Issuu

Volume 51

Number 5

Winter 2021

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In this issue 3

Cover photo by Wanda Kabel

LOWDSA

President's Message 3 Executive Director's Note 4 Our Contributors 5 Letter to the Editor 6 Government Notes 8 Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond 10 First year of Environment Program Coordinator internship delivers many benefits 11

Snow Wonder by Jacob Rodenburg & Drew Monkman

In the District

Treaty #3 Anishinaabe hunting and trapping protocols & code of ethics 17

Drought conditions persist heading into fall 19

First step underway to scope out a phosphorus management plan 33

Coordinated effort for Kenora 51 20

LOWDSA launches attack on zebra mussels and other invasive species 37

Environment

Homegrown talent Gabe Mastromatteo achieves Olympic dream with support of Kenora by Ryan Stelter

Winter Wonderland Awaits by Duncan McEwen

Services

Real Estate Listings 51 Classifieds 52 Advertisers’ Directory 53 Home & Cottage Services 54

Experiencing Tunnel Island by Lori Nelson

Living

Tips for a good day on the ice 40 Treading wisely: Lake ice needs our care 42 Notes from Razberry Lane: Memories of fall suppers of the past 44 Member recipe: Sweet memories 45 Woodstove safety tips 47

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

President's Message CHRIS SEMENCHUK

What a year it has been! At the time of writing this, the gold, orange, and red leaf colours are beautiful amongst the pine, cedar, and spruce trees throughout the region. It’s a fitting end to the 2021 cottage season that started with some uncertainty with a second year of the pandemic. I hope you and your family enjoyed some quality lake time. Once the LakeSmart team were able to get out into the community, it was full steam ahead for Cassidy Chris Semenchuk and the team of four including Abbi, Brie, Quinn, and Seanna. They covered a lot of ground with seedling planting, shoreline cleanups, children’s programming, connecting with the community at the Matiowski Market, removing invasive plant material (purple loosestrife), storm drain stencils, dock visits both in the LakeSmart boat and on-land, distribution of the zebra mussel settlement sampler, and meeting the public at local boat launches with the first ever mobile boat wash station in the northwest Ontario region. We are applying for funding and hiring an Environment Program Coordinator Intern in the new year to build on the success of enhanced programming. We couldn’t have done any of this without our sponsors so thank you all very much for your ongoing support. And thank you to all the LOWDSA staff, directors, and committee members who work so hard behind the scenes throughout the year to enable the LOWDSA summer programming to occur. The LOWDSA Board of Directors is very active as many participate both in LOWDSA committees as well as support for other organizations in the region focusing on environmental, forestry and other economic and community issues.

We look forward to hearing your comments. On top of planning for the Area News, we’re also doing some final filming for our 60th anniversary video in the late fall and winter and will be ready to share it with all of our members. Another initiative we look forward to completing is our strategic plan. Thanks to all of you who responded to our survey as we work through the strategic planning process. Member input is essential to ensure we’re representing you. We will keep you apprised of our next steps and directions. We are starting to prepare for the LOWDSA 2021 AGM to be held in April 2022. The Board is considering whether to hold an in-person lake show in conjunction with the AGM as we’ve done historically. We will keep you informed of our plans as they progress. Many of you have memberships expiring in Q4 2021, so watch for information on our upcoming Membership campaign. And with year-end approaching, don’t forget to consider gifting a membership to a friend or family member. In the spirit of the holiday season, we encourage you to share your passion for the lake. For those that refer a friend, when they join LOWDSA, both you and your friend will be entered for a chance to win a LOWDSA paddle! Check out the Membership section at lowdsa.com or email membership@lowdsa.com for details. Many prefer to receive the paper edition of Area News, but don’t forget there is a virtual version that can be read on a computer or iPad/phone. And when you renew, please consider a donation to our Environmental Initiatives & Special Projects (EISP) fund to help fund and sustain the programming similar to what we delivered this year such as a mobile boat wash station for LOWDSA to use in the 2022 year. As you receive this edition of Area News, we’re starting to see some signs of winter approaching. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting cold, stormy weather with lots of snow and advises us to “grab your fleece and stock up on firewood”! So please get out and enjoy the upcoming winter season and all the best as we end 2021 and look forward to 2022.

Winter is the time where we prepare for the year's end and are looking to new beginnings. We’re now wrapping up and summarizing our 2021 programming and preparing for 2022, which includes the milestone of LOWDSA’s 60th anniversary. Throughout the year, Area News will feature articles chronicling our rich history and how far we’ve come since our inception.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

Executive Director's Note PATRICK PAULO As the seasons change, so do your Association's activities. A summer bright and busy on the lake now turns to our staff and directors reflecting on LOWDSA's summer programs, getting busy with current programs, and taking initial steps to plan a solid start to the new year. While digging through each of the previous four issues of Area News, I looked at how far our Association’s programs Patrick Paulo have progressed over the course of the year and eagerly look toward what is yet to come. As I reflect, I can't help but wonder how quickly the summer passed by and how we have taken our current programs and initiatives to a whole new level. The past eleven months have been quite the ride marked by plenty of first experiences, twists, turns, unexpected challenges, and new beginnings. The year is ending and so does our first-ever Environment Program Coordinator (EPC) internship. Cassidy Mazur thrived in the EPC role. If you’ve been following Cassidy’s notes in the last four issues of Area News (including this one), you can see how our environmental programming has improved. This year, we saw more collaboration and creativity in our programs than ever before and hope to build on this success in 2022.

and helping us increase our communication with members via social media. Her work, attitude, and conversation will surely be missed and we wish her all the best in her new ventures. You can read Cassidy's farewell note on page 11. You’ll also see some improvements in our membership renewal process. We've been listening to your feedback and we are very happy to apply your thoughts and simplify our membership forms to make them more convenient for you. Expect to see letters and postcards from LOWDSA in the mail soon. As always, you can renew your membership in many ways, including phone, email, mail, or auto-renew. If you haven't received your renewal package, you can renew your membership, order your seedlings, purchase gift memberships for friends, and contribute to the EISP fund on the form we've included on page 14. To learn more about your Association's plans for next year and beyond, please see page 10. As your stewardship association continues to adapt and enhance our programs, we thank everyone who has given us feedback along the way. If you have a story to share, interesting photos or exciting anecdotes, questions to ask, or comments and suggestions about any aspect of our programs, we welcome your calls and emails. Please share your thoughts, ideas, and advice with us by emailing membership@lowdsa.com. We wish you another safe, happy, and healthy new year and hope you enjoy this issue of Area News.

We are so proud of the work Cassidy has brought to the Association. Her role was essential in delivering LOWDSA's Mobile Boat Wash Station, zebra mussel monitoring program,

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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.

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LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Our Contributors Leanne Fournier Ross Fraser Jeff Gustafson Chris Marchand Cassidy Mazur Rosemary (Rosey) Robertson is a passionate environmentalist who is trying her level best to live by and share the lessons nature teaches us. In all seasons, she takes pleasure in observing, documenting in writing and pictures, and communicating what she has learned. Living on Lake of the Woods provides much inspiration, not only in her backyard but anywhere curiosity and wonder lead. Her patient husband Jim and good-natured family of 15 are willing participants in Rosey’s musings, wanderings and teachings. She hopes we all have some laughs along the way.

Anita Rasmussen started adult life teaching elementary school, took some years off to raise a family, then worked in the mental health field until retirement. A life-long reader, she compliments her love of books with occasional writing. She grew up on a farm in Rainy River district, so a commitment to coaxing beautiful things from the soil dovetails nicely with Henry’s interests. Henry Rasmussen, a transplanted Manitoban who fell in love with this area years ago, was a contractor most of his working life. He crushed a lot of gravel and built many roads. From a market gardening background, a love of growing things resurfaced in later life. One small greenhouse led to another until several greenhouses and garden plots filled the property. When not engrossed in growing vegetables or making syrup, Henry spreads his gospel of food self-sufficiency by speaking and writing. His greatest wish is to turn us all in gardeners.

Duncan McEwen Drew Monkman Lori Nelson Patrick Paulo Jeff Polakoff Jacob Rodenburg Todd Sellers Ryan Stelter

LAKE OF THE WOODS DISTRICT STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Christine Semenchuk, Bigstone Bay

CHAIR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Don Parfitt, Winnipeg River

VICE PRESIDENT Garth Collier, Schnarr Lake

CO-CHAIRS, ENVIRONMENT Lucas King, Woodchuck Bay Chelsea Lobson, Kendall Inlet

PAST PRESIDENT, CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP Hardy Bock, Black Sturgeon TREASURERS Carley Fyke, Welcome Channel Jeff Rempel, Pine Portage Bay

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Dave Christie, Granite Lake Jackie Lowe, Gun Club Island Trevor Templeton, Minaki Adam Blake, Corkscrew Island

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Patrick Paulo 807-407-9182 patrick@lowdsa.com ASSIST. EXEC. DIRECTOR Shelley Bujold (807) 468-8715 shelley@lowdsa.com ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR INTERN Cassidy Mazur 807-444-5176 cassidy@lowdsa.com

P.O. Box 1160 Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 EMAIL info@lowdsa.com

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Leisure Island property owners thankful for quick actions during 2020 fire Looking back a year later to the Sunday, October 4, 2020, Leisure Island fire, the cottage owners are more grateful than ever for the quick actions and support of all the organizations and individuals that responded to the fire—local people and cottagers who came so quickly, often bringing their own equipment and struggling to set up pumps and hose lines, the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department volunteers and the staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources. We are certain, because of the dry conditions and the strength of the wind, without this support, we would have lost more cottages, docks, boats, trees, and structures around the island. We are so very grateful and blessed that damage was limited and there were no injuries or loss of life—human or animal—

We'd like to hear from you! Help us continue making this magazine great—send us your The flames were seen comments, photos & story ideas: almost immediately by editor@areanewsmagazine.ca. boaters, and the column of smoke by neighbours on nearby islands, who rushed to help. Some were able to bring their own fire pumps, and many brought buckets, saws and shovels. Cottagers on Leisure Island kicked down locked shed doors to retrieve fire pumps and hoses, and sent calls to neighbours heading home to Winnipeg, who turned around and raced back to the island. Fortunately, the fire happened on a nice Sunday when there were people enjoying the last days of summer on the lake, and they came at once to help save the island. Initially, the volunteers focused on limiting the spread of the flames on the point to the east, which was limited in other directions by an open area to the northeast, and the lake on the west. However, the wind was blowing strongly from the south and carried sparks from the burning trees on the eastern side of the point across the water to the north shore of the bay where small fires broke out among the dense stand of trees and bush. Controlling the fire in this area became the focus for the first volunteers, who tackled increasingly numerous pockets of blazing trees, some close to the beach with an 18-foot boat and fuel tanks. These fire fighters were worried that the flames would spread from the shore up the hill toward the northeast and that the entire island might catch fire.

due to the fire.

Just in time, the small group battling the flames were joined by the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department volunteers, who came with two boats bringing firefighters, pumps and equipment to cut down trees. The Ministry of Natural Resources team also arrived with substantial resources to support the efforts and ensure the fire didn’t spread to the surrounding forest, combing meticulously through the bush to find and extinguish hidden hot spots that could have ignited with potentially devastating results.

Above: A cottage on the southwest point of Leisure Island was completely lost to the flames. Left: Neighbours and McKenzie Clearwater volunteer fire fighters battling the blaze in the south bay.

The fire began on the southwest point of the island in the middle of an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. The wind that day was blowing strongly from the southwest, and the bush and forest were bone dry after a lovely warm summer. A property on the southwest point where the fire broke out was soon a mass of flames, which then set fire to the surrounding trees. The flames were fed by stored boat gas and oil and quickly became extremely hot. Fanned by the high wind, the sparks jumped from treetop to treetop and spread to the east side of the point, setting fire to another cottage, boat dock and surrounding trees.

LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

The valiant efforts of these approximately 60 people succeeded in bringing the fire under control by about 5 p.m. The McKenzieClearwater Bay Fire Department volunteers, the MNR team and some others remained late into the evening to make sure the fire was fully under control, and that there were no further hot spots in forested areas. Our heartfelt thanks for saving our beloved island and cottages. Donations from the Leisure Island cottage owners will be gratefully directed to the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department. Invitations will be extended to all who helped to the next Leisure Island Day celebration in the summer of 2022. — Respectfully submitted by Beverley Watts and Maureen O’Hara-Leman

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Government Notes BY PATRICK PAULO

FEDERAL/PROVINCIAL

COVID-19 updates and travel restrictions 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. As changes are occurring on a daily basis from one province to another and federally, we continue to recommend the official websites hosted by the governments of Manitoba, Ontario and Canada and the Northwestern Health Unit (Ontario) as your best source for current and accurate information. We have posted links to each website at lowdsa.com/articles/covid-19regulations-update. To learn further details about the restrictions for travel from Manitoba or Quebec into Ontario, please visit ontario.ca/page/ emergency-information.

Lake of the Woods First Nations flooding claims Considerable progress has been made since information was last shared regarding the Lake of the Woods/Shoal Lake/Winnipeg River flooding claim settlements being negotiated among Ontario, Canada and First Nation communities. It is likely that some settlements will be concluded this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Ontario (IAO) is unable to host in-person meetings. To ensure that information about the proposed settlement of these claims is available, the IAO has developed a virtual information process, available at ontario.ca/page/lake-woods-flooding-claims. Ontario is committed to arranging teleconference and/or videoconference meetings to discuss these land claims and is willing set up a meeting at a mutually convenient date via teleconference or videoconference. Should you have any questions or want to request a meeting, please contact LOTWFloodClaim@ontario.ca or Dianne Woods, Negotiator, (416) 575-9838.

PROVINCIAL

Lake of the Woods Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) John Waterer, LOWDSA’s representative on the Fisheries Advisory Council, reported that the council continues to meet regularly. After eight meetings, a few COVID delays and some great discussions, the Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) has put

LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

forward its recommendations for a new set of regulations that will allow anglers to continue enjoy fishing on Lake of the Woods for generations to come and address a critical tipping point regarding walleye populations. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) pulled together a diverse group of interested parties including Indigenous communities, local guides, tournament organizers, anglers, lodge and cottage owners to develop recommendations for consideration. Under the excellent leadership of Steve Bobrowicz (MNRF), the FAC was challenged with balancing the diverse needs of the group. The council agreed to present the following options for inclusion in the draft plan: Preferred option: • Daily limit: sportfishing 2, conservation 1 • Possession limit: sportfishing 4, conservation 2 • Maximum 17 inches (43 cm) with one fish over 70 cm (27.5 inches) Second option: • Daily limit: sportfishing 2, conservation 1 • Possession limit: sportfishing 4, conservation 2 • 14-inch to 17-inch harvestable slot with one fish over 70 cm (27.5 inches) The Council noted that it needs to be clear that the intent of including the 70-cm plus fish allowance is to allow tournaments to continue operating until the province changes the rules about photographs. Now that the recommendations are completed, they must go for a minimum of 30 day posting to the official Environmental Registry for review. Posting will include the Draft Plan document as well as a short summary of the project. This is the public’s opportunity to voice their opinions! Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, there may also be one or more public open houses held. The Crown has a Duty to Consult with indigenous communities. Consultation with Indigenous communities will take place and a Draft Plan document will be directly sent to 13 First Nations groups including: Grand Council Treaty #3, Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council, and Region One Métis Nation of Ontario. NDMNRF will discuss appropriate approaches to consultation with each of the above individually, then the proposal should go forward for implementation in January 2023. LOWDSA will report any further updates from the Fisheries Advisory Council, in our eNews communications or the next issue of Area News.

Broadband Improvements in the Kenora District

blocks on Shoal Lake. There were no additional concerns expressed; but, it was agreed to acknowledge within the text of the plan that Shoal Lake is the sole source of drinking water.

The District of Kenora Unincorporated Areas Ratepayers Association (DoKURA) has been working to determine how every resident in their catchment area will have access to high-speed internet at reasonable installation cost and monthly rates comparable to other jurisdictions.

Deacon Lake access has some ongoing discussions that are currently stalled. The regional director is waiting for the results from a meeting in October and if they don’t come to a resolution it will continue through an issues resolution process.

In late 2020, members of the DoKURA board identified a need to secure government investments to improve service and looked into applying for the Federal Government’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). Realizing that the requirements were beyond the scope of a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, DoKURA engaged the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) and actively supported their application to the Rapid Response Stream of the UBF. As a result, KDSB was able to secure $4.9 million to connect as many as 3,000 homes across the region to the Starlink satellite service. The funding was announced in June of 2021, and installations are proceeding. In early May, DoKURA participated in the Broadband NOW webinar. The area represented by DoKURA was featured as one of the case studies. Following the webinar, they reached out to Bell and Tbaytel, and are working with them to scope out potential projects to improve broadband service in the unincorporated territory.

For Black Sturgeon, NE Bay discussions went well and there was great dialogue, and modifications were made throughout the process as a result of the meetings. There was concern over a single block, which was dropped due to the terrain and the concerns. The team was able to swap some blocks that were more accessible. Additionally, the following groups are currently represented on the Ministry's Local Citizens Committee:

The Province of Ontario recently announced that the Ontario Connects process will involve “auctioning off’ government funding to focus on underserved areas of the province. DoKURA is currently advocating on behalf of Kenora District's unincorporated residents to ensure this area is recognized as under-serviced. Service expansion and improvement in this region must be a priority. This has been communicated to our MPP, Greg Rickford and our MP, Eric Melillo. DoKURA wants every resident to have high-speed internet access at reasonable cost and competitive monthly rates. Over the fall and winter of 2021-22, DoKURA will be focusing our efforts on three priority issues: 1. Ensuring that the Kenora District continues to receive government attention to address both lack of and poor quality of service across the District of Kenora

Representatives from the Clearwater Bay Stewardship Foundation brought in a forestry consultant to meet with Kurt Pochailo (Miisun Integrated Resource Management). Negotiations went well and the team was able to gain traction and reach agreement on dropping some small blocks and determining timing restrictions. Miisun and representatives from the NDMNRF are pleased with the outcome, as are the landowners who had initially raised specific concerns. The changes will be reflected in the final plan.

Kenora Trapper’s Council, an Independent Logger, City of Kenora, Tourism, an Independent, Forest Science, Mining Industry, Weyerhaeuser, Grand Council Treaty Three, Kenora Métis Council, Management Foresters, Miisun, Regional Planning Forester, , and District Manager, NDMNRF.

Forest Management Plan online Forest Management Plans in Ontario are available through the Natural Resources Information Portal at: nrip.mnr.gov.on.ca/s/ fmp-online.

2. Engaging with Telco’s to address maintenance and upgrade issues 3. Identifying potential partnerships to bring additional internet infrastructure to both permanent and seasonal unincorporated territory residents To share your views, concerns or questions, you can email DoKURA at dokuraorg@gmail.com.

Forestry and forest management The draft plan review for the Kenora Forest was completed September 4, 2021. The City of Winnipeg submitted comments based around Shoal Lake being identified as the sole source of their drinking water. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) met with the City of Winnipeg to clarify cutting

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond BY PATRICK PAULO With the many milestones each year brings, one that your Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association looks forward to is our 60th Anniversary. Since our inception in 1962, your shared passion for lake life in the Lake of the Woods area has driven us forward. We thank each of our members who have supported the Association and followed the Area News over the years, our new members that have recently joined our Association, and everyone in-between as we look towards the new year. For 59 years, and soon to be 60, your Association has been working to represent the interests of our members. To celebrate and better capture the work we've done over the past years, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into some of the projects and initiatives we have underway. So please read, and take a look ahead to what we are planning for the new year. If you are not a member and would like to support our Association and preserve the sustainability of the Lake of the Woods watershed, we hope you read along and consider becoming a member today.

60th Anniversary projects AREA NEWS Starting in 2022, we will be collecting and sharing stories from past Board Members, volunteers, and employees of the Association to give you an inside look at how LOWDSA has grown, changed, and developed over the years. Learn more about the services and programs that have a connection to the natural ecosystem. Read stories about important events, government affairs issues at the time, and some of the people who played a role in shaping the Association into what it is today. In addition to staff and Board Members stories, we also want to share your story. We know that our members want to hear, see, and gather a sense of community for the people in the area. Over the years, we've come to realize the rich history of the area and that everyone has a unique story to tell. We would like to hear what has been happening at your end of the lake over the last 60 years. If you are interested in having your story told, or sending us a neat picture or anecdote, please send us an email at editor@areanewsmagazine.ca. VIDEO PROJECT Another exciting initiative we look forward to sharing with you is the professional video we started filming earlier this year. As LOWDSA approaches 60 years of work in the area, we wanted to capture a sense of who we are in a way that words alone cannot do. See and hear stories about our early beginnings, growth, and the evolution of our Association. We filmed some exciting shots at various lakes in the area and included interviews with past Presidents, Board Members, Committee Members, and LOWDSA staff. See some of our LakeSmart team in action—working at our flagship events such as Metal Waste Collection Day, the Mobile Boat Wash Station, and visiting members dock-todock. The video will premier online, and we are eager to celebrate LOWDSA's legacy, growth and accomplishments with you. STRATEGIC PLAN In addition to celebrating with videos and articles in the Area News, our team is committed to bringing more value to you. As you may have seen, LOWDSA sent out an email survey to our members asking for feedback on what is important to you. We are planning for the next five years and beyond, and will be incorporating your feedback into our discussions. LOWDSA's Board of Directors will be applying the input you've provided to develop new long-term goals, objectives, and strategic priorities. Your support enables us to deliver relevant and meaningful programming to you. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email info@lowdsa.com. For more updates, please watch for our eNews blasts, follow us on social media, and check out your latest copy of Area News.

LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

First year of Environment Program Coordinator internship delivers many benefits BY CASSIDY MAZUR, ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR, LOWDSA As 2021 comes to an end, it will have been the first full year of LOWDSA having an Environment Program Coordinator (EPC). I’d like to share some of what I have learned and highlight the value of the EPC role. The past year has given me a window into how the water and land has shaped people's lives in Lake of the Woods. Noted geographer and philosopher, Yi-Fu Tuan, said, “People make places,” and indeed, much of geography studies how people have influenced space. Cultural and human geography study how landscapes and people interrelate. They look at how we interpret and use our surroundings, how places develop meaning for us as we remember important events or associate a place with a particular characteristic. As we make emotional connections, our experiences and perceptions of places help us make sense of who we are. Indigenous creation stories shape and guide people to know where they came from and where they should go. In Ka’esi Wahkotumahk Aski: Our Relations With The Land; Treaty Elders’ Teachings, Volume 2, Elder Florence Paytner said, “As Anishinaabe, we are really interconnected to that land, we are interrelated to everything that is around us.” The elders talk about the holistic relationships between humans and places associated with teachings, spirituality, healing, and stories that tell rich histories, cultures, and heritage. When I reflect on the relationship between people and places in the Lake of the Woods area, it is comforting to believe that the

relationship is balanced. The reality is that places are rapidly changing across the world, and people are largely responsible for that change. Lake of the Woods is no exception, which is why I feel so passionate about everything LOWDSA has accomplished in our environmental work and why I cannot emphasize enough the value of LOWDSA's environmental stewardship. Over the past year, I have come to understand that LOWDSA’s success is fuelled by many passionate people who volunteer their time behind the scenes. We are inspired by our members and driven by the stunning landscape we all strive to protect. It’s a blend of the land, water, community, people, traditions, and more, coming together. The added value of an Environment Program Coordinator has led to many of our members' ideas and dreams being brought to life. Programs and initiatives such as: the Mobile Boat Wash Station, the zebra mussel community monitoring program, community seedling planting, digitizing our LakeSmart dock kit, enhancing LOWDSA's children’s environmental education programming, invasive species removal, grant applications, developing educational resources, improving our reporting systems, expanding the LakeSmart team and season, increasing the Association's social media presence on LinkedIn and TikTok, attending events such as the Open Market Days and Kenora Science Festival, and plenty more are all new developments from this year. This is all in addition to the pre-existing initiatives and programs, the work that happens behind the scenes, and the incredible relationships and connections we make that will continue to support LOWDSA into the future.

Title photo: On a day conducting the invasive species program for the Day Camp at the Kenora Rec Centre, Cassidy reflects, "I really enjoy delivering experiential environmental education, and it is especially fun to work with kids. Here, we are drawing invasive species with chalk."

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

Planting red pine seedlings with the LakeSmart team at Camp Stephens was a great day at work. Brie and Abbi carry various gear including seedling bags and shovels.

The benefits, of course, go both ways. This internship gave me valuable experiences through my involvement in LOWDSA's existing programs, as well as the freedom to expand my skills and knowledge in areas of my own interest. It has been incredibly rewarding to feel like the “go-to” source for all things environment, and I appreciate the connections and relationships I have made so far. To be able to take the time to find answers and information for our members or simply satisfying their curiosity to learn more is a reward in its own right. It has been really special to have a position surrounded by people who share my passion for the environment, connections to the Lake of the Woods area, and value my work. As my internship draws to an end, I just want to thank you for following along! Looking to the future, I am excited for LOWDSA’s role in sustainability to continue expanding and adapting to reflect the needs of the environment and the values and passions of the community. I believe LOWDSA’s strength is in numbers, in membership, and beyond.

Cassidy and Seanna are busy during a day of dock visits.

All of the connections and conversations surrounding sustainability that each of us have increases the reach and strengthens the positive impacts on this shared space we all love and care for. an

Sources: Crang, M. (2013). Cultural geography. Routledge. file:///C:/Users/casma/ Downloads/10.4324_9780203714362_previewpdf.pdf ls.wisc.edu/news/belonging-to-this-place-a-conversation-with-yi-fu-tuan/ Linklater, D'Arcy and Harry Bone. Ka'esi Wahkotumahk Aski - Our Relations With The Land. Vol. 2. Winnipeg: Treaty Relations Commission of Canada, 2014. Fouberg, E. H., Murphy, A. B., & De, B. H. J. (2012). Human geography: People, place, and culture. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

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LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

2022 Membership Renewal Renew your membership today—online or by email, mail or phone! Need help renewing? Contact Shelley Bujold by phone at 807-468-8715, toll-free 1-888-265-9784 or shelley@lowdsa.com

Living green at the lake starts here! Your LOWDSA membership supports: » Our summer outreach program: LakeSmart.

RENEW ONLINE Use your smartphone camera app to scan this QR code and renew your LOWDSA membership online.

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Did you know? If you order a gift membership before December 1, it will arrive in time for Christmas. When you renew online you can choose to auto-renew your membership annually. Contributions to our Environmental Initiatives & Special Projects (EISP) Fund allows us to continue providing our well-known and highly regarded programs and services, which help protect water quality and the environment. Contributions to the EISP Fund can be made online any time at lowdsa.com/campaigns/eisp. LOWDSA members planted 12,000 seedlings in 2021 and over 300,000 since this program was launched. You can order yours (they come in bundles of 15) at lowdsa.com/cpages/seedlings.

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Treaty #3 Anishinaabe hunting and trapping protocols & code of ethics BY HAILEY KROLYK, POLICY ANALYST, TERRITORIAL PLANNING UNIT, GRAND COUNCIL TREATY #3 & KAAREN DANNENMANN, KNOWLEDGE KEEPER AND TREATY #3 TRAPPER Historically, trapping has provided the Anishinaabe in Treaty #3 with a source of food, medicines, clothing, shelter and ornaments. It played a vital role in growing economies in Northern Ontario, extending to Hudson’s Bay. Today, it continues to provide all of this, however fundamentally trapping maintains the spiritual connection to sacred rights and a connection to Niinkeminaan (Mother Earth) that heals and balances. The inherent right to Anishinaabe trapping in Treaty #3 is a part of the sacred relationship to Niinkeminaan. This sacred relationship is expressed through respect, rights, responsibilities, and reciprocity with all relations, as the land holds the energy of ancestors. Creator gifted the Anishinaabe in Treaty #3 with responsibilities to care for the land and all things that inhabit it, which is reflected in traditional trapping practices and principles. In Treaty #3, hunting and trapping has a list of code of ethics to guide decisions, which include: • Respect for Kitaakiiminaan, our mother, the land • Respect for all our relations, the animals, plants, birds, fish, insects, rocks, etc. • Respect for all people • Ceremonies of ancestors conducted for every gift of life given to us by each of our relations • Teachings of the medicine wheel • Respect, rights, responsibility and reciprocity Understanding the use of language is significant to understanding Anishinaabe hunting and trapping principles. As taught by Elders in the territory, one must understand relational principles versus

western principles. Relational principles focus on a holistic view of Niinkeminaan. Trees, waters, minerals, animals, etc. are not considered “resources”; instead, they are relations as they all have a spirit and life. We do not “use” our relations as the word resources implies. Niinkeminaan and those that live on it cannot be owned, as Elders teach that there is a sacred relationship that must be respected through ceremony and protocols. As taught in the Treaty #3 Trappers course by Kaaren Dannenmann, the medicine wheel is a foundational teaching to Treaty #3 trapping. It teaches that all things on Earth are connected, as the medicine wheel has no beginning nor end. The wheel is made up of four parts, East (Spiritual), South (Emotional) West (Mental) and North (Physical). This is the foundational teaching of hunting and trapping as it represents respecting all relations on Niinkeminaan (people, animals, plants, birds, fish, rocks, water, lands, etc.) because we are all connected. Supporting the reciprocal relationship with all of Niinkeminaan is done through ceremony. Ceremony is in place to remind us all that we need to respect animal life that was given and all the gifts that accompany it. Ceremony and stories passed down through generations to Anishinaabe in Treaty #3 act as law and guide decisions. It honours the spirits and ensures the success of future hunts. Ceremonies are accompanied by stories, which are handed down generations; for every relation there is a story and a ceremony to recognize equality and the reciprocal relationship between us and the land. Feasts are held at least four times a year, one for each season. The feasts are to honour animals—all of whom are considered sacred and all of whom are considered relations.

Niinkeminaan (Mother Earth) and those that live on it cannot be owned, as Elders teach that there is a sacred relationship that must be respected through ceremony and protocols.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association In the District

“You have to try to do it (trapping) in a very ceremonial way. That's what my mother taught us about everything. If we went to get a pail of water, if we went fishing, we would put tobacco down for each fish. Some animals have different ceremonies. For example, the beaver had seven ceremonies and the moose, you cut the bell up and hang it on a tree. A lot of hunters used tobacco and ribbons at the same time, and the other hunters cut the tip of the heart off and place it ceremonially in the bush. So, for everything that you do, you do a ceremony whether it's a tobacco offering or whatever that connects you or increases that connection to the land. Whatever that relation was with; a fish or a bird or a tree, each had its own ceremony that connects you to them. That relationship is so wonderful and so sacred.” — Kaaren Dannenmann, Treaty #3 trapper As taught in the Treaty #3 Hunting and Trapping Course, traditionally, the first thing a hunter does is to cut off the omootay (bell of the moose), which is the flap of skin that hangs under a moose's chin and hang it from a tree with tobacco and ribbons. This honours the animals sacrificing its life for food. The tip of the heart is cut off and thrown as far as the Trees, waters, minerals, animals, etc. are hunter is able to. Moose not considered “resources”; instead, they are bones must be carefully relations as they all have a spirit and life. put away in the forest if they are not used for tools or other uses. The hanging part of the liver is never to be eaten.

W H AT ' S H A P P E N I N G O N Y O U R L A K E ?

Ready, set go for snowmobile season! Each year a core group of about 30 dedicated Sunset Trail Rider volunteers put in thousands of hours to keep over 560 km of snowmobile trails open, signed and marked. They are always looking for volunteers and in 2021 even put some high school students to work to get in their volunteer hours for graduation. No one can deny we have some of the best trails and most beautiful scenery around. Check the Sunset Trail Riders website for trail availability details or to volunteer: sunsettrailriders.ca. Remember that an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit is required to use any OFSC trail system in Ontario. Get the details and purchase your permit at ofsc.on.ca/permits.

The inherent right to trap has been and continues to be exercised by the Anishinaabe in Treaty #3 since time immemorial. The protocols and teachings passed down through generations will continue to guide future generations of Anishinaabe in order to maintain the relationship with the land and waters throughout the Territory. The Treaty #3 Hunting and Trapping Course is open to Treaty #3 members and youth to learn traditional protocols. More information is available at gct3.ca/land/fish-wildlife. an

In the District Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Drought conditions persist heading into fall BY JEFF POLAKOFF, LOWDSA REPRESENTATIVE, LAKE OF THE WOODS CONTROL BOARD As we progressed from summer into fall, the water levels within the Winnipeg River drainage basin including Lake of the Woods, has continued with the pattern of low water levels that has persisted for over 18 months. As of this writing at the beginning of October, the entire basin was following a pattern that has been consistent since April 2020. Low levels of precipitation and water inflow from tributaries and adjoining water bodies, combined with high levels of evaporation are contributing to low water levels throughout the basin. In fact, the water level of Lake of the Woods was at 322.47 meters / 1058.1 ft. which is within the 5th percentile based on historic averages. In other words, water levels for Lake of the Woods over approximately the last 100 years have only exhibited lower water conditions about five times at that time of the year. Based on a review of data in September, annual precipitation for 2021 was the 16th lowest in 115 years in the Winnipeg River / Lake of the Woods basin. In addition, the infill levels were, on average, below the 10th percentile throughout 2021. These low levels and the lack of contributing water has been basin wide. Through the end of August and into September, according to monitoring of levels by the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) and based on both Canadian and American drought indices, most of the basin was classified to be in severe or extreme drought. A portion of the Minnesota side of the basin was classified to be in an exceptional drought condition which is the highest level of drought classification. As a result of the continuing low water, the Control Board’s Secretariat held a special consultation in September to review the current circumstance, water level strategy and forecasting in

Low water presented some challenges for the “Bassin’ for Bucks” live release boat.

preparation for the next regular meeting. While there is a weak La Nina condition in the Pacific that would typically mean wetter conditions for the fall, this has proven to be an unreliable source of forecasting over the last two years. Following the review, it was agreed that more information based on actual fall precipitation levels and other information would be important as we move into winter. The Secretariat will be monitoring conditions closely in anticipation of a more detailed review during the prewinter meeting at the end of October. This will be particularly important for decisions related to water storage in the lake through the winter months. While low water levels continued to be a challenge throughout the summer, it did not seem to have a significant impact on fishing events. For example, the 25th anniversary of “Bassin’ for Bucks” in Sioux Narrows saw a full complement of 120 teams with excellent fishing results. Tournament Director, Barb Salvador said there were no low water issues noted for anglers. However, she said “It was a challenge to get the Shimano Live release boat near the weigh scale to handle the fish in a safe manner, and the Northern Ontario Fishing Centre docks were also a challenge for the anglers to dock.” I think we were all faced with similar docking challenges this year. As we begin to head into winter and for up to date information please visit the LWCB web site at: lwcb.ca/waterflowdata.html.

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Coordinated effort for Kenora 51 Kenora 51 has been described as one of the largest fires ever fought in this region. We extend an enormous thanks to those who work tirelessly to protect lives, land and property. BY LEANNE FOURNIER Chris Marchand is the Fire Information Officer for Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) and Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES), the forest fire management branch of NDMNRF. He answered our questions about the monstrous blaze that had a profound impact on the summer of 2021.

Can you describe what contributed to the start and then spread of Kenora 51? Kenora 51 was discovered on June 8, 2021, north of Eden Lake in the remote Eagle/Snowshoe Provincial Park. An investigation into the cause of Kenora 51 is ongoing. By June 11, amidst a rapidly escalating regional fire situation in Northwestern Ontario, Kenora 51 had grown to 22,252 hectares in size. As a heat wave persisted into July, the fire continued to expand its perimeter in all directions as fire hazard and drought conditions increased to levels not seen by AFFES fire officials in 50 years. Energized by high winds, low humidity and very dry forest fuels, the extreme fire behaviour and fast rates of spread exhibited by Kenora 51 initially presented too many risks to put crews on the ground, limiting suppression options to waterbombers (CL-415) and helicopters equipped with buckets. Crews placed sprinkler systems on remote properties in the path of the fire, where it was safe and feasible to do so.

Was it just NDMNRF or were other local fire departments involved in the effort? AFFES officials were in frequent contact with the Manitoba Wildfire Service who mounted suppression and values protection efforts as the fire crossed the provincial boundary into Manitoba. While the Kenora 51 fire area is somewhat isolated from an Ontario context, the fire was a concern to cottage subdivisions at Davidson Lake and Beresford Lake on the Manitoba side of the provincial boundary.

When did you assess the need for additional help—how did that occur? The need for additional help from out-of-province was apparent early in the season as a growing list of problematic fires of concern to various communities was accompanied by 15 to 50 new fire starts per day throughout late June into July—fully engaging our initial attack firefighting resources. Resource sharing between different fire management jurisdictions is a common occurrence in a busy fire season. The province has mutual aid agreements with other provinces and international partners that allow for the movement of wildland firefighting resources to where they are needed the most. For example, Ontario firefighting personnel answered Australia’s call for assistance during the winter of 2020. Mexican firefighters also came to Ontario in 2018 when the fire situation was escalated on the Northeast side of the province.

Title photo: A B212 helicopter equipped with a belly tank releases a water drop during operation on Kenora 51, Aug. 15. Photo courtesy AFFES.

In the District Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

A few members of the Mexican firefighting contingent (yellow) pose with some Ontario personnel. (Please note this photo was taken at the Red Lake Fire Management Headquarters. Pictures of the Mexican personnel from Kenora 51 weren’t available). Photo courtesy AFFES.

As Kenora 51 approached the north shore of Umfreville Lake, over 40 kilometres south of its origin point, Wabaseemoong became the eighth community of the 2021 fire season to evacuate its residents. Fire officials focused on preventing the fire from jumping a 1.5 kilometre gap to the south shore of Umfreville Lake, where the fire would have the potential to pose a threat to the community. Crews would establish sprinklers throughout the community to protect homes and critical infrastructure.

The Incident Command System is a widely-used fire management tool that provides a familiar structure for teams of specialized wildland fire professionals from far and away to take command of a fire incident, using a commonly accepted organizational structure and procedures.

Thick smoke hampered aerial operations and combined with smoke from other nearby large fires, air quality was affected throughout the region and beyond.

In addition to Kenora 51, elsewhere across the region, fire officials were managing multiple problematic fires which necessitated the evacuation of over 4,000 people in seven communities including Naicatchewenin First Nation, Poplar Hill First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Cat Lake First Nation and the Municipality of Red Lake (evacuation alert only).

Scattered showers in late July helped to lower fire behaviour sufficiently to put crews on the ground. A diverse cadre of firefighting personnel from Australia, Mexico, Alberta, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and Great Lakes states joined their Ontario partners in strategic locations along the now 200,667 hectare fire’s perimeter. Of particular focus was preventing the advance of the fire towards Davidson Lake and a cottage subdivision just

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Was it just water used to fight the fire?

across the Manitoba boundary. On the east side of the fire, firefighters established hose lines at pinch points between bodies of water in the Fletcher and Rowdy Lake areas as well as areas north of Sydney Lake.

The nature of our landscape makes water an important factor in fighting fire in the northwest in two ways: first to put water directly on the fire using pumps and hoses or aircraft, or as a natural boundary (lakes, rivers) used to contain a blaze. Other methods include fireguards— creating a wide corridor of bare earth with heavy equipment to disrupt the forest fuels ahead of a fire and halt its momentum. Ignition is another technique where, under favourable weather conditions, officials will ignite strategic sections of forest ahead of a fire to remove the fuels ahead of it, disrupt its momentum and bring it to natural boundaries.

Working east of the fire, heavy equipment pushed north, building fireguard, a wide corridor of bare earth designed to halt the momentum of an advancing fire. In midAugust, heavy equipment operators completed their task, connecting their corridor of fireguard with a concurrent effort that was pushing south from Red Lake to protect that community from Red Lake 77.

What was Ontario’s strategy to fight these fires this summer?

How many firefighters

Our main focus during this were on the fire at any escalated situation was to maintain public safety, protect given time? private property and critical Approximately 200 personnel infrastructure, ensure the safety and 15 helicopters were of all emergency responders, Top: Intense fire behaviour on Kenora 51 in early July. assigned to the incident on any and initial attack on wildland Bottom: Fire behaviour on Kenora 51 on Aug. 3. Both photos courtesy AFFES. given day once the firefighting fires. Wildland fire protection effort had begun in earnest. plans help us concentrate our efforts where they can lessen the threat and impacts to communities. The protection plans identify key infrastructure that is critical to the community How many days in total before the fire was and help prioritize efforts for community protection during a considered held? wildland fire emergency. The overarching objectives of Ontario’s wildland fire management strategy are to: • Prevent loss of human life and injury • Prevent and mitigate losses including economic and social disruption • Promote understanding of the ecological role of fire • Use fire to benefit resource management

Were there other partners we should mention? Ontario saw significant contributions from other partners as well in 2021, including crews from Alberta, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, PEI and Wisconsin. Quebec provided personnel as well as several water bombers this summer. There were also a large number of contractors that supported us during operations this summer including helicopter companies, fixed wing companies, basecamp service providers, contract fire crews, as well as nursing and medical services.

Since the fire’s discovery on June 8, 83 days passed before the fire’s status of control changed to Being Held on August 30. The definition of ‘Being Held’ according to The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre is: A wildland fire that indicates, with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions. Kenora 51 is not only the province’s largest fire of 2021, but also covers a land area much larger than all the fires put together that we would expect to see across the province in a usual season (based on the 10-year provincial average). The size of this fire area (200,667 hectares) naturally slows down those assessments around status of control. Wet weather has been the dominant factor in putting the fire out, but it continues to be monitored.

In the District Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Minaki was the base of operations I believe? Any words for the community, local firefighters, etc.? We would like to thank the residents of Minaki, and the various locations involved in fire operations for being patient hosts (once again) throughout the season. At the time of writing, Kenora 51 was still an active fire, so Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) was restricting private and commercial air traffic in the fire. As well, residents were being asked to avoid venturing into areas that had recent fire activity, as this could present hazards such as falling trees as a result of root systems being compromised by fire.

Any final words on what we can all do to reduce risks and support firefighters to do their jobs? Residents and camp owners in the Kenora District could certainly benefit from an increased awareness of the FireSmart program. FireSmart offers resources to help homeowners protect their properties from wildland fires with landscaping techniques and various guidelines. You can find FireSmart information at ontario.ca/firesmart.

A B212 helicopter heads to the lake to pick up another load of water with its bucket while fighting fire on Kenora 51, Aug. 15. Photo courtesy AFFES.

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Homegrown talent

Gabe Mastromatteo achieves Olympic dream with support of Kenora by Ryan Stelter

Gabe Mastromatteo isn’t one to boast about his accomplishments, even if he has every right to do so. When applying for internships at the University of Toronto, where he’s studying commerce, the scholarships he’s received and all the accomplishments in the pool played second fiddle to his job experience at Kenora’s Home Hardware.

“The overwhelming sense of pride that I have for the kid who has not just overcome the challenges of COVID-19, but having to train outside of Kenora, having to be creative with training, there was a sense of relief for him but also an immense sense of when you believe in something you can achieve it,” Hyslop said. Through it all, Mastromatteo kept his head and performed his best when it mattered most. Before heading into one of the biggest races of his already distinguished career—the 4x100 metre medley relay—on the final day of swimming at the Toyko Olympics, Mastromatteo was as cool as ice.

School remains top of mind for the 19-year-old.

“I’ve done all the training, I know how to swim. I’m not going to forget how to swim all of a sudden,” he laughed. “Once I dive into the pool, I just start doing what I have to do.”

Reaching the Olympics was realizing a lifelong dream for Mastromatteo, who told Hyslop at the tender age of five that he wanted to make it on the world’s biggest stage. When Mastromatteo got out of the pool in Toronto at Olympic trials doing what he needed to make it, Hyslop said it was “glorious.”

Mastromatteo already has a formula that works, and it has been working since he was a Kenora Swimming Shark taking laps at the Kenora Recreation Centre. However, while brushing shoulders with some of the world’s best men’s swimmers, he noticed one thing— their music selection.

Mastromatteo told his mom and coach, Janet Hyslop, “I just don’t want to be a jock.”

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

“I switched mine up,” Mastromatteo said. “Usually everyone plays real amped up music. I heard the British team was playing some house music that I really liked, a couple of club mixes. I think I’m going to start using that instead. I really liked it.” Mastromatteo and his Canadian teammates finished seventh in the relay, but he posted his best time in his specialty event—the breaststroke. He completed his leg in just under a minute at 59.67 seconds. “It’s the fastest I’ve ever been in my 100 metre breaststroke. Overall, it was the best experience there,” he said. “It was really cool just to see the four best swimmers from the eight best countries in the world.” It’s a list on which Mastromatteo can now include himself, but he already has his eyes set on Paris. “In 2024, it’ll be a bit more noticeable,” he chuckled. To reach the summit of the Olympics, any athlete’s dream competition, Mastromatteo got his start in little ‘ol Kenora, the city of just over 15,000 people, nestled on the north shore of Lake of the Woods. During the Olympics and the weeks following the sporting festival, Kenora woke up to plaster its windows and storefronts with messages of encouragement for Mastromatteo. Upon arriving back home, he was struck by how much support he got, as was his family. “I hope that any athlete that achieves that level is celebrated in the same way,” Hyslop said.

Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

“It was really impressive, just the scale of it and how many people took part in it,” added Mastromatteo. “It was pretty moving actually. I felt a lot of support coming back. It’s a pretty cool place to be from.” As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and it certainly takes a village to create an Olympic athlete. The City of Kenora played their part in helping Mastromatteo achieve his dream, opening the pool up for him to get some laps in. Kenora is no stranger to star athletes, with the likes of Hockey Hall of Famers Silas Griffiths, Tom Hooper, 1972 Summit Series participant Gary Bergman, goaltender Rick St. Croix and more recently two-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Mike Richards. And of course, that plucky Kenora Thistles team who won the Stanley Cup in 1907, of which Griffiths was a member. With hockey usually taking the spotlight in Kenora, it can be a bit tougher for athletes in other sports trying to carve their own path. Having a one-track mind when it comes to sports is not ideal, according to Hyslop. “I did not take that approach with my own kids,” she said. “As a coach, I had a very big shift in philosophy in really embracing multisport in a small community, which I think is essential.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic posing many challenges, Mastromatteo and Hyslop needed to find creative solutions to prepare for the Olympics. With gyms closed, Mastromatteo did a lot of weight training in his garage, sometimes slinging iron in frigid temperatures.

But no matter where Mastromatteo may be in the world, he will always call Kenora home. During his time in Kenora, he played volleyball, hockey and soccer while attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Growing up in a small town allowed Mastromatteo to go to hockey practice in the morning then hit the pool in the evening.

And much like the hockey greats who came before Mastromatteo, who plied their trade skating on the frozen Lake of the Woods, he was out there swimming in a wet suit as the ice retreated.

“It was really easy to stay motivated in Kenora,” he said. “I find a lot of people end up getting into these sports and not really loving what they’re doing.”

The lake shaped Mastromatteo.

“Pretty hard not to be a swimmer in Kenora, you might not get very far in the lake, or have much fun in the summer,” he said. “It definitely helped out there, the motivation to just have fun with my friends in the summertime.”

With Mastromatteo setting his sights on the next Olympics, when he and his teammates will try to emulate the women’s success in the pool in Tokyo, Hyslop said that any kid’s Olympic dream is possible. She stressed the importance of building relationships with your hometown coach, but also people in the community and drawing expertise from other people outside Kenora.

Mastromatteo has already put Kenora on the map in the swimming world with his exploits at the FINA World Junior Championships, as well as countless other international competitions.

He did it right at home in Kenora, with some help along the way. an

Gabe Mastromatteo is a shining example of the commitment and drive needed to make it to the top of the heap.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

wonderland winter awaits

Article and photos by Duncan McEwen

So, what are we going to do today? This is a common question in our family, especially last winter with an extreme slow-down in our busy schedules. At the time of writing this article, we are slowly restarting the big engine that has sat idle for over 17 months. Although it’s great to get back to some of the things we missed the most, the hiatus allowed us many opportunities to go exploring the great outdoors. It was the perfect combination of cabin fever, (COVID-19) safe activities, and northwestern Ontario and all her glory. Before hitting the lake, trails, or the highway on any of our family adventures, we start with our entryway littered with gear. Some of the staples that usually get jammed into a waterproof duffel bag include extra layers and backup mitts, hats, socks and the like, a lighter, flashlight, hand-foot warmers, insulated water bottles, and a packable shovel.

Left: The author (Duncan) cuts up some dry pine to add to the bonfire.

Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Centre: Duncan, Jessi, and daughter Elle relax on a glorious February day with their fireside lunch of kabasa, cheese, pickles and crackers. We also take our time when packing food. Snacks are key! We usually have an assortment of quick snacks like cookies, crackers and granola bars. Other go-to’s for us are venison snack sticks and smokies, smoked trout or even little leftover walleye bites from the night before. This packable bag varies from excursion to excursion, but most of the aforementioned makes an appearance on all outings, especially the food!

Another outing that has us up and moving on a weekend is snowmobiling. Wow, what a sport! Although, I’m not all that new to owning a snowmobile, I am new to owning a newer performance model. With the help of a modern-day sled, I can now make it into many remote back lakes and trails such as the Aulneau Peninsula, which I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. It’s the perfect way to find that south-facing, sunny shore that is out of the wind and lends itself to a bonfire and a smokie. Be sure to support our local snowmobile club by purchasing a permit. The volunteers that commit their time to marking and grooming the trails in our region are vital to the sport. Check out sunsettrailriders.ca to gain information on trail permits, maps, and other events this winter.

One of our favourite family outings is right outside our back door and requires the least amount of planning and packing: Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club (KNBC). We can actually ski there and it boasts 20 kilometers of beautifully laid out and groomed trails for both The last outing I want to reflect on is a little harder classic and skate skiers. The technicality of the trails to pin down. The plan is, we have no plan. It’s more varies from a “leisurely family ski” to “ this is a workout!”. just the adventure itself. We may not have a specific Trails are very well signed and mapped, and packing a destination in mind, but we set out on the highway, snack to have at one of the lookout points is often the trail, or lake just the same. Stopping at wherever we highlight of the ski trip. KNBC offers great programs feel like, or whatever catches our eye. In adventures like for kids including programming and lessons for bunnies this, we have come across waterfalls (icefalls), great (age 3 and up) to adults. This has been one of the best fishing spots, scenic views, and many other treasures investments for our family. We all feel great after a we wouldn’t have come across otherwise. These are good ski. With its offering of both challenging downhill some of my favourite. It seems that since we may runs and spectacular cross country trails, neighbouring not have a destination in our minds, we are actually Mount Evergreen provides some of the best reasons able to focus on other things like our children, our and benefits for living in a winter nation. Check out their conversation, an icicle, and our dog. On trips like this, websites for a lot more information at skikenora.com. we may pack fishing gear, skis, sleds, and snowshoes. We may use some; we may not use any.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

Bannock wrapped strawberries and roasted apples. Simple and delicious! A few ideas for this unknown destination include the ice road on Lake of the Woods (which can take you all the way to the Northwest Angle, MN), Highway 71—towards Sioux Narrows, and definitely the Jones Road north towards Grassy Narrows. These three “threads” provide countless opportunities for amazing vistas, cozy campfires and good ‘ol family fun. Inevitably, we feel just as satisfied after one of these outings as we would with any other outing. Needless to say, the snack (meal) is a staple in our unknown adventure.

Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Whether you have experienced some of the same excursions as my family, or you create your own, get out there and do something. The outdoor world we live in is amazing, and the possibilities are endless. Prepare yourself before leaving by having the right gear, the right amount of food and drinks, let someone know your (rough) plan, and know the weather. Oh, and one last thing; don’t let the weather forecast affect whether or not the trip will happen. Instead, let it better prepare you for the adventure. an

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L A K E O F T H E W O O D S WAT E R S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y F O U N D AT I O N

First step underway to scope out a phosphorus management plan Put a plan in place. Ensure there's enough science and management expertise. Coordinate actions bi-nationally. That’s our mission. BY TODD SELLERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation (LOWWSF) has launched a project to develop a framework for a future phosphorus management plan for the Canadian portion of the binational Rainy-River-Lake of the Woods watershed, with the support of a Contribution Agreement from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This project will scope and outline the key elements that would be required to develop a domestic phosphorus management plan collaboratively with relevant parties in the basin, once phosphorus targets are set by Canada domestically or as shared binational targets with Minnesota. Sentinel-3 true colour satellite image and derived Chlorophyll-a concentrations, October 4, 2021.Images This work is timely now, to prepare for moving courtesy of EOLakeWatch, Dr. Caren Binding, Environment and Climate Change Canada. from research to action. In late June, the US EPA approved Minnesota’s phosphorus plan that sets phosphorus targets for each source to the Rainy River and blooms conditions can be seen in Ptarmigan Bay, although this Lake of the Woods. Next steps by Minnesota are to develop could be due to a switch to strong south-easterly winds late on remedial action plans. In Canada, ECCC completed public October 3, which may have driven surface blooms through the engagements last spring on potential phosphorus reduction channel from the main northern basin of Lake of the Woods. scenarios based on its four-year science program (see “What We Heard”, below). The next step would be for Canada to set targets For much of the summer, it seemed like a "light year" for algae for domestic sources as part of a phosphorus management plan blooms, but blooms began to develop in the latter part of August. to complement those being prescribed for Minnesota sources. The low blooms in much of the mid-summer may be due to the In anticipation of this, the Foundation is preparing a proposed low water and low flows from the nutrient-rich southern basin of plan framework so that developing the plan can move forward Lake of the Woods, or perhaps lower light conditions due to the expeditiously, with prerequisite consideration of aspects specific intense smoke that blanketed the lake throughout July and into the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods and in collaboration with the first week of August. the partners that would need to be involved. These satellite tools, developed by Dr. Caren Binding at ECCC, have much promise for long-term monitoring of trends in algae Fall algae bloom arrived late on bloom intensity and severity. The ability of this technology is Lake of the Woods striking. Given the immense scale of our lake, these tools may prove useful as a practical way of monitoring long term changes The view from space is compelling. The seasonal algae blooms in the lake as we begin to implement phosphorus controls. were well underway at the beginning of October in the southern basin of Lake of the Woods as shown in the satellite image and associated derived chlorophyll-a data for October 4. The surface blooms had also developed through the north-central portion of the lake and into the Kenora area. Additionally, some surface

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

“What We Heard” report released on public engagements with ECCC

Ask An Expert webinar series

LOWWSF has released a report summarizing what we heard from the public during engagement sessions with ECCC on its set of proposed lake ecosystem objectives and potential phosphorus reduction scenarios to improve water quality for Lake of the Woods. Hundreds participated in ten webinars and online via ECCC's Lake of the Woods engagement website. Public perception was that federal and provincial governments in Canada are lagging behind the U.S. on this issue and that Minnesota’s study is further along to the level of identifying sources and assigning specific targets and starting actions. The messages were clear—there was definitely a call to action from the public to "get on with it":

The Foundation hosted a lunchtime “Ask An Expert” webinar series this fall to connect the public with some of the scientists who are working on water quality in our watershed. Although completed by the time you read this Area News, the sessions were recorded and can be viewed at: lowwsf.com/ask-an-expert.

• Adopt a 20% phosphorus reduction target • Set binational phosphorus targets • Ensure ongoing core monitoring • Act without further delay The full report can be downloaded at: lowwsf.com/eccc-consultation.

It was a fascinating lineup with expert presentations and lots of your questions answered. The topics and experts were: • Nutrient Export in the Canadian Tributaries to Lake of the Woods, with Dr. Catherine Eimers of Trent University. • Minnesota’s Plan to Identify and Address Excess Phosphorus Pollution in Lake of the Woods and its Watershed, 1999-2021, with Jesse Anderson, lead scientist with the MPCA for the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. • Lake of the Woods from Space: Satellite Observations for Algal Bloom Monitoring, led by Dr. Caren Binding of Environment and Climate Change Canada. • Lake of the Woods: A Story of Pollution, Recovery, and the Road Ahead, led by Dr. Adam Heathcote of the Science Museum of Minnesota. • Climate Change and its Effects on Lake Ecosystems in Northwestern Ontario, with Dr. Scott Higgins of the IISD - Experimental Lakes Area. We are very fortunate to have access to these dedicated, knowledgeable experts and we thank them for bringing the science to the community in such an effective way. If you missed the webinars, please view the recordings online at the Foundation’s website.

Zebra mussels discovered in Rainy Lake Disappointing news. Zebra mussel larvae have been confirmed in Rainy Lake by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). Adult reproductive colonies have not yet been located or confirmed. The larvae were found in four of five water samples taken in July 2021, suggesting that there is a reproducing population in the lake according to MN DNR. This follows on an unconfirmed report of larvae in 2020 by a member of the public. Rainy Lake straddles the OntarioMinnesota border and flows downstream via the Rainy River to Lake of the Woods. This follows equally concerning confirmations by MN DNR in 2019 and 2020 of zebra mussel larvae at sites in the southern portion of Lake of the Woods. 2021 results are not in yet from MN DNR. To date, reproductive colonies have not been located in Lake of the Woods.

Environment Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Location of ECCC’s 28 monitoring sites on Lake of the Woods, September 2021 (ECCC graphic).

At each site, water quality parameters measured included: phosphorous, nitrogen, carbon and their various forms, total and dissolved metals, major ions, Chlorophyll a, Phycocyanin (an algal pigment found in blue-green algae), total suspended solids, algal toxins and taxonomy, Secchi depths, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity and temperature. September samples were taken at the surface, at 1m depth and at 2m off the bottom. If the water column was stratified and had an identifiable thermocline, an integrated sample of the epilimnion (surface to thermocline) was taken. Given the proliferation of algae blooms this past month, an extra bonus is that this sampling has allowed for further calibration of the satellite remote sensing models that use satellite imagery to indicate bloom extent and severity. an

2022 Watershed Forum – Save the date! March 9 – 10, 2022 all eyes will focus again on our watershed, lakes and rivers at the 19th International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum. The 2022 Forum will feature special sessions on emerging vulnerabilities, zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, in addition to the usual topics that include fisheries, climate change and more!

Several projects reported on in this article are undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Like last year, the Forum will be held virtually as an online event, due to continued uncertainty about cross border travel. We were able to host a high-quality online event last year, with the support of St. Cloud State University’s IT / Video Conferencing department and will do so again, but we can’t wait to convene in person in 2023. More information about the Forum is available now and more details will roll out (including the program and attendee registration) over the winter at the Foundation’s website: lowwsf.com/ watershed-forum

Canada’s Water Quality Monitoring back on Lake of the Woods this fall Environment and Climate Change Canada’s team responsible for sampling water quality on Lake of the Woods was out this September doing a lake-wide survey of 28 sites (see map). Water quality sampling had been paused last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, they re-initiated their long-term monitoring of the Rainy River inflow to Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River outflow.

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LOWDSA launches attack on zebra mussels and other invasive species BY CASSIDY MAZUR, ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR, LOWDSA You’ve probably heard of zebra mussels by now—the horror stories from Lake Winnipeg’s beaches now sharp with shells, coating water intake pipes in the Great Lakes, and ruining boat motors and docks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) detected veliger’s (larval stage) in the Southern basin of Lake of the Woods in their 2019 and 2020 samples. Just this year, Lake Manitoba Narrows and Rainy Lake had veliger’s confirmed in most samples, indicating a reproducing population of zebra mussels in the waterbodies. Rainy Lake straddles the Ontario-Minnesota border and flows downstream through the Rainy River to Lake of the Woods. Adult populations have not been located in Lake of the Woods to date. The presence of zebra mussels impact the physical, chemical, and biotic aspects of their environment, earning the organism the classification of an ecosystem engineer. However, the changes that aren’t quite so visible initially are equally alarming. Their cascading effects through ecosystems are shown in this infographic from IISD-ELA and can cost lake users and governments billions of dollars once a population is established. Invasive species such as zebra mussels alter the populations of native organisms and change various ecosystem components by outcompeting native organisms in our water. Zebra mussels can reach densities of 700,000 per m², and as each mussel filters one litre of water per day they consume food and nutrients which reduces the availability of food for our native zooplankton, which are the base of the food web. They also remove particles like algae which increases water clarity and allows sunlight to penetrate deeper into the increasingly clear water, consequently increasing

Brie McCardle of the LakeSmart team washing a boat. This year LOWDSA partnered with OFAH and borrowed their mobile boat wash station.

aquatic plant growth and warming water temperatures, pushing cold-water fish deeper into low oxygen water. The presence of zebra mussels can also increase harmful algal blooms. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is more important now than ever and early detection of an invasive species increases the likelihood of containment from further spread, making management more successful and cost-effective. This summer LOWDSA’s introduced its new zebra mussel monitoring program and distributed 29 settlement samplers to members and the public to monitor for zebra mussel presence in the watershed. Grand Council Treaty #3 distributed 32 samplers to Treaty #3 communities, totalling at least 61 in the Lake of the Woods watershed. To support early detection and to be a part of our program, please email info.lakesmart@lowdsa.com. LOWDSA supports the prevention of spreading invasive species like zebra mussels through our Mobile Boat Wash Station that serves as a self-contained education program complementing our LakeSmart program. In the previous issue of the Area News, we mentioned that the Boat Wash Station focuses directly on invasive species and provides decontamination opportunities for lake users to significantly reduce the chance of introducing invasive species to water bodies through the use of pressure washers.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

This summer, we partnered with the Invading Species Awareness Program to borrow their boat wash and operate it for the season. In just 10 days of operation, the LakeSmart team decontaminated 35 boats sharing information on the practice of “Clean, Drain, Dry” to lake users coming in and out of boat launches this summer. The team spoke to 143 people about the risks of invasive species, how to identify them, and report sightings. This is in addition to distributing 76 dock kits containing resources on invasive species and other water quality topics. To support programs such as the LOWDSA Mobile Boat Wash Station, you can donate to our Environmental Initiatives and Special Projects Fund. Your contributions allow us to continue providing and growing these programs and services that protect water quality and take action against invasive species in the Lake of the Woods district.

What you can do to reduce the spread of invasives like zebra mussels • CLEAN any mud, vegetation, mussels, or anything suspicious from your boat and gear before leaving the water. • DRAIN all standing water from motor, live well, bilge and transom wells at the boat launch. • DRY your boat for five or more days in sunlight to remove invaders you can’t see, OR clean with a high pressure wash or hot water. • Report sightings of invasive species to EDDMapS by visiting their website or downloading their app, or contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 • Submerse hard-to-clean fishing equipment and nets in hot water (40°C) for ten minutes. More information: dnr.state.mn.us/news/2021/09/01/ zebra-mussel-larvae-confirmed-rainy-lake-st-louis-county lowwsf.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2 40:zebra-mussel-larvae-confirmed-in-rainy-lake&catid=9 greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/ invasive-mussels-legacy-beyond-great-lakes/ greatlakesnow.org/2020/02/zebra-mussels-impact-good-bad/ iisd.org/ela/blog/commentary/ this-is-what-zebra-mussels-do-to-a-lake/

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Environment Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

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Tips for a good day on the ice ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JEFF GUSTAFSON

The great thing about the Lake of the Woods region is that we have so many options for year-round fishing. Not only do we have the big lake, but there are also countless smaller waterbodies that offer excellent fishing for a variety of species. In addition to the plentiful walleye, we have lake trout, crappie, whitefish, perch, pike and burbot all readily available. Knowing some general rules to follow for your target species helps to put the odds in your favour. Knowing that pike and walleye spawn in shallow areas soon after the ice goes out, we should be looking close to these areas late in the ice season. Crappies group up in the deep basins of the lakes and bays that they live in and can be found much more efficiently in the boat late in the fall than by drilling holes in the ice. Whitefish are more active throughout the ice season than they are the rest of the year. An assortment of spoons can be used for walleye and perch.

Once you have an understanding for where to fish and are confident that you are showing your bait to a few of them, you can then start to tinker with different baits and colours. I typically keep it simple, using a ¼ Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon for perch and walleye, a minnow imitating soft plastic jerk shad on a 3/8 oz jig for lake trout, a smaller spoon tipped with some small, scented plastic pieces for crappie and perch, while a quick-strike

rig with a dead cisco rigged beneath a tip-up gets the call for pike. With the excellent mapping available now for many of our lakes, the electronics that we have and the ability to be mobile on the ice have made it easier to find and catch fish.

Keep it simple for walleye Walleye are by far to most popular species that anglers target in the winter on Lake of the Woods. The season for walleye is wide open all winter until April 15 so we can start fishing for them as soon as the ice forms. To keep it simple, I like to focus on main lake humps and points where fish will hang out in small groups. The best spots have flats on them in the 28 to 35 foot range, where the majority of walleyes are found throughout the winter. The humps and points that have these The Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon is a favourite flats in the ideal depth are walleye winter bait. always better spots than the structure that is a lot steeper or vertical. It's good to fish near a drop off or ledge, but not right on the ledge. As we get closer to the end of the winter season, I'll start to fish closer to the shallow bays where walleyes will spawn shortly after ice out. I use one bait primarily all winter, a 1/4 oz Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon tipped with a minnow head.

Title photo: There’s nothing like the thrill of pulling up a lake trout.

Living Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

Watch the whole water column for lake trout

or trails because this can cause flooding and major problems for the people who maintain them. Put in the effort to get away from the road at least 25 meters.

The season for lake trout closes on October 1 and reopens on January 1. Lake trout are the big prize for ice Drilling near the snowmobile trails anglers in the Sunset Country region creates mounds from the holes that because they are very active under can freeze and become a hazard for the ice and they get big. Watch the snowmobilers, particularly at night. entire water column when you fish. Kick these over so snowmobilers A lot of big lake trout will show up don’t hit them. This also helps keep right under the ice looking for an your hot fishing spots a secret! easy meal. I always keep my eyes Anybody who leaves trash on the glued to my sonar and watch for lake shouldn’t be allowed to use it. trout to appear anywhere in the Electronics are fun and help to catch more fish because you can see what If you must have a fire while you’re water column. It should be noted is going on beneath the hole. fishing, do it on shore (but not on that ice fishing for lake trout is not someone’s private property), rather permitted on Clearwater Bay, Echo than in the middle of the lake. Be sure to check any fire burning Bay or Cul de Sac Bay on Lake of the Woods, but populations exist in Ptarmigan Bay and of course all around the Sioux Narrows area regulations for the area. in Whitefish Bay. In Whitefish Bay, trout anglers must fish with If you come across garbage on the ice or anglers who are not barbless hooks; fish or fish parts may not be used for bait. following the fishing regulations, call a conservation officer at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).

Respect the ice

The ice roads and the snowmobile trails make it easy to get around the lake, but it’s a lot of work to keep up this infrastructure. Avoid drilling holes in the ice near the roads

Enjoy the fishing and take care of our beautiful lake. It truly is a special place, even in the winter! an

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

T R E A D I N G W I S E LY

Lake ice needs our care BY ROSEMARY ROBERTSON There is magic in the winter ice. It is remarkable to walk on a surface that but a few weeks ago, you couldn’t. It is serene most days. You see with new eyes amazing scenery that you are familiar with in summer. Different pursuits await. One of our favourites is to track animals that are dependent on lake ice in their search for food. Ice allows them a larger territory in which to hunt. Watching the food chain operate in winter is fascinating. For the good of the lake, bring on the cold weather. The thicker the ice, the longer the spring melt. We may be anxious for spring to access our properties, but an earlier thaw plays havoc with lake ecology. Aquatic life relies on ice cover to reflect solar radiation to prevent overheating and reduce water loss through evaporation. We are all concerned about dropping water levels, which is becoming more prevalent as the climate heats up. For us humans, it is the inconvenience of high docks, exposed reefs and shallow submersible pumps. For aquatic life, it’s a matter of life and death. That makes the fight against pollutants and climate change imperative for lake lovers. There are pressures on freshwater ecosystems that are of our own creation. Those burdens challenge the integrity and sustainable

Pristine ice on the ice road shows the beauty of the water but is deceiving because the actual water content is not visible.

use of these resources. Ice that has been corrupted in any way can contaminate ice water. We value clean, safe water drawn from our lakes that were ice covered. We appreciate access to lakes and rivers for recreational use. Sadly, it seems the adage “leave no trace” disappears from some people’s vernacular in winter. A growing number of individuals who use the ice for pleasure or livelihood forget that looking after lake ice carefully will enable perpetuation of their chosen activity. Jim and I spend a lot of time walking the ice road and through the bush in winter. We always take a garbage bag with us, and it never comes back empty. Lunch garbage, replaced car windshield wipers, treated wood, parts off vehicles, cans and plastic bottles

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Winnipeg River

Private Island, Winnipeg River

Lulu Lake

Corkscrew Island

$2,950,000

$495,000

$775,000

$409,000

Living Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

$729,000

$399,000

$575,000

$325,000

Ice Fishing on the Winnipeg River is a privilege for Livia (L) and Lennon (r) Cain.

of all kinds are in great profusion. One day, we found the remnants of a truck bed of garbage shovelled out onto the ice. The lake is not a bottomless pit that will absorb everything that is on it come spring. We hope others will see us picking up junk and think twice about dropping their coffee cups out the window when travelling the ice roads.

Our other abundant find is dog feces. I can’t think of a better place in winter to let Fido run and play on the ice. Unfortunately, some owners take the “out of sight, out of mind” approach. Many just let their dogs relieve themselves on the ice. Others forget poop bags at home or leave them filled along the edge of the road. Dog feces does not break down as does wild animal feces due to dog diets. When it enters the water through melting it becomes problematic for humans and other organisms that contact the water. E. coli and salmonellae are two of the dog feces bacteria and parasites like roundworms and hookworms can be present. Dog doo-doo deserters may not be aware that fecal matter adds nutrients to the lake. Nutrients create blue-green algae blooms

and other water quality problems. This may lead to drinking water loss, restrictions on what we can do in the water and limitations in where fish can live. Break out the baggies for all excrement, canine and human. Please take it to land where it can do no harm to the water. With increased use of the ice as a highway by vehicles, comes a lot of debris not meant to be there. Piles of dirty snow from vehicles’ undercarriages are everywhere. Vehicles parked on the ice have either had these accumulations intentionally kicked off or they melt and fall off. The contents of those lumps contain additives from our roads, primarily salt and sand. The salt doesn’t disappear when ice and snow melts. It dissolves into sodium and chloride ions. Chloride is the issue for aquatic species. Salt can be deadly for birds and other wildlife if ingested. It makes sense to wash off the piles of sludge before you leave town. Gathering around an outdoor fire with friends in winter is wonderful. Be it at a lake skating rink or ice shack, fires provide warmth and an opportunity to cook food. However, fires burnt directly on the ice can be harmful. Ash left behind can sink down and coat the bottom when ice melts. This can contaminate spawning beds. It’s wise to burn in a portable fire pit or incinerator and to take the ash with you in a fire proof container. These are all small steps we can take while enjoying time on the ice to protect the waterways we welcome come spring. Meet you there!

LOCALLY OWNED PROUDLY SERVING COTTAGE COUNTRY FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

STARBUILDING.CA 204.233.8687 or 1.888.782.7974 16 SPEERS RD. WINNIPEG, MB Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

NOTES FROM RAZBERRY LANE

Memories of fall suppers of the past BY ANITA AND HENRY RASMUSSEN Those of us of a certain vintage tend to indulge in a bit of nostalgia now and again. As we reflect on the fruits of the recent growing season, it seems a perfect time to recall fall suppers of the past when family, friends and neighbours gathered yearly to celebrate a successful harvest. Fall suppers were once a staple in rural villages and farm localities throughout the prairies, attended by the entire community, adults and children alike. Alternatively known as “fowl” suppers, they usually served as local fund raisers in venues like church basements or community and Legion halls. Manned entirely by volunteers who cooked and served up a veritable feast, they incorporated a variety of locally grown produce. Even after moving to northwestern Ontario in the 60s, we seldom missed the annual pilgrimage to Anola to partake of its wonderful fall suppers. Platters of turkey, chicken, meatballs, salads, buns, perogies and cabbage rolls, as well as every vegetable grown in the province of Manitoba were spread out buffet-style on long tables. But best of all was the dessert table groaning with pies, pies, and more pies, of every description and flavour, all homemade and donated by anonymous pastry cooks from their very own kitchens. These occasions remain fresh in our minds as unique opportunities to reunite with old friends and acquaintances and catch up on the events of the previous year. Every guest from far and near was warmly welcomed, illustrating the famed prairie hospitality.

Locally grown produce have always been key ingredients for the fall harvest feast.

For a number of seasons, we were fortunate to be part of our local Rabbit Lake Community Garden’s fall dinners where members supply a favourite dish with ingredients gleaned from individual plots to share with the group. Though more modest in scope than the Manitoba suppers, they display that same spirit of community and belonging, welcoming all participants. Years ago we hosted some fall suppers of our own at Razberry Lane, served in the aptly named “Party Greenhouse” with friends and family. The experience taught us there are few more satisfying ways to celebrate harvest’s abundance than around a table sharing its bounty with others. Where have all the fall suppers gone? Well, some recent research indicates that though a number of these celebrations are on hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties, they have never entirely gone away. Fall suppers remain an integral tradition in many rural prairie communities to this day. We predict with confidence that once it is safe to do so, this treasured tradition of harvests past and present will not only be revived but continue well into the future. It is the stuff of which good memories are built.

Wanted: Member Recipes Some of our best cottage memories are made up of a recipe of friends, family and food. For many of us, there really is nothing like time spent together in the preparation and enjoyment of a great meal or some favourite snacks as we look over the deck or dock at the beauty that surrounds us. As LOWDSA heads into its 60th year, we hope to continue to share these reminiscences and recipes from our members. Have a favourite sweet for Valentines? Maybe the ultimate Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas feast? Perhaps a to die for Grey Cup snack? And then there’s all those barbecue meals, created from whatever is left in the pantry or cooler, that surprise everyone—including the cook! Please let us know if you have such a recipe and a short story you’d like to share by emailing editor@areanewsmagazine.ca.

Living Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

MEMBER RECIPE

Sweet memories

Pumpkin Chiffon

BY ANITA AND HENRY RASMUSSEN, KENORA

INGREDIENTS 1 unbaked crust in a deep pie dish

Tables set with delectable home baking were the highlight of fall suppers. While this golden season and sadly, tradition, seems to be behind us, the memories—and indulgence—of these irresistible treats can continue to warm the palate.

Lemon Chiffon INGREDIENTS

MERINGUE 2 egg whites

½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ginger ¼ tsp cloves Pinch of nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

1 pie crust, baked FILLING 1¼ cups white sugar 1/3 cup corn starch 1¼ cups cold water 2 egg yolks (save whites)

FILLING 1 ½ cups pumpkin, drained and pureed (or canned) 4 beaten eggs 1 cup white sugar ½ cup evaporated milk

Beat filling ingredients well. Pour into crust. 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tbsp butter 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice.

Bake at 380°F for15 min. Lower heat to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean. Cool and serve slathered with whipped cream.

Rhubarb Custard 1/4 cup white sugar

INSTRUCTIONS Combine sugar, corn starch and cold water. Mix well; microwave on high until thickened (2-3 minutes). Combine egg yolks, lemon zest, butter and lemon juice. Mix well. Gradually add to the hot sugar mixture. Mix well and cook until thick and creamy. Pour into cooked pie shell. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, adding ¼ cup white sugar. Spread on lemon filling and bake at 350°F until golden in colour. Note: Whipping cream may be used instead of meringue.

INGREDIENTS 1 unbaked pie shell 2 cups finely chopped fresh (or frozen) rhubarb. FILLING 1 ½ cups white sugar 2 tbsp flour

2 eggs 2 tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS Mix filling ingredients together, add rhubarb. Pour into pie shell and bake approx. 40–45 minutes at 350°F.

Saskatoon or Blueberry Pie INGREDIENTS 1 unbaked crust FILLING 3-4 cups Saskatoon berries or blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup white sugar

1 tbsp flour Splash of lemon juice 1 tsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS Mix berries, sugar and flour well and add to unbaked crust. Sprinkle with lemon juice and dot with butter Cover berries with a top crust. Bake 15 minutes at 375°F. Lower heat to 350°F. Bake an additional 35-40 minutes.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

Woodstove safety tips BY ROSS FRASER, BROKER, CADE ASSOCIATES INSURANCE BROKERS The weather outside may be frightful, but for those with the right heating sources, the temperature inside is perfect. Homeowners looking to stay warm and cozy during the colder months are using alternatives to their heating systems, such as fireplaces, pellet stoves or wood stoves. Each has its benefits and can do an excellent job of serving as a supplementary heat source. If they are installed, maintained and operated properly, properties can enjoy years of warmth provided safely and efficiently. As with any other home system, alternative heat sources do require a certain amount of upkeep for their continued operation and your continued safety.

Wood stove dos and don’ts DO

Types of wood stoves

• Keep children and pets away when you are burning and keep anything combustible at least three feet away from the stove.

Wood stoves are a great source of supplemental heat, as they are generally more efficient at producing heat than a fireplace.

• Test to be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are in working condition. Both types of alarm should be located outside each sleeping area and on every level.

There are many types and styles of wood stoves, but most wood stoves can be categorized as either freestanding or an insert. A wood stove insert fits into the fireplace opening and vents through the chimney. Many come equipped with an electric powered blower to help circulate the heat. Freestanding woodstoves stand separately. In some cases, wood-burning stoves may share the flue of an existing fireplace; in other cases, they may vent into a separate chimney built to accommodate the stove.

Using the wood stove If adding an insert, have your chimney inspected to determine if it can be used with a wood stove. Because a wood stove generates very hot combustion gases, its chimney must be either masonry (with flue tiles intact and in good condition) or manufactured specifically for burning wood. If you have a freestanding wood stove, make sure it is located as close to the chimney as possible to limit the length of the flue pipe (or chimney connector). Single-walled flue pipes will get extremely hot while in use. A freestanding wood stove should never be installed on a combustible surface, such as a wood floor, and should not be connected to a chimney flue that serves another appliance (e.g., a furnace, boiler or stove).

• Ashes can take several days to cool completely. Regularly remove ashes and dispose of them in a covered metal container at least 10 feet away from buildings or vehicles. • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. If you burn regularly, checking halfway through the burning season to check for any creosote buildup is also a good idea. • Have your wood stove inspected by a professional at least once every year for any wear and tear, and watch for buckling, cracks, open seams or corrosion. DON’T • Make a larger fire than the stove can handle. Over firing will result in flames entering the flue pipe or chimney and can cause damage or result in a fire outside of the unit. • Let ashes build up in the bottom of the stove. • Burn anything other than wood in your wood stove. Other combustibles (rubber, plastics, garbage, coal, etc.) can damage your stove and could also explode or give off toxic fumes.

COMMERCIAL

Finally, be sure the wood burning stove is manufactured and installed to modern standards, and that it carries a certification label from Underwriters Laboratories, Canadian Standards Association, or similar testing organizations.

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RESIDENTIAL

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INDUSTRIAL

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COTTAGE

Security Systems, ULC Monitoring, CCTV, Intrusion, Smoke, Hi/Lo Temp, Flood & Fire

If it is a new stove, arranging for a professional installation is always advisable. An inspection is a good idea if you have moved into a property with a wood burning stove, if you aren’t sure if your stove was professionally installed, if it is older, or if the unit does not have a Certification label. Not only do you want to make sure it is safe to use, if it is your first stove, the inspector may be able to show you how to use it properly and avoid any potential mishaps.

• CCTV • Card Access • Electronic Door Controls • Lock Sales, Repairs, Rekeys • Deadbolts • Padlocks • Safe Opening & Repairs • Restricted Key Systems • Keys by Code •

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

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

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

SNOW WONDER by Jacob Rodenburg & Drew Monkman

Snowflakes

They shine like silver butterflies Drifting in the sun, As though they fly on crystal wings That winter cold has spun. They catch and hold each soft sunbeam And then, without a sound, Turn into sparkling gossamer Before they touch the ground.

With so much white around us on snowy days, we don’t often think about by just how magical a single snowflake can be. And yet it is true, every snowflake is different— each flake is a beautifully wrought snow crystal—a diamond of frozen water, and we should take the time to admire its delicate and exquisite beauty.

Sandra

A snowflake will form on the tiniest particle of dust. As the snowflake tumbles through the air, it forms a complex and beautiful snow crystal. When first formed, a snowflake is likely to be a hexagonal prism looking like a honeycomb. As it grows larger, arms of crystal form at the corners of the crystal (always six sided) and they begin to take on ever more complex and stunning shapes, often star like. However, they can also form as needles, plates, sheathes and columns (see below). A fully formed snowflake crystal is nothing short of magic! Here is a story of single snowflake… It all began 1,000 years ago. A volcanic eruption in the Philippines sent up a cloud of dust and ash skyward 12 kilometers above lofty mountains. For many years one particle of ash tumbled around the sky buffeted by winds, mixing with the upper and lower atmosphere.

LOWDKIDS Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

One December night, this small particle ended up in a part of the atmosphere that Liatsos was super-cooled and stable… about -20°C. Moisture in the air gradually increased as winds blew warm ocean air upward over the mountains. A lone particle of ash bumped against molecules of water and a snow seed was born—a microscopic crystal so small even the world’s most powerful microscope would have trouble seeing it.

One by one other molecules were pulled towards the growing crystal fusing and becoming larger. Within two hours, the snowflake had grown a thousandfold, into a perfect hexagon. The snow crystal, now a snowflake, had become so heavy, it began to fall. Slowly at first, and then gathering momentum, it danced towards the earth. Every layer of air it fell through had slightly different levels of moisture and temperature. And each layer sculpted the flake into an ever more complex and beautiful shape. I was walking with my two children in the first snowfall of the season, tongues outstretched to catch the tumbling snowflakes from above. One so delicately made, fell upon my daughter’s warm tongue and she smiled as it melted into the tiniest droplet of water, so soft it was almost never there.

And yes, you can catch a snowflake… Here is how

Make your own anatomically correct snowflake

Find some black Bristol board and several magnifying glasses. You can get these both at the dollar store. Cut the Bristol board into squares about 10 inches by 10 inches. If you can, laminate these. On a day in which the temperature is about –5°C or about 23°F and it is gently snowing with little wind, go outside. Make sure you’ve allowed your Bristol board (snowflake catcher) time to cool so the snowflakes won’t melt. Catch snowflakes on your board as they fall. Study these through your magnifying glass. Can you find stellar crystals, hexagonal plates, needles or columns?

Cut out a round circle of paper. Use an upside down glass to help you. Fold this in half. Fold again in thirds. Careful, this is a tricky step for some people! You should have three equal sections (see photo). Fold this section in half and begin cutting. Use the folded part as your spine. The more snowflakes you make, the more delicate and beautiful your designs become. You need to be brave in your cutting. As long as one part of your spine stays together, you’ll have a whole snowflake. You know if you’ve succeeded if you created a six-sided snowflake. If you like, iron these between two layers of wax paper. Create a snowflake mobile or hang your creation on a Christmas tree!

See the snowflake chart from snowcrystals.com. They also have beautiful snow crystal photos that you can use.

a a a a a a a a a a a a Snow games a a a a a a a a a a a a SNOW WHEEL TAG

FOLLOW THE SNOW LEADER

Here is game for three or more. In completely fresh snow, stamp out a large circle 20 to 30 meters or so wide (or whatever works in the space you have). You’ve just created a massive snow wheel. Now tramp out spokes in the wheel. Like a giant pie there should be about eight sections. Designate someone as “it.” The rest can be chased! Everyone must stay on the either the perimeter of the wheel or on the spokes (no shortcuts!). How long does it take for someone to get caught in this entertaining game of snow wheel tag? This game is fun because of the sudden twists and turns. When someone is caught, like traditional tag, they become “it”.

In fresh snow, designate someone to be snow leader. Everyone else forms a line. They must step precisely in the footprints of the leader. This is harder than it sounds. Have the leader: • Take giant steps • Turn around and walk backwards • Leap with two feet several times • Do the “herringbone” walk • Walk on their knees • Run • Jump on one foot • Roll in the snow Switch leaders regularly. “Snow” much fun!

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDKIDS

BUILDING DREAM S

Real Estate Listings

0 Lakeview Drive - Develop here!

4 Scott Island

Morson

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY 3 acres of vacant land with almost 500 feet of frontage just east of the GM dealership. Prime location on the main thoroughfare—just across from the hospital and offers several options for development.

LOTW Vacant Lot. Build your dream cottage here on this dual frontage, low profile lot with a combined 375 feet of frontage. Only a minute boat ride to the marina!

Move-in-ready cabin, 10 minute boat ride east of Morson on Lake of the Woods. Ready for years of great fishing and adventures.

$115,000

Re/Max NorthWest Realty

$230,000

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

$249,500

Northwoods Realty

807-226-1024 / northwoodsrealtyltd.com

807-468-4573 / remaxnorthwestrealty.com

Independently Owned & Operated – Brokerage 807-468-3747 / century21kenora.com

Regina Bay, Lake of the Woods

Private Island, LOTW

812 Essex Road

2 bedroom, 2 bath 1,200 s/f year round lakefront bungalow on approx. 4 acres with 375 feet low profile shoreline with sand beach. Road access.

1.95 ac, 1729' frontage, 900 sq ft main cottage & guest cabin with kitchenette; south facing beach and harbour, new septic field + more upgrades.

$519,000

$795,000

Beautiful country retreat log home close to Beauty Bay Golf Course. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge master bedroom overlooking the lake. New addition in 2003. Easy access to boathouse & dock. Includes a 30 x 24 ft. garage.

807-466-8266 / gregkirby.ca

807-466-2236 / lakeofthewoods.net

$899,995

Greg Kirby, Re/Max First Choice Realty Ltd

Carmichael Real Estate Inc.

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

278 Williams Road

Hay Island, Lake of the Woods

Gorgeous cottage with open concept design. Built in 2017. New pipe dock with timber frame boat port. Cozy dock house with fireplace on water's edge.

4 bedroom, 4 bath, 3,300 s/f custom built lake home on 7.7 acres with 718 feet of shoreline. Extensive pipe dock with three boat slips. Water access.

$1,275,000

$1,399,000

$2,300,000

Independently Owned & Operated – Brokerage 807-468-3747 / century21kenora.com

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

807-466-8266 / gregkirby.ca

39 Lily Pad Bay - NEW! This cabin offers a wraparound deck, 1480 sq ft open concept living space, 3 bdrms, 2 baths, & detached garage. Waterside outdoor kitchen, built-in BBQ, sink & fridge, plus boat port w/ lift.

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

Cabin Country Realty

Greg Kirby, Re/Max First Choice Realty Ltd

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Services

Classifieds

Classified ads are a free service for LOWDSA members.

How to Submit Classifieds

Email: patrick@lowdsa.com | Mail: LOWDSA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Next submission deadline: January 31, 2022 Please try to keep your listing to 35 words or less.

FOR RENT Lakefront Cottage, near Welcome Channel. South exposure, water access, 5 miles from Kenora by boat. Private dock, hydro, Starlink internet, TV & DVD player, full kitchen w/ dishwasher & 3 pc. bathroom, additional outdoor shower, washer & dryer, BBQ, screened porch, 2 bedrooms. Available Jun – Sep. Seasonal rental $15,000. Contact: lowcottage@hotmail.com. Quiet Bay Cottage Rental. This boat access property is in a secluded bay on Lake of the Woods approximately 10 minutes from town. 2 bedrooms, suitable for 2 couples or a family of 4-5. No pets or smokers please. Own boat transportation required, boat rentals and taxis available in Kenora. Furnished property includes large decks, sauna, and screen rooms. Contact Karla at karlatreadway@hotmail.com. Lakefront, Clearwater Bay. S. exposure; road access; spacious docks. Lge great room, kitchen/dining with great lake view. 3 bdrm; master with ensuite. Full 2nd BR, shower & bath. Den -fireplace, sat. TV, pullout sofa. Dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer. Lge deck; BBQ. Minutes from liquor store,gas, groceries. 1-2 wk stays, June -Sept $4000/wk. dpeever@mymts.net Private Island Cottage for Rent. Private Island for Rent on Lake of the Woods. Boat-in, 16 miles South of Kenora. Three bedroom cabin fully furnished can sleep 6 – 8 people. Quiet solar power, fully equipped kitchen, full bathroom facilities, living room with fireplace, BBQ, satellite TV and cell phone coverage. Cabin is non-smoking, great fishing nearby. A private vacation experience with all the comforts of home. Boat transportation and boat rentals available. 1-800-547-3474 or email for rates and availability— info@crowrock.com. Lakefront 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 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. 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 baths; 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 on 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. troutlake596@gmail.com Lakefront Cottage on Lake of the Woods, near Kenora, road access. Includes 3 bedrooms, full kitchen, bath and laundry. 2 acres, private bay, sandy beach, floating dock and good fishing! Available June, July, August. $5,000/month. Text 204-951-5812.

LAND FOR SALE Private Sale. 2 New Road Access Lakefront Lots on Lake of the Woods - Pine Portage Bay area, access via Storm Bay Road. Each lot has 200 feet of frontage, 2.6 Acres and 2.42 Acres, West exposure, heavily treed, very private gated-road access, hydro and telephone on the lots, unrestricted deeded access, legal title to each lot. Contact e-mail: peterzaj@mymts.net.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Private Sale: Cottage – SE Corner of Echo Bay. Flat 1 acre lot, road access, 1400 sq.ft cottage and detached garage. 3 bdrms, 1 bath, open beam ceiling in front, traditional in back games room c/w slate pool table. Wood/electric heat, partially insulated, newer shingles, and double pane windows. Eco Flow septic system. Front and back decks, enclosed veranda, laundry shed, woodsheds, garden shed, two docks and pump shed. $650,000. Fred at (204) 269-8756, cell (431)276-5121 or (204)801-4625. Minaki Island Retreat. 4 BR, large wrap around screen porch, BBQ deck, upper deck off upstairs BR. Boathouse with spacious deck & swimming dock. S. half (1.12 acres) of island property, S, E, W exposures. Wood burning stove/glass front, baseboard heat, shower, hydro, phone, sat. TV, washer/dryer, composting toilet. 1975 sq. ft. 2 levels. Furnished, move in ready. 7 mins to Minaki marinas. Txt/call 651-2002217, 651-274-7278.

Services Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

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. Andrew Bay, Pipestone Point, LOTW. 255 ft. frontage, 277 ft deep on west side, 319 ft deep on 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. migizi.bonnie@gmail.com

Marine Fury 210 inboard engine. Original upholstery, windshield, bench seat, cockpit cover. Professionally maintained and serviced. Stored indoors. Comes with trailer. Email rbkat5851@gmail.com or call 807-466-7456.

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 heated workshop, on 2 lots with sand beach, dock, covered boat lift, municipal water & sewer, natural gas heat, paved driveway, many other features. Phone (807) 468-8770.

Antique PETERBOROUGH CEDAR STRIP Canoe, complete with floor boards. Perfect 'as-is' as a wall hanger or suitable for an easy restoration. Needs canvas. Located in Clearwater Bay. Email: jmblake74@gmail.com for pictures. Asking $600.

WANT TO HIRE Qualified persons to lift and level our cottage on Rush Bay in August 2021. For work description and details please contact Brian @ rushbay2@gmail.com Part-Time, General Labourer. For help around the cottage and land, possibly 3 days a week. Location: Northern Harbour area at the end of Storm Bay Road. Contact E-mail: peterzaj@mymts.net.

FOR SALE: MISC. Zero Clearance, Fire Place (Complete). Outside dimensions: 36"H x 42"W x 23"D. Firebox dimensions: 18"H x 28"W x 18"D. Includes a newer heavy duty grate, 4 sections of stainless steel insulated Selkirk chimney: 36" long, total length 12', with 2" insulation. Inside diameter 8", outside diameter 13", c/w weather-cap chimney top and spring-clip locking bands. Available for pick-up east of Kenora on Storm Bay Road. $750 O.B.O. Photos available. Contact: peterzaj@mymts.net, 807-548-4526. Free to Give Away! One WiFi Router Globe Surfer 3+ 3G GATEWAY. Contact allansmeall@shaw.ca or 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.

WANT TO BUY Building lot. Retired couple looking for building lot on LOW contact Richard at kaletzke@mymts.net . Microtouch Foot Pedal Control. To fit Minn Kota Power Drive bow-mount trolling motor. allansmeall@shaw.ca or 204-452-8765. Pre-owned boat trailer. For 17 1/2' Lund aluminum boat with 50 hp tiller motor; prefer 13" tires although not mandatory. Bunk or rollers. Contact 204-782-2808 or email jim.coldwell@mymts.net.

BOATS/MOTORS FOR SALE Antique 1966 Mahogany CENTURY RESORTER. 17’7”. Original Chrysler V8

1986 Invader 198 V6 205 Merc Cruiser. Mooring Cover, Canopy & Boot, Garmin GPS, Hummingbird Depth/Fish Finder with internal GPS, ICOM Marine 2 Way Radio, Marine Communication Antenna. Stored for 4 years. Trailer not safe for highway. $5,800 OBO. Photos & specs: sean@marketingcapitalinstitute.com or (204) 944-9944. Vanguard Calais 17.5 ft bowrider. Full conv top and travel tarp, seats 8, 4.3 chevy inboard 4 barrel 208 HP with Newer Yamaha outdrive, stainless prop, fish finder,GPS and Yacht Club trailer with all new tires and new spare. Pictures available. rushbay2@gmail.com. 2008 Baylliner 175 Bow Rider. Blue and white, with a 3 ltr/135 hp motor and a 2008 galvanized trailer. Boat is very clean and in very good condition. Seats 8 people. Asking $11,999. 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 brugin1@mymts.net 2012 Chaparral Xtreme 204 BoatSki/Wakeboard. Excellent condition, clean, new custom carpet fitted for the floor. Purchased from US, imported to Canada. 260HP, 20 ft, single I/O, 105hrs, JBL speakers & stereo. Includes Eagle trailer. Winterized every year. Currently in storage/wrapped. 431 335 4240 or email campbell9@me.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 100 H.P. Gray Marine inboard. Boathouse/garage kept. Original condition, runs great. Email burchwell@sympatico.ca for pictures or call 807-466-2578. $9,500 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.

Advertisers’ Directory BUILDING SUPPLIES 12

McMunn & Yates

1666 Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-547-3366

mcmunnandyates.com

Star Building Materials

16 Speers Road, Winnipeg

204-233-8687

starbuilding.ca/winnipeg

COMMUNITY & PHILANTROPY 46

Lake of the Woods District Hospital

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

anh.lwdh.on.ca 807-468-9861

lwdhf.com

CONTRACTORS 54

AK & Company

Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-543-2493

Artspan Inc

Winkler

204-331-1800

artspaninc.com

Black Fox Construction

225 Main Street North, Kenora

807-468-5915

blackfoxconstruction.com

Inside Back

Docks & Lifts

1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora

807-547-4444

docksandlifts.ca

DTL Carpentry

Keewatin

204-979-4055

dtlcarpentry.ca

REMR Roofing

2053 Hwy 17 E, Kenora

807-548-2811

remrroofing.com

Treadway Construction

807-466-2497

ELECTRICAL 54

Bob's Electric

1025 Railway Street, Kenora

807-468-8813

rbrignall@yahoo.ca

Bowman Electric

Kenora

807-467-1022

bowmanelectric.com

RBC Darcy Zaporzan

3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

204-982-2635

dzwmg.com

Richardson Wealth

1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg

204-943-5263

richardsongmp.com

625 Wall Street, Winnipeg

204-957-4940

faveriswoodfurniture.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES Inside Front 32

HOME & COTTAGE FURNISHINGS 35

Faveris Wood Furniture

HOME & COTTAGE MAINTENANCE 54

807 Refrigeration & Mechanical

Keewatin

807-219-9001

Denver's Window Cleaning

30 Deerfield Trail, Steinbach

204-320-1935

denverswindowcleaning.com

Keystone Security

1221 Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-468-7878

keystonelock.ca

LOW Septic Barge & Bell's Septic

Kenora

807-464-3468

septicbarge.com

Mason Plumbing & Heating

West Hawk Lake

204-349-2672

masonplumbing.ca

Meridian

800-661-1436

meridianmfg.com

Penta Protective

39 Merit Crescent, West St. Paul

204-992-2603

penta.ca

United Tree Service

Kenora

807-464-3602

Richard McKenzie Insurance

57-99 Scurfield Boulevard, Winnipeg

204-410-1010

mckenzie.insure

The Standard Insurance

319 Second Street South, Kenora

807-468-3333

thestandardonline.com

Hook Seller Lundin

203-301 First Avenue South, Kenora

807-468-9831

hsllaw.ca

PFK Lawyers

71 Main Street South, Carmen

204-745-2028

pkflawyers.com

Big Lake Fibreglass

349 Northern Harbour Rd, Kenora

(807) 548-2628

The Boat Centre

80 Government Road, Keewatin

807-464-0345

lotwdocking.ca

Snow Much Fun

Winnipeg

204-269-4357

snowmuchfun.com

INSURANCE

LEGAL

MARINE

REAL ESTATE Back Cover

Cabin Country Realty

138 Main Street South, Kenora

807-468-3541

cabincountry.com

Carmichael Real Estate

625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-467-2323

lakeofthewoods.net

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

5-308 2nd Street South

807-468-3747

century21kenora.com

Greg Kirby RE/MAX

Kenora

807-466-8266

gregkirby.ca

Northwoods Realty

5701A Highway 71, Sioux Narrows

807-226-1024

northwoodsrealtyltd.com

RE/MAX NorthWest Realty Ltd

334 Second Street S, Kenora

807-468-0101

remaxnorthwestrealty.com

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

721 Beach Road, Kenora

807-547-4020

kenora-realestate.com

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Services

Home & Cottage Services

Cottage & Marine Insurance Specialists Over thirty years of experience

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

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

Services Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

807.468.5915 rBrignall@yahOO.ca

Experiencing Tunnel Island BY LORI NELSON

When I consider the power of place, Tunnel Island is there, front and centre, for me. Situated between the Kenora mainland to the east and the Norman mainland to the west, and linked to both by bridges, it hardly seems like an island, so easy is the flow over it. On either side of the island lie the two major waterways that flow from Lake of the Woods into the Winnipeg River. This beautiful expanse of wilderness is a mere half hour walk from downtown Kenora and about a five minute walk from my childhood home. When I was growing up, a trip to Tunnel Island meant adventure. My dad would pile us – my two sisters, my brother, me and the neighbourhood kids – in the back of my uncle’s old Chevy truck. We would climb aboard to make the short trip down the highway, turning north onto the old Mando road and back into the bush.

Such has been the power of Tunnel Island in my life. But I appreciate that this place extends thousands of years beyond the history of me. Archaeological evidence indicates that the island has been a gathering place for over 8,000 years. Its original Anishinaabe name “Kagapekeche” speaks of its early usage: a place to stay over. Because of the island’s location at the juncture of Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River, a main transportation route from the earliest of days, it was ideally situated as a stopping place and a place of trade. It served as such for thousands of years and continued as an early commercial hub when this fur-rich area became the site of a Hudson’s Bay fur trading post, which for a time, was located on Fort Island, adjacent to Tunnel Island.

When the cold weather arrived, we headed to Sandy Nook, a sand pit used in the building of the dam. Now filled with water, the pond froze over earlier than the lake in front of our place, so it was often there that we had our first skate of the season. There was the time it wasn’t frozen solid enough so we climbed down to the icy bottom of a smaller sand pit and skated there instead. There were many times we would put our ears to the railway tracks to ensure no train was coming and we would venture into the tunnel to break off gargantuan icicles and carry them out, a two-person job.

The island is a historical microcosm of the larger settlement and development of the area within the context of the national story of expansion, colonization and industrialization, and it bears the marks of that history.

It was the place where my dad took my brother on his first camping trip, where my twin sisters’ 7th birthday party was held, where we cross-country skied before cross-country skiing was cool, and where we have ventured many times just to walk the dog. More than that, it has been a place of gratitude for the sheer beauty encountered at every turn. It’s where the hustle and bustle of life can be left behind, if only briefly.

Railway construction was the primary stimulus for the regional lumbering industry with the demand for railway ties and timbers from this region west providing a ready market for the plentiful wood resources. Richard Fuller, a director and president of the Keewatin Lumber and Manufacturing Company (KL&M), secured what became known as the Fuller Lease in 1875. It included the timber rights on every island on Lake of the Woods

The construction of the transcontinental railway had a significant impact on the landscape of Tunnel Island. The line was laid and its course necessitated the building of bridges connecting the island both east and west. In 1877, the tunnel, from which the island now takes its name, was blasted to accommodate the rail line.

Title photo: In 1877 this tunnel was blasted into existence to accommodate the transcontinental railway heading west from Kenora to Winnipeg. The island on which it is located has been known by several names – Kagapekeche, Steep Rock and Tunnel.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Services

Top: Everyone is welcome to enjoy the stunning forest trails. Bottom: Even in the winter, Tunnel Island offers some amazing hiking trails and views.

The west channel, known as Wauzhushk-waa-pawitik, Muskrat Falls, became the site of the Norman Dam (1893-1896) and later the Norman Powerhouse (1925-1926). Their construction involved significant physical modifications to the island that included blasting, the construction of causeways, and the excavation of gravel and sand pits. The newly-built dam allowed for the regulation of water levels in the lake, and the powerhouse generated much-needed power. At the east channel, Ka-ka-beketchewan or Steep Rock Falls, the Kenora Powerhouse was built and completed in 1907. While it was not on the scale of the Norman Dam project, it was significant for future development in the community of Kenora, but its impact on the beauty of the falls did not go unnoticed. The local newspaper lamented: “Where the falls existed a few months ago, is now a level sheet of water, and so the beauties of nature are levelled to serve the purposes of modern development.” That “modern development,” which later included road- and bridge-building on Tunnel Island as a vital link on the TransCanada Highway, largely came to an end in the mid-1930s. From then on the land north of the highway on Tunnel Island remained largely untouched. A dirt road was carved into it to provide limited and authorized access, but little else was done. The scars of industry became subsumed by second growth and the wilderness began to regenerate and reclaim the land. When Abitibi closed the paper mill in 2005, the disposition of its corporate holdings, including Tunnel Island and Old Fort Island, was up for consideration. The company wanted the land to benefit the community. To that end, in 2006, the Common Ground partnership was formed. It included the City of Kenora, Grand Council Treaty #3, Wauzushk Onigum, Nisaatchewan and Obashkaandagaang First Nations in a shared stewardship relationship.

north of Sabaskong Bay, 18 square miles of mainland and Tunnel Island. His company’s first contract was to supply the ties and timbers for the railway construction near Rat Portage. This was sub-contracted to Peter Campbell who cut two million board feet from Tunnel Island. It included white and red pine, tamarack and spruce. What we see today is second growth forest. Further industrialization created a need for power and, situated as Tunnel Island was between two channels each of which boasted waterfalls as the lake descended to the river, it became the focus in harnessing the power for future industry, such as the Maple Leaf flour mill and the pulp and paper mill. As an aside, in 1883, the KL&M had proposed locating a paper mill on Tunnel Island to make use of the water power. That project never came to fruition, as the company’s interest were redirected to developing the Lake of the Woods Milling Company in Keewatin. The paper mill idea resurfaced in the late 1890s, but it wasn’t until 1925 that construction of a mill began on the mainland. The paper mill became the primary industry of Kenora for close to 80 years.

History Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021

That portion of the island remains undeveloped and has become, once again, a gathering place for those wishing to spend time immersed in the surrounding beauty. Walking trails of varying lengths take one from the large parking lot just off the highway along the swirling waters of the Winnipeg River to quiet manmade ponds, back to Rideout Bay with views of the Kenora Powerhouse and the former site of the pulp and paper mill, west to the Norman Powerhouse, across open meadows and into deeply forested areas that emerge atop steep rocks with beautiful vistas. Trails are marked with signs, dogs are welcome, photographers and artists are inspired. It is once again Kagapekeche, a place to stay over.

LISTINGS M A R K E T E VA L U AT I O N S B U Y E R R E P R E S E N TAT I O N

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4469

CEDAR POINT LODGE | EAGLE LAKE $ 3,450,000

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4477

ROAD ACCESS

812 ESSEX RD | KENORA $ 899,995

FILE 4493

278 WILLIAMS RD | BLACK STURGEON LAKE $ 1,399,000

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4496

LOT 77 NORTH POPLAR BAY RD | LOTW $ 1,795,000

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4497

22 BARNES LAKE RD $ 609,900

SOLD

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4498

ROAD ACCESS

FILE 4501

WATER ACCESS

WOODCHUCK BAY RD | CLEARWATER BAY 270 BERYL WINDER RD | WINNIPEG RIVER $ $ 8,700,000 595,000

FILE 4478

TREATY ISLAND LOCATION 305P $ 3,950,000

WATER ACCESS

FILE 4494

6 WHISKEY JACK WAY | LOTW $ 1,100,000

ENTIRE ISLAND

FILE 4502

ISLAND EB1204 | SHOAL LAKE $ 419,000

SOLD

VACANT LAND

FILE 1842

LOT 6 HAY ISLAND | LOTW $ 250,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8078

284 BEGGS RD | KENORA $ 199,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8096

VACANT LAND

FILE 1949

VACANT LAND

LOT 7 HAY ISLAND | LOTW $ 295,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8079

VACANT LAND

43 LOTS SOUTH PARK ESTATES | KENORA $ 1,200,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8097

FILE 8048

LOT 7 BIRCHCLIFF ESTATES | BLACK STURGEON $ 210,000

FILE 8084

1 PINE MEADOW DRIVE | LOTW $ 449,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8099

VACANT LAND

FILE 8074

167 SAND LAKE | MINAKI $ 125,900

VACANT LAND

FILE 8092

LOT 6 WOLF ISLAND | LOTW $ 199,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8100

LOT 4 DOGTOOTH LAKE RESORT | KENORA LOT 18 DOGTOOTH LAKE RESORT | KENORA LOT 28 DOGTOOTH LAKE RESORT | KENORA LOT 30 DOGTOOTH LAKE RESORT | KENORA $ $ $ $ 124,000 100,000 100,000 109,000

138 MAIN ST S, KENORA, ONTARIO |

toll free

VACANT LAND

FILE 8075

EB67 HWY 17 | KENORA $ 134,500

VACANT LAND

FILE 8093

LOT 7 WOLF ISLAND | LOTW $ 199,000

VACANT LAND

FILE 8101

11 BLACK STURGEON LAKE $ 299,000

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