systems and so much more.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

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to be tendered later this year after the environmental approval process has been completed and all potential concerns and impacts have been addressed. Tendering dates have not been finalized yet.”

Earlier in February, local media reports indicated that Kenora-Rainy River MPP and provincial cabinet minister Greg Rickford hoped to see construction start this spring.

These two reports prompted us to email the MTO project team February 24, 2020, asking for an update: “It was our understanding from previous correspondence with the MTO project team that we would be included in an email distribution list for updates on the project and that we could also refer to the project website for those same updates. However, we have not received anything directly from the project team since the July 2019 email below that was in response to another inquiry from us. Further, the website was last updated in April 2019 with no readily apparent change from when it was first established in November 2018, and the most recent announcements/ developments from this month are not posted on it.”

As of June 3, we have not received any response to our email and subsequent media reports in May repeated the February messages. We will be emailing the project team and MTO again. If you have comments, suggestions or questions for the ministry and consultant, or want to be added to the study mailing list, email project-team@4LaneHighway17Kenora.ca.

Full contact information including mailing addresses are available online.

Public Access to MNRF forest management planning process If you have questions about forestry in the area, whether it is planting, harvesting or planning, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has several informative online tools.

Keep informed: Forest Management Plans, ontario.ca/forestplans Get involved: Handbook for Getting Involved in Forest Management, files.ontario.ca/involvement_handbook_final_english_2018_04_10.pdf "Useful tips on navigating the eFMP (electronic forest management plan) website" guide is available by contacting LOWDSA at info@lowdsa.com or (807) 468-8715.

Municipal City of Kenora pandemic relief measures On March 31, the City of Kenora council approved the following relief measures for its citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Effective April 1 until August 31, interest and penalties on property taxes will be waived.

• Taxes owing are still due, but the tax due date which has historically been the third week in July will be extended to August 26, 2020.

• Interest on utilities (water and sewer services) will be waived until August 31. All amounts owing are still due. There will just be no charge for deferring payments until the end of August.

For more information visit: kenora.ca/category/media-release or call Customer Service, Kenora City Hall at 807-467-2000.

FREE METAL WASTE COLLECTION DAY Saturday, August 8 10 AM – 1 PM We're back at Pye's Landing this year.

Got junk? Today's the day to clean it up!

LOWDSA is giving you the chance to get rid of that old bedspring, burn barrel and any other metal waste you've been meaning to recycle.

Just load it up and bring it down to the docks— by truck or by boat—and drop it off for FREE!

Let's get the junk out of our yards, garages and surrounding bush.

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LOWDSA

DROP OFF IS FREE!

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Come by boat, car or truck

Volunteers will be available to help unload

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LOWDSA Annual General Meeting delayed to September Date to be determined In mid-March LOWDSA’s board of directors decided to postpone the AGM out of concern for the health and safety of our members and our communities in accordance with recommendations and directions from government and health authorities.

In a year of many changes for the association, plans for the AGM changed more than once. Until recently, we were going to host the AGM from Kenora on July 3, with members participating virtually by Zoom or phone. That is no longer the plan.

The latest update is to hold LOWDSA’s 58th Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg towards the end of September. A final date and location will be set soon and will be communicated to LOWDSA members with an AGM meeting notice as per our bylaws. We will also post meeting notices on the website, our social meeting platforms and in an eNews.

If you have questions about plans for the AGM let us know at membership@lowdsa.com or call 807-468-8715 (TF 1-888-265-9784).

Online Member Directory We need to know—email us today!

New this year, our member directory is only going to be available online when you're logged into your LOWDSA account. We need to know if you want to be listed!

Simply send us an email Include your name and phone number, and tell us if you do or do not wish to be listed in the LOWDSA member directory. If you would like to be included, also let us know if there is a specific location (ie. Longbow Lake, Minaki, etc.) you would like in your listing.

Please send your email to info@lowdsa.com

by July 30, 2020.

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

LOWDSA mobile boat wash station Invasive species continue to change the natural ecosystem of the Lake of the Woods district, and those changes are rarely welcome ones. The growth of the tourism industry and property development in the Lake of the Woods district draws more boats and watercrafts into the area each year, providing important economic growth to the area. However, this increased traffic in our waterways creates more opportunities for invasive species— rusty crayfish, spiny water flea and the recent emergence of zebra mussels—to spread and impact the natural ecosystem.

LOWDSA’s vision is to preserve one of the most beautiful places on earth as a high-quality environment for future generations to enjoy. For years, LOWDSA has promoted the practice of Clean, Drain, Dry to boaters, sharing information and promoting every boating enthusiast’s responsibility to clean their watercraft, drain remaining water and allow the boat to dry before transferring it between water bodies.

In 2020, LOWDSA is beginning to work towards the creation of a program to encourage all boaters to get into the habit of cleaning their boats with the use of a LOWDSA mobile boat wash station. Boat wash stations provide decontamination opportunities for boaters and significantly reduce the chance of introducing invasive species to water bodies through the use of pressure washers to clean the watercrafts. The proposed LOWDSA mobile boat wash station will provide the opportunity to clean watercrafts in multiple locations throughout the summer months. LOWDSA is working diligently to secure partnerships and sponsors to fund the mobile boat wash station and to have it on site at gatherings, boat ramps and tournaments around the Lake of the Woods area. It would take dozens of mobile boat wash stations to decontaminate all the boats entering or exiting our waterways in the Lake of the Woods watershed. However, we can make a real difference with one of them moving around the district cleaning dozens and dozens of boats each season, educating many hundreds on the importance and ‘how to’ of Clean, Drain, Dry and preventing the spread of invasive species in the process.

The LOWDSA board of directors has allocated dollars in the Environmental Initiatives and Special Projects (EISP) fund to initiate the funding campaign for this project. In addition to helping protect local waterbodies by reducing the spread of invasive species, the mobile boat wash station will serve as a self-contained education program complementing our flagship LakeSmart program and focusing directly on the impacts of invasive species. Throughout the summer months each year, LOWDSA will look to have board members, staff, students and volunteers work with the mobile wash station and with boaters interested in taking part, having their boat cleaned and walking through an inspection. By doing so, boaters will learn how to properly check and clean watercrafts and the impacts of invasive species to our water bodies.

Practicing Clean, Drain, Dry through the use of the LOWDSA mobile boat wash station is one of the simplest ways to work together to protect against the spread of invasive species.

LOWDSA is looking forward to continuing work on this project and discussions with our partners on how to bring it to reality.

Continue to watch for updates and if you or anyone you know would like to be involved, as always, reach out to our association.

We look forward to seeing you on the water and continuing to practice Clean, Drain, Dry in the Lake of the Woods area.

Plans for the LOWDSA mobile boat wash station are continuing but will only go forward within the necessary precautions we are all taking at this time. As decisions are made, we will post them on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you are not already receiving the LOWDSA eNews and would like to, make sure your current email address is on your profile.

Save our lakes!

LOWDSA’s plan for a mobile boat wash station moved one huge step forward when we were approached by Turtle Beach Clothing Co. with an offer we could not refuse and were delighted to accept. In this new partnership, a portion of all Turtle Beach Clothing Co. sales will be donated to the fund we are building for the mobile boat wash station.

All clothing is proudly Canadian-made featuring the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials such as organic cotton. It is available to purchase at turtlebeachclothing.ca, on Facebook, Instagram, or at Bob's Burger Bar, 152 Main St. South in Kenora.

The company, originally established in 1985 in Kenora, Ontario, by local entrepreneur Bob Firth, is making a return with a new eco-friendly message, focused on freshwater lake sustainability and preserving it for years to come. It aims to raise awareness about water pollution and the effects it has on local wildlife.

We applaud Turtle Beach Clothing Co.’s commitment to work with LOWDSA on this important initiative that ties in so directly to our mission to preserve one of the most beautiful places on earth as a high-quality environment for future generations to enjoy.

Turtle Beach Clothing Co. partners with LOWDSA to raise funds for mobile boat wash station

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Requirements for docks and waterfront work: Need to know regulations and resources MNRF requirements in unincorporated areas NOT WITHIN a Restricted Area Order (RAO) Docks and single-story boathouses that have 15 m2 or less in physical contact with shore lands (lakebed) will no longer be reviewed by the MNRF. This includes floating docks, post docks and crib docks that have less than 15 m2 in physical contact with shore lands (lakebed). Please refer to Ontario Regulation 239/13 ontario.ca/laws/regulation/130239 A work permit will still be required for certain activities on shore lands, for example, installing cribs with a cumulative area of more than 15 m2 in physical contact with shore lands (lakebed).

Over the past several months, we’ve received a number of inquiries from members asking about the rules and regulations around building docks. We’ve pulled together some important information and resources that shoreline property owners are advised to review before starting to build a dock or shoreline structure. We’ve also included key contacts as, depending on your project, you may require more information than what is included here.

Our appreciation goes out to the Kenora District MNRF local staff, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA) and the Township of Muskoka Lakes for the information they provided.

Municipal permit requirements Each of the three municipalities within our catchment area have their own requirements and regulations. If your property lies within the City of Kenora, Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls or the Township of Lake of the Woods, contacting them directly before building a dock, boathouse or shoreline structure is recommended.

As of June 1, 2017, the MNRF no longer issues occupational authority for docks and single-storey boathouses on shore lands (lakebed) that are only for boat storage.

WITHIN a Restricted Area Order You must have a valid work permit before beginning any work, other than maintenance, as described in the guidelines.

Work permit application forms can be found at ontario.ca/page/ crown-land-work-permits

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDSA

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DFO Requirements

Navigation Protection Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has changed the way new project proposals (referrals), reports of potential Fisheries Act violations (occurrences) and information requests are managed in Central and Arctic Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories). Please be advised that general information regarding the management of impacts to fish and fish habitat and self-assessment tools that enable you to determine Fisheries Act requirements are available at dfo-mpo.gc.ca. For all occurrence reports, or project proposals where you have determined, following self-assessment, that you cannot avoid impacts to fish and fish habitat, please submit to fisheriesprotection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. For general inquiries you can also call 1-855 852-8320.

The Navigation Protection Program is responsible for the administration of the Navigation Protection Act, which prohibits the construction or placement of any “works” in a navigable waterway listed in the Schedule to the Act that may interfere with the public right to navigation without first obtaining authorization from this office.

Did you know?

Under the public lands act it is offence to deposit materials.

This means it is illegal to create or add sand to a beach!

The Navigation Protection program also maintains responsibility for provisions of the Private Buoy Regulations and Receiver of Wreck under the Canada Shipping Act. Lakes found on the schedule to the Act therefore require a Notice of Work, and all required supporting documentation must be submitted for review, and approval received prior to the commencement of any construction or installation.

You can find the Notice of Work form and guidance material at tc.gc.ca/eng/programs-621.html. an

If you're working below the high-water mark (adding rock, building a retaining wall) contact the MNRF before starting work.

If you have any questions please call the Kenora District MNRF Office at (807) 468-2501 or email Kenora.MNRF@ontario.ca before starting work.

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LOWDSA

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

LOWDSA membership has its benefits, and of course the Lake of the Woods Area News might be the most recognized of many.

Now, we’re excited to offer one more...

LOWDSA Rewards from: Cottage Fire-Safety Service Green Adventures Image One Home & Cottage REMR Roofing Solar Solutions Canada WSL Sport & Leisure/ Tall Pines Marina ...and the list is growing! lowdsa.com/cpages/rewards

Rewards!

So, what is it?

Rewards from participating businesses will include special pricing, free upgrades, gifts with purchase, discounts of course... and those are just the ones we know about at this point.

Timing will vary from one reward to another; From June 1 – August 31 or any portion within those dates (and we know some rewards will be offered earlier and last beyond those dates).

Where are the rewards listed?

Visit lowdsa.com/cpages/rewards to see a current list of all our participating businesses with links to their websites.

How to claim your rewards:

LOWDSA is making a

BIG SPLASH with Green Adventures this summer!

Get on board with a 20% discount for LOWDSA members on all Green Adventures services...

All you need is your LOWDSA membership card in print or electronic form to confirm your membership and eligibility for rewards.

How to get your Member Card: 1. Login at lowdsa.com/login 2. Select your name (top right corner) 3. Select Member Card in drop down menu. Your member card will be displayed as a PDF file you can print and/or save to your phone.

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Green Adventures does commercial dive work and can fix docks, dive for equipment and check water pumps.

Looking for instruction?

Contact Green Adventures for next course info.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

2020-21 Membership Renewal PLUS GIFT MEMBERSHIPS & SEEDLINGS

2019 was a busy, eventful year for LOWDSA. Please renew today and add your voice to the association’s in 2020-21. Not sure when your membership is due for renewal? Call or email us to find out.

The Lake of the Woods Area News might be the most recognized benefit of membership, but we think LOWDSA membership is more than a great magazine.

What more is there? Here’s what we’ve heard from members: 1. On the forefront of best practices ensuring your lakes and rivers are healthy 2. Keeping informed on what’s happening and important in the Lake of the Woods district 3. Receiving eNews with updates between issues of Lake of the Woods Area News 4. Staying up to date with the latest information on preventing the spread of invasive species 5. Recognized and respected voice with all levels of government 6. Living green at the lake with the LakeSmart team and at member events 7. Offsetting your carbon footprint by planting seedlings—over 300,000 planted by LOWDSA members since 1991 8. Preserving one of the most beautiful places on earth 9. NEW! LOWDSA Rewards—Special member pricing free upgrades, discounts and more As an association we can make a difference in protecting and preserving this unique and beautiful part of the world we care so much about, doing what we can individually and collectively to ensure it is enjoyed by generations to come.

Four ways you can renew your membership, order seedlings, purchase gift memberships or contribute to the EISP fund; choose what works best for you.

TO RENEW ONLINE Login at lowdsa.com/login using your email and your password. If you have forgotten your password or this is your first time to login, you can request a new password. Once logged in you can renew your membership, sign up for auto renewal going forward, order seedlings and gift memberships and make a contribution to the EISP fund.

PREFER TO RENEW BY EMAIL, MAIL OR PHONE? Scan (or digitally photograph) your completed renewal form; email to shelley@lowdsa.com.

Renew by mail (envelope enclosed) or phone; all contact information below.

QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE TO RENEW ONLINE? Contact Shelley Bujold, Assistant Executive Director and Membership Coordinator at 807-468-8715, toll-free 1-888-265-9784 or by email at shelley@lowdsa.com.

Remember, membership is worth it for anyone who enjoys lake life— seasonal and year round residents, boaters, campers, visitors. Spread the word, consider a gift membership, share this package and grow our LOWDSA membership.

lowdsa.com N @lowdsaLakeTime M LOWDistrictStewardshipAssoc P lowdsa 807-468-8715 • 1-888-265-9784 • info@lowdsa.com • Box 1160, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X7

We need your help.

Membership fees alone do not cover the costs of LakeSmart and other familiar LOWDSA programs.

Environmental Initiatives & Special Projects (EISP) Fund Please take a moment to consider contributing to the EISP Fund.

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“Head”acher: A beloved Coney Island legacy

By Rosemary Robertson

The seeds of love for lake life often are planted early. In 1924, William Head, carpenter and my grandfather, took his sons to Ingolf while he built a cottage for the Hannaford family. They stayed at Kyles’ Boarding house on Longpine Lake. My father, Maurice, was 12. Soon after, he became a hired hand for the Kyles. It is where he learned many skills that would enable him to pursue his love of the outdoors. Not the least of these were canoeing, boating, fishing and anything to do with cottage maintenance. On a canoe trip from Ingolf to Keewatin in 1929, Maurice camped on a point of land near Norman that overlooked Lake of the Woods and Coney Island. He commented, “One day I am going to own a camp on this lake.” Little did he know how close to home that comment struck.

Following his tenure at Ingolf, Maurice made many other canoe trips in the region, while beginning his career at the Canadian Wheat Pool in Winnipeg.

Maurice courted and commenced a lifelong love story with Winnifred Barlow, from Weston, Winnipeg. They became regular vacationers at Holst Point, Minaki, and eventually spent their honeymoon there. Cottage ownership was a dream they shared.

It wasn’t until 1944, that the opportunity arose to buy a ramshackle camp on the north side of Coney Island, within view of the spot where Maurice had set up camp 15 years earlier.

Dressing to the nines, they journeyed by train to look at it. They were smitten. Originally a one room farmhouse built in 1894, it had been neglected for several years and needed a lot of work.

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

The princely sum of $2,000 was the asking price. Mom and Dad were resolute. They begged and borrowed as much as they could, coming up with $1,800. The deal was done.

My sisters Nancy and Elaine were one and three at the time.

Travel from Winnipeg was by train for many years as we had no car until 1956. Early water transportation to what quickly became and remains “Headacher” was by rented rowboat from Stone’s Boathouse. Later, in 1944, a used cedar strip boat powered by a 7/10th horsepower engine, christened The NaLaine, initiated a long line of boats, which saw many excursions to town, picnics and fishing trips. Since mom never drove the boat, she boarded the Argyle, at five cents a return trip, to go to town for groceries and other necessities. Wearing dresses was required for the boat as well as for trips to the train station to meet Dad on Fridays.

While they had electricity and cold running water, the early days were a challenge. There was a woodstove for cooking, an outdoor biffy and an inefficient fireplace for heat. Laundry was completed in big galvanized tubs, as were baths. Dad put to good use the skills learned from his father and his experiences at Ingolf. Slowly but surely, as money would allow, Headacher was spruced up.

The camp was always full of people. The boathouse upstairs with spring cots and a former ice house now called “The Little House” provided spots for folks to lay their heads—family, friends, and

Photos, left to right, top to bottom: ■ Nancy and Elaine with the families first boat, the NaLaine, in 1946.

■ Maurice Head’s love of the Lake of the Woods region began at Ingolf in 1924.

■ Maurice and friends enjoy a poker game in 1949. Clockwise from left: Hec Hudson, Maurice and Jimmy Foster (Hec and Jimmy were Canadian Wheat Board buddies), along with

Kenora friends Agar Stone (Stone's Boathouse), Jack Penner (Penner's Jewellers), and Earl Bourgeau.

■ Nancy waterskiing in 1957.

■ Wynne and Maurice with Nancy and Elaine in the early days of Headacher (1945).

■ Fishing was a favourite pastime for Maurice and the family in all seasons.

Dad’s work buddies. Mom always invited someone else for dinner saying, “We’ll just put another potato in the pot”. Many of Dad’s “fellows” were willing to exchange some labour for fishing trips and poker nights that left more than a few fuzzy-headed.

On one particular game night, short a player, the guys asked Mom to play. Hesitatingly she agreed and wouldn’t you know it, began winning. Suddenly, she announced, “Well fellows, I have enough to buy a new hat. Good night.” With that she took her money and went to bed. They were miffed. This is just one of the many stories about games played, both inside and out. Rummoli, croquet, and copious games of crib were enjoyed on a board made by Dad using a broken umbrella. He always salvaged every possible piece of building material.

In 1950, during the Winnipeg flood, the family evacuated to Kenora in early spring. It was pretty chilly in that drafty cottage. The wood burner placed beside the old fireplace was used for numerous jobs like popping popcorn and singeing drying socks. It served to dry clothes in years when the rain just wouldn’t stop.

Lines were strung all over the living room to hold the clothes. To get the beds ready to crawl in, rocks were placed on its surface, wrapped in rags and shoved to the bottom of the beds just before nestling in for the night.

■ Nancy, Elaine, and Rosemary with Maurice and Wynne on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Madden, Maisey and Zoe McCurdy; Livia, Lennon and baby Elliet Cain; Levi, Gwen and Teah Robertson.

■ The original Headacher, pictured here in 1958, would see many improvements for another 50 years.

■ Wynne and Maurice pose for a photo in 2003.

■ Like Rosemary, the newest members of the family (Elliet shown in front is just two days old) become part of Headacher early on. Left to right:

■ The new home, built in 2009, is filled with memories of the Head’s long history on Coney Island.

I was born in 1953 and was quickly toted off to Headacher. Weekends were always spent at the lake from May until Thanksgiving. Mom spent the entire summers there with us while Dad worked in the city. The expression that we existed in Winnipeg but lived in Kenora was never truer.

How we spent our time depended on the season. Spring was about opening up, removing mothballs and newspaper from the tops of beds, checking for evidence of mice, turning on water systems while praying for no leaks, and putting boats in the water. The lake consumed our summers.

Water skiing, gunwale bobbing, hours in inner tubes, morning swims in pyjamas, and skinny dipping at night were everyday occurrences. My sisters hung out with friends and the boat boys from Coney Lodge next door. There were many boathouse parties and other “shenanigans”. I played with the children from the other three neighbouring cottages that have all retained ownership through two generations.

We explored widely and freely. Imaginary games in the bush or at the waterfront, hiking to Blueberry Hill, reading comic books in a musty old tent and playing board games filled our days. The fall was the same in reverse with chopping wood added. Thanksgiving was especially treasured with walks in the leaves followed by a dinner somehow made more delicious by the warm, welcoming cottage. Lots of fishing took place through all three seasons.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

27

The Canadian Wheat Board underwent an overhaul in 1962 and Dad, always the frugal scavenger, harvested what he could.

Oak windows then graced the porch and upstairs. Vinyl tile was reaped for the kitchen and upstairs and acoustic tiles for the living room. That part now makes me cringe knowing what we know about asbestos.

We wanted to provide as many days at their cherished Headacher as was possible. Dad was determined that succession planning would occur before he died. Nancy, Elaine and I agreed that my husband Jim and I would assume ownership, which we did in 2008. Mom and Dad were now gone and we looked forward to carrying on our family’s long history on Coney Island.

The decision was made to tear down the well-loved, but no longer safe boathouse in 1972. It was with sadness that we watched it come down because we remembered the smell of that first motor fire-up in the spring, and jumping out the upstairs window into the lake. A new dock was built using the old cribs, featuring two slips instead of one. Dad installed the first septic field in 1973.

We determined that the 1894 building would not be repairable and the painful process of taking down Headacher began in March of 2009. It was important to us to protect its integrity and keep much of its magic intact. Our new home sits in the same location, is not any bigger and integrates pieces from the past. For example, the mantle is a beautiful piece of fir rescued from under the original building.

Headacher underwent another transformation at this juncture.

Dad and Mom retired to Victoria, but headed to their beloved Headacher every spring and stayed until Thanksgiving. The camp continued as a three season place with adaptations such as carpet and baseboard heat to make it more comfortable.

The garden, which was Dad’s passion, grew by leaps and bounds. Mom had always preserved crab apples, raspberries and blueberries, but now vegetables were frozen at harvest. The number of beloved roses soared and the flower gardens became huge and glorious.

Eventually, Dad and Mom could no longer make the trek from B.C. on their own. They moved into our home in Kenora.

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

We moved into Headacher Too (Dad would have loved the play on words) in October 2009 and haven’t looked back. The garden is well tended and provides food for our growing family. The joy of watching our nine grandchildren and other family and friends frolic in the water, go to Coney Beach, pick raspberries, play games and do puzzles around the original oak table fills our hearts.

We will be forever grateful that Dad had that dream in 1929 and that Mom was such a willing partner in making it happen. They have left a legacy that will live on as their descendants share in the wonder that is Headacher. an

Here fishy fishy

By Shauna DeGagné

Family Fishing can be fun!

If you are of a certain age, you may recall a memorable Sesame Street skit featuring Ernie and Bert in a fishing boat. Ernie is wearing a bucket hat (no lifejacket!), the sounds of birds chirping can be heard in the distance, and Bert hasn’t had a bite all afternoon.

 Liev DeGagné-Clark, age 3, practices his casting from a dock on Big Sand Lake, July 2019. Photo: Chris Clark.

“Where are all the fishes?” Bert wonders.

Ernie explains that he doesn’t need a rod to fish, he just calls them. “Here fishy, fishy, fishy!” he hollers.

And voila! The fish jump right in the boat.

Not bad for a puppet.

Any adult attempting to bring a child fishing for the first time should definitely have a few tricks up their sleeve. If you haven’t perfected Ernie’s fish call, there are many other things you can do to make sure your first family fishing experience isn’t your last.

Scarlett Livingstone, a local fishing enthusiast, has been angling since she was a toddler. Now 10 years old, she says fishing is one of her favourite things to do because it means bonding with her family and friends.

 Scarlett Livingstone and her dad, Kerry, were fishing partners in the Lund Bronzeback Classic last summer. Photo: Rachelle Livingstone.

“It’s fun to spend time with your family and really get to know each other,” Scarlett says.

“You’re always learning about new fish and new spots, and usually, there’s snacks!”

As any parent of young children will tell you, snacks and drinks are the key to success in almost any situation. Pack a cooler, and bring more food than you think you’ll need. Bring other essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, hats, raingear and of course, lifejackets.

Scarlett admits that fishing can sometimes be boring when the fish aren’t biting.

“I just take a break, have some snacks, and then I go back to fishing. And eventually, I catch another one!” she says, smiling.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

29

Scarlett usually fishes with her dad, Kerry, and last summer she was his partner in the Bronzeback Classic, a family-oriented tournament that takes place every July on Lake of the Woods. "It's so important to keep kids interested in the outdoors, whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, whatever,” Livingstone said.

“It’s really fun when you reel in a big fish in a tournament,” Scarlett added. “You’re so proud of yourself! And even if you catch a small fish, it’s still kind of fun.”

If the fishing is slow, even the best snacks might not do you much good. It might be time to bring in the fancy gear and possibly even ditch the boat and fish from shore instead.

Local pro-angler Jeff Gustafson started fishing at a very young age, thanks to his access to Lake of the Woods via his grandparents’ cabin.

“My grandpa had a lot of lures that I used to cast off the dock for hours,” Gustafson recalls. “I think that’s where I got my love for bass fishing at a young age. I didn’t love going walleye fishing when I was a little kid. I much preferred fishing for pike and bass because we could cast and use lures.”

Scarlett agrees that fishing for bass is way more exciting than walleye fishing.

“When you’re fishing for bass, they fight so hard!

It’s fun to fight them and reel them in. A lot of fish have personalities,” she says.

According to Gustafson, the key to a good day of fishing with kids is action, and usually that means giving them a chance to experience what catching a fish is all about.

“Any action is good action,” Gustafson says. “You also need to read the situation. If the weather

Favourite books about fishing and fish to share with your kids: Big Al (Andrew Clements) This is Not My Hat (Jon Klassen) Juliana and the Medicine Fish (Jake MacDonald) Just Fishing With Grandma (Mercer Mayer) Give Me Back My Dad! (Robert Munsch) Get Me Another One! (Robert Munsch) Jangles: a big fish story (David Shannon)

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Top five tips for fishing with kids: is bad, fishing is tough, and the groceries are gone, it may be a wise idea to head in. You don’t want to burn kids out on fishing so that they think it’s like a punishment to be stuck on the boat all day.”

1. Bring snacks and drinks!

2. Let them bring a friend.

3. Don’t stay too long.

4. Have a back-up plan, like hiking, swimming or a picnic.

5. Don’t stress. Make it fun!

Gustafson regularly volunteers his time so that kids who may never have a chance to fish get to have the experience with him.

One of his tricks for fishing with kids is his Aqua-Vu underwater camera.

“They’ll see a bunch of fish in most situations and it’ll keep them busy for a while,” he says. “They are relatively inexpensive, fun and easy to use.”

Local fishing guide Duncan McEwen, owner and operator of Blue Heron Lake Tours and a father of three, has also been fishing on Lake of the Woods since childhood. He says that when kids are involved, the fishing shouldn’t necessarily be the focus of a successful day on the water.

“There’s no shortage of things to do if the fishing doesn’t work out,” McEwen says. “That’s almost my favourite part: a bit of swimming, a bit of fishing, a bit of R & R.” If you definitely want fish to take home for supper at the end of a day on Lake of the Woods, McEwen suggests heading away from the well-travelled areas.

“The fishing is better 15 to 20 miles down the lake,” he says.

“Keep it fun. Keep it simple. Have good gear. And try to enjoy it, even if the fish don’t bite.”

Families who are new to fishing might enjoy dropping their lines for the first time during the four licence-free periods: Family Fishing weekend in February, Mother’s Day weekend in May, Father’s Day weekend in June and Family Fishing Week (July 4-12, 2020).

While both the Lund Bronzeback Classic and Kids Kenora Bass International (KBI) have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, be sure to mark your calendars for these and other exciting fishing events in 2021! Kids Can Fish takes place the first weekend of March, as part of the Kenora Winter Festival. The Bronzeback Classic, mentioned earlier, happens in July. Kids KBI, in August, is a catch-and-release tournament for children aged 4-13 at the Harbourfront docks.

For more information about family fishing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/page/family-and-youth-fishing. an

Boat passengers should know boating basics! u

by Marianne Nuttall

We covered this topic in the Area News a few years ago but it is worth a review. Over our years of teaching boating safety, many people have said, “I don’t actually drive the boat so I do not need to know anything about it.” Read on to find out why this assumption is wrong!

Often, one person in a family or group of friends does all the driving of the boat, obtaining the boater’s proof of competency (PCOC - Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card) and gaining the required knowledge. In Boating Safety the driver is referred to as the boat ‘‘operator’’. Too often, the other people on the boat—the passengers—are not actively involved in anything to do with the boating process and leave everything to the operator. They are just along for the ride.

2. Two minds or sets of eyes are better than one

There are many good reasons that more than one person should have some knowledge of operating the boat.

Fishing is another example. If the operator is landing the big one, take over and help if the boat needs to be moved. Or let the operator fish without having to worry about operating the boat.

Over my years on the water, I have learned enough about boating, boating safety, navigation, weather, etc. to enable me to handle our boat alone when I need to. My husband Rod has encouraged (and insisted) that I be able to do many things on the boat, even when I’m the passenger.

Whether you are boating on a small lake, a larger one like Lake of the Woods or heading out to a large body of water like the ocean, there are at least three good reasons why “passengers” should take an active part in their boating experience and learn about boating.

1. You will be better prepared to help, if needed This is probably the most important reason to learn to operate your boat. You never know when your boat operator will, for whatever reason, become unable to operate the boat or just need some help. If the designated operator is unable to operate the boat and/or give you instructions: • Can you start and operate the boat?

• Can you read the chart and find your way home?

• Do you know where you are?

• If someone falls overboard, can you get them back on board? Most people, especially women and younger or older people, usually will not have the strength to lift someone aboard on their own without using some techniques to help them. Do you know those techniques?

Learn how to do every job on the boat. You never know when an emergency will come up and you will be forced to do a task you don't normally do. Learn a bit about common emergency situations and what action to take (capsizing, leaks, fires, engine breakdowns, etc.).

Much of this is covered in a boating safety course.

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Even if you do not encounter an emergency, working together can often bring better results and lighten the load on the designated operator. As an example, navigation in many areas on Lake of the Woods, where all islands start to look the same, can be challenging especially if you are not paying attention all the time. It is nice to have a second set of eyes.

It is the same with using electronic instruments. On our boat, Rod openly admits I am the one that gets to experiment with new navigation instruments, like GPS. Once I figure them out, I teach him. Then we both can use them and take turns.

The list of responsibilities to share goes on and on: • Navigation and use of electronics as noted above • Knowing the weather forecast before you go out and then watching the weather while you are out on the water • Looking out for obstructions on the water • Making sure all safety equipment is available, working and knowing how to use it • Watching out for other boats for right of way rules • Knowing how to tie up the boat at the dock • Understanding medical emergencies common to boating and how to deal with them like hypothermia, sunstroke and heatstroke

3. You may enjoy boating a lot more!

You may find you enjoy boating a lot more when you understand a few basic things about boating and actually participate.

• Navigation and reading a chart are not that difficult to learn. It is a lot more fun if you can see on a chart where you are going.

• Understanding how the buoys and markers work and what they mean will help you navigate much easier. Many people who took our course that covers the basics of buoys and markers were enthusiastically looking forward to next season’s boating once they discovered how simple it really is.

• Understanding how the boat works and what to do in different situations can help you feel more comfortable and less likely to panic if an emergency situation happens. Many boating courses cover common situations and what to do to avoid them turning into a crisis.

• You can use the boat even if the operator is not around (as long as you have your PCOC). If you drive a car why can’t you drive a boat?

So “passengers”—Get out there, start participating in your boating expeditions. Ask questions and learn while you are out on the water. Take a boating safety course to get your PCOC and then practice.

Remember, all boaters operating in Ontario waters—and right across Canada—are required to have a PCOC, which is a proof of competency, in order to operate a powered driven vessel.

Operators, please, encourage your passengers and show them a few things. Everyone will enjoy boating a lot more. an

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

33

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Know your emergency plan and location—it could be a lifesaver!

BY BONNIE BALTESSEN WITH LEANNE FOURNIER In addition to Bonnie Baltessen’s reporting, this article is the result of extensive consultation with emergency services including Kenora Central Ambulance Communications Centre, City of Kenora Fire and Emergency Services, Ontario Provincial Police, as well as the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, local fire departments, municipalities, and local services boards. We have gathered as much information as possible, but understand that the sidebar listing

Pellatt United Fire Fighters respond to a call.

may not be 100 per cent complete. We will continue to share new information as it becomes available.

I’m lying under the deck swing, feeling dazed. When I lift a hand to my smarting head, I realize I’m bleeding. I try to get up, but I am still too dizzy. I know I need help, and I know the drill. Our emergency address is in place, and my adult children, here for a visit, know it. They also know that they just have to call 911. My husband Barry, a volunteer fire fighter, is already helping out on another emergency call.

My family knew our emergency address that would be required when they made the call because of Barry’s work with other community members to bring 911 service to the area covered

by Pellatt United Fire Fighters (PUFF) — generally the region north of the bypass, and CP rail line, west of Kenora and south of Minaki. It was a long process, involving hours of contractor and volunteer time, but well worth it in the end. Through this process, all properties were given proper civic addresses and those blue signs with phosphorescent numbers posted at each property.

That made it easy for the first responders to find us, and in spite of a busy night, they reached our place quickly.

Todd Skene, Fire Chief for the City of Kenora Fire and Emergency Services, explains that anyone can call 911. “It’s a national service but if the municipality hasn’t opted in to receive proper civic addressing, which includes the blue signs, then the mapping isn’t in place.” This mapping is the foundation for the 911 system.

Without it, emergency responders are relying entirely on the information provided by the caller to get to the correct location.

For many of the unincorporated areas that do not have 911 service, addressing is incomplete, and google maps are not accurate.

Skene said cell phones can always be used for 911 calls. He points out that if a strong cellular signal is available, GPS coordinates may be usable by area emergency dispatchers, but cautions that the coordinates are not always reliable.

Have a clear, accurate description of your location “What people need to have in place is a good description of their location,” Skene said. A road name or number, branch road name or number, kilometres down a road and house number or name can be useful. Some branch roads are marked with numbers, some might have a listing of property owner’s last names. These can all be helpful if they are visible. And everything used in the description that’s given should be discernible in the dark. “For example, I once responded to a fire alarm call (given by an alarm company) that led us to a road but the house description was ‘the house with the red roof’,” Skene said. “It was four in the morning and there were nine houses on the road.”

Cute descriptions or locally familiar landmarks, known only to long time area residents, are not helpful to police or paramedics many of whom are actually from somewhere else—“By where Ben’s old garage used to be,” “The bee hive,” “Across from Jane’s house,” etc. can waste precious time in an emergency.

Jason Canfield, Community Safety Officer for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in the area, said the police are usually able to use GPS coordinates. “Most smart phones these days have GPS capability even when not in cell range of a tower.” He suggests writing down these coordinates so that they are readily available.

He said the OPP is capable of reaching any destination if needed but it may take time. While an OPP helicopter isn’t available locally, they can access one through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that is stationed in Dryden. They have ATVs, boats and snowmobiles as well as an emergency response unit trained to attend hard to reach places.

“In short, we will always find people, but the more information they have for us when they call the better,” Canfield said.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

In the District

35

Who to call?

If you have a cell phone with reliable service, call 911. It is the universal cellular number used in Canada by police, fire and paramedic services. But remember, even if calling from a cell phone you should have a clear, accurate description of your location including GPS coordinates if possible. Depending on your location and quality of cell service, calls may be dropped or have a poor connection.

If you only have a land line and no 911 service, know the local emergency numbers to call. Contact your local services board (LSB) or fire department to find out the emergency service provider numbers to use. Property owners within a certain LSB boundary should find their LSB information on their annual property tax bill.

The blue sign with phosphorescent numbers indicates that 911 emergency service addressing has been put in place.

Have a plan that everybody knows While it is good to use a visible place such as a fridge to display your address or best description in the event of an emergency, Robert Creedon, administrative fire chief and fire and life safety educator for the Minaki Fire Department, suggested posting emergency numbers and descriptions near a meeting place as part of an escape plan for a fire. “I wouldn’t want to lose anyone looking for the phone numbers in an active fire.” Creedon adds that it’s also a good practice that, once the situation has been assessed and emergency services have been called, to send someone to the shoreline or road to wave emergency responders in.

Kenora Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Pellatt Longbow Lake Morson Clearwater Bay/ McKenzie Portage

Ambulance: 807-468-3311 Fire: 807-547-2400 Police: 1-888-310-1122

Minaki

Ambulance: 807-468-3311 Fire: 807-224-1100 Police: 1-888-310-1122 No 911 service and temporarily no fire call line

Redditt*

In short, have a plan that you, your family and friends know about.

Most of us welcome guests to our little piece of paradise.

It only takes a few minutes to alert them to the proper address or description, a meeting place and the phone numbers to use. Ensure your family and friends know all of the information or where to access it quickly. an

36

In the District

Call 911 for fire, ambulance and police service emergencies.

Ambulance: 807 468-3311 and 1-877- 351-2345 (Ontario only) Police: 1-888-310-1122.

To report a forest fire, call 310-FIRE (3473). *The Redditt Volunteer Fire Department is in the process of having all team members certified. Fire services will resume and a contact list will be made available to the community when this is completed.

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Water levels

BY JACK MCKENZIE Following a winter season that saw many property owners with ice damage to their docks and other shore line structures, spring conditions have helped somewhat, with Mother Nature not refilling the lake quickly, giving those with ice damage a chance to attend to repairs.

Yes, the Control Board, and the Association's office, have received calls from property owners asking why Norman Dam's outflow couldn't be cut back to retain more water in the lake. The answer is that with the spring fish spawn in progress, cutting back the flow on the Winnipeg River would destroy the fish eggs and leave loon nests, high and dry—remember—the loon can't walk.

That leads us to remind boaters to pay attention to the fact that the depths shown on your navigation charts are, as of June 6, not what is indicated on the chart. We covered this in the last issue of the Area News and while the lake level is up a little, it's not back to normal. It's important enough to repeat the warning. All boaters should note that the depths shown are based upon the lake being at 1,059 feet elevation, or more. Today the lake stands six inches below that figure and with the strong north winds blowing lake water down to the south end (wind tide) it is quite possible the level is a good foot lower than shown.

The marinas and boat repair shops on the lake love the increase in business—replacing lower units for boaters who assumed the water to be safe as they had never had a problem in past years!

At the June 5 teleconference meeting of the Lake of the Woods Water Control Board, current conditions and possible projections for the summer, were reviewed. The lake still stood below the navigation datum with little hope for much improvement.

Precipitation for the month of May had been the driest in 35 years. The inflow was about equal to the outflow and dry conditions projected to continue well into summer.

Yes, the possibility of cutting back the lake's outflow over the summer is under consideration, however cutting back too much has, in the past, effected the water quality on the Winnipeg River and, in turn, the fish population.

Having said all of this and guessing what conditions will be like for the balance of June and through July, conditions can change quickly. We've seen too many major summer storms that dump great amounts of water over the watershed in a day or two that instantly change conditions to where the Norman Dam has to be opened and conditions on the Winnipeg River go from normal to flood conditions. This can happen almost overnight.

Interested in more up-to-date information? Visit the Control Board's website at lwcb.ca and read the Notice Board messages.

We also recommend viewing the 10-Day Inflow Report from the 'Basin Data' menu, and comparing the outflow to the 7-day inflow on Lake of the Woods, to see where things are headed.

The perfect gift for your adult children and grandchildren...

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Their gift membership provides some amazing things, including: • 5 editions of Area News magazine • eNews updates • Opportunity for LakeSmart visits • LOWDSA Rewards—special member pricing and discounts at local retailers and businesses • Information and insights on how we can preserve one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Order online, anytime!

Visit lowdsa.com to order gift memberships for anyone, at any time! Alternatively, just email info@lowdsa.com or call 888-265-9784.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

In the District

37

WELCOME BAC WE’RE HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!

HEUREAUX DE VOUS ACCUEILLIR

NISHIN KEYBESHY

Please practice safe habits and respect protocols prepared by individual businesses.

CK TO KENORA

Y-YEN

STARTS JULY 8

GLAD YOU ARE HERE

Celebrate summer at the lake.

We’re glad you’re baCk! kenora.ca

CHU KONTAN TETSIT

Beyond Fishing: The Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre in Sioux Narrows

BY HEATHER GROPP, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, TOWNSHIP OF SIOUX NARROWS-NESTOR FALLS The Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre (NOSFC) in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is unique to Canada, offering new perspectives into the history of the region and the lake life that many of us have come to know and love.

The Centre was built in 2011, and was a product of government stimulus packages that were being offered in response to the 2008 economic crash. The Township’s proposal to design and build an iconic cultural-historic centre for the community was successful and the design and construction of the 5,000 square foot centre commenced. However, the Township had one lingering question... Jeff Port, Director of Planning and Development for Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls explains: “The intention was to construct a cultural centre for Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, and as building began, we started to ponder, what do you do with a 2.6 million dollar interpretive centre? We pursued a few partnerships with local and regional interest groups but nothing came to fruition. Then I went on a fishing trip…” This is where Port got the idea for a fishing centre.

“The Township wanted to develop a regional project that is unique to Canada and really is the DNA of our community. The Sport Fishing Centre fit that bill,” Port said.

Since opening its doors in 2011, the NOSFC has welcomed 10,000 visitors annually from all over the world. From May-September,

40

In the District

The Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre as viewed during the Bassin' for Bucks Tournament. Photo courtesy of the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

tourists come to see the displays of the five most recognized sport fishing species in Lake of the Woods and the lures and rods that are used to attract them. They stay to watch videos from the impressive video collection, such as the locally produced Lake of the Woods: A History by Water, engage with staff to learn about local eco- systems (the turtles are favourites with the kids), and to partake in the special programming.

A focus for this year is a Summer Seminar Series, offering workshops, lectures and activities for a wide variety of audiences, far beyond the fishing enthusiasts. With continuing restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19, NOSFC is re-imagining how this programming will take place virtually throughout the summer.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about Lake of the Woods, and eco-system health through presentations by the IISD Experimental Lakes Area scientists and the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation; participate in art based activities with a fish flare; and take in fishing workshops for avid and new anglers.

See ad on page 33 for current event list.

Visit sportfishingcentre.com for the latest updates.

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Laclu Camper’s Association

BY TAYLOR FENN Over a hundred years ago, in 1918, a group of campers in the Laclu area joined together to negotiate with the Canadian Pacific Railway because they wanted trains to service the area during the summer months. The group was successful, and a station was built and serviced until 1954. This marked the start of the Laclu Campers Association (LCA).

The LCA is a group of cabin owners and residents in the Laclu area dedicated to the health and safety of the lake and keeping the community connected.

Throughout the years, the role of the LCA has changed, but its core mission has stayed the same. With its elected eight-member Board of Directors, the LCA plans annual events, keeps the community up-to-date with important information, designs unique Laclu merchandise and supports its Laclu Environmental Committee.

One of the LCA’s largest events is the annual Regatta, a celebration during the August long weekend featuring land and water races for all ages, impressive firework displays and a whole lot of community pride. August long festivities also include the Laclu Memorial Run, a way for community members to pay tribute to their lost loved ones.

The LCA is completely volunteer-led and relies on membership fees to host its events. Membership fees also fund critical water testing and preservation efforts led by the Environmental Committee.

Each fall, the association encourages campers and residents who are passionate about Laclu to join the Board of Directors during its Annual General Meeting.

For more information about the Laclu Campers Association, visit laclucampersassociation.com or check it out on Facebook and Instagram: @laclucampers.

Top: The annual Regatta always draws a large crowd.

Middle: Boaters getting ready for competition during the 2019 annual Regatta.

Bottom: The Memorial Run, held every summer, is another popular event bringing the Laclu community together to pay tribute to their lost loved ones.

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In the District

41

What’s happening on your lake this summer?

Harbourfest: The show won’t go on for the first time in 29 years Under the direction of the Government of Ontario, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Harbourfest had no choice but to reschedule the 2020 event to July 30 to August 1, 2021. All of the evening entertainment scheduled for 2020 has been confirmed for 2021 and current tickets purchased for the 2020 event will automatically be valid for 2021. Harbourfest will be offering information to all ticket holders as to how to obtain refunds if required, within the next few weeks.

Artisans and visitors are invited to share their stories and memories of the annual Sioux Narrows Arts Festival.

For information: harbourfest.ca

Matiowski Farmers' Market to continue with food vendors only The City of Kenora has announced that Matiowski Farmers’ Markets will return under the Whitecap Pavilion this summer with strict physical distancing guidelines. The 2020 market will be limited to food vendors, with no merchandise or craft vendors, as recommended by provincial guidelines outlined by the Ontario government and Farmers' Markets Ontario. The proposed start date is Wednesday, July 8.

For updates on the practices and procedures you must follow when attending the market visit facebook.com/ TourismKenora.

Sharing Our Story: The Sioux Narrows Arts Festival The Sioux Narrows Arts Festival, a two-day festival, held during the August long weekend, prides itself on the quality of original artwork for sale and the opportunities for people to network with artisans. For the past 59 years, volunteers have organized art sales and demonstrations, children’s programs, concerts and special arts events.

In the summer of 2021, the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. In addition to the ongoing attractions, heritage exhibits are being planned to share the stories and creations of the people who built the stellar reputation of Sioux Narrows as an art town.

Researching community history is always a rewarding project. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the documentation of “Sixty Years of Artists in Sioux Narrows.”

“We are always seeking new stories, photographs and artifact information from past participants, volunteers and visitors,” said Kathy Valentini, a member of the planning committee. “If you have an Arts Festival memory or artifact, the festival wants to hear about it!” Reach out by email at siouxnarrowsartsfestival@hotmail.com or on social media. “In our neck of the woods, they say that every cabin harbours a Sioux Narrows treasure.”

Check out siouxnarrowsartsfestival.com for the latest updates.

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42

In the District

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Deadly Beauty Article and photos

by Barry Corbett

Every spring, Lenny (my dog) and I venture into the forest searching for treasure. Our quest is for the “Crown Jewel” of the boreal forest, an orchid, whose showy flower resembles a slipper inspiring the names pink lady’s slipper or moccasin flower. Armed with a camera, thermos of coffee and a pocketful of dog biscuits we set out to find and photograph this alluring plant.

Like other orchids, the lady’s slipper is highly specialized depending upon complex relationships with other organisms for its survival.

One relationship with fungi is mutually beneficial while the other, pollination is let’s just say a bit exploitative.

The flowers and the bees Insects, especially bumblebees are lured to the lady’s slipper by its bright colour and enticing scent. To enter the flower, the bee squeezes through the long slit between the flower’s curled lips.

Inside, the would-be nectar robber is in for disappointment and surprise. Lady’s slippers rely on pollination by deception. They produce little­—hardly enough to wet a bee’s tongue—or no nectar at all. Cutting its losses, the bee tries backing out, but the flower’s inward curling lips prevent an exit through the front door. To escape, the intruder crawls upwards to a pair of openings on the top of the flower pushing against the flower’s stigma (female part) depositing any pollen it maybe carrying from another lady’s slipper. The bee’s indignation is not over yet! Exiting out the hole, the bee brushes by the lady slipper’s anthers (male part) coating it with pollen that hopefully the bee will transfer to another lady’s slipper. After a few visits, the duped bee realizes the lady’s slipper is a hollow beauty and seeks out more rewarding flowers.

Lady’s slipper pollination is a long shot, only 2 to 10 per cent are fertilized each year. Those pollinated produce a seed capsule by late summer which splits, releasing thousands of tiny seeds into the wind.

Seed production is draining and often the plant takes a year’s respite from flowering or remains dormant below the ground.

The seed lacks its own food supply relying on special fungi to break open its shell and serve as its roots, transferring nutrients and water to the seed. Slowly it grows into a corm or underground stem but remains dependent on the fungi for sustenance. Finally, after several years, the corm grows its own roots and a bud and two leaves emerge.

Now it can feed itself and repay the fungi by providing nutrients to them. Many plants flower within their first year of life, but the lady’s slipper may take another ten years to flower after developing its roots and leaves.

Please don’t pick the ladies Resist the temptation to transplant lady’s slippers to your garden as less than 5 per cent will survive. These exquisite beauties take years to grow, requiring specific forest conditions, which most backyard gardens lack. If you want lady’s slippers for your garden, cultivated ones are available from many greenhouses.

44

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Seeds provide greater genetic diversity and wider distribution but, to ensure survival, the lady’s slipper has a back-up plan. The plant sends out rhizomes or underground stems, sprouting carbon copies of the mother plant. Left undisturbed, one orchid may grow into a large colony of many plants. The average lifespan of a mature plant is approximately 24 years, while large plants can live over 100 years.

Fatal attraction After a week of walking old familiar trails the blooms began to fade.

It was time to pack up for another season. But on our last outing, fate revealed to me a more sinister side of the lady’s slipper’s beauty.

Off in the distance I spotted a late bloomer. At first glance nothing special, but of course it warranted a photo. Crouching down, I heard Lenny flop onto a bed of moss releasing what I only could imagine

was a sigh of boredom. Focussing my camera, something didn’t seem right. Stuck between the flower’s lips was a small piece of debris. I almost brushed it away, when a voice in my head whispered, “put your glasses on”. I couldn’t believe my eyes, staring back at me was a crab spider—what a find!

By pure accident I had stumbled onto a goldenrod crab spider and its lair within the lady’s slipper—the setting for one of nature’s most sinister traps. As its name suggests, this spider resembles a crab and is sometimes referred to as a pollinator predator, feeding on nectar seeking insects like butterflies and bees. Ambush is its hunting style—sitting patiently on a flower with its front legs spread out waiting to grasp any prey venturing too close. They are often found perched on yellow or white flowers like goldenrod or daisies and adjust their colour to more closely mimic the flower’s colour rendering them almost invisible.

However, when the orchids are blooming, the crab spider adopts a different strategy. No need for camouflage, the spider’s plan is far more devious. Sitting inside the orchid’s chamber, the spider patiently waits for its victim to enter through the front door. Once inside, the prey is trapped. Its only chance of survival is to crawl past the spider out the top hole. But this is not how the story will unfold. Instead the spider quickly seizes the bee with its front legs, sinks its venomous fangs into the victim, paralyzing it. Now in the comfort of its chamber, the spider leisurely sucks the body juices out of its prey.

The pink lady’s slipper is a complex, beautiful plant, whose survival is a story of dependence, endurance and deception.

From the moment it emerges as a seed, this orchid is entirely dependent on a symbiotic relationship with fungi. Its journey to maturity is long and arduous and requires tricking bumblebees into pollinating it.

This may be harmless deception, but a lurking spider within the bloom renders the lady’s slipper an unwitting accomplice to a far grislier fate for the bee. Searching for a free lunch, the unlucky bee becomes the main course.

Another lesson from Nature— even beautiful things can be deadly! an Top: Lenny waits patiently by a colony of lady's slippers produced by rhizomes or underground stems.

Bottom: Female crab spider ventures outside its lair, waiting for its next victim.

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There’s always plenty going on with your association and sometimes getting updates and info out to you in a timely manner does not fit into our Area News publishing schedule. That’s where LOWDSA’s eNews fills the gap. Our eNews is sent periodically (but not too often) and includes breaking news that may be time sensitive, important reminders, event updates, and useful links.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

45

Have you had the cottage talk?

By Patrick O’Connor, Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA)

Many positive memories are made as families come together to have fun and bond at the cottage, but amidst the joviality and s’mores, one question doesn’t usually get asked: “Hey kids, when your father and I die, would you want to keep the cottage?”

Understandably, not a topic for the campfire. But tragically, it is frequently not a topic of conversation for families period.

That means numerous cottage owning families have not had an intentional conversation around what to do with the family cottage. Ironically, this is often an attempt to avoid friction, but families who do not plan collaboratively around their family cottage are setting themselves up for some far more serious challenges and tougher conversations in the future. While estate discussions don’t feel like they align with summer fun at the lake, it’s important that you make this spring or summer the start of these conversations.

The family cottage is an asset that often comes with emotions attached. Unlike an RRSP, it’s not just a physical asset. It represents family values and shared family experience. It’s no wonder that you want your children to be able to have the cottage after your passing, and then pass it along to their kids and so on.

The cottage represents the essence of family legacy.

As a first generation cottage owner, I can certainly vouch for the level of emotion our camp holds for my wife, Jenny and me.

Our children all avow that their best childhood memories were created at the cottage. This is where we grew up together into the family we are today. Why wouldn’t our children want these experiences for their children? And, of course, they do want these experiences of shared adventures and family time. But it would be a mistake to assume that our children also want the cottage.

Issues with the cottage and estate are not limited to first generation cottage owners. If you are sitting in a multigenerational cottage reading this, you likely have a different perspective—and a different set of challenges—on how to handle passing on the cottage. First, second and even third cousins may be added to the mix. As time passes and families grow, the complexities multiply.

Time and again we hear stories about estate settlements that have gone sideways due to disputes that centre around the family cottage. Once again, this is because it is the one asset that everyone in the family is personally connected to and most represents Mom and Dad and their love. Why are you not talking about this now? Probably your answer would be a variation on fear. How would you finish this sentence? “We are afraid of having an open and honest talk with our children about the sensitive issue of death and our estate because…”

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Don’t let fear get in the way of love! Make the time to have this courageous discussion with your family. Put the question out there: “When your father and I die, would you want to keep the cottage?”

What you hear might surprise you: • No, we are all living in other parts of Canada/USA now, and only make it back for one week a summer. It’s just not practical for us.

• Yes, but we could never afford the taxes, maintenance, and upkeep. Without some significant financial help it wouldn’t work.

• I would like to buy it if my siblings don’t see themselves wanting to use it. Is this possible? How would I pay for it?

• Mom and Dad, we love coming here, but frankly this is not our passion.

• It would be nice, but with all of us having children and wanting to share this, we just can’t see making it work into the next generation. To avoid the potential fights, we think you should sell.

• I would love it but how is that going to work with my siblings?

How could we share?

Listen carefully. You want people’s honest thoughts and feelings.

Make sure everyone has a chance to speak. Take notes, which you should share with each family member in a few months, asking them to weigh in with any new thoughts or perspectives.

Once you feel you have heard from everyone and have a clear direction to follow, let your family know how you would like to proceed. Then, seek the necessary legal help to make sure this is all well documented. You might want to think about seeking out a professional to facilitate your discussion if you feel that it could help keep things on the rails.

Ideally, this is a conversation that will be ongoing. Circumstances change. Family members move. They marry. They divorce.

They have children. They have health events. When the cottage conversation is ongoing, it incorporates all the wonderful movement of life. The more you have these exchanges, the easier it will get and the more clarity you will create with your family.

In our family, we are still in the midst of enjoying our cottage with our young adult children. We do not know what the future will bring. But we have a plan in place now based on the conversations we have had as a family. We know as circumstances change, the conversations change, and our plans will change. In the meantime, we continue with the important family business of creating memories at the cottage – memories that now include the “cottage talk.” an

SOS: Save Our Songbirds

BY DAVE SCHWARTZ

“We have taken over the earth and the sea and the sky, but with skill and care and knowledge, we can ensure that there is still a place on Earth for birds in all their beauty and variety—if we want

The main causes of the declining numbers are erosion of habitat due to agriculture and mass urbanization, bird collisions with man-made structures, predation by cats, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species.

to—and surely, we should.”

The music of songbirds is fading away and it’s a tragedy. Birds add much to our lives through their songs, beauty, antics and environmental services. Unfortunately, the population of migratory songbirds is estimated to be down by 30 per cent since 1970 and still falling. The decline in grassland birds is even worse at 80 per cent.

— Sir David Attenborough

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48

One log can kill a million trees.

Learn more at:

Manitoba.ca/stopthespread

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Invasive species threaten Manitoba’s trees.

The emerald ash borer and other insects hide in firewood. When firewood is moved between locations, so are the insects.

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T Environment F O R E SP E C IE S S

Over the years we have tried to make our yard more bird and wildlife friendly by reducing the lawn area, planting native shrubs and trees which benefit birds, making brush piles to provide shelter while nixing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

An estimated billion birds are killed annually in North America by collision with windows and glass structures. Birds can’t see glass so to reduce the likelihood of bird collisions we use vertical blinds on most of our windows. These versatile window coverings seem to warn the birds not to try to fly to the reflected habitat in the window. We also wrapped our glass greenhouse with deer fencing (black netting) in order to deter birds from trying to fly right through.

In our adventuresome travel days, we supported preservation of habitat in Central and South America where many of our Title photos: To flourish, these three beauties require preservation of habitat in their Central and South American wintering ranges, their northern nesting areas, and enough rest and feeding areas between. Photos by Robert Taylor. Left to right: Black-Throated Green Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

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MOVE DON’TWOOD FIRE INVASIVE

Trish and I got hooked on birds a few decades ago and decided we would do what we could to help.

MB GOV, DONT MOVE FIREWOOD, LOTW, 5”x5”, 4501172689

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

birds spend the winter. We visited and stayed at different nature preserves in order to highlight the economic value of those lands in their natural state and to support the local people economically.

Those attempts at ecotourism were more interesting than visiting more conventional tourist destinations. We faced a moral dilemma though, trying to do the right thing environmentally while causing the climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel. The desire to travel won out.

Same with the desire to drink coffee, which also has an impact on bird habitat. Most coffee is grown in cleared fields but can be grown in the shade, which preserves the forest canopy and provides habitat for many migratory birds to survive the winter.

The Smithsonian Institute website provides information about certified wildlife-friendly coffee. Organic coffee is a helpful second choice as it involves no pesticides and usually has some forest canopy which benefits birds and other wildlife.

Unchecked, climate change will cause the extinction of twothirds of North American bird species by destroying habitats.

It also interferes with nesting success by upsetting migration timing. We should try to reduce our personal carbon emissions while pressuring governments to take action.

Allowing cats to roam freely is also impacting bird populations as the felines kill an estimated 2.6 billion birds annually in the U.S. and Canada.

Our diets also affect birds. Eating less meat, especially beef, will reduce our carbon footprints and lessen the amount of land needed to feed us, leaving more for wildlife. Using more organic food reduces pesticide use, which benefits our feathered friends.

Support research and habitat protection Tracking the population health of many hundreds of bird species is an immense challenge. To understand how birds are faring, scientists need hundreds of thousands of people to report what they’re seeing in backyards, neighbourhoods, and wild places.

Timely data is needed to formulate effective conservation solutions. Join projects such as eBird, Project Feeder Watch or the Christmas Bird Count to do your part to help science and conservation efforts while enjoying birds.

Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada is the leading authority on the prevention of night and daytime collision of birds with buildings. FLAP is a registered Canadian charity, which works with over 100 partners, and thousands of volunteers to support bird conservation. Their website is a treasure trove of information on making new and existing buildings more bird friendly.

If you’ve read this far, you must have an interest in birds. The following websites have more excellent information: Birds Canada, Cornell Ornithology Labs, Audubon Society, American Bird Conservancy, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

NCC has preserved millions of hectares of critical wildlife habitat through donations of land and money.

Birds Canada, Flap and Nature Conservancy of Canada, among others, are worthy of our charity dollars. We shell out big bucks for entertainment: music concerts, professional sports events, cable TV. If we value the wonderful entertainment birds provide we should also shell out to the excellent organizations that help to keep the birds performing. It’s the right thing to do. an

We’re your neighbours,

so we know it’s different here.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

Environment

49

‘Springing Back…’

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY LIL ANDERSON

This year started out similar to all I have witnessed in my life, but never, ever in my wildest dreams would I have guessed lives worldwide would be uprooted, in total turmoil, filled with grief for many. Our world has changed in ways we would never have expected but not all of the changes, or maybe I should say, reclamations, are bad.

We see the earth and its systems healing from the impact humans have had on it since the Industrial Revolution. While there have been some social media “hoaxes”, there is evidence that in parts of the world, air quality has improved, wildlife has returned, and waters are clearer due to the decrease in human activity.

As a wildlife rehabilitator, I witness a mini version of reclamation by our local wildlife. In cottage country, there is a period from September to May long weekends, where many cottages and associated infrastructure stay quiet and undisturbed. Denning

animals searching for a dry, insulated spot to sleep away the winter may sneak under a cabin, shed or attic. Mice and other small mammals may actually enter premises, especially if the hint of food still remains. And when spring comes, and it is time to reproduce, they all think, “Hey! This abode is a great place to raise my young’uns.”

So, every May long, I hold my breath when the phone rings, suspecting it is a returning summer resident who has inadvertently disturbed a feathered or furred squatter. In May, it is mostly denning mammals and cavity nesters that are usurped. But if COVID-19 delays some cottagers from returning until later in the summer, the potential for harm increases for numerous wildlife and their young who have “settled in” during the property owners extended absence.

Since no one ever wants to harm the critters, here are a few suggestions of where to look for possible tenants.

First, check the barbeque, as squirrels and mice like to nest under the grill. One year, a weasel used ours to cache over a dozen dead voles to feed her young at a later date.

1 Willow Drive Falcon Lake, MB R0E 0N0

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E: info@lumberone.ca W: www.lumberone.ca TF: 1-866-325-2661 P: 204-349-2294

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Check chimneys to make sure cavity nesting ducks haven’t gotten wedged in them, searching for a place to build a nest. A sooty bird released when the stove door was opened was not the prettiest sight I have witnessed, nor was the sooty squirrel trapped in our house chimney.

Walk around the buildings to see if there are attic vents pulled loose by raccoons or other evidence of disturbance. Check dryer vents for starling and rodent nests.

Far left: Punky snags like this dead birch are commonly used by red-breasted nuthatches, black capped chickadees, and yellow-shafted flickers. They can easily carve cavities in the soft material.

Left: Ruffed grouse, despite their large size, are the most common road kill on the cottage road that passes through our property. This hen was trying desperately to find its scattered babies after a car failed to slow down for her.

Although they are birds, the moms won’t fly; instead they stay to try to save their young and are often the victims themselves.

is ‘yanking’ at you, there is an old snag nearby with its cavity nest. If a loon wails away, diving and flapping near your lot, there will be a nest on the shore that your dog or cat could discover.

Squirrels scolding and acting quite tame means there’s a nest of young’uns, maybe in an attic, shed, or boat.

If you have quads or skidoos stored, check in the breather, exhaust and under the seats for mouse seed caches or nests. My husband was driving our quad along our trail when flames and smoke shot from under it. A mouse had built a nest near the exhaust. Fortunately, he was near a puddle, as the fire hazard was high, and was able to douse it without too much damage.

With reduced travel to the cottage I have seen a reduction in road kill and injuries to wildlife. From March to April, my calls regarding injured wildlife along the highway were two compared to dozens normally reported at that time of year. I do fear that once ‘normality’ returns, wildlife who have been used to travelling safely along and across roads and nesting in the loose gravel on the edges will suffer the consequences of their brief respite.

Every cloud has a silver lining, and the reduced human footprint on the natural world is definitely that lining. Will we have learned anything from our ‘time out’? We can only hope. an

Mallards and common mergansers will nest under buildings, overturned boats and canoes, lumber and brush piles. Drake mallards often walk the hen to her nest, so if you see a drake strutting through the yard, the hen is nesting nearby. Many of the smaller ducks such as hooded mergansers, wood ducks, and goldeneye nest in abandoned cavities made by pileated woodpeckers.

If the big old poplar with these holes have to come down, please do it after the nesting seasons are over. These cavities are also used by saw whet and boreal owls, gray jays, yellow shafted flickers, black capped chickadees, American kestrels as well as flying and red squirrels, pine marten and bats. Cavities are highly sought-after real estate in the wild world.

Also, in demand are the soft, punky stumps from dead birch trees. Both red-breasted nuthatches and chickadees can carve out their own holes in the soft pulp to nest in.

A good plan, both for your own relaxation and to prevent unnecessary carnage, would be to stop and take a coffee break outside. As you relax, listen for birds singing or scolding. Birds don’t sing for our pleasure; they sing to mark and defend nest territories. So, if a nearby robin is scolding you, its nest is near. If a nuthatch

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Environment

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Three ways the summer research season at the world’s freshwater laboratory will look different this year

BY SUMEEP BATH, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, IISD EXPERIMENTAL LAKES AREA You do not need us to tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed everyone’s lives and plans for the future; the 2020 summer research season at IISD Experimental Lakes Area—the world’s freshwater laboratory tucked away in Lake of the Woods— is no exception.

While our plans for the summer season are continually evolving as the situation changes, our priority remains steadfast: to safeguard the health of our dedicated team of employees, research partners, and, of course, local communities.

That means that, initially, we will need to pare down our research season, while making sure essential monitoring and research takes place.

1. We will work hard to ensure our 52-year unbroken dataset on everything from the temperature and ice depth to the chemistry and fish populations of our lakes remains unbroken. A very small group of our researchers, under very carefully controlled circumstances, will head out to the site for short trips to make sure those lakes and streams are monitored and to keep our core research and analysis going.

2. We will not be starting any new whole-lake research this year.

Experiments we had planned to discover what microplastics do to fresh water and how anti-depressants flushed down the toilet affect lake ecosystems will just have to wait. But don’t worry, that new research will get started. Those threats to fresh water are great, but, for now, the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health of the IISD-ELA community is greater.

Geoffrey Gunn, like many of our researches, has been leading Skype a Scientist sessions to communicate our work to schools and communities across the continent.

Here he is speaking to students at Sussex School in Missoula, MT, about our work using satellites.

Back at home? We are all working hard, practising physical distancing, taking lots of meetings online, and dreaming of returning to the lakes. We are so excited to get back that we pulled together our favourite tunes in a playlist so that everyone can dive into the sights, the smells, the vistas, and, of course, the sounds of the world’s freshwater laboratory, even when we are not there. If you are missing lake life, be sure to download it from bit.ly/ELAplaylist.

We also moved our in-person classroom presentations online, and have been engaging kids across the country in freshwater education in virtual classrooms. Check out our website for tips on how to make science engaging for all ages bit.ly/ELASciEdu. The website has all the latest updates on everything we are doing this summer, and how you can do your part too—iisd.org/ela an

You know that 52-year unbroken data set you just read about? Well, helping to safeguard it comes down to you.

We know that these are difficult times, but it’s only thanks to our generous donors that the world’s freshwater laboratory—an independent not-forprofit—can continue to do what we do.

If you believe in whole ecosystem science and using it to bring about real change to fresh water around the globe, please support us in any way you are able to at iisd.org/ela/donate/

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Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation

Part 1: Phosphorus variability in Lake of the Woods We’ve learned a lot about phosphorus in Lake of the Woods over the past decade. Volunteers who take water samples as part of Ontario’s Lake Partner Program are key to what we know about phosphorus in Lake of the Woods and throughout the entire watershed. The Foundation is bringing you a two-part series on the value that Lake Partner Program volunteers contribute to unlocking the phosphorus story throughout the watershed.

Bev Clark, an environmental scientist and consultant who has worked on Lake of the Woods for many years, presents the Lake of the Woods story in Part 1. Part 2, in the next issue of the Area News, will focus on the upstream waters that feed into Lake of the Woods, including the Rainy River and beyond.

BY BEV CLARK, FOR THE LAKE OF THE WOODS WATER SUSTAINABILITY FOUNDATION

We need to monitor the phosphorus (P) concentrations throughout the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed because we are concerned about algal blooms. Higher concentrations in any given area mean that there is an increase in the likelihood of nuisance blooms in those areas. That is because P is the primary nutrient that stimulates algae growth. Climate also influences algal blooms but the link between phosphorus and bloom intensity remains.

Many groups collect P data in the watershed and these results are summarized periodically in our State of the Basin reports. These reports invariably list nutrients, in this case P, as a priority issue.

So, what are the P concentrations like in the water throughout the watershed? Luckily, we don’t need to sift through the data from a bunch of agencies or pour through reports to figure it out. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park’s Lake Partner Program volunteers monitor more than 130 locations throughout the watershed and these data are available online in an interactive map. These data are the gold standard because they are analyzed in a lab that has results that are about ten times more precise than any other lab in the province. Let’s have a look at what the data are telling us about Lake of the Woods.

There are several ways to interpret water quality data. You can look at averages within areas, such as in isolated bays, trends from year to year or maybe seasonal variation in a given spot.

For this summary, I wanted to look at variations from place to place in the present-day concentrations. Concentrations have changed through time in many areas and if we want to speculate about the likelihood of algal blooms then we need to look at present-day conditions.

I used the most recent data (the last 5 years) for areas where there are long records and the best available data for areas where there is a shorter record. No data are older than 20 years and much of

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it is current. There are seasonal variation data for some locations and, although seasonal variation may play a role in bloom cycles, the topic is too dense to dive into here, so I just averaged all the newest data for each location.

Then I did one more thing. I divided the sites up into trophic status categories and assigned colours to the site markers depending on how nutrient-rich the water was. Water with less than 20 µg/L phosphorus got a blue marker. This is water that the Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQOs) indicate should be at reduced risk of nuisance algal blooms. Water with 20-30 µg/L got a green marker. These concentrations are OK for rivers but too high for lakes according to the PWQOs. Finally, the concentrations over 30 µg/L (micrograms per litre) got a red marker and, well, you know what red means. Let’s examine, in more detail, the Lake Partner Program phosphorus data for just Lake of the Woods – the south section and the north section.

We can make maps that show at a glance the degree to which different areas of the lake might be susceptible to algal blooms.

The south portion of Lake of the Woods For the southern portion in Ontario, these data are shown in Figure 1. Many locations have a range in concentrations between 20 and 30 µg/L. This is not surprising, given the volumes of water entering the lake from the Rainy River that are well above 30 µg/L. There are many concentrations measured over 30 µg/L (the red markers). You can see that the 20-30 µg/L water is working its way up the central portion of the lake towards the north. It is also clear that the isolated Whitefish Bay areas connected to the north end of the lake have lower phosphorus concentrations. These are the blue markers in the top right areas of Figure 1.

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Figure 1 – Phosphorus concentrations in the south portion of Lake of the Woods.

Green markers are concentrations between 20 and 30 µg/L which is higher than the PWQOs recommend and red markers indicate concentrations >30 µg/L.

The north portion of Lake of the Woods These data are shown in Figure 2. Most of the measurements in the north end of the lake are below 20 µg/L indicating acceptable water quality. You can see that water arriving from the south has produced concentrations in the central areas that are over 20 µg/L (the green markers) and these exit the lake into the Winnipeg River at concentrations between 20 and 30 µg/L. These concentrations are getting high for the lake near Kenora but once again OK for river environments since the PWQO for phosphorus in rivers is 30 µg/L (the green markers at the top of Figure 2).

So, what does this all mean?

The simplest take away is that many areas are in good shape (the blue markers) and many areas, especially in the central areas of the lake, are higher but maybe not too high considering that this is, for the most part, a mesotrophic system (see Table 1) with higher nutrient water (and excellent fishing). These are areas with the green markers. Then there are the red markers and we may need to deal with those because, well, red is not good.

Figure 2 – Phosphorus concentrations in the north portion of Lake of the Woods.

Most concentrations are below 20 µg/L (the blue markers).

Oligotrophic

TP concentrations Think clear water, generally <10 µg/L Lake Trout

Mesotrophic

TP concentrations generally 10-20 µg/L

Eutrophic

TP concentrations Algal blooms, generally >30 µg/L scums, bass

Less light penetration, Walleye

Table 1 – Trophic status boundaries. These are guidelines used to describe general water quality conditions. Interpretations may vary between different areas. In Ontario we think of lakes over 10 µg/L as being mesotrophic but the boundary for eutrophic systems is less well defined. Sometimes eutrophic systems are classed as hyper-eutrophic if TP concentrations are very high or well above 30 µg/L.

Those of you who volunteer as Lake Partners and sample water for this provincial program are contributing to a long-standing, widespread, incredibly valuable database and we thank you for your continuing effort. Scientists and researchers can only do so much, but the consistency and integrity of this source of data allows us to paint this picture of water quality conditions on Lake of the Woods for all to see. For more information on the Lake Partner Program or to sign up as a volunteer, go to desc.ca/programs/LPP. an The writing of this article was undertaken by Bev Clark for the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

We’re prepared to take care o f you 21 Sylvan Street West Kenora, On P9N 3W7 (807) 468-9861 x2419 lwdhf@lwdh.on.ca www.lwdhf.com

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FireSmart: Protect your home & cottage from wildfire FireSmart provides resources for cottage and homeowners to protect their property from wild fires and what to do should you find yourself with an evacuation order. Read this checklist and ask yourself, “How prepared are we?” If you get an evacuate order, leave immediately. That is not the time to be looking at this list and trying tick off all these items.

Monitor conditions and follow the advice of local authorities. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

This checklist below (plus more FireSmart resources, including manual on FireSmart landscaping and construction) is available in PDF form at firesmart.ca. You can print it and have it handy.



Last–Minute Checklist for Protecting Your Home and Property from Wildfire

Evacuation Tips

Quickly address outside surroundings

Monitor conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.

If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

Review your evacuation plan for your family and pets.

• Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for helpful tips and evacuation plan templates.

Have your “ready to go kit” (emergency kit) ready and stocked with cash, portable radio, prescription medications, eye glasses, change of clothes, pet food, flashlights and batteries, etc. Make sure your phone numbers, insurance information and other important documents for your go bag are current.

• Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for a more complete list of emergency supplies.

Before evacuating: • Turn off air conditioning.

• Turn off your home water, electricity and gas.

• Close all doors, garage doors and windows. If weather seal or doors have gaps, seal with duct tape.

Complete a scan around your home and property and take steps to remove combustibles.

Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters.

Mow grass and weeds within 10 metres of the house to 10 centimetres in length, or less.

Clear all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within 10 metres of your home. Maintain a 1.5 metre noncombustible zone around your home and deck by sweeping or raking down to mineral soil, rock or concrete.

Move combustible items such as toys, patio furniture, cushions, decorative items, firewood, and potted plants, that are on and under your deck and within 10 metres of your home. Move all combustible items into your home or garage.

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Check vents on roof, foundation and exterior walls to prevent embers from entering your home.

Check your attic and foundation (crawl space) vents to see if they are screened and in good repair. Use duct or metal tape to temporarily cover damaged vents and those with 3 millimetres mesh screening.

If you store cardboard boxes and other easily ignited materials near a vent in your attic or crawl space, move them as far away as possible from vent(s).

• Another option is to place tape over vent(s) at these locations. Be sure to remove tape when you return home.

Cover dryer vents and wall-mounted make-up air openings for furnaces with a plywood cover, metal tape or duct tape.

If you have a propane tank located on your property: • Propane tanks should be moved to 10 metres away from structures.

• Remove weeds and other debris from area around large stationary propane tanks so there is no combustible material near tank.

If you have a combustible fence that attaches to your home:

Visit www.firesmartcanada.ca for additional resources and information.

Check around the house

• Secure gate in an open position.

• Clear vegetation and debris along both sides of combustible fence lines.

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Noncombustible Zone

Shaking off the rust: some quick thoughts on the rusty crayfish

BY LUCAS KING, ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE The simple ingredients of a nearby stick, some string and any left-over sandwich meat in the fridge all adds up to one thing... an afternoon of crayfishing! This can provide hours of enjoyment and when it’s all said and done a tasty treat for the family.

Whether you grew up trying to catch crayfish, have taught your kids how to do it, have an annual crayfish boil with friends, or just notice them scurrying around the shallows, we have all seen these lobster lookalikes around our lakes. Have you ever stopped to think where these creatures come from? Are they native to the area? What impact might they have? Even if you haven’t, there are some important facts shared through LOWDSA and the LakeSmart Program.

Let’s start with the basics, what are the crayfish in the Lake of the Woods area? Most commonly when we see crayfish, they are rusty crayfish, an invasive species that have taken hold in Lake of the Woods. Also known as Orconectes rusticus, these crayfish can be identified by two “rusty” spots on their sides of their back and black bands around the tips of their claws. They reach maturity at about 4.4 centimetres and can range to about ten centimetres at their largest, and considerably larger than species of crayfish native to the area. If you want to dig a little deeper, male rusty crayfish have small hooks on their first set of hind legs, differentiating them from their female counterparts. Finally, the last identifier of this species is their aggressive nature and truly what creates such a huge impact to natural ecosystems when the rusty crayfish is introduced.

Incredibly resilient, once introduced, the rusty crayfish are very difficult to remove. One female rusty crayfish can carry up to 200 fertilized eggs at once and when introduced to a new water body can create an entire new population. As the generally larger and more aggressive species, the rusty crayfish feed on aquatic vegetation. Fishermen around the area will tell you the changes they’ve seen in weed beds that once created fantastic fish habitat since the introduction of these crayfish. You may have noticed that a beach area that you frequent summer after summer seems to have less weeds? This may seem like a positive impact for beach goers, but it can be detrimental for important habitat for fish and other species in the area. The aggressive nature of the rusty crayfish also protects them from the same amount of natural predation as the native crayfish. Spreading rapidly, the impacts of the rusty crayfish can be far reaching, as a detriment to natural fish habitat and other species of crayfish. This can drastically change the food web of a lake.

Rusty crayfish originated in the Ohio River basin of the United States, and are commonly found in lakes, rivers, streams and any waterbodies containing clay, silt or gravel bottoms with lots of shelter for the crayfish to hide out. They are now located

throughout most of Ontario and the Midwest and northeastern United States. The assumption is that the rusty crayfish was introduced as fishing bait, and as we learned earlier, all it takes is one to introduce an entire population. Now that rusty crayfish are part of the ecosystem in the Lake of the Woods area, eradicating them is virtually impossible. However, that does not mean that we can stand by idly. It’s equally as important to ensure that the rusty crayfish do not continue to spread. As we travel through waterways, it is essential to ensure we practice “Clean, Drain, Dry” with all watercrafts, and continue to share as much information as possible about all invasive species, including the rusty crayfish.

As we spend time on the water each summer, take notice of the natural ecosystems around you, and remember there are things we can all do to ensure our future generations have the opportunity to share the experiences we all hold close. You may be surprised at how much you notice, and how interconnected each species is through the water. If you want to learn more, the LOWDSA LakeSmart team is only a short call away. an

Keep rusty crayfish where you found them The Ontario website states: If you want to use crayfish as bait, you may only use them in the waterbody in which they were caught. It is illegal to transport them over land. The maximum number of live crayfish you can have in your possession at one time is 36.

It also states: “Ontario prohibits the overland transport of all species of crayfish, both alive and dead.” This means that annual crayfish boil should be done as close as possible to the water’s edge where they were caught rather than transporting them across the beach or your property.

You can read more at ontario.ca/page/rusty-crayfish.

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Environment

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Notes from Razberry Lane

Everything old... can be new again!

BY HENRY & ANITA RASMUSSEN

The world changes rapidly though most of us barely notice as the changes are so subtle. Known as “Turtle Island” prior to European invasion, the land is increasingly altered by our wasteful ways. But there is some hope for the planet as more people explore ways to combat the rampant consumerism surrounding us.

Necessity, the mother of invention, also inspires innovation, sometimes defined as “a new use for something that already exists.” It is truly amazing what people toss away: appliances lacking one lone inexpensive part; perfectly good furniture in need of a little TLC; tools requiring a charge or a squirt of oil. All end up in the trash. Why do we do it? Modern society seems to have wholeheartedly bought into a “throw-away” lifestyle, which may also explain why repair men and women have become an endangered species. Have you tried to get a small appliance fixed lately? Chances are you’ll be told it is not worth the effort and advised to go buy a new one. This applies to major household items like stoves, fridges and dishwashers as well. No wonder our landfills are brimming over.

Luckily some people are able to spot the hidden potential in discarded, slightly used or damaged articles. Take old eaves troughs for example: to most eyes unsightly, useless lengths of tin. The landfills are full of them. For the gardener who spends hours every day watering however, those same throwaways affixed to a greenhouse become receptacles to hold a hose and to catch rainwater, doing the job with minimal effort.

Then there are all those old windows and doors, victims of our indefatigable urge to renovate. Do you dream of a glass enclosure or growing space at little or no cost? A half-dozen old windows will supply the walls which when topped with a repurposed TV satellite dish roof, results in a near-perfect round house where visitors can sit, drink tea and swap seeds and gardening hints.

When separated into segments, those same old antennas are ideal for climbing vegetables like cucumbers, peas and beans, while used windows make the perfect cold frame giving the gardener a jump start in the early spring.

Some people look at something, assess its worth and visualize it in another form. For years, we delivered ice locally in the form of cubes and blocks. Then one day two questions arose: does ice, which after all is just frozen water, need to travel long distances and be so costly? And does bulk ice really have to be square? What if homeowners and businesses made their own ice using something shaped like a can? And so “round” blocks were born. The Ice Maker lined with a plastic bag and filled

Title photo: Windows destined for the dump are given another life, which they in turn give to early vegetables in the spring.

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with potable water (straight from the tap) was popped into the freezer and voila!—a perfectly round block of ice. The only outlay: the initial purchase after which the blocks were practically free. Of course some people balked, unable to get past the unusual shape. After all, blocks had always been square, right? But for the less rigid, this innovation proved to be a considerable money saver.

Tapping local silver maple trees every spring is a major Razberry Lane undertaking involving the collection and processing of sap, 25 litres of which yields about one litre of maple syrup.

A large outdoor wood burning stove, built on site for the purpose, has served us well. But the innovative mind never really rests, and early this spring it sprang into action. The result: a compact yet efficient evaporator which processes sap using cleaner hydroelectricity.

The roundhouse, during it’s early construction, has since seen the sharing of many cups of tea and

While generally filling a need, innovations gardening stories. will occasionally stray from practicality into the realm of whimsy. The “Better Mousetrap” idea falls into the latter category by combining usefulness with an alternative to the conventional and dreadful pail-of-water method. Incorporating used materials at hand, our more humane trap features a supply of food plus a four-poster bed for the comfort and peace of mind of the little creature awaiting its bid for freedom.

In 1974 Canadian songwriter Peter Allen wrote something called Everything Old is New Again. We think he might feel right at home down at Razberry Lane. an

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Septic Systems 101 Septic systems can be an efficient and effective way to treat household wastewater. If properly designed and maintained, systems can last over 30 years, however if septic systems are not maintained they can quickly fail, causing damage to the environment and the potential for high maintenance or replacement costs.

The primary functions of septic tanks are: • To create a holding space where some of the solids can be separated from the liquids.

• To break down solids through a biochemical process involving the bacteria.

• To store the settled solids until pumping occurs.

The primary functions of septic fields are: • To absorb and filter all the household water.

• To distribute household water into the soil, cleansing the wastewater before mixing with the groundwater.

Signs your field has failed or is failing.

1. Septic field is soggy!

If the ground above your field is soft, or there are wet areas down slope from your field, and it hasn’t been raining, that’s a sign of failure. Once your septic field loses its distribution power, the system can’t function well, and you’ll have ponding.

2. Your lawn looks great where the tank or septic field are located.

If your field or tank have grass that is noticeably greener and healthier than the rest of your lawn, your system could be overflowing and delivering waste into the ground in ways it wasn’t designed to.

3. Sewer Smell • Ah, the smell of septic in the morning! It’ll wake you up, that’s for sure.

It’s not pleasant, and if you’re smelling it in your home, it’s a good bet something is clogged and not draining properly. Get an expert and find the cause. Septic gases are not only smelly, they can be dangerous.

• If your toilets and sinks don’t function properly, sewage could back up into your house.

• If it’s not even getting to the tank, you could have some serious issues!

Request a free copy of our Septic System 101 brochure by emailing info@lowdsa.com.

Permits required before installing or altering your system Without exception, permits are required for installations and alterations of septic and grey water systems. The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) regulates the design and installation of on-site septic systems in municipalities and unincorporated areas under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) through the NWHU sewage permit process. Prior to any installation or replacement of an on-site septic system, the property owner must complete the NWHU sewage permit application and obtain a permit. Through the permit process, the design is reviewed and the installation is subject to milestone

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inspections by a NWHU Inspector. Sewage system permits and other services provided are subject to a fee schedule.

Information on the permit process, requirements and more are available at nwhu.on.ca or by calling 1-800-830-5978. (In all cases, both residential and commercial, where daily flow exceeds 10,000 litre permits are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks.)

Tips to keep your septic system working Your septic system "is alive" and just like your digestive system, it relies on bacteria to process the material we put through it. By paying attention to what we put into our systems, we can really improve our septic system performance.

Perform regular maintenance:

Do not use the toilet as a garbage disposal:

Solids MUST eventually be pumped from the tank, even if you are on an island. If you can't remember the last time your tank was pumped, you're likely overdue. Septic tanks can contain toxic fumes and tank pumping and filter cleaning is best left to the professionals.

Cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, or cigarette butts and filters should never be flushed down the toilet. These items can quickly clog septic systems.

Prevent overloading the septic tank & field: Ensure that your septic system has grown with your home or cottage. If it has doubled its sleeping capacity, it should have doubled its septic capacity.

Use low flow toilets, aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.

Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry or consider buying energy efficient appliances.

Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it or try a shorter dishwashing cycle, which uses less water.

Never pour grease down the drain: Grease can ruin your septic system by clogging the septic field, making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids— you may need a completely new field.

Keep trees away from the septic system: Keep trees far from the septic system to avoid damage by roots.

Trees with very aggressive roots, such as willows, should be even farther away from the system.

Minimize use of garbage disposal systems: Using a garbage disposal will greatly increase the amount of solids entering your system. No matter how well they are ground up, they are still solids and will clog up your field.

Therefore we do not recommend their use with septic systems. Compost plant material instead.

More information about septic system requirements, including permits for the region, is available at nwhu.on.ca.

Minimize, or better yet, eliminate heavyduty cleansers: Overuse of heavy-duty cleaners and anti-bacterial products kills beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won't break down as well.

Also many solid detergents (laundry and dishwasher) contain clay as a filler—filler that can clog your field. So use environmentally-friendly liquid detergents whenever possible.

Never pour hazardous chemicals down the drain: Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline, and other similar chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater. Store used hazardous chemicals in appropriate containers and dispose of them in accordance with your jurisdiction's hazardous waste laws.

Protect the system from damage: Do not drive over the field, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt.

Do plant grass on the field to minimize soil erosion.

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3 SEASON ENCLOSURES

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Summer reading recommendations by The Muse Common Ground: Stories of Lake of the Woods I and II The Lake of the Woods area is rich in beauty, in resources, in history and, particularly, in stories. Fifteen years ago, a group of Kenora folk with a passion for these stories began an annual event called Common Ground: A Sharing of Our Stories. It provides a venue for the sharing of our local stories that celebrate people and their connection to this place.

Every five years, the Common Ground Committee publishes the stories that have been presented and to date there are two volumes available, with a third one in the works to be published next year. The collection of stories is a reflection of the variety of our origins, the vastness of our experience, and the legacy of strong, resourceful people who have made Lake of the Woods their home.

Here’s a sample: • Food Harvesting on Shoal Lake by Francine Greene Lee

Refuge for the Soul by Claus Zindel This coffee table book of brilliant photographs taken by Minaki resident Claus Zindel explores colour and light with the Canadian Shield as a backdrop. The photographs speak to and are arranged according to the themes of beauty, harmony, balance, silence, vibrance, calm, warmth, love, renewal, liberation and spirit. The accompanying quotations enrich the visual experience of Zindel’s photos. A beautiful gift for you or someone in your circle.

Other Book Suggestions for Adults • Levelling the Lake: Transboundary Resource Management in the Lake of the Woods Watershed by Jamie Benidickson

• A Winter in French Portage by Jack Wedel

• The Devil’s Gap: The Untold Story of Canada’s First Suicide Bomber by Joe Ralko

• The Lake in my Genes by Susan Riley

• Fifty Foods that Changed the Course of History by Bill Price

• Homesteading on Laclu by Gale Tucker

• Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sky: Portraits of Everyday Life in Eight Indigenous Communities by Paul Seesequasis

• Salvage: The Story of the S.S. Mather by Colin Ferguson • The Whiting Family of Treaty Island by Jasmine Wild • We Found our Thrills on Minaan Hills by Charles Wagamese • Adventures of a Wildlife Rehabilitator by Lil Anderson Copies are available at The Muse, the Kenora Public Libraries and Elizabeth Campbell Books.

• Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists by Andy J. Miller • The Fur Trade in the West by Phyllis A. Arnold • Fred Lodge’s Diaries: A Quiet Man’s Journey Through Hell

Book Suggestions for Kids • The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists by Sean Connolly • 101 Things for Kids To Do on a Rainy Day by Dawn Isaac • Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum by Dr. Seuss • Where’s Waldo? Double Trouble at the Museum

by Martin Handford • The Promise of Nokomis: The Transfer of the Anishinaabe Kwe Dance to the Next Generation: Beyond the Great Lakes

by Karen J. Pheasant • Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children’s History of Art by Michael Bird • Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margaret Ruers • The Big Top Circus Mystery: A Midnight Detective Book

by Karen Orloff

The Arts Centre and Museum re-opened June 18.

Contact The Muse for summer hours and purchasing options—themusekenora.ca.

• Artsy Cats: A Pawsitively Purrfect Tour Through Modern Art History illustrated by Angie Rozelaar • Oh Yikes! History’s Grossest, Wackiest Moments by Joy Masoff

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

Living

63

Member Recipe

Irresistible flax seed cookies bring the family together

BY FAY MOORE, KEEWATIN, LAKE OF THE WOODS At the Moore/Clark household we have been moving through physical isolation trying to be mindful, knowing that these are unsettling times. We are a “Brady Bunch” blended family but with four boys and two girls. We combined our families five years ago and moved to Lake of the Woods.

Since the schools have been closed, the kids have been trying to manage their studies with online classes. They have been instructed to spend three hours per week completing each course. We do our best at keeping structure with some basic guidance of separating school days from weekends, daily hygiene, no pyjamas all day and eating meals on time.

Sean and I have been trying to manage our “office” space as we work from home. He is an emergency physician and I am a community legal worker. The house has been filled with endless planning and implementation meetings working through each detail of helping, treating and forecasting what will be required for our community in the coming months. Some days are extremely long and trying, but these seem to be balanced with amazing moments of experiencing each day together as a family.

We have all been taking turns (in between meetings and school work) cooking and baking. We have been trying to use up the food items in our pantry by choosing our recipes wisely. Sean and I have been playing Fridge Wars. We use a mishmash of the items we have on hand to make dinner. The kids judge whose dish is better. I believe that I should have the highest score, but the kids know what side their bread is buttered on and don’t want to vote against Sean.

Our increased desire to create home-baked goods and an abundance of nuts and seeds are what enticed Lilly to try a recipe for flax seed cookies.

She has made three batches, each time substituting something different for the cranberries (chocolate chips, nuts). The cookies are amazing, but are much better when cool than warm from the oven. I think they represent how we are holding it together as a family. When things are heated up, we are not so great, but when we have a chance to cool down, we are hard to resist.

Through all the trials and tribulations of being isolated, we are very aware of how fortunate we are in Northwestern Ontario. We are blessed to be able to isolate in a safe home on Lake of the Woods, and won’t ever forget the many teachers, family, friends and neighbours who have helped us work through these difficult months. We are especially grateful for those who are keeping businesses open to provide essential services, and for the health care workers who have been risking their own safety to care for others.

The Moore family have all been juggling work, school and cooking during physical distancing. Pictured (from left) are Josephine, Lilly (holding cookies), Sean and Fay (standing). Missing are the boys who don’t like having their picture taken.

64

Living

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Flax Cranberry Breakfast Cookies Yield: 2 dozen cookies Cook Time: 15 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes

These lightly-sweet breakfast cookies are a perfect, healthy option for hectic weekday mornings.

Ingredients • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour • 1 cup rolled oats • 1/4 cup flaxmeal (ground flaxseeds) • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • Pinch of salt • 1 cup dried cranberries (recommended) • Whole flaxseeds for garnish Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat, set aside.

2. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add in the coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, applesauce, and maple syrup. Mix on medium until well-blended.

3. Add in the flour, oats, flaxmeal, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix on medium until well-blended.

4. Fold in dried cranberries using a wooden spoon.

5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between cookies. Sprinkle whole flaxseeds on top.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and solid. Let cool for five minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire baking rack to cool completely.

Note: These cookies will store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days (although, they probably won't last that long).

CLEARWATER BAY, LOW - $2,300,000

SNAKE BAY, LOW - $749,000

THE HADES, LOW - $649,000

LONG BAY, LOW - $639,000

REGINA BAY, LOW - $349,000

ROYAL LAKE - $325,000

PIPESTONE POINT, LOW - $325,000

LONG BAY, LOW - $285,000

SHOAL LAKE - $199,000

LONGBOW LAKE - $195,000

LONG BAY, LOW - $175,000 +HST

EAGLE LAKE - $139,000

GREG KIRBY BROKER

FIRST CHOICE REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Kenora /Lake of the Woods P

807-466-8266

E

sold@gregkirby.ca

w w w. g r e g k i r b y. c a

By Drew

Fun with

Fungus

g

enbur Jacob Rod d n a n a Monkm

be found s can usually om ro sh u m sity of we find the , a great diver ll—is when er fa m ot ens. m n u — -s er id By m irch and asp ct, summ ix of pines, b woods. In fa m h of th a es or m ith N a w e s th of ea in h consist ially in ar ic ec h p w in i, es g s, n ie d fu und or eep most spec bodies of row undergro g the fruiting i e g ar n s Fu . om m ro Mush a myceliu ers, known as tiny pale fib ead, ake food. Inst trees. energy to m the wood of ’s ey n th su s e nt th ie ot use the nutr s, fungi do n l and absorb the ia re er su at m en d ic Unlike plant gan il an own dead or nts to the so they break d rn vital nutrie tu re ey th , ng so need. In doi and a llowing rain e forest. th of h lt n—usually fo io hea ngle ct si u d A i. ro g p the fun ht for re sprout from itions are rig s from d n om ed co ro as le en sh h u re W midity—m which are , u h es h or ig h sp y of ar n s of ti e famili with few days duce million any of us ar ro M p e. n d ca si en er d om n the u mushro the top. Wh , generally on opening on l es al or p e. sm or a ok s e ill sm av g ich h uff of shrooms, wh looks like a p wood, puffball mu lode” in what moist soil or xp to “e n on ca n ey ow d th , ft ri on d stepped eventually e spores will elop.

Some of thes fungi will dev of n io at er at or rounded en g oms with a fl and a new ro sh u m ding al ic d typ shelf protru puffballs an e a wooden lik d an ok l; lo u h rf In addition to ic u wh d colo r polypores, es. e rubbery an ar ch n h ra ic b h w e cap, watch fo i, ik g -l n tle finger lit unk; jelly fu s tr ou ee er tr m a u from st of n which consi coral fungi,

Don’t eat the fungus!

Never eat mushrooms unless you s. are absolutely sure of the specie This means having a mushroom . expert identify the species for you r Always wash your hands, too, afte handling mushrooms.

Make your own spore prints Each species of mushroom produces a different pattern of spores, known as a spore print. These patterns are surprisingly beautiful in design and colour and can actually be used for identification purposes.

• To make your own spore print, all you need are some sheets of white and dark paper, a drinking glass or bowl and, if you wish, some hair spray as a fixative.

• Head out into the woods and collect two each of several different types of mushrooms. Those with gills work best.

• Gently remove the stalk so that only the mushroom head remains. For each different variety, place one head gill-side down on a white sheet of paper and one head on a dark piece. Dark spores show up best on lighter paper and vice versa.

• Place a few drops of water on each mushroom head.

Cover with a glass or bowl and leave for a day.

• Remove the cover and carefully lift the mushroom straight up. Try to avoid sliding the head to the side.

With any luck, you will see a beautiful, delicate spore print on the paper. If you want to preserve the print, use hair spray. Hold the can at least a foot above the paper.

66

LOWDKids

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Mushroom scavenger hunt

Create an artist’s canvas

One of our favourite summer and fall activities is to go on a mushroom scavenger hunt. All you need is a sheet of what to look for, such as the list suggested below. You may also want to bring along a bucket to collect one of each different mushroom. Place them together for a photograph when you’re done. The variety can be pretty impressive! You could also simply take a picture of each mushroom as you find it. Try to find mushrooms with the following characteristics:

For this activity you will need an artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum) fungus. They are a polypore (shelf) fungus that are brown or gray above (often with a white tip) and white below. When touched or etched, the underside “bruises” and quickly turns dark brown. Just make sure the underside is soft when picking it. Take the conk home and make an etching with a nail or the tip of a dull pencil. You can make drawings or print a few words. Be creative! The etching will last for years and looks wonderful on a nature table or bookshelf.

 Gills on the underside  Pores or tiny holes on the underside  Growing on the trunk of a standing tree (polypore)  Growing on a log  Growing out of the soil  With a ring or skirt on its stem  With bumps on top  Looks like Jell-O  O-shaped or like a ball  Coral-like with small “fingers”  Bands of different colours  Mostly white  Mostly brown  Mostly yellow  Mostly pink or mauve  Smaller than a dime  Bigger than your hand

Believe it or not!

We humans are more closely related to mushrooms than we are to plants.

Scientists have discovered that mushroom genes (DNA) have more in common with human genes than plant genes. For example, when mushrooms are exposed to sunlight, they can produce vitamin D—just like humans. Fungal cell walls are made of chitin, a substance found in fish scales and insect exoskeletons but nowhere in the plant world.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDKids

67

Kat the Nature Dog Who’s doing the pecking?

Kat The Dog loves summer. She loves the bright sun, the warm and sometimes hot air, the cool water in the lake, flowers, and the green grass and trees. She loves the blue sky and puffy-white clouds, the dew on the grass in the morning, and the sun setting so late that she sometimes falls asleep before sundown. She loves the early morning call of the birds, the handsomelooking deer with their newborn fawns, frogs and toads calling, fish jumping in the river, people laughing and staying outside as much as they can and…

“Hey, Kat, you stop that silly dance right now,” said a friendly, joking voice from the top of a tall spruce tree. The voice sounded like it was a cross between a screech and high-pitched yowl. It was her friend Blossom, a blue jay that came to the bird feeder just about every morning during the winter looking for peanuts.

“Hi Blossom,” Kat barked excitedly. Suddenly they both heard a little tapping noise coming from the trunk of a nearby pine tree.

ecker (male) Just then they saw a shadow fly over them o o dp yW and saw a big, beautiful bird at least as n w Do big as a crow with a long beak.

“That is a pileated woodpecker,” said the blue jay. “Both the male and female have a pointed red hat. But the male pileated woodpecker has a red moustache and the female has a black moustache.”

“They sure must eat a lot of wood.

I always see them pecking at trees,” said Kat.

“Wood?” laughed Blossom Blue Jay. “Oh no, they don’t eat wood. They eat insects that live in the bark or wood. That’s why you see holes in trees. And sometimes woodpeckers dig bigger holes in trees or poles to make a nest.”

“How come you know so much about woodpeckers?” asked Kat.

“That’s Donalda the downy woodpecker,” chirped the jay.

Kat nodded. “I’ve seen her at our suet feeder.

Sometimes I see another downy woodpecker that looks exactly the same except it has a red patch on the back of its head.”

Blossom the jay said, “That’s the male downy woodpecker. They have a nest in a hole in a tree near the pond.”

Kat said, “I’ve seen a black and white woodpecker that looks like Donalda Downy but it’s much larger. It’s about as big as a robin. Will Donalda grow to be that big?”

“Oh no,” said Blossom. “The woodpecker you are talking about is a hairy woodpecker.

The blue jay gave a happy screech, and smiled (which is really hard to do if you have a beak). “I know a lot of things you don’t know because I’m older than you.” She laughed again and flew away.

Kat barked a goodbye and continued her happy romp along the beautiful summer forest path.

What is your favourite summer bird? Contact Kat The Nature Dog at otter1@sympatico.ca and let her know.

68

LOWDKids

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

d Wo o dpeck Pileate er

(ma le)

My name is Kat the Dog and I am a teenaged labradoodle. My parents are Pat and Phil Burke, retired teachers who love kids and nature. My dad helps me write this column because it is impossible to type with paws, and he has been writing nature columns for grown-ups for many years. I love living in the Lake of the Woods area because it gives me a chance to meet the plants and animals that share our lives. And I am thrilled to have you accompany me on my nature adventures.

Did you know?

Kat's Keyboard Problem

1. Birds don’t really have names like Donalda or Blossom unless somebody gives them a name. People like to name other creatures.

2. When Kat first came to us as a puppy, we had to give her a name. We called her Katricia and she is named after Patricia, her human mom.

3. Other woodpeckers live in the Lake of the Woods area besides the downy, hairy and pileated. But these are the woodpeckers you will often see during the winter because they don’t migrate.

4. Some woodpeckers dig a new nest hole in a tree every year. Some other birds like to spend the night or make their nests in empty cavities (that means holes) made by woodpeckers.

5. Woodpeckers don’t sing like most birds. But during mating time they will make a drumming sound by banging on wood or metal.

Downy woopdpeckers are the smallesth woodpeckers. They arpe just a slittle bigger than a chickadsee. The maele woodpeckers have a little bit of the red on the bacsk of their heacds. The next biggecst woodpeckser is the hairy woodhpecker. It is just a little spmaller than a robvin Male hairyt woodpeckers havep some red on the bhack of theiyr heads too. The

Woody Woodpecker

bigghest woodpecker is the pilreated. You can’t

This famous cartoon bird first appeared in 1940.

Many people believe that Woody was copied from the pileated woodpecker because he has tall red, pointed head feathers. Can you figure out how old Woody Woodpecker is?

Ha ir y

Poor Kat loves to type these articles. She often makes mistakes because she has paws with toes instead of hands with fingers. But she never makes more than one mistake in each word. Please find the mistakes she made by putting a line ( / ) through the letters that don’t belong in the words. Hint: the word moustache is spelled correctly.

W oo

miss this one because it has a tall pointmed red hat and the rest of it is mosytly black with some whitek. The maile has a red moustache and the femmale has a brlack moustache.

Jokes

pe

d

er ck

) ale (m

Q: What do you call a woodpecker with no beak?

A: A headbanger!

Q: What is green and pecks on trees?

A: Woody the Wood Pickle.

Q: Which side of a woodpecker has the most feathers?

A: The outside!

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

LOWDKids

69

Real Estate Listings

Winnipeg River – Dufresne Island

Otter Lake – Water Access

Laurenson Lake – Access to LOTW

New! Approx. 1.4 acres and 150 ft. of rocky shoreline.

Rustic cottage, 400' waterfrontage, 6.3 acres.

219' waterfrontage, 1.5 acres, driveway in, affordable access to LOTW.

$67,500 ($51K US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

$92,000 ($69K US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

$95,000 ($72K US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

French Narrows, LOTW

Pipestone Point, LOTW

Lots 3 & 4 Canyon Lake

This vacant water access property is approx. a 30 min. boat ride south of Kenora. Approx 1.88 acres; 170 ft of frontage; Low/medium profile, south facing. The main north/south boat track is nearby and great walleye fishing in the area.

7.1 acre vacant lot with approx. 577 ft of rocky frontage. The lower profile lot offers multiple building sites in which to enjoy the long southern lake views. Great tree cover provides privacy from the neighbours.

New! Approx. 5 acres & 300 ft. of low to medium profile waterfrontage on Canyon Lake, Vermilion Bay.

$119,000

$179,000

807-466-2236 / lakeofthewoods.net

807-466-2236 / lakeofthewoods.net

Carmichael Real Estate Inc.

Carmichael Real Estate Inc.

$199,900 ($150K US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

Andy’s Camp Road

Corkscrew Island

Rabbit Lake Road

On the Winnipeg River.

On Lake of the Woods.

$220,000

$275,000

New! Approximately 10.8 acres offering 67.23 ft. of frontage with municipal services available.

Great opportunity for a prudent developer.

807-468-0101 / remaxnorthwestrealty.com

807-468-0101 / remaxnorthwestrealty.com

$289,900 + HST ($217K + HST US)

Re/Max NorthWest Realty

Re/Max NorthWest Realty

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

70

Services

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Real Estate Listings

5A Lake of Two Mountains

Channel Island

Island View Condo, LOTW

A rare opportunity to own real estate on this quiet lake that is commonly referred to as a “hidden gem”. Comforts include hydro, yearround access via private road and a certified septic system.

4.65 acres with a rustic 3 bedroom cottage plus a guest cottage. Massive white pines and 320 feet of rocky shoreline all within 10 minutes of Kenora on Lake of the Woods.

1,118 s/f two bedroom, two bath condo with boat slip, indoor parking.

$375,000

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

$389,900

$454,000

Greg Kirby, Re/Max First Choice Realty Ltd 807-466-8266 / gregkirby.ca

Cabin Country Realty

Independently Owned & Operated – Brokerage

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

807-468-3747 / century21kenora.com

Winnipeg River – Villeneuve Road

Tooles Island

9 Bear Paw Trail, LOTW

80+ acres, 2400' waterfrontage, north & south of by-pass.

This private island is close to town and has a great profile. With southwest views and close to amenities.

This cottage is the perfect setup for a large family, multi-family or someone looking for rental income. 4-bedroom cottage with 2 kitchens that can be used as one large family cottage or as a rental property with 2 dwellings.

$480,000 ($359K US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

$649,900

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd Independently Owned & Operated – Brokerage

807-468-3747 / century21kenora.com

$799,000

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

Clearwater Bay, LOTW

Lot 7 FR 5 Rush Bay Road, LOTW

Black Sturgeon – Strecker Road

1,140 s/f two bedroom, one bathroom on 1.19 acres with road access.

Two fully serviced 4-season cottages on Rush Bay, Lake of the Woods on a titled 1 acre lot with 194 feet of deep water frontage. 1,416 sq. ft 3 bed 2 bath main cottage + 1,200 sq. ft 4 bed 1 bath guest cottage.

327 acres, 1 1/2 miles of shoreline, 6000 sq. ft. shop & numerous outbuildings.

$819,000

Greg Kirby, Re/Max First Choice Realty Ltd 807-466-8266 / gregkirby.ca

$1,295,000

$1,695,000 ($1.2M US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

Services

71

Classifieds

Classified ads are a free service for LOWDSA members.

How to Submit Classifieds

Email: diane@lowdsa.com | Mail: LOWDSA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Next submission deadline: August 7, 2020 Please try to keep your listing to 35 words or less.

FOR RENT Island property on LOW. 20 minutes from town. 3 bdrm, sleeps 6-8, full bath, hydro, sat TV, lots of decks, docking, hot tub, diving board, paddle board, kayaks, lakeside fire pit. Transportation to & from the property incl. Optional boat available. $1500/wk. Shorter or longer stays available.

Brad at 807-464-1190 or brad@kmts.ca Lakefront property on Coney Island, LOW. Walking distance to Coney Island Beach & 5 min. boat ride from Kenora.

Rustic 2 bdrm. cottage plus guest house.

Dock, multi-level decks, fire pit, & beach.

Full service hydro &water. June – Sept. $1,250/week, 1-week min. Discounts for multiple weeks. 310coney@gmail.com Road access lakefront cottage on LOW. Near Kenora (south down McKenzie Portage Rd). Cottage is fully modern; septic system/washer/dryer/dishwasher etc; 2 bedrooms, screened porch. Just one week left during summer of 2020 – August 14 thru 21 @ $835 for the week. For detailed information and pictures, contact lowcottage@hotmail.com.

LOW Storm Bay Rd. 9 Large house with 9 bdrms, hot tub, multi level decks, granite kitchen, boathouse, sauna, WiFi, fireplace, washer & dryer, dishwasher. Kayak & boat are a possibility. $2500-$7000 weekly.

Discounts available in the fall. mail@ markmcgregor.ch Island rental Storm Bay Rd. near the rollers. 2 log homes, new mattresses, 1 king, 1 king, a double and a single. 2 kayaks & a boat can be included. $200-$375 per night. kaitlyn.mcgregor@gmail.com Bulman Bay Cottage, LOTW – Near Yacht Club/Keewatin, 10 min. down McKenzie Portage Rd. Lake front; large dock; great swimming. 4 bdrm; full bath; washer/ dryer; dishwasher; wood burning fireplace; sat. TV. Screened porch; lge deck; firepit.

Recently renovated. Available Jan. – Dec..

Min. 2 week $3080/wk. hklapman@ mwgapparel.com Lakefront Island Property Brule Point boat access only,16 m.from Kenora. Sand beach, dual docking facilities (with plugs), fully equipped; hydro/water; 3 bdrms.

Ideal for families & fishing. Weekly rate (7 nights) - $1195.00. (Add individual nights $170/night). Donna Bell @ 204-736-4555 or taketwo@taketwoinc.com Coney Island LOTW - W exposure. Open concept. 4 lge bdrms, 3 bathrms; separate master suite/bathrm/private deck. Full kitchen; all appliances, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer, lge island, dining area. Wood burning fireplace, sat.

TV. Screened porch, wrap around decks, outdoor shower, gas BBQ. Lge main dock; 2 floaters with deep water docking. 2 wk. min. bill.ralph@shaw.ca Lakefront 3 BDRM cottage – Road access.

30 min. from Kenora. On beautiful quiet lake; lots of bays; swim – kayak – canoe – paddle board – fish – boat -blueberry picking – hike – bike. Modern, comfortable, clean & well-equipped; newly renovated kitchen, washer/dryer, 2 decks, floating dock. Good cell reception. Rent by week or longer.

LakeforU@mymts.net or 204 941-0475.

72

Services

Lakefront - Trout Lake 20km North of Kenora. 2 or 3 bdrm Cabin available for rent weekends or weekly May-June. Full kitchen & bathrm, TV/DVD, BBQ. Comes with canoe, kayaks & 12 ft. alum. boat. Deck off front of cabin; private deck at water’s edge; your own sand beach. Spring fed lake with crystal clear water. huffgear@hotmail.com Lakefront Cottage on Lake of the Woods, near Kenora, road access. Includes 3 bedrooms, full kitchen, bath. 2 acres, private bay, sandy beach, floating dock and good fishing! Available June, July, August. $5,000/month. 204-951-5812.

LAND FOR SALE 300 ft Water Front lot. On approx. 2 acres in Quiet Bay off McKenzie Portage Road via Northern Penninsula Road to Pine Meadows road. Hydro & Telephone at the lot line. Serious buyers only. Inquiries by e-mail to darord@mymts.net

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Andrew Bay, Pipestone Point, LOTW. 255 ft. shore frontage, 277 ft. deep on west side, 319 feet deep on the east side and 104 ft across the rear. Lot nine. Sheltered Bay, well treed, gradual drop off. 20 minutes by boat from Kenora. Asking $175,000.00 migizi.bonnie@gmail.com Pipestone Peninsula. 2.19 acres, titled land w/ 280 ft. frontage, good water depths.

Medium profile, 768 s/f 3 BR cottage, 99 s/f waterside bunky. Pipe dock & new floating dock (2019). 1500 watt solar power system & generator. Good cellphone reception.

Comes furnished. Water access & winter road accessible. (204) 470-0140 Lake of the Woods - Pipestone Pt.: 1.2 acres,175 feet frontage, S exposure. Approx.

800 sq.ft.,2 bdrm. Lake access only, ice road in winter. Lge new deck; new walk-in porch/washroom with work to finish but functional; renovated kitchen; new countertops. Fixed/floating dock. New solar panels; solar fridge/freezer. Propane tank on site, hot water tank/cooktop. lstebs@ icloud.com; text/call 807-467-7664/807467-7678 Cottage in beautiful NW Ontario?

Lakefront on a pristine lake known for its clean, clear water; a great combination of seclusion & neighbours; Road access - 3 hrs. from Winnipeg; well maintained & equipped 3 bdrm. cottage; phone Internet & TV available; move in ready; $379,000. cottage4sale@mymts.net or (807)548-7702 for more info on this special property.

Malachi Lake- Boat access cottage; 5-min. ride. S facing; 230 ft. lake frontage; 1,057 sq.ft. includes.160.sq.ft. 3 season sunroom & wrap around deck. Beautifully finished open concept. 2 bdrm, 4-piece bath w/tub & shower, composting toilet and bunkie. 100 amp. hydro, phone, sat. TV, electric baseboard heaters & wood stove.

2018 taxes $227.85. $298,900. escarlett@ shaw.ca or (204) 896-3486.

Golf Course Bay, Lake of the Woods. For sale by original owner, 3200 sq. ft. 2 story air conditioned home, 2.5 stall garage with

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

All classified ads are posted online at lowdsa.com.

Note that they are posted within a couple days of submission and not subject to magazine deadlines. heated workshop, on 2 lots with sand beach, dock, covered boat lift, municipal water & sewer, natural gas heat, paved driveway, many other features. (807) 468-8770.

WANT TO RENT Boat or road access cottage. To sleep 4 men (all retirees) for 2 consecutive nights, preferably 3rd week of August 2020 (date is flexible). All very familiar with LOTW; one of us a former cottage owner. Preference for areas south &/or west of Kenora. Boat or road access fine. Wifi & TV req’d. jim. coldwell@mymts.net or 204-782-2808 or 204-885-4275.

Road access cabin for former owner.

Retired, responsible, clean, quiet N/S seeks modest (senior budget) drive up cabin, canoe & good swimming spot, within 20 minutes of Kenora (wifi and tv would be ideal). No kids, no pets. Flex dates May - Sept. 2019 (2 or 3 months). Excellent references. murrace@mymts.net Road access cottage for 2 to 3 weeks in July. Prefer west side of Kenora. No children, pets or houseguests. Just for two persons. Elskevin@hotmail.com

FOR SALE: MISC. Free to Give Away! One WiFi Router Globe Surfer 3+ 3G GATEWAY Allansmeall@shaw. ca or call Allan Smeall 204-452-8765.

Z-Dock 15’x18’ floating dock. With integral small boat ramp $5000. 204-292-3970.

BOAT RAIL SYSTEM, Morson area.

Approx. 100 ft. long with carriage for 17’ to 20’ boat (more or less) complete with winch system powered by a solar panel with charging system not including battery.

Asking $4750. jaslaw1@shaw.ca.

Boat trailer, for use on rails into the lake, built for boat up to 18 foot. Trailer has adjustable bunks with rubber rollers.

Solid wheels of trailer fit into or onto the rails. Winch which will be sold separately if desired has a switch with approx. 10 ft. of cable. Price to be negotiated. 204-253-2145 or jrcousin@hotmail.com

WANT TO BUY Microtouch Foot Pedal Control. To fit Minn Kota Power Drive bow-mount trolling motor. allansmeall@shaw.ca or 204-452-8765.

Building lot on LOW. Wanted—retired couple looking for building lot on LOW’s contact Richard at kaletzke@mymts.net.

Invader 16ft. 1988 economical 4cyl.

Mercruiser. Always boathouse/port kept.

Original top. Good upholstery. Includes 9.9.

Merc., skis, tube, tow ropes, paddles and new fish finder. Trailer roadworthy, newer tires & spare. $4000 OBO. 807-733-3089 (Woodchuck Bay) 204-471-2515 (Wpg) 2012 Chaparral Xtreme 204 Boat-Ski/ Wakeboard. Excellent condition, clean, new custom carpet fitted for the floor.

Purchased from the US, imported to Canada. 260HP, 20 ft., single I/O, 105hrs, JBL Speakers and Stereo. Includes Eagle trailer. Winterized every year. Currently in Storage and wrapped. 431 335 4240 campbell9@me.com Pontoon Boat. 21-foot pontoon boat, 50 HP, trailer included. Very good working order. $12,500. wjathompson@gmail.com 19 ft Lightning sailboat. With 2 sets of sails, spinnaker and trailer. $3000 or best offer. Call Carole at 204 3341168.

LAZY E SAILBOAT, Morson area. Approx.

16' centerboard fiberglass sloop style dinghy with wood deck. With supplied sails this boat is fully equipped for daysailing. Calkins trailer included. Scupper area requires some repair. Asking $1450. jaslaw1@shaw.ca.

1986 Doral 17.4 BowRider. 4.3L Cobra I/O, SunDeck Package, one owner, convertible top, travel cover, Calkin Trailer, stored near LOTW. Asking $6,500. Please call 807-5432393 or email dmbrueckner@gmail.com Spindrift 13 sailboat. Centreboard dinghy built by Vandestadt & McGruer. Fully equipped with mast, boom, centreboard, rudder, tiller, mainsail and jib. Needs some fiberglass patching. Great fun for just $350.

(Open to offers.) Call Bob at 204-474-0976.

1956 Lyman 19ft, with 100HP Gray Marine inboard. Boathouse/garage kept. Original condition, runs great. Call 807-466-2578 or for pictures burchwell@ sympatico.ca. $15,500 or best offer.

MISCELLANEOUS LOVE DOGS? It's A Dog's Life needs foster and forever homes for their rescue dogs.

Cottagers can help with short or long term fostering or adopting. Website: adogslife.cc or call 807-467-3647.

BOATS/MOTORS FOR SALE FOR SALE 2008 Baylliner 175 Bow Rider. Blue and white, with a 3 ltr - 135 horse power motor and a 2008 galvanized trailer. Boat is very clean and in very good condition. Seats 8 people. Asking $11,999.00. Call Luke 204-295-9309.

15 ft Albacore sailboat. Complete set of sails including main, jib, spinnaker and sail bag good shape. Custom built trailer included, needs lights rewired. Mast support for trailering. Asking $2500, call 204-489-6787 or email brugin1@mymts.net

We’d like to hear from you!

Help us continue making this magazine great. Send us your comments, suggestions, pictures and story ideas: editor@areanewsmagazine.ca.

BUILDING DREAM S

Home & Cottage Services

A family business serving Lake of the Woods cottagers for over 30 years

Bob’s

ElEctric

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

• new construction/renovations/cottages

Owned/Operated by

• lake Work ready 24/7

rick Brignall

• acP contractor ESa/Ecra #7008852 • call anytime for a FrEE EStiMatE

COMMERCIAL

•

RESIDENTIAL

807.468.5915 rBrignall@yahOO.ca

•

INDUSTRIAL

•

COTTAGE

Security Systems, ULC Monitoring, CCTV, Intrusion, Smoke, Hi/Lo Temp, Flood & Fire • CCTV • Card Access • Electronic Door Controls • Lock Sales, Repairs, Rekeys • Deadbolts • Padlocks • Safe Opening & Repairs • Restricted Key Systems • Keys by Code

Cottage & Marine Insurance Specialists Over thirty years of experience

•

•

PHONE: 807-468-7878 Toll Free: 1-888-893-6488

74

Services

•

1221 HWY 17 W., Keewatin info@keystonelock.ca

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Richard McKenzie, CAIB 204.410.1010 | richard@mckenzie.insure | mckenzie.insure

Advertisers’ Directory BUILDING SUPPLIES 50

Lumber One

1 Willow Drive, Falcon Lake

204-349-2294

lumberone.ca

42

Manitou Forest Products

Emo

807-482-2185

manitouforest.com

1 Main Street South, Kenora

807-467-2000

kenora.ca

COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY 38-39

City of Kenora

48

Government of Manitoba

55

Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation 21 Sylvan Street W, Kenora

807-468-9861

lwdhf.com

31

Municipality of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

807-226-5241

snnf.ca

33

Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls

Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls

manitoba.ca/stopthespread

snnf.ca

CONTRACTORS 74

AK & Company

Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-543-2493

47

Black Fox Construction

225 Main Street North, Kenora

807-468-5915

blackfoxconstruction.com

19

Creative Spaces

Winnipeg

204-452-1106

creativespacesltd.ca

Docks & Lifts

1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora

807-547-4444

docksandlifts.ca

73

DTL Carpentry

Keewatin

204-979-4055

dtlcarpentry.ca

51

Oakwood Roofing

Highway 17 East, Kenroa

807-467-8824

oakwoodroofing.com

28

Reimer Overhead Doors

Steinbach

204-326-4556

reimeroverheaddoors.com

2

REMR Roofing

2053 Hwy 17 E, Kenora

807-548-2811

remrroofing.com

74

Bob's Electric

1025 Railway Street, Kenora

807-468-8813

rbrignall@yahoo.ca

18

Bowman Electric

Kenora

807-467-1022

bowmanelectric.com

Inside Back

ELECTRICAL

FINANCIAL SERVICES 17

RBC Darcy Zaporzan

3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

204-982-2635

dzwmg.com

6

Richardson GMP

1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg

204-943-5263

richardsongmp.com

HOME & COTTAGE FURNISHINGS 21

Faveris Wood Furniture

625 Wall Street, Winnipeg

204-957-4940

faveriswoodfurniture.com

41

Image One Home & Cottage

1060 Railway Street, Kenora

807-468-3641

imageonehome.com

HOME & COTTAGE MAINTENANCE 74

Denver's Window Cleaning

30 Deerfield Trail, Steinbach

204-320-1935

denverswindowcleaning.com

74

Keystone Security

1221 Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-468-7878

keystonelock.ca

61

LOW Septic Barge / Bell's Septic

Kenora

807-464-3468

septicbarge.ca

74

Mason Plumbing & Heating

West Hawk Lake

204-349-2672

masonplumbing.ca

74

Penta Protective

39 Merit Crescent, West St. Paul

204-992-2603

penta.ca

74

United Tree Service

Kenora

807-464-3602

36

Wolframe's World of Water

712 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-468-4338

worldofwateronline.ca

74

Richard McKenzie Insurance

57-99 Scurfield Boulevard, Winnipeg

204-410-1010

mckenzie.insure

49

Standard Insurance

319 Second Street South, Kenora

807-468-3333

thestandardonline.com

40

Brown & Associates

71 Main Street South, Carmen

204-745-2028

brownlawoffice.org

52

Shewchuk Ormiston Johnson

214 Main Street South, Kenora

807-468-5559

kenoralaw.com

204-326-4154

sarsteinbach.com

INSURANCE

LEGAL

MARINE & RECREATION 9

S.A.R. Sport & Recreation

Highway 12, Steinbach

59

The Boat Centre

Kenora

Woodlake Marine

1956 Highway 17 West, Kenora

807-468-2628

woodlakemarine.com

WSL Sport & Leisure

832 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-468-5975

wslsport.com

Back Cover 22

lotwdocking.ca

REAL ESTATE Inside Front

Cabin Country Realty

138 Main Street South, Kenora

807-468-3541

cabincountry.com

11

Carmichael Real Estate

625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-467-2323

lakeofthewoods.net

43

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

213 First Street South, Kenora

807-468-3747

century21kenora.com

65

Greg Kirby, ReMax

Kenora

807-466-8266

gregkirby.ca

53

RE/MAX NorthWest Realty Ltd

334 Second Street S, Kenora

807-468-0101

remaxnorthwestrealty.com

34

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

721 Beach Road, Kenora

807-547-4020

kenora-realestate.com

Suncoast Enclosures

1106 Buchanan Boulevard, Winnipeg

204-292-2173

suncoastenclosures.com

SUNROOMS 62

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

Services

75

The Lady Nanton Convalescent Home

BY LORI NELSON These times that we are living through right now have been described as unprecedented and yet a look back into our history brings us to 1918. World War I was still raging across Europe and the Spanish flu pandemic that infected an estimated 500 million people was causing global devastation.

Hospitals were at capacity attending to flu victims and those injured during the war. As Canadian soldiers were repatriated, the Military Hospitals Commission began in November of 1917 to secure non-medical facilities to be remodelled to serve as makeshift hospitals and care homes. Those returning who needed “active care” were admitted to hospitals. Those whose care was considered “passive” were received into convalescent homes. By the war’s end, the Commission had secured 71 borrowed buildings for this purpose.

Central to the Commission’s philosophy of “domestic therapy” was the idea that healing would best take place in welcoming, cosy settings and this led to the use of large homes owned by the wealthy.

A summer residence on Keewatin Beach Road on Lake of the Woods was one such home. Owned by Sir Augustus and Lady Ethel Constance Nanton, the spacious camp had been built after the Nantons had acquired property on the lake in the 1890s. They offered their summer home to welcome recuperating soldiers and, in 1917, the Tuxedo Military Hospital in Winnipeg partnered with them on the venture. The Hospital administration contacted the National Defense Department in Ottawa for permission to proceed and this was immediately granted.

Their summer place required some additions and enhancements to serve as an adequate convalescent facility, so the Nantons asked their architect to take the train to Kenora the next morning to determine what needed to be done in order to accommodate their guests. His recommendations provided the plan for the work that proceeded over the winter and into the spring of 1918 in preparation for the summer season. The largest undertaking was the construction of a large sleeping cabin to accommodate 30 men. The quarters above the boathouse could sleep between 8–10 men, however, some structural strengthening was needed to prevent the sway of the boathouse in heavier winds. Outdoor privies and indoor washrooms were improved. The ice house capacity was increased, the kitchen was enlarged, and an additional fridge and stove were installed.

In order to provide proper medical care for their visitors, the Nantons arranged with the Tuxedo Military Hospital to provide a doctor, a nursing sister and two nurses’ aids from the Voluntary Aid Detachments. All other costs associated with the home were assumed by the Nantons, including the hiring of a cook and two assistants.

76

History

Lake of the Woods Area News Summer 2020

Small model airplanes, now in the collection of the Lake of the Woods Museum, are an example of some of the leisure-time activities of “guests” of the The Lady Nanton Convalescent Home.

In mid-June of 1918, the first 50 men disembarked from the train in Keewatin and were taken by launches to the Lady Nanton Convalescent Home. Their stay at the camp was two weeks with leave-taking staggered so that every week half of the men left and another 25 were welcomed.

The Nantons’ intent was that the men be treated as guests, not patients. There were two rowboats with small outboards available for short outings on the lake. As well, twice a week, a large launch was hired to take between 10–15 men out on the lake for a picnic.

A spacious deck on the camp and the dock provided for social gatherings, and small plane models, now in the collection of the Lake of the Woods Museum, indicate that solitary pursuits like woodworking also kept the men occupied. Sir and Lady Nanton were no doubt confident in the healing balm of time spent at the lake—the peace of a mirror-lake morning, the rejuvenation that comes from sunshine on an upturned face, the comfort of lapping waves and rustling leaves. Surely these brought deep healing.

During the two summers of operation, in 1918 and 1919, close to 800 men were hosted by the Nantons.

A letter from the Minister of Militia to Sir Augustus Nanton in the fall of 1919 attests to the delights of the experience: The large number of patients who have been privileged to spend their convalescence under these conditions have, one and all, expressed themselves as being delighted with all that was done for them and will ever bear in memory the pleasant days they spent on the shores of the Lake of the Woods.

The hospitality extended to soldiers by the Nanton family and their support of the war effort also included opening their home, Kilmorie, in Winnipeg during the war for Red Cross knitting and sewing work parties and for members of the Royal Regina Rifles who were training in Winnipeg. Sir Augustus Nanton, a partner in the firm of Osler, Hammond and Nanton and one of Winnipeg’s leading financiers, was also directly involved with the Manitoba Patriotic Fund and the Victory Loan Committee of Canada and instrumental in the raising of millions of dollars for the war effort.

We see now, as was evident then, that in times of crisis good people do good things, they look out for the well-being of others and give generously where there is a need. The Nanton family certainly did and their story on Lake of the Woods is testimony to that. an