LOW Area News - Spring 2022

Volume 52

Number 2

Spring 2022

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In this issue 3

Cover photo by Kim Pirie-Milko

LOWDSA

President's Message 3 Executive Director's Note 4 Our Contributors 5 What's happening this spring 6 Government Notes

50

9

Living

NDMNRF fire prevention tips and guidelines 50

15

Treading wisely: Conserving our natural resources 54

In the District

Notes from Razberry Lane: Reflections on aging and retirement 56

Spring, Summer & Fall at the Muse 15 Local Services Boards: How they work and the services they provide 16 Water levels: An end to drought conditions in sight 18

Choose non-invasive when gardening and landscaping 57

37

Environment

NDMNRF licence requirements, regulations and updates 20

The beauty of bats 37

Cottage construction—are you covered? 22

New regulation for watercraft under the Invasive Species Act 41

24

Over five decades of Fyke family fun on Welcome Channel

by Terry Fyke

28

LOWDSA through the years: 1978 to 1991 by Leanne Fournier

Member recipe: Apple-Onion Burgers & Oven Fries 59

60

Your better sense of nature

by Jacob Rodenburg & Drew Monkman

IISD-ELA looks at the impacts of nanosilver on aquatic ecosystems 44 LOWWSF: State of the Basin Report released—get your copy! 46

62

LOWWSF: Water quality variation throughout Lake of the Woods 48

Real Estate Listings 62

Services

Classifieds 64 Home & Cottage Services 65 Advertisers’ Directory 66

67

Beautiful and wild Town Island

by Lori Nelson

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

1

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir

The Darcy Zaporzan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities www.dzwmg.com

The DARCY

Zaporzan W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T G R O U P

of RBC Dominion Securities RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2019 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 19_90783_N4D_001

President's Message CHRIS SEMENCHUK Happy Spring?! The days are getting longer, the sun is getting higher in the sky, and we've received our first Lake of the Woods Ice Patrol email update—all signs of spring arriving, but, at the time of writing, winter is not leaving us quite yet! Another Colorado low storm system is heading our way. Let's hope this is the last one and we'll soon start to see the temperatures rise, snow melt, and the ice go out!

We hope you were able to participate in and enjoyed the 2021 Annual General Meeting on May 11. In addition to the business portion of our meeting, we were pleased to launch the LOWDSA 60th anniversary video, as well as introduce our updated strategic plan and our staff. For those who weren't able to attend, watch for a recap in the summer edition of Area News.

Chris Semenchuk

As we portrayed in the LOWDSA strategic plan, our updated mission is: "Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association engages and educates for environmental sustainability in the Lake of the Woods region." Activities planned to support the mission include keeping members informed through Area News, webinars and social media, delivering environmental programs including LakeSmart, the Mobile Boat Wash Station and Seedling Day and providing members with contacts, information and resources for a multitude of issues they encounter "at the lake."

We're happy to report Cassidy Mazur is now the Education and Outreach Manager, working jointly for LOWDSA and the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area. We look forward to working in partnership with the world-renowned organization, IISD-ELA, with a focus on environmental outreach and education and enhancing our LOWDKids program. Stay tuned for more on this as Cassidy gets underway with these programs.

And where does the time go… I am writing my last President's message for Area News! We have accomplished a great deal over the past two years, all during these unusual times, which required us to think creatively and adjust quickly to new means of delivering many of our LOWDSA activities and programs.

None of this would be possible without the support of an exceptional team, including the LOWDSA Board of Directors, those who participate on LOWDSA committees, and the LOWDSA staff. The entire team has worked very hard to deliver programs, keep you informed of relevant issues, help navigate the maze of contacts in northwestern Ontario for answers to questions you bring forward, and provide you with five annual editions of the beloved Area News.

A huge thank you to all those involved, including Patrick and his team, the LakeSmart students, and all of the directors and committee members who volunteer their time to support LOWDSA. I also welcome Garth Collier to the role of President and know he will do an excellent job sustaining and building on the great work the LOWDSA team have underway.

We look forward to visiting with you on your dock, at the farmer's market, at the boat wash, and so much more as we look forward to a bright spring and busy summer.

We're now finalizing plans and programs for the 2022 LakeSmart program. In addition to the regular dock visits and further roll-out of the invasive species settlement samplers, two boat wash stations will be situated in the Northwestern Ontario region. Welcome back to Seanna Cyncora, with others yet to be announced for the 2022 LakeSmart team. And thank you to those sponsoring our LakeSmart programs and the boat wash stations, as we can't deliver these programs without your support.

We welcome further participation and partnerships for these flagship programs, so please contact us if you are able and interested in working with us.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

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Executive Director's Note PATRICK PAULO With the promise of warmer weather, I am looking toward spring with gratitude and great expectations.

LOWDSA's Board of Directors and staff are finalizing plans as LakeSmart is gearing up for its 12th season, the Mobile Boat Wash Station enters its second season, and our programs continue to be enhanced and grow in our 60th year.

I feel an overwhelming sense of excitement as we’ve enhanced Patrick Paulo our activities and our awardwinning LakeSmart program will resume visiting fellow lake users dock-to-dock and speaking with the public at the market throughout the summer. We've planned for a busy year, and can hardly wait to kick things into gear and start another season of fun and environmental stewardship.

Be sure to wave to our team on the LakeSmart boat, or get your boat washed and learn how you can best prevent the spread of invasive species Another unique thing that is happening as we publish this magazine is our Annual General Meeting scheduled for May. We thank everyone for attending the event, participating, and asking questions. In case you weren't able to attend, a copy of the AGM presentation and the premiere of our long-awaited 60th anniversary video are posted on lowdsa.com and on our various social media platforms. One year in the making, the anniversary video is an excellent reminder of why we are here—to share our

passion for lake life so that the Lake of the Woods region remains one of the most beautiful places on earth for present and future generations to enjoy.

While I can't say we are fully past all of the challenges related to COVID-19, it looks like we are headed towards what we hope is the light at the end of the tunnel. To that end, I'd like to express thanks to you, our members, who have provided feedback and/or words of encouragement as these last few years have been far from the norm. Between the changes, challenges, constant updates and stress, it appears that things are finally starting to settle (we hope!)

In celebration of year 60 and spring, we want to show what makes our area beautiful. This year, we will have seasonal photo contests open for our members to allow you to “share your passion for lake life”. Our hope is to connect our members and showcase the beauty of the area. Whether it be your photos from this spring or a previous spring season, we want to feature your unique photos and stories on our social media, our website, and perhaps the Area News. Feel free to also attach a short write up describing your pictures and send your photos to communications@lowdsa.com.

Just like that, winter is gone. Another AGM has been completed, and we are heading into brighter days. We hope to see everyone at their summer homes soon enough. The season of change has begun, and spring 2022 certainly looks like it will turn out to be one of our best yet.

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

PUBLISHED BY

DISTRIBUTION & MEMBERSHIP

Wake Marketing Inc. 140 Main St. S., Kenora, ON P9N 1S9

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

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

TOLL-FREE 1-888-265-9784

PHONE (807) 468-8715

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© 2022 LOWDSA. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent.

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

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LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Our Contributors Sumeep Bath Don Cameron Lauren Hayhurst is a Fisheries Research Biologist at IISD Experimental Lakes Area. Her areas of expertise include water quality sampling, fish population estimation, environmental studies, direct mercury analysis, and bioenergetics modelling.

Bev Clark Leanne Fournier Morgan Kerekes Patrick Paulo Brie McCardle

Terry Fyke was introduced to Lake of the Woods when he was eight years old and his family did their first camping trip on “S” Island. Not long after, his parents bought property on Welcome Channel and he has never looked back. He and his wife Marilyn purchased their property, also on Welcome Channel, in 1984, which they continue to enjoy with their daughters and their families. Terry was a board member of LOWDPOA for 20 twenty years, serving four years as President.

Jack McKenzie Richard McKenzie Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Drew Monkman Lori Nelson Jeff Polakoff

Leverne Fyke started visiting Lake of the Woods in the mid 1960s to enjoy boating and camping with his family.

He bought his first property on Welcome Channel in 1967, which was the beginning of a long and memorable experience, lasting 52 years. He served on the former LOWDPOA board for a number of years, which also included a term as President.

Henry & Anita Rasmussen Rosemary Robertson Jacob Rodenburg Dave Schwartz Todd Sellers Shayla Smith

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 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Alena Collier (807) 468-8715 alena@lowdsa.com

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

M LOWDSAssoc N LOWDSAssoc P LOWDSA V Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association S LOWDSA LOWDSA TOLL-FREE 1-888-265-9784 PHONE (807) 468-8715

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

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What's happening this spring?

LOWDSA's spring and summer calendar has been laid out below, but it is of course subject to change dependent on the status of COVID-19. We will notify members of any changes and final decisions on events with as much advance notice as possible. Any changes and updates will be posted on our website and social media platforms, but we will also send out eNews updates. Make sure we have your email address so that we can provide you with those updates.

M AY 2 1

JUNE 8

Seedling Pick-Up Day

Summer Photo Contest Begins We want to see what you've been up to this summer! Share your passion for lake life and submit your photograph to communications@lowdsa.com.

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Clearwater Bay & Longbow Lake firehalls Pick up your seedlings and help reduce our carbon footprint while expanding your own beautiful patch of forest at the lake.

JUNE 1

Spring Photo Contest Ends We want to see the shots you have taken of your spring lake life. One winner will be chosen to be featured in the Area News, website & social media. Runners-up will be posted on our social media & website.

JUNE 10

African Women in Science (AWIS) Join IISD Experimental Lakes Area at The Douglas Family Art Centre to connect with and celebrate emerging female scientists from Africa’s Great Lakes as their North American freshwater knowledge exchange trip concludes. Hear from African Women in Science (AWIS) program participants, and find shared perspectives on protecting global freshwater supplies. Watch for emerging details.

JUN 15 TO AUG 24

Mobile Boat Wash Station Launch

LakeSmart & LOWDSA at Matiowski Farmers' Market

Practice "Clean, Drain, Dry" and learn more about the simplest ways we can work together to protect our area against the spread of invasive species.

Subject to change; look for us in the Pavilion or close by on the harbourfront 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. every Wednesday.

JUNE 2

Plans in the works Classroom program: Do you know a classroom or school interested in learning from LOWDSA and IISD-ELA? Book a classroom program! Please contact info@lowdsa.com for more details.

6

LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Whitecap Pavilion, Kenora

One of the many benefits to LOWDSA membership...

Book your LakeSmart experience!

Choose a virtual dock visit or an in-person visit to your lake, property or event in June, July or August.

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

BOOK YOUR VISIT! Online at lowdsa.com/cpages/lakesmart or contact 807-468-8715, 888-265-9784 or info@lowdsa.com

Did you know?

Every edition of Area News is available to our members online, so you can catch up on what's happening whenever, wherever you are.

Visit lowdsa.com to learn more!

You can easily purchase a gift membership—a great idea for birthday, graduation, and house warming gifts— online at lowdsa.com. You can also order by phone or email!

We want to share your story!

Help us continue to make this magazine great—send your comments, suggestions, pictures & story ideas to editor@areanewsmagazine.ca.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

7

Government Notes

BY PATRICK PAULO

FEDERAL/PROVINCIAL

PROVINCIAL

COVID-19 updates and travel restrictions

Forestry and forest management

While restrictions related to COVID-19 are lessening, 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-19-regulations-update.

To learn further details about the restrictions for travel from Manitoba or Quebec into Ontario, please visit ontario.ca/page/emergency-information.

Navigational Aids LOWDSA’S Navigational Aids Committee last met in July 2021 to discuss membership comments regarding safe navigation on Lake of the Woods. Adam Blake, LOWDSA's Board Representative on the committee, had requested to meet with officials from the Canadian Coast Guard to discuss the list of concerns provided by LOWDSA members. LOWDSA is still continuing its efforts to connect with representatives of the Navigational Programs/Canadian Coast Guard this year to provide further updates.

The following summaries were submitted by representatives of Ena Lake Cottagers Association, Clytie Bay Cottagers Association, and Clearwater Bay Stewardship Association. Each provides a clear description of the process participated in as they negotiated the outcomes of the proposed forestry plan with Miisun and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forests (NDMNRF). The process was a challenging one and credit goes to the tenacity of those who were directly involved in the many meetings which took place over the last year. Here are their stories: ENA LAKE COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION A public consultation process invited interested parties to comment on proposed forest harvest areas, corridors for new logging access roads, and to provide relevant background information for planning consideration.

Ena Lake, Ontario cottagers and Paddle Manitoba representatives participated in these discussions.

The consultation process provided an opportunity to voice our concerns surrounding such areas as shoreline reserves, impact on water quality, wildlife and fish habitats, herbicide use, and the current and future effects of climate change.

A willingness to listen and to address our concerns was demonstrated resulting in several improvements to the original Forest Management Plan. Based on our identification of wildlife habitats, campsites, portage routes, beaches and other areas of concern, enlarged buffer zones will be established to protect wildlife, usage and enjoyment of the natural landscape.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

9

Placement of logging access roads, water quality sustainability and herbicide use remain serious concerns. New logging roads will disrupt habitat for decades. Although we have been assured the Forest Management Plan will adequately protect water quality, a detailed plan was not available. Past herbicide use in the Kenora Forest has been utilized sparingly, however, there is no assurance this will continue.

We bear witness to the effects of climate change daily. What will happen when massive swaths of forests have been decimated?

— Submitted by Lynn Campbell, Ena Lake Cottagers Association CLYTIE BAY COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION We first met the MNRF* team back in 2017 when our Association members had several questions about the logging that was happening in our area. Representatives from MNRF met with us and provided a very good overview of the development of the FMP, the status of work in our area under the 2012-2022 plan and of the timing of the next ten-year plan. Our group was well prepared for the 2022-2032 FMP process when it began, and we were engaged with MNRF from the start with a detailed review and discussion of the draft. MNRF and Miisun were very accessible and interested in our perspective for proposed areas of logging in the new plan. We were able to review, discuss and request adjustments to the proposed areas of harvest that we felt were sensitive to our residents regarding the forest ecosystem and recreational areas enjoyed for hiking, quadding and canoeing. We were successful in having several adjustments made to the plan that reduced the impact in our area. Our Association found the process to be transparent and collaborative.

We would especially like to thank Kyle Myschowoda of MNRF for his professionalism and collaboration on what can be a very sensitive topic to residents and visitors in the region.

— Submitted by Paul Franzman, President, Clytie Bay Cottage Association MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) is now called NDMNRF or Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.

*

CLEARWATER BAY STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Over the past year, the Clearwater Bay Stewardship Foundation (CWBSF) has worked in close collaboration with Miisun and the Ministry of National Resources to address and modify the Forest Management Plan for Clearwater Bay to preserve the region’s delicate ecosystem. The Clearwater Bay restricted area has long been under special development restrictions that are intended to preserve its increasingly fragile lake trout habitat. The CWBSF engaged an environmental consulting firm and a forestry expert to provide technical advice and consultation to propose modifications to the Forest Management Plan that would better preserve the Clearwater Bay ecosystem.

The foundation’s work to-date has resulted in modifications to Kenora’s Forest Management Plan affecting Echo Bay, Burma Road, Beau Jess Road, Inglis Lake Road, Kendall Inlet Road, Kenricia Road, Woodchuck Bay Road, Rush Bay Road and McConnell Lake Road. The highlights are as follows: • 16 blocks of proposed clear cutting were identified by the Foundation that would have adverse consequences for Clearwater Bay; modifications have been made to all of them.

• The proposed blocks closest to cottage developments have been removed; eight of the 16 blocks have been totally removed; one block has been removed and identified as only a contingency; some blocks have had significant reductions to accommodate Foundation concerns; the remaining blocks that are to be harvested are distant from Clearwater Bay. • Timing restrictions exist for all harvesting to limit noise and traffic concerns.

• Replanting of red pines will occur in most areas that are deemed suitable for their establishment.

• Buffer zones along roads will be created to reduce aesthetic impact.

—Submitted by John Waterer, Clearwater Bay Stewardship Foundation

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Visit the showroom at 1060 Railway Street or online at imageonehome.com tel 807-468-3641 toll free 800-834-8770 sales@imageonehome.com

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LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Note: Other associations were invited to submit their summaries, but, for one reason or another, were not able to do so. However, one cottager offered this: “I learned a lot from the process, and I learned more about the forestry side of things too.”

Yes, it was a learning experience for all involved. Cottagers may not be happy with the overall outcome, but, they took a strong stand in protecting their interests and ultimately, their forests. LOWDSA will continue to keep our members up to date on current developments in the Forestry Plan as it evolves over the next ten years.

Nuclear waste The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) continues to explore the suitability and community willingness of the town of Ignace as a host site to safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. Grand Council Treaty #3 has recently presented this media release (right).

Grand Council Treaty #3

Office of the Ogichidaa

P.O. BOX 1720 Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X7 Ph: (807) 788-1406 Fax: (807) 548-4776

MEDIA RELEASE April 6, 2022

Treaty #3 Nuclear 101 Guidebook Grand Council Treaty #3 and the Territorial Planning Unit, in partnership with Treaty #3 Communities, Knowledge Keepers and Narratives Inc., have developed the Treaty #3 Nuclear 101 Guidebook. In 2020, the Treaty #3 Chiefs in Assembly mandated the Territorial Planning Unit to work with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization in relation to the Adaptive Phased Management project. This mandate led the TPU to develop necessary tools in education and understanding in relation to Nuclear Energy as a whole to ensure the respect and implementation of Manito Aki Inakonigaawin.

The Nuclear 101 Guidebook was created to help guide decision making and support Manito Aki Inakonigaawin on future projects. The guidebook was created through the harmonization of western science, traditional teachings and the principles found throughout Manito Aki Inakonigaawin and the Treaty #3 Nibi Declaration. The Guidebook is intended for all people in the Treaty #3 Territory looking to explore their relationship to the land and water while learning about Nuclear Energy.

The seven chapters correspond to the seven sacred teachings. Each chapter provides information, reflection questions and QR codes that link to interviews and videos of Treaty #3 Knowledge Keepers.

“As caretakers of the land in Treaty #3 Territory it is important we care for and protect all of creation.

Our Great Earth Law, Manito Aki Inakonigaawin, speaks to these responsibilities,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “These responsibilities include sharing knowledge and teachings as they relate to the land and waters in the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. The Nuclear 101 Guide is an important tool for all as we continue to understand the ever evolving energy sector.”

It is the hope of the Territorial Planning Unit that through the Nuclear 101 Guide, everyone in the Treaty #3 Territory can have the opportunity to learn about nuclear energy and relationships with the land and water from our Treaty #3 Knowledge keepers through Anishinaabe Knowledge systems and worldview.

You can access the Nuclear 101 Guide at: http://gct3.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GCT3-Nuclear-101Guidebook-2022.pdf Or on the Territorial Planning Unit Website: http://gct3.ca/land/territorial-planning-unit -30For more information please contact: Lucas King, Director, Territorial Planning Unit - lucas.king@treaty3.ca

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

11

LOWDSA membership...

Here's just some of what's in it for you!

LakeSmart

Lake Life Resources

Learn all about living green at the lake and get the info, tools and resources you need to help you protect your legacy.

Easy access to just about anything you want to know about lake life.

Blue-Green Algae Blue-green algae can steal your precious lake time. Learn how to keep your lake clean and safe for swimming, drinking and pets.

Area News Magazine Connecting you to 'the lake’ year round. In your hands or online. Local stories, all about lake life, and issues you’re interested in.

Seedlings

Expand your own beautiful patch of forest at the lake and help reduce We offer tips, tools & best practices to our carbon footprint with our annual identify them and prevent t heir spread. seedling program.

Prevent Invasive Species

Renew online or by email, mail or phone See the form (and all relevant contact information) on the next page, or login at lowdsa.com/login.

Contact us by phone at 807-468-8715, toll-free 1-888-265-9784, or email membership@lowdsa.com.

12

LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

2022 Membership Renewal Renew online, or use this form to renew by mail or email.

Your continued support of LOWDSA's programs and initiatives does make a difference.

Renew Your Membership

You can choose between a Full Membership (magazine mailed) or a Virtual Membership (digital magazine).

» Full Membership: Member Name:________________________________________

» Virtual Membership: m 1 YR ($52) | m 2 YR ($104)

TOTAL $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

LOGIN EMAIL:________________________________________ Alternate Email: _______________________________________

m 1 YR ($60) | m 2 YR ($120)

Seedling Day: May 21, 2022 10am - 1pm

Help reduce our carbon footprint while expanding your own patch of forest. Please order your seedlings by May 6, 2022.

Address: ______________________________________________

m Clearwater Bay (Firehall)

______________________________________________________

m Storm Bay Rd. (Firehall)

City:__________________________ Prov/State:______________

# of bundles (of 15) __________ at $10 each

TOTAL $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Country: ______________________ Postal/ZIP: _____________ Home Phone: __________________________________________

EISP Fund

Cottage Phone: ________________________________________

Did you know a donation of $5 from each member would support an entire LakeSmart position and contribute to LOWDSA’s mobile boat wash station?

Mobile Phone: _________________________________________

m $250 m $100 m $50 m $25

m YES, email me LOWDSA eNews

m Other $_____________________________

TOTAL $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

m YES, send my renewal notice by email

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

Gift Membership

To purchase multiple gift memberships, please attach each individual’s contact information to this contact form. m Full Membership, $60

m Virtual Membership, $52

Recipient’s Name: _______________________________ Recipient’s Email: _______________________________ Recipient’s Address: ______________________________ m Please send give card with message: _____________________________________________________

TOTAL $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ GRAND TOTAL $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Payment Options You can also contribute to our EISP Fund, purchase Red Pine Seedlings, and order gift memberships while you’re there!

» Cheque payable to LOWDSA or call 1-888-265-9784 » Pay by credit card: m Visa

m Mastercard

m American Express

Card #_____________________________________ Expiry (mm/yy) ______________ CVC# _______ Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association LOWDSA

13

Randolph Parker

Islands LAKE OF THE WOODS

Ptarmigan Bay, West Tip of Copper Island, Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 24”

Mayberry Fine Art is proud to present an extraordinary collection of paintings by renowned

Canadian painter, Randolph Parker. To complement this impressive body of work, we are pleased to offer a deluxe hardcover 220 page coffee-table book, which includes texts from various authors and images of all 210 paintings. With a foreword by Peter Mansbridge and contributions by authors Greg Humeniuk and David Malaher, the book also explores the history of this rich region in a way never before examined.

• • • •

Art book now available for preview and pre-order $85.00 (tax and shipping where applicable) Opening reception and book launch May 14th at our downtown Winnipeg location - Artist in attendance Exhibition on display at the Mayberry Fine Art downtown and Tuxedo locations May 14th to June 14th A curated selection of 40 paintings on display at The Muse Lake of the Woods & Douglas Family Art Centre June 29th to September 12th

Please visit mayberryfineart.com for additional information and to order your book online!

204-255-5690 or 204-306-9493 info@mayberryfineart.com Mayberry Fine Art is an Art Dealers Association of Canada member

L A K E O F T H E W O O D S M U S E U M A N D D O U G L A S FA M I LY A R T C E N T R E

Spring, Summer & Fall at the Muse Lake of the Woods Museum Until June 4

Dakobinaawaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard)

June 14 - July 16

Lake of the Woods Quilters Guild Show

July 23 - October 22

The History of Ukrainians in Kenora

Douglas Family Art Centre June - September

Tracey-Mae Chambers: Hope and Healing installation

Until June 25

Pippi Johnson: One is Part of the Whole

Until July 9

Walter J. Phillips and Melissa Jean: Power of Place

June 16 - July 21

Rita Winkler: My Art, My World

June 29 - September 12

Randolph Parker: Modern Explorer

July 18 - August 14

Gail Konantz: A Life and Love of Art

July 15 - September 17

Ione Thorkelsson: Mundas Adaptat

September 17 - December 24 Richard Calver: Life Force September 24 - December 24 Piitwewetam - Making is Medicine For information about programming at either site please check our website at themusekenora.ca or phone (807) 467-2105.

DREAM IT, BUILD IT.

WE

DELIVER MB&NW ON

WE ARE THE PROJECT PEOPLE! ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST, SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association In the District

15

Local Services Boards: How they work and the services they provide

BY MINISTRY OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT, MINES, NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY

What is a Local Services Board (LSB)?

Photo courtesy of Ontario Cabinet Office.

A Local Services Board is a volunteer organization that has the authority under the Northern Services Boards Act (NSBA) to deliver nine basic services in areas where there is no municipal structure. Each LSB is unique in the services it offers its inhabitants, but these can include water supply, fire protection, garbage collection, sewage, street and area lighting, recreation, public library services and emergency telecommunications.

Road maintenance and services are primarily operated by Local Roads Boards established in unincorporated areas under the Local Roads Boards Act. To limit duplication of services, there are no LSBs currently providing this service.

LSBs generate revenue to cover the cost of delivering services through a combination of user fees or levies, fundraising efforts, and operating grants from NDMNRF. Some LSBs do not receive NDMNRF funding and must rely on other sources of revenue to provide services. Fire departments of LSBs may be eligible for funding through the Northern Fire Protection Program, administered by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM). LSBs with infrastructure such as water supply or sewage treatment plants may be eligible for federal/ provincial infrastructure funding programs.

How LSBs work

LSBs in Northern Ontario

Area residents can vote to establish, dissolve or change the geographic area or boundary of an LSB. They can also determine what services they want to be provided in the area and how they will raise funds to deliver these services. Residents vote annually to elect a board. The number of members on each board is specified in Ontario Regulation 737, typically consisting of three to five members from the LSB area. The board can establish rules and procedures for carrying out LSB business. Board members are responsible for communicating operations of the LSB, and managing finances and programs. All LSB meetings are open to the public.

There are currently 45 LSBs operating in Northern Ontario.

Visit ontario.ca for the full list.

Four LSBs fall within the Lake of the Woods area:

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) provides guidance to the LSBs relating to adding or changing services, boundary expansions or dissolutions. It also authorizes the final approval once residents vote in favour of these changes.

• The LSB of Minaki provides recreation services through the Minaki Community Association, and fire protection through the Minaki United Firefighters. To contact, call 204-797-3547 or email kellybeauchamp6@gmail.com.

• The LSB of Redditt provides water supply, fire protection and recreation services. To contact, call 204-654-2024 or email bobdolyniuk@gmail.com.

• The LSB of Pellatt, Pelican, Umbach, Gidley provides fire protection services and emergency telecommunications for the Townships of Pellatt, Pelican, Umbach and Gidley, in the Territorial District of Kenora. To contact, call 807-464-2942, email ldsummers61@gmail.com or visit puffire.com/local-services-board.

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In the District Lake of the Woods Area News

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Spring 2022

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• The KeeMan LSB provides fire protection services within its boundaries. See the LSB boundary map on the Keeman LSB website at keemanlsb.ca. To contact, call 807-543-1248, email info@keemanlsb.ca or visit keemanlsb.ca.

Visit Ontario.ca for more information on the Northern Services Boards Act, helpful guides and a full list of LSBs in Northern Ontario. You can also call the ministry at 807-468-2937 or 1-866-711-7034 to speak with a Northern Development Advisor in your area.

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WAT E R L E V E L S

An end to drought conditions in sight

BY JEFF POLAKOFF, LOWDSA REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LAKE OF THE WOODS CONTROL BOARD Looks like a final run-on winter roads that close as spring arrives in the Watershed.

As I write this column at the end of March, the snowpack is beginning to melt, the winter roads are closing, and the lake is starting to open. Factors affecting spring runoff and lake refill, including snowmelt and precipitation, were important topics of discussion at the March meeting of the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) and its adoption of a spring regulation strategy for the Winnipeg River Watershed, including Lake of the Woods. This operational strategy considers input and information from a broad range of interest groups and agencies, and is based on hydrological information, seasonal forecasting and analysis from Environment and Climate Change Canada, and others such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (U.S.). Towards the end of March, the Lake of the Woods level was approximately 322.50 m (1058.0 ft) or the 50th percentile, a median level for the time of year.

While the watershed has been experiencing a prolonged period of drought, the large amount of snow that we received this winter will be an important contributor to increasing overall moisture in waterbodies and groundwater this spring.

The level of snowpack was deep; however, the water content of snow, or Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), is a more important determinant to gauge the relative level of moisture in the snow.

The good news is that the snowpack this year not only had depth, but the SWE was higher than is typical for March. This increased level of water content plus spring rainfall will be critical to replace the severely depleted soil moisture resulting from over two years of drought conditions.

Another important consideration as we head into spring is the speed of snowmelt. The levels of precipitation and

temperature will play an important role in the rate of snowmelt, ground absorption and runoff. A gradual melt and moderate precipitation would produce ideal conditions to replace groundwater and manage lake levels. A quick melt with high precipitation would mean that the ground doesn’t have time to absorb the water and lakes would fill up faster making water regulation more challenging. Given that long-range weather forecasting is very imprecise, the LWCB plans for different scenarios to account for variabilities in snowmelt, precipitation, and runoff conditions.

Taking all available information into consideration, the LWCB Secretariat anticipates that the spring of 2022 will feature moderate to moderately high spring runoff, which should go a long way towards addressing the drought conditions as we move into May and early summer. Water levels will be monitored closely to adjust inflows and outflows for Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River as conditions demand. As rapid raising and lowering of water levels, particularly when there is solid ice cover can cause ice damage to docks, boathouses, and other shore related infrastructure, LOWDSA has recommended that adjustments be done as gradually as possible while minimizing the risk of high water as we head into spring.

In preparation for the summer season, LOWDSA has also recommended that LWCB target a summer lake level above 322.78 m (1059.0 ft) by the end of June, consistent with levels noted on your nautical charts.

My family is certainly looking forward to a return to normal lake levels and less dry conditions in the Lake of the Woods area and elsewhere. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope to see the last of drought conditions, at least for a while, as we continue to adjust and adapt to the challenges of climate change, and its impacts in the LOTW area.

Art Inspired by the Lake

For up-to-date water level information, please visit the LWCB website at lwcb.ca/waterflowdata.html

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In the District Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

NDMNRF licence requirements, regulations and updates

BY MORGAN KEREKES, MEDIA & ISSUES ADVISOR, MINISTRY OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT, MINES, NATURAL RESOURCES & FORESTRY Before you can start fishing in Ontario, you will need a valid Outdoors Card and an Ontario fishing licence. While fishing, you must carry your valid Outdoors Card and Licence Summary listing your valid fishing licence, unless your licence is printed on the back of your Outdoors Card.

purchase a fishing licence. In addition to the Family Weekend in February and Mother’s Day weekend in 2022, these dates include:

You can buy and renew your Outdoors Card and licences online at huntandfishontario.com. To find a nearby location that sells hunting and fishing licences, tags, and related products and services, visit ontario.ca/page/ hunting-and-fishing-licence-issuers.

Government-issued identification is required, and anglers must follow catch and possession limits for Conservation Fishing Licences. Additional information is available at ontariofamilyfishing.com.

For fishing licence fees for Ontario residents, visit ontario.ca/ page/fishing-licence-fees-ontario-residents. For fishing licence fees for Canadian residents who do not live in Ontario, see ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-fees-canadian-residents.

Ontario and Canadian residents are also provided four opportunities throughout the year to fish without having to

20

In the District Lake of the Woods Area News

• Father’s Day Weekend (June 18-19, 2022) • Ontario Family Fishing Week (July 2-10, 2022)

You must follow certain rules while fishing, including catch and possession limits. These rules determine: • When and where you can fish • The species, size and number of fish you can keep • What you can use for bait and tackle • What you can and cannot do in Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs)

Spring 2022

As of January 1, 2022, Ontario implemented changes to the movement, possession and use of baitfish and leeches to protect the province’s lakes, rivers, and fisheries from the threat of invasive species and fish diseases. The changes include: • Establishing four Bait Management Zones (BMZs) to limit the movement of baitfish and leeches in Ontario.

• Restricting the transportation of baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, into or out of a BMZ with some limited exceptions.

• Anglers fishing outside their home BMZ must purchase baitfish and leeches locally, retain a receipt and use or dispose of their bait within two weeks from when they were purchased.

• Harvesting of baitfish and leeches by anglers may only occur in their home BMZ. • Anglers from outside of Ontario (non-residents) are no longer permitted to import dead baitfish into Ontario and are required to purchase their baitfish and leeches within the BMZ they will be fishing in. They are required to retain the receipt and must use the bait within two weeks from when it was purchased.

By law, there are set limits and restrictions on the fish you can legally catch and keep in Ontario. Open season dates and limits (and any restrictions) are different for each of Ontario’s (FMZs).

Maps of the FMZs and the fishing regulations are available in the 2022 Fishing Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary at ontario.ca/ndmnrf-2022-fishing-regulationssummary-en-2021-12-13.pdf. Printed copies of the Fishing Regulations Summary are available at private licence issuers and participating ServiceOntario counters.

FMZs that border Manitoba include FMZ 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Additional information is available on Fish ON-Line, including waterbody-specific exceptions.

The Natural Resources Information and Support Centre (NRISC) can be reached between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at 1-800-387-7011. The public can call this line for various natural resource inquiries. an

Important links for more information Outdoor Card: ontario.ca/page/get-outdoors-card Ontario Fishing License: ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents Fishing limits, size restrictions and catch and release: ontario.ca/page/fishing-limits-size-restrictions-and-catch-and-release Fisheries management zones: ontario.ca/page/fisheries-management-zones Fish ON-Line: lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/fishonline/Index.html?viewer=FishONLine.FishONLine 2022 Fishing Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary: ontario.ca/ndmnrf-2022-fishing-regulations-summaryen-2021-12-13.pdf

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association In the District

21

Cottage construction—are you covered?

BY RICHARD MCKENZIE, RICHARD MCKENZIE INSURANCE You’ve secured a lot, cleared the land, and now it’s time to build your dream cottage or camp at the lake. All it takes is a spark.

Then, POW! Igniting common flammable construction materials like solvents, packaging, wood, and gasoline will turn a work in progress into a pile of ash in a flash. It’s a substantial blow to any property owner or construction firm.

Builder’s Risk Insurance, also known as Course of Construction Insurance, insures buildings under construction, based upon their estimated completed value, against the costs of repair or replacement in the event of a loss. This type of policy is designed to protect owners and contractors from the devastating impact of fires, windstorms, vandalism, theft, and other unwelcome losses to a construction project.

To protect yourself from financial ruin, you need to make sure you secure a Builders Risk or Course of Construction policy on your project. This type of insurance policy is available from your insurance broker as an addition to your existing home policy or may be arranged as a separate policy altogether. A Course of Construction policy should be arranged when construction begins and no later than the completion of the foundation. This form of coverage generally allows you 12 months to complete the project. Options are usually available for longer projects or a

multi-year cottage build where you move in when the structure is closed in and you finish it over time.

If you have hired a General Contractor, they may have a plan that insures both their interest and your interest in the project until they hand over the keys. If your builder does not offer this protection or you are building your own cottage, you will need to arrange a construction policy on your own. A good package will insure the structure as it goes up, construction material on site, cover goods in transit to the site, your tools and include liability protection in case of injury or third-party property damage.

A significant percentage of recent construction fires have been the result of arson. Before beginning construction, review all potential exposures to mitigate the potential for loss. Ensure a Fire Smart buffer zone to organic material, ensure you have a plan for the prompt removal of refuse and scrap material that might be used to start or fuel a fire, and consider investing in a fire pump system. And most importantly, ensure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher on hand and readily available at the build site. You never know when something may overheat or the camping stove you are making lunch with malfunctions and catches fire.

LWCB

Lake of the Woods Control Board

Water Level & Flow Information Lake of the Woods / Winnipeg River Lac Seul / English River ! Web Site (updated each workday): www.lwcb.ca Current information & advisories, historic data & more " Regulation Guide - Regulation rules & criteria; basin physical features; water level & flow preferences " Before You Build - Hazard lands and docks; water levels to plan for; determining the level on your shore ! Recorded Message (updated weekly): 1-800-661-5922 Current level and flow information; advisories as needed ! Staff: Call: 1-800-661-5922 Email: secretariat@lwcb.ca Write: Lake of the Woods Control Board Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 22

In the District Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

A recent claim occurred when installing new windows at a cottage that suffered a total fire loss. Like many of us, the cottage was remote access, so they transported a couple of windows at a time and leaned them against a tree waiting to get them all on site to begin installation. It was midsummer, the grass was long, no rain for weeks and the ground was tinder dry.

A fire occurred and the cause of loss was investigated. It was determined to be magnification caused by the reflection of the sun off the windows leaning at the right angle against the tree. This was something no one would have ever anticipated.

Once you realize the dream to build your new cottage or camp, make sure the next step before you put the shovel in the ground is to contact your insurance broker to arrange the proper Course of Construction Insurance policy. If you are already framing, it is likely you have waited too long and won’t be eligible for coverage until the project is complete.

Insurance should always be part of the planning process. an

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Over five decades of Fyke family fun on Welcome Channel

by Terry Fyke, Welcome Channel

During the summers of 1965 and 1966, my family, mom Joyce, dad Leverne, brother Cameron and myself were introduced to the Lake of the Woods.

It began with a group of my parent’s friends and fellow boaters who ventured from Winnipeg and set up camp on “S” Island.

At that time, the island was, I believe, known as a provincial camping area. It had a large dock along the north shore, a garbage dump in the inner bay, and as most boaters and visitors know, a terrific sand bar leading to the island immediately north. There was a sign-in book attached to the first tree on the island so visitors could record their stays. Our name, the Fykes, appeared frequently.

One event from that time sticks out in my memory. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and I was on that big dock with my dad, brother and other campers when a boat heading west came between us and that island to the north, its occupants waving to us. We desperately tried to wave them off to no avail. They hit the partially submerged sand bar, sending them and their possessions airborne. They were fine, and after retrieving their coolers, life jackets and whatever else, turned and yelled back that if we wanted to put a beach there, at least mark it!

24

Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Four generations of Fykes gather for some family lake time. Back row: Joyce and Leverne Fyke. Middle row (L-R) Niece Laine Fyke, son-in-law Dale Slobodian, daughter Carley with grandson Hayden, and Marilyn Fyke. Front row (L-R) Daughter Jennifer and grandson Hunter, granddaughter Charlie with son-in-law Ryan Hlatkey and Terry Fyke.

The World’s Fair or Expo was being held in Montreal during the summer of 1967. My parents asked me and my brother if we wanted to go to Expo or buy a piece of property in Welcome Channel. My dad had gotten a line on a property by chatting up Charlie Bergman of Bergman Builders in Kenora.

We knew our decision immediately.

We have never looked back!

When we first arrived at the property, we had to hack our way out of the front of the boat with axes and saws, as the bush was as thick as anything you could imagine.

But it was ours, and the start of a time in our lives which continues today, and hopefully, for a long time to come.

We eventually carved out where the cottage would be built, hauled too many loads of supplies and materials by boat to count, and cleared bush continually. The cottage had only propane lights as well as a propane fridge.

While it was a lot of work, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. From that point on, it was the focal point for our family, and over the years, many other friends and family members.

Above: Carley is teaching her son Hayden some paddling skills.

Right: (L-R) Back row: Terry and Marilyn, Ryan, Joyce, Leverne, Hayden, Carley, and Dale. Front row: Niece Laine Fyke, Hunter, Charlie and Jennifer with Norm (the dog).

I remember at the time, people asking my parents, “Why do you want to be

Our summers were filled with many adventures, fishing, waterskiing and enjoying all the freedoms from city life the lake afforded us. And being two “energetic” boys there was sometimes the odd mishap. My dad loves to tell the story of how I once, in the very early hours of the morning, got caught in the log booms that used to run from the south side of the lake. It’s hard to ‘sneak home’ when you get into that kind of trouble!

way out there?” It was eight miles

The log booms were indeed an

and motors were nowhere near what

two was lost by my brother and me.

from town. Granted, in the day, boats

they are today—and now, it is far from

“way out there”.

We were at that first location until 1976, when we sold and moved to my families new location at the entrance to Welcome Channel by Holmstrom’s Marsh. And we started the process all over again. Once more, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. A huge difference was that we now had generators for power, telephone, and eventually a road. Under my dad Leverne’s watch, we once again took in every piece of lumber by barge.

interesting challenge and a prop or

It was during this time that my family operated the Marr’s Boathouse in Keewatin, now Two Bears Marina, to provide an opportunity for me and my brother to live and work at the lake. We had others who worked with us, and it gave us all the chance to be where we wanted to be. During this time, we were fortunate enough to meet many people who had been around the lake a lot longer than us. I am lucky enough to say that we developed friendships with a lot of these people, who are still great friends today.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

25

Left: Terry and Marilyn Fyke’s cabin continues a long tradition on Welcome Channel.

Right: There’s lots of playtime on the beach for Hunter and Charlie Hlatky.

In 1983, my wife, Marilyn, and I relocated to Toronto.

During our time there, the property immediately adjacent to my parents’ cottage became available.

While we had just purchased our first house, we were not going to let this opportunity pass us by.

Today, we are fortunate enough to have our family, daughter Jennifer and husband Ryan, daughter Carley and husband Dale, and our grandchildren Hunter, Charlie, Hayden and Nolan join us frequently at the cottage. It is a place we all care about deeply and where fabulous memories are created. We are fortunate to have a terrific group of lake neighbours, many whom are also very good friends.

So, mortgaged to our teeth, we bought our own Welcome Channel property. We moved back to Winnipeg in 1986 and started building our own place.

We have travelled to some wonderful places, but we always want to return to “the lake”. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Expo? No thank you.

an

Both our daughters made their first visits to the lake by ice road when they were only weeks old.

Let Us Help You Create a Family Cottage Solution that Keeps the Memories Alive for Your Family.

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Stéphane Warnock swarnock@pkflawyers.com

Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

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LOWDSA through the years

1978 to 1991

Join us for a trip down memory “lake” as we feature different periods of LOWDSA’s 60-year history in each issue of the Area News.

BY LEANNE FOURNIER

In an article in the 50th Anniversary edition of the Area News, former Lake of the Woods District Property Owner’s Association (LOWDPOA) president Don Cameron wrote that Ernie Schell, who was president in 1980-81, 84-85, and 89-90, said that if there was one word to describe his many years in the role as LOWDPOA’s leader, it would be “confrontation”. Indeed, as you leaf through Area News magazines from this period, page after page is rife with stories about the many issues the Association was facing—forestry, water levels, fishing rights, houseboats, water quality, boat licensing, garbage disposal, hydro bills, septic, the never-ending tax debate, and a new development—restricted orders.

28

Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

The July 1979 Area News reported that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) wanted to remind property owners in the Shoal Lake area that a Restricted Order was in place: “The purpose of this Restricted Order is to promote orderly, sensible development and uses of privately owned lands. By providing this Ministry with a measure of control over private lands, it makes our land use plans more effective. By encouraging quality development in accord with sound planning principles, it improves the quality and standards of living for residents of unorganized areas for both the short and long term.”

And those darn taxes! The August 1980 Area News included an article about how school taxes had increased 300 per cent in 10 years for the average cottager.

Then, in July 1983, Area News reported closure of the walleye fishery on Shoal Lake. Natural Resources Minister at the time, Alan Pope, said, “I am confident that these measures will result in the rehabilitation of this fishery so it can once again be productive and stable, to be enjoyed by all users. It will take cooperation of all concerned to make this a reality.”

Amidst all this activity, there was a pause in the fall of 1983, when the Association was hit hard by the deaths of Ruby and Brydon McCrea within days of one another. The two founding members had been the glue for the organization, serving as secretary and treasurer and publishers of the Area News.

A tribute in the June 1984 issue read: “For those of us who knew Ruby and Brydon well, it seems only fitting that they should leave us together since they had always done everything else together.”

Without the McCrea’s, the Association lost some ground.

Realizing the need to keep in touch with the membership via the newsletter, a new young director, Jack McKenzie, stepped forward and offered to try his hand at revitalizing the Area News. Under his dedicated watch it continued to expand into a full-fledged magazine, keeping members up to date on important local issues, as well as attracting new members. The added revenue produced by the ever-increasing membership and expanded Area News allowed the Association to continue to grow and expand its areas of influence.

Other changes were also underway. Leverne Fyke, who had never even served as a director, became LOWDPOA’s president in 1986. “I’d barely finished uttering that I’d like to get ‘involved’ with the Association at a breakfast meeting with Bob Cook and Ernie Schell,” tells Leverne. “Next thing I knew, I was nominated for president!” This was part of a coordinated effort to bring on new directors and grow membership for the Association.

“I accepted the nomination,” said Leverne. “At the first board meeting I said, ‘I don’t know anything about the organization but I’m going to learn. I have one thing in common with all of you—the betterment of Lake of the Woods and the water in it.

It’s the greatest place on earth, a little bit of heaven and we all have a piece of it we need to protect. That’s my promise.’”

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association

29

Leverne learned quickly, enlisting new directors who were prepared to “get to work” and pushing to have LOWDPOA incorporate.

“I was concerned about some of the things we were seeing from Hydro raising water levels and causing havoc,” he said. “I figured being incorporated would show them and others that we were a legitimate and serious force to be reckoned with.”

When Leverne recalls some of the big issues of the time, he notes the Native Fishing Agreement as one that was followed closely

by LOWDSA throughout the mid to late 1980s. “It was interesting to get a thorough understanding of the Treaties,” Leverne explained, which was an important part of discussions.

And then there was the fleet of houseboats, bearing large groups of boisterous partyers, making their way into secluded bays and locations throughout Lake of the Woods.

A lengthy article in the March 1986 Area News raised concerns about “Overcrowding and Overdevelopment”, “Docking and Landing”, and “Houseboats as Outlaws”.

Leverne said, “Members wanted us to approach the MNR to petition to have them banned from the lake.” Numerous presentations were made by the houseboat companies to

30

LOWDPOA membership and at some point, Leverne shares, everyone just agreed to try and stay out of each other’s way.

A long-term plan for fisheries management was also big news through the late 1980s. A March 1987 Area News article stated, “This winter, the Kenora District of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, has been busy with a fisheries management plan which, when concluded, will layout the strategies the department will follow from now through to the end of the 1990’s. The problem they are faced with is the annual harvesting of fish from the Lake of the Woods. Annually, people take about 142,000 pounds of Walleye from the lake—about 25,000 more six-pound Walleye than they should.”

Water levels were another ongoing concern. An article about the Lake of the Woods Water Control Board in the June 1987 Area News included the following: “Well, it just never seems to work out right. Either we have too much water or too little, or at least that’s how things appear at this writing.”

The article carried a number of recommendations presented

by Leverne on behalf of LOWDPOA to address the generally held perception, at the time, that the Control Board was paying more attention to the needs of hydro than cottagers.

It was under Leverne’s watch that inroads were made to bridge relations between seasonal and permanent residents as well as businesses and local government. He shared, “We conducted a survey that startled us about how much money was being spent in Kenora by LOWDPOA members.” The June 1989 Area News shared the results of the survey that measured member expenditures in a number of areas—boat and snowmobile operating expenses, storage, building expenses, utilities, taxation, entertainment, dining, shopping, and more. Based on a response from almost 58 per cent of the membership, the final figure showed total estimated expenditures of over $6 million.

“We were able to present that to City Council. They were absolutely stunned that there was that kind of money coming from Manitobans into Kenora over the summer. This was one of the turning points for greater acceptance of outsiders by the citizens of Kenora and the business community.”

As LOWDPOA headed into 1991, articles about the Clearwater Bay Restricted Area Order, a measure imposed

by MNR in an effort to protect the lake trout fishery and over development of the Clearwater Bay area, dominated the Area News. The Order “entailed where cottagers could build on their properties, what size structures could be and how they might further expand.”

McKenzie was busy following the issue in the Area News and at the same time served as an Association director. He noted that LOWDPOA directors had been supportive of the MNR’s efforts in the Clearwater Bay/Echo Bay areas and in the discussions that led to announcement of the actual regulations. “We in return, had expected to have a representative on the appeals/administration committee.”

When the announcement of the structure of the Order was made public, LOWDPOA was completely left out. “The reaction of then Association President, the late Ernie Schell, to our being left out was, to say the least, not supportive,” said McKenzie. This ‘strong reaction’ prompted a number of the senior management team from the Kenora MNR office to drive into Winnipeg and attend an emergency meeting of LOWDPOA directors. “This meeting resolved our concerns and saw the establishment of an appeals committee with a LOWDPOA director as one of its members.” The Association continues to have a director sitting on the appeals committee to this day.

McKenzie adds, “Steve Steigerwald was our first appointment to that committee and worked hard to make sure that our member’s interests were considered.”

McKenzie also credits Steve, who passed away this past December, as a great help in developing the Area News.

It was around this time that Don Cameron writes, “The horses were getting tired. Despite the mounting credibility and the board solidarity at the time, the ship was still listing, and the volunteers were spending too much time on the job.”

With additional revenue from increased membership, the Board agreed it was time to hire some part time staff to help directors cope with the many subjects they were becoming involved with. Gerry Wilson, a long-time cottager from the region was brought on board with the primary focus “to attend meetings and hearings in Kenora and other centres around the region.”

31

McKenzie credits the hiring of Gerry as one way LOWDPOA was able to expand its influence with the MNR and other like-minded organizations throughout the Kenora District.

“Gerry took many of our ideas and expanded on them—such as the summer student employment grants that saw students travelling from the Minaki area in the north to Morson/ Nestor Falls in the south, promoting memberships and the work of the Association.” This was the precursor to the Association’s present day LakeSmart program.

That issue of the Area News also advertised the Association’s first “Plant a Tree” seedling program in conjunction with the MNR. Free red pine seedlings were being offered to Clearwater Bay Restricted Area cottagers. 10,000 trees were distributed throughout the area, with plans to enlarge the program in the years ahead.

The October 1991 issue of the Area News announced that the magazine had just concluded its 21st year. LOWDPOA was well on its way to achieving its goal of over 2,000 members.

Leverne says that much of what was accomplished during this era underlines the importance of the Association’s mandate of maintaining its “neutrality.” He said, “That has always been so important—to stay free of outside influencers telling us what we should and shouldn’t do—and staying focused instead on the mantra of caring for the lake.

“We shouldn’t ever forget that.”

32

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The beauty of bats

BY DAVE SCHWARTZ

Chances are that you have been sitting by a lake as darkness approached on a warm summer evening when bats appeared and magic happened.

Swooping, wheeling, diving above the water, they put on a spectacular show as they hunt their evening meal of flying insects.

Six species of bats inhabit the Lake of the Woods area. Three are resident (little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and the big brown bat) and three are migratory (hoary bat, eastern red bat, and the silver-haired bat).

Identifying bats by species is tricky business. If the bats are stationary and nearby, distinguishing the migratory species from residents can be aided by body size and fur colour, but it’s rare to get that close. For flying bats, identification involves recording their calls and creating and analyzing sonograms of the calls. Not for most amateurs!

All of the bat species in our area are insectivores. They hunt during two separate times each night. The first hunting period begins near dusk and can last for several hours. The second hunting period occurs later in the night and ends near dawn.

Bats are the main predators of flying nocturnal insects. A single little brown bat, our most common species, is capable of eating the equivalent of its weight in insects in just one night. That’s about a kilogram of pests per summer for every bat!

Usually hunting above bodies of water, near treetops or near light sources, bats capture both flying and resting insects. They locate

their prey by echolocation (sonar), emitting very high-pitched sounds, well beyond the range of human hearing. The sound reflects off their prey, which is precisely located using the bats’ highly developed sense of hearing. The insects are swooped up in the bats’ wide tail membrane and flipped into their mouths.

Bat populations at risk Our resident or non-migratory bats spend the winter hibernating in abandoned mines, natural caves, and deep rock crevices.

Unfortunately, packing together in large numbers creates the conditions for the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a Eurasian fungal disease, which was accidentally introduced to North America in 2006.

WNS is decimating the populations of some bat species in what is the most drastic decline of a group of mammals that has ever been observed. Due to the devastation by WNS, the little brown bat and northern long-eared bat are endangered in Canada. The big brown bat appears somewhat more resistant to the disease, but its population has also declined. So far, there have been no cases of white-nose syndrome recorded in migratory bats, although some carry the fungus with no evidence of disease.

As the main predator of nocturnal insects such as moths and mosquitos, bats are particularly important. Decreasing bat populations could lead to significant ecosystem damage along with major economic losses ranging from reduced crop yields and damage to forests to additional insecticide use.

Title photo: Bats emerging to hunt at sunset.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

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A cluster of little brown bats with white-nose syndrome.

high-quality summer habitat can help bat populations recover from WNS. The work is purely experimental at this point and people are not encouraged to put up heated bat houses due to risk that they will interfere with the bat communities or create the conditions for spread of WNS or other pathogens.

More bats, less chemicals If the research finds evidence that improving summer habitat is effective enough at increasing bats’ reproductive success, it may reduce or eliminate chemical spraying of bats during winter. Millions of dollars could be saved and better results achieved while reducing the introduction of chemicals into the environment.

WNS kills bats during their winter hibernation by causing them to arouse from hibernation too frequently, using up their energy stores before winter is over. Only a small proportion of bats with WNS survive the winter. These survivors may be able to pass on survival traits to their offspring. Because bat pups need very warm temperatures to thrive, mother bats choose the warmest possible roosts and snuggle together for warmth. Due to the massive die-offs caused by WNS, mother bats now have fewer snuggling partners, increasing the importance of availability of warm places to roost.

Dr. Craig Willis, a professor and researcher at the University of Winnipeg, is spearheading important research on WNS and how to help our bat populations survive it. Most efforts to control WNS have focused on trying to treat bats chemically during winter when the fungus actively grows on them. However, helping survivors during summer could potentially be more beneficial and more practical. Dr. Willis’s research has produced evidence that high quality, warm roosts could improve reproductive rates for bats that survive the winter. He and his students have built a prototype heated bat box and found that bats in the lab prefer it over unheated boxes.

Dr. Willis and his team are using these experimental boxes to test one aspect of the “habitat enhancement hypothesis”, that very

38

Environment Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

More funding is needed to continue this research into ways to enhance summer survival and reproduction. To help support this work, you can visit the University of Winnipeg Foundation website where you can also see a short video and description of the project at netcommunity.uwinnipeg.ca/ projects/save-our-bats.

Due to the threats facing bats, monitoring their populations is critical. Good data is essential for conservation efforts. Check out batwatch.ca to find out how to become a citizen scientist supporting bat research.

We can all do our part to assist in the survival of bat populations. During the summer, we should avoid disturbing or moving groups of bats that are raising their young. Bat houses can be set up to provide shelter. Visit batwatch.ca/content/setting-bat-house to learn more.

For more information about bats and almost anything else in our natural surroundings, I recommend The Complete Up North by Doug Bennet and Tim Tiner. The book is a treasure trove of information about our area’s plants, animals, fungi, day sky, night sky, geology, and much more. an

By limiting any disturbance to the bats during summer, you avoid disrupting their breeding, which in turn can help limit the decline of their populations.

Dispelling bat myths Unfortunately, myths persist in causing people to fear bats and try to drive them away. Contrary to one of these myths, bats are not a serious threat for spreading rabies, even for bats roosting in peoples’ attics or eaves. Although the risk is getting rabies is miniscule, bats do occasionally carry rabies, so it’s important that people do not attempt to handle bats they find indoors or outdoors.

You can visit batwatch.ca/content/ removing-bat-your-house for information about what to do if a bat gets in your home.

The other fear of bats is that they become tangled in peoples’ hair. Bats may fly close to a person’s head but the bats’ superb flying skills eliminate any risk they’ll land there.

I have barely scratched the surface of what is known about these fascinating creatures, the only mammals with the ability to fly.

There is so much more to learn about them.

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

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New regulation for watercraft under the Invasive Species Act

BY BRIE MCCARDLE, ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, LOWDSA The Lake of the Woods area is a highly regarded tourist, fishing, and boating destination known for its pristine environment, most notably the water. The communities and people who live, visit, and enjoy the area have shaped their lives around the water in significant and diverse ways.

As of January 1, 2022, Ontario has a new regulation for watercrafts under the Invasive Species Act. A watercraft is considered any vessel that travels on water, such as boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, etc.

Lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants, animals and algae from all equipment, vessels, vehicles, and trailers before transporting or launching into any body of water. All drain plugs or any other devices used to control drainage must be opened or removed to allow all water to drain. It is highly recommended that "Clean, Drain, Dry" is practiced on watercrafts and recreational gear. It is recognized that a more thorough clean can be completed beyond the launch site for time and launch etiquette purposes as long as there are reasonable measures taken before transport.

LOWDSA's LakeSmart team works to educate lake users on all aspects required in this legislation. This summer, you can find the team providing a mobile boat wash service in the community as a functional tool to inform lake users about cleaning, draining, and drying their watercraft.

Additionally, the team will engage the community in LOWDSA's citizen science program for zebra mussel monitoring. LakeSmart will distribute devices to LOWDSA's membership and beyond, bringing the community together to help detect any presence of zebra mussels in our lakes. This summer, we encourage you to speak with our stewardship team as you see them around the lake and in the community so that we can all work together to protect the water quality of Lake of the Woods and surrounding water bodies.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have many implications for the Lake of the Woods district, including huge environmental and economic impacts. AIS play a large role in the continued deterioration of the environment and water by disrupting ecosystems, decreasing fish habitat, and impacting water quality, as well as creating navigational and swimming hazards. All of these are economic drivers in the area and affect the day-to-day lives of cottage owners, the public, and tourists who have come to expect the high-quality environment in beautiful Sunset Country.

As we have seen with rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus) that colonize in Lake of the Woods, we can only hope to prevent their spread to other lakes once they've established. While rusty crayfish have in many ways become naturalized in Lake of the Woods in the over 20 years they have been present, it is only in surrounding water bodies that we find the big water crayfish (Cambarus robustus) that are native to this area. Bass species are especially impacted as the invasive rusty crayfish are not an ideal food source, which has resulted in a booming population as they have limited predators.

Title photo: LOWDSA's LakeSmart team providing a mobile boat wash service to the Lake of the Woods area.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

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Rusty crayfish, an invasive species in our waters.

A cluster of zebra mussels.

All fish habitat is deteriorated as the invader cuts areas of aquatic vegetation and harms spawning areas—the sheer numbers of the crayfish create widespread damage. Spiny waterflea are another invader in the area that can cause what is commonly known as "swimmer's itch". They are almost impossible to see and can be transported by any equipment moving from lake to lake, like fishing line, live well water, and wetsuits. The spiny waterflea can choke out fingerling fish that cannot feed on their huge barb.

By interrupting the lake's natural food cycle, they harm the breeding of important fish species in the lake.

Another emerging issue in the Lake of the Woods that has been present in the Winnipeg River for a number of years is flowering rush. This aquatic plant spreads quickly and clogs up waterways, consuming small bays and navigational channels

42

Environment Lake of the Woods Area News

Flowering rush on the Winnipeg River.

and impeding fish habitat. Unfortunately, mechanical removal often causes more harm than good as the tiny fragments of the plant flow to new areas and can quickly start a new, fastgrowing population. Chemical management poses difficulties for application in northwestern Ontario. There are similar issues with zebra mussels, which can also spread quickly and damage infrastructure.

It is more important now than ever to proactively find solutions to reduce the spread of these species.

If you would like more information regarding the new watercraft regulation, you can visit Ontario Invasive species regulations at ontario.ca/page/invasive-species-action-plans/#boaters. an

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IISD-ELA looks at the impacts of nanosilver on aquatic ecosystems

BY LAUREN HAYHURST, FISHERIES RESEARCH BIOLOGIST, IISD EXPERIMENTAL LAKES AREA Bandage solutions are notoriously absent from freshwater scientific research and resulting policy recommendations. This is because environmental issues are complex, taking place at local to global scales and involving many interconnected factors.

We study these complicated environmental issues by conducting whole-ecosystem experiments on lakes at IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Over a few years, in a small lake, we conducted some unique research on the impact of nanosilver additions on freshwater and fish.

Allow us to explain what nanosilver is, how it enters aquatic ecosystems, what our research found, and what we think needs to happen to protect our lakes in the future.

A seine is used to capture yellow perch for analysis at the nanosilver lake.

What is nanosilver?

‘Nanosilver’ describes particles of silver between 1 and 100 nanometres in size that are inherently toxic to bacteria and microbes. As a result of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, nanosilver is widely applied to over 440 consumer products—including clothing, cosmetics, bandages, toiletries, and appliances—and is used in medical and agricultural industries.

What impact does nanosilver have on freshwater?

Despite laboratory research, we still don’t fully understand the impact of its widespread use and subsequent release into aquatic ecosystems, especially lakes.

While silver is regulated in Canada, the increasing and widespread application of nanosilver is currently unregulated.

Further, products containing nanosilver are largely unknown or unrecognized by consumers.

What did we do at IISD Experimental Lakes Area?

Researchers wanted to discover what effects bacteria-killing nanosilver could have on the health and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. So, they continuously added nanosilver to a lake during the icefree season for two years.

We found that nanosilver spread across the lake and throughout the water column immediately after the first addition.

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Environment Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

What does this mean for nanosilver use around the world?

We have evidence of short-term impacts on fish after only two months of adding nanosilver to the lake, and long-term impacts years after researchers stopped additions.

It is important to remember that we stopped adding nanosilver to the lake after two years, which is not the case in the natural environment where nanosilver continues to enter aquatic ecosystems in greater quantities and from more sources than ever.

Our research has implications for the ongoing and expanding use of nanosilver in consumer products and the health of freshwater ecosystems across the globe.

What can I do about nanosilver?

Team at work collecting evidence out on the lakes at IISD Experimental Lakes Area.

Approximately half of the nanosilver settled to the bottom of the lake each day, but much of it was re-suspended in the water column after lake turnover in the spring.

While bacteria, algae, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates appeared largely unaffected by the nanosilver additions, we saw significant short-term and long-term results in fish in the lake.

While we wait for the governments to act on nanosilver, the growing extent of nanosilver in clothing can be addressed by consumers embracing the eco/sustainable/slow fashion movement.

By reducing the quantity of new clothing (containing nanosilver) that we purchase, researching sustainable and ethical brands, and recycling clothing, we can make a sustainable change that will benefit not only the fish in a lake but also improve social and environmental standards around the world.

Any informed and preventative efforts that you take can help reduce the spread of this emerging contaminant from a local to a global scale. an

What impact does nanosilver have on fish?

We found that silver built up in fish tissues, particularly in their liver and gills, suggesting that both their dietary and respiratory systems were affected.

Yellow perch consumption and metabolism rates declined during the nanosilver additions and remained low even as the lake recovered from the nanosilver. Populations of perch fell in the lake over the course of the study.

Overall, consumption of prey by perch decreased during additions and remained suppressed into recovery.

Both perch and their northern pike predators shifted their feeding sources from nearshore to offshore prey sources, and pike experienced stunted growth during the study. Four years after researchers stopped adding nanosilver to the lake, in 2015, pike continue to have silver in their tissues.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

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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

State of the Basin Report released—get your copy!

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 is pleased to announce the release of the 2022 Rainy-Lake of the Woods State of the Basin Report (SOBR). The 2022 SOBR is available in two versions: a detailed technical report of 148 pages, and an overview report of 32 pages, highlighting key findings and written for a general audience. We encourage you to read the overview version and to explore additional details in the full 148-page version, both of which are available for download at the Foundation’s website, lowwsf.com/sobr.

The report outlines changes that have occurred since the last report in 2014, focusing on the primary areas of concern in the watershed of nutrients and algae, contaminants, climate change, aquatic invasive species, and erosion/water levels. The report also highlights concerns about the health of the walleye fishery in the north end of Lake of the Woods and includes a new chapter on human health concerns in the watershed.

Report Outline 1. Watershed governance 2. Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3, Métis, & US Tribes

Updates on priority issues: 3. Nutrients & algae 4. Contaminants

The 2022 SOBR takes first steps towards “two eyed seeing”, by bringing together views of priority concerns and solutions through an Indigenous lens with one eye, while the other eye sees through a Western science lens. The report describes water governance in the basin and Indigenous Knowledge systems and worldview from the standpoint of the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3, U.S. Tribes and the Métis Nation of Ontario. The report also includes aspects of Traditional Knowledge or Indigenous perspective in recognition of a multi-jurisdictional basin.

Throughout the report, highlighted are Indigenous concerns or impacts, and questions to shift our lens of view to ensure respect and acknowledgement of the Indigenous Nations in the basin.

The SOBR reports optimism and significant progress on addressing the problem of nutrients and algal blooms, particularly on Lake of the Woods. Although levels of the nutrient phosphorus are still high and widespread algal blooms continue, there has been much progress in understanding and managing the nutrient phosphorus and its impact on blooms.

We are now at a stage ready to move from science to actions to reduce harmful algal blooms. We have tools to help with this, including lake nutrient models, phosphorus reduction targets set by Minnesota, and potential reduction scenarios being considered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

5. Climate change

We now have satellite tools to measure the extent, intensity, and severity of algal blooms.

Developed by ECCC, these tools will likely be very useful to monitor and access progress over the long term. We may have good news to report—the satellite data from ECCC suggest a possible declining trend in algal bloom severity in recent years. This is not certain, given year-to-year variability and influences of factors such as wind conditions on bloom formation and detection, but it is an encouraging trend to watch.

6. Invasive species 7. Water levels & erosion 8. Fish & fisheries 9. Human health 10. Monitoring 11. Ongoing work to address concerns 12. Gaps & emerging concerns 13. Recommendations

46

Environment Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Aquatic invasive species are a significant concern throughout the watershed, with extensive spread of spiny waterflea and rusty crayfish throughout much of the watershed. In recent years, zebra mussel larvae have been detected in the south basin of Lake of the Woods and in Rainy Lake, but no adult or reproductive colonies have been found. The report provides updates on many other issues, including contaminants, erosion, climate change, and also identifies a number of knowledge gaps and emerging concerns.

Development of the SOBR was a collaborative effort, and its completion would not have been possible without the contributions of numerous researchers, resource managers and agencies in the basin. Special thanks are due to the editorial advisory committee members for Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge. The report was developed with the financial support of the International Joint Commission’s International Watershed Initiative, the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Grand Council Treaty #3, and inestimable in-kind contributions from researchers, resource managers and agencies in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Basin. an

Top: Satellite image and derived Chlorophyll-a concentrations, October 4, 2021; Bottom: Maximum bloom severity index on Lake of the Woods, 2002-2021 (SOBR; data and images courtesy of EOLakeWatch).

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

47

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

Water quality variation throughout Lake of the Woods

BY BEV CLARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS WATER SUSTAINABILITY FOUNDATION

Lake of the Woods has a great deal of variation in water quality from place to place. Here, we will look at differences in total phosphorus (TP) concentrations among five distinctly different areas of the lake. We are using TP because it is the nutrient that dictates how productive the water is and hence how much algae the water can support. The lake can be generally divided into two main basins­—one is fairly homogeneous (south), the other is fairly complicated (north).

The south basin, shown as the yellow area (5) in Figure 1, receives water from the Rainy River. This water is nutrient-rich, and the south end of the lake reflects this high concentration of TP with

its high productivity and tendency to support algal blooms. From here, the nutrient-rich water in the lake flows like a river from the Rainy River in the south to the outflow at the Norman Dam in Kenora­—this is shown as the green area (4). This area through the central portion of the lake has a range in TP concentrations from higher in the south to lower at the north.

The rest of the north basin of the lake (the blue area 1 on Figure 1) has much lower TP concentrations due to contributions from dilute watershed sources and due to nutrients settling out as they arrive from the south end of the lake.

Within the north basin, there are two other areas that have different water quality attributes. These are the two isolated bays, the Ptarmigan-Clearwater Bay area (2) and Whitefish Bay (3), and both have very low TP concentrations because they are not influenced by the flow from the Rainy River.

Bear in mind that these are all generalizations and there are many contradictions to this high-level look at water quality. Let’s have a look at the TP concentrations in each of the five areas of the lake. For this, we can use box plots which are a useful way to visualize ranges and averages in data sets.

Figure 1 - Showing five different areas of Lake of the Woods that have different water quality.

48

Environment Lake of the Woods Area News

First, let’s look at the areas that are easier to describe. These are the northwest around Clearwater Bay (Area 2), Whitefish Bay (Area 3), the north end of the lake (Area 1) and the south end of the lake (Area 5). The boxplots for the four different areas are shown in Figure 2. These box blots combine the data from multiple sample locations shown on the map and water quality for the north basin is represented by Bigstone Bay.

Spring 2022

Figure 2 - Total phosphorus boxplots for four different areas of Lake of the Woods (2, 3, 1, and 5, shown in Figure 1).

You can see that the TP concentrations for the PtarmiganClearwater Bay area (NW) and for Whitefish Bay are quite low, around 10-15 µg/L. This is oligotrophic water indicating very little chance of supporting algal blooms. The north basin of the lake (1) is generally around 20 µg/L or slightly higher and this is mesotrophic water, which may or may not support algal blooms.

If you want to see more detailed TP data for the north end of the lake, please consult the Lake Partner Program interactive map. The water in the south (5) is around 30 µg/L TP with the top of the whisker at 50 µg/L. This is just asking for severe algal blooms. Concentrations are shown relative to 20 µg/L (the red line), which is considered acceptable water quality by the Ontario Provincial Water Quality Objectives. Water below 20 μg/L has a reduced risk of nuisance algal blooms.

Now for the more interesting piece. Area 4 on Figure 1 shows the water in the central portion of the lake between the point where it leaves the Big Traverse in the south and where it exits the lake near Kenora. The box plots for eight sample locations are shown in Figure 3 with the southmost station at the left of the graph and the outflow at the right. Most of the concentrations are above 20 µg/L, but they are generally closer to 30 µg/L in the south and closer to 20 µg/L in the north. The water is diluted as it moves north due to settling of nutrients and due to inputs of less productive water from the Canadian Shield areas of the watershed.

Figure 3 - Boxplots for total phosphorus for sample locations throughout the central portion of Lake of the Woods. Stations are shown from the south (left) to the north (right). The red line shows 20 ug/L which is acceptable water quality.

The science behind the lakewide variation in water quality is discussed in detail in the 3rd Edition of the Rainy-Lake of the Woods State of the Basin Report. Nutrient sources including, internal loads from lake sediments, erosion, Rainy River inputs and septic systems are discussed together with different projects that recommend nutrient reductions. The report is available on the LOWWSF website, lowwsf.com/sobr. an

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Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Environment

49

NDMNRF fire prevention tips and guidelines

BY MINISTRY OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT, MINES, NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY

FIRE PERMITS By law, you need a fire permit to burn debris piles (wood, brush, leaves and grass) outside during the fire season (April 1 – October 31) unless you follow all the rules outlined below and:

• Keep the fire at least two metres from any flammable materials.

• Conditions allow it to burn safely until extinguished.

• Have tools or water on hand adequate to contain the fire at the fire site.

• You take all necessary steps to tend, control and extinguish the fire.

• Ensure a responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.

• You are not having an open fire in a restricted fire zone.

If you don’t burn safely or burn material without a permit when one is needed, you can be fined and held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire, and for any property damage.

Burning wood, brush and leaves You don’t need a fire permit to burn piled wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products if you follow these rules:

Using an incinerator You don’t need a fire permit to burn piled wood, brush, leaves, or wood by-products in an incinerator if you: • Ensure the incinerator is an enclosed device constructed entirely of non-combustible material.

• Cover the outlet of the incinerator with a screen having a mesh size of not more than five millimetres.

• Ignite the fire no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguish it no later than two hours after sunrise.

• Keep the incinerator at least five metres from any forest area.

• Burn only a single pile at any one time.

• Keep the incinerator at least two metres from any flammable material.

• Ensure the pile is less than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high.

• Ensure a responsible person monitors the fire until it is extinguished.

Clear and practical advice Over 40 years of experience in Lake of the Woods Real Estate

W. Randall F. Seller

Stephen R. Lundin

Cheryl C. M. Siran

Beth Allison White

Reid E. Thompson

Kimberly P. Mejia

Phaedra M. Olinyk

Laura M. Wheatley

rseller@hsllaw.ca

slundin@hsllaw.ca

csiran@hsllaw.ca

bwhite@hsllaw.ca

rthompson@hsllaw.ca

kmejia@hsllaw.ca

polinyk@hsllaw.ca

lwheatley@hsllaw.ca

B.A., LL.B

B.A., LL.B

B.A. (ADV), LL.B

B.H.Ec., LL.B

B.A., LL.B

HOOK SELLER LUNDIN

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LLP

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

50

Living Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

B. Soc. Sc., J.D.

B.HSc., J.D.

1-833-447-5529

hsllaw.ca

Fire permits

Burning grass or leaf litter You don’t need a fire permit to burn areas of grass or leaf litter on land you lawfully occupy if you: • Ignite the fire no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguish it no later than two hours after sunrise.

To get a fire permit, contact your local municipality or the nearest Fire Management Headquarters at ontario.ca/ page/fire-management-offices.

If you live in a municipality, you must also contact the local municipal office.

• Keep the total area to be burned under one hectare.

• Ensure the flaming edge of the fire does not exceed 30 metres in length.

• Have tools or water on hand adequate to contain the fire at the fire site.

• Ensure a responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.

You must also follow your local municipality’s open burning by-laws or restrictions.

SAFE OUTDOOR BURNING TIPS

Compost rather than burn NDMNRF recommends that you compost or chip your yard and wood waste rather than burn.

Composting is a process of recycling organic waste, such a leaf litter and grass, by placing materials in a bin and allowing them to decompose, creating a soil that benefits the growth of plants.

If composting or chipping is not a feasible option, consider taking the yard and wood waste to a landfill site.

Choose a safe time

Keep your fire small • Small fires can be controlled by one person using hand tools and water.

• Keep your pile of wood, brush, or wood by-products to be burned less than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high.

• Burn during the coolest, dampest and calmest time of the day: two hours before sunset, or later.

• An area of grass or leaves can be burned if the area is less than one hectare (2.5 acres), and the length of the flaming edge is kept to less than 30 metres (100 feet).

• A fire is more likely to get out of control on a hot, dry or windy day.

• Put fires out two hours after sunrise, or earlier.

Welcome back

Thin anda prune trees within 10-30 metres of your cottage or home.

summer!

Our current fundraising campaign will help the LWDH upgrade and replace the fluoroscopy suite and machine.

For the first time at our hospital, pediatric fluroscopy scans and related procedures will be able to be completed in Kenora!

Funds raised through the LWDHF 50/50 draws play a vital role in purchasing equipment that saves lives everyday at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

lwdhf5050.ca Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

51

Choose a safe site • Keep burning piles at least two metres from other flammable materials.

• If burning an area of grass or leaves, make sure the area is surrounded by a fire-proof boundary, such as a road, wet ditch or ploughed ground.

Stay with your fire • If you start a fire outdoors, you must tend the fire, keep it under control, and extinguish it before leaving the site.

• A responsible adult must always be present to tend the fire, at all times, even if it is contained in an incinerator.

• Keep adequate tools and water on hand to control the fire if it begins to spread.

How to build a safe incinerator If you burn forest litter or woody debris often, build and use a good incinerator.

• Select a site at least five metres from anything that could catch on fire (for example, trees, overhanging branches, buildings, piles of debris).

• Clear an area two metres around the incinerator down to mineral soil.

• Use a metal barrel in good condition.

52

Living Lake of the Woods Area News

• A heavy metal mesh must be put on top of the incinerator with a mesh size of less than five millimetres to prevent the spread of burning embers. » Either hinge the mesh top or place a rock or brick on the mesh to keep it from falling off the barrel.

• Material burns more quickly and cleanly if the incinerator has good air flow. » Punch holes about seven centimetres above the bottom of the barrel and a few more holes slightly higher. » Insert steel rods or pipes to support the material to be burned.

• Keep a shovel, rake and water on hand to control the fire if it begins to spread.

• Monitor any fire burning in the incinerator.

• Burn only wood, brush, leaves or discarded wood byproducts—no garbage.

Put the fire out If you start a fire, you are responsible for putting it out.

Since coals can smoulder for hours and hot embers and sparks can be blown by the wind: • Dispose of used charcoal or ashes in a pit.

• Soak hot coals thoroughly, stir them until they are cold to the touch.

Spring 2022

THINK FIRESMART TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FireSmart Canada was established to address common concerns about wildfire in the wildland urban interface, where forest areas and human development come together.

Information about the FireSmart program and how to protect your property from wildland fires is available at firesmartcanada.ca.

For guides and manuals, visit the firesmartcanada.ca/resources.

Protect your property Follow these steps to keep your property safe from wildland fires by managing your three priority zones as described in detail at firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/FS_HomeIgnition-Zone-Poster.pdf.

Use fire-resistant building materials

Conduct a FireSmart home assessment Download the FireSmart Home Assessment at firesmartcanada.ca or visit your Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the "FireSmart begins at home" application. Complete an assessment to see what changes will make the greatest difference in reducing your home’s risk from wildfire.

Quick Tips: • Avoid stacking firewood against or near your dwelling.

Locate woodpiles 10-30 metres away from your building.

Regularly inspect rain gutters and your roof to ensure leaves, pines needles and other combustible materials aren’t accumulating.

• Use brick, stucco, metal siding, metal roofing or asphalt shingles.

• Enclose decks, porches and vents.

To learn more about fire resistant home construction, visit firesmartcanada.ca/homeowners/homeowner-resources.

See more tips and guidelines for campfire safety in the summer issue of the Area News. an

• Regularly inspect rain gutters and your roof to ensure leaves, pines needles and other combustible materials aren’t accumulating.

• Keep grass and weeds cut below 10 centimetres.

Manage the vegetation around your home • Create a non-combustible zone up to 1.5 metres from your home or cottage.

• Reduce shrubs, evergreen trees and dead material within 10 metres of buildings.

• Thin and prune trees within 10-30 metres of your home or cottage.

• Ensure power lines are clear of tree limbs.

• Grow fire resistant plants.

For more ideas on protecting your property, read the FireSmart Begins at Home Manual available at firesmartcanada.ca and FireSmart Landscaping Guide at ontario.ca/page/firesmart-landscaping.

1 Willow Drive Falcon Lake, MB R0E 0N0

Your Project Is Our Passion

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

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

53

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

Conserving our natural resources

BY ROSEMARY ROBERTSON

“Gramma, why do you ask us to use leftover drinking water to water the plants? There’s a lake full of it out there,” said my oldest grandchild. We are so blessed with abundant water in our area that it is easy to forget what a valuable natural resource it is.

Learning to water with care is Livia Cain’s lesson this wonderful day. A self-watering pot keeps the valuable water close at hand for the plants.

Water, animals, plants, coal, minerals, timber, land, light, soil, and energy all occur in nature without man-made assistance. The earth inherently provides them. We depend on them to live. Renewable resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy, are those that don’t diminish.

Non-renewable resources, like water, fossil fuels, natural gases, minerals and nuclear energy cannot be naturally replenished at a pace that the world now demands. Sometimes non-renewables become commodities and are sold to the highest bidder. Some are protected by law and others are vulnerable to overconsumption.

If we take steps to conserve our natural resources, we will protect the health and longevity of humans and the planet. Our overuse of non-renewable resources created climate change. How we live at the lake will be impacted. Behaviour change at the lake should assist to slow or reverse course.

We all do some things right. Using renewable energy is a primary focus for me this summer. We do have a geothermal heat pump

using the lake’s warmth, primarily for winter heating. It reduces our use of electricity by 47 per cent. Our worst habit is the use of fossil fuels. It used to be that the only thing requiring gas was the boat and later a lawnmower. Now, we have a BBQ, weed eater, log splitter and quad as well. I detest our leaf/ snow blower the most, but Jim loves it.

I am going to lose this battle until I find a fabulous rechargeable one. I am on a quest! Rechargeables ought to come into our lives in a big way despite the inconvenience of charge time.

Planting trees is an effective way to restore natural environments. LOWDSA’s Seedling Day is for exactly this purpose. Whether planting trees on your property or as part of a restoration project, both are beneficial.

Title photo: Compare this picture taken at Ash Rapids Lodge to one of the many online depicting dried up lakes. The difference is palpable.

Let’s keep this view as part of what we are fortunate to see each year.

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Living Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Just planting a seed or sapling is not enough though. There must be a commitment to ensure it grows to maturity by choosing the right tree species, not crowding them, putting them in the right spots, caring for them with water and protecting them from wildlife. We are avid tree savers, moving them from under hydro lines to save them from hydro’s chain saws. As people who burn wood it is our responsibility to replace trees we use at least one for one. Yes, despite emissions when burned, wood is still a renewable resource unless harvested extensively.

Our BBQ is going to see less meat this summer. From foil vegetable packets to Halloumi Burgers (hurrythefoodup.com), Meatless Mondays have arrived. Animal There are many ways to build a mini-watershed. Be inventive and let the kids come up with great creations. agriculture produces greenhouse gases, uses immense tracts of farmland, and colour on it and making it “rain” again will show how pollution generates most of all food-related affects the watershed. Yes, there will be a water-fight mid-lesson, emissions. Reducing meat consumption even a little will help. but heck, we’ll just go with it.

Volunteering on a restoration project or choosing one with neighbours is a great gift to natural resources.

Our family cleans up beaches and favourite picnic spots. We take containers for recycling or garbage when we visit the lake. While there, we endeavour to make it look like no human interference occurred. Hopefully, the next visitors will “rewild” as well.

If we all practice conserving natural resources, we will feel the earth’s hug. Using only what we need, and not excessive amounts of non-renewable resources helps ensure we will always have them. an

If you don’t have time to volunteer, donate to groups with proven track records involved in ecosystem generation. Check out “Protecting Town Island: A Biologist's Perspective” (natureconservancy.ca). It brings the importance of the need for support close to home.

And now back to Levi’s query about water conservation. It’s no wonder kids and some adults think water is an inexhaustible resource because every time they turn on a tap, water usually comes out.

But we’re talking camps here, so you never know. Hands on activities for kids make a lesson stick. Building a mini-watershed sounds fun. From it the kids will learn that water is a finite resource which takes a longer time to replenish than consume.

Firstly, we will discuss questions like “Did you use water today? Where did it come from?” We’ll build a landscape with a tarp, and some collected waterproof objects.

Spraying water (“rain”) over the landscape will demonstrate how water flows and collects in depressions to form lakes, streams and wetlands. Depositing some

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

55

NOTES FROM RAZBERRY LANE

Reflections on aging and retirement

BY ANITA & HENRY RASMUSSEN If “70 is the new 50”, it’s possible to spend as many years retired as at work. For people whose identity is closely welded to their work, retirement may signal the end of much that made their lives meaningful. Lacking the satisfaction and companionship the workplace provided, they can feel lonely and out of touch.

Luckily, the end of compulsory retirement allows for options like staying longer on the job or even a whole new career.

Of course, much will depend on the state of one’s health and fiscal situation. While not claiming professional expertise on the matter, we would be remiss by not sharing two essentials to retiring comfortably on a modest income: paying off the mortgage and avoiding debt.

Aging is a series of adjustments. For instance, our focus on other people’s approval decreases in time, having wasted too much precious youth in its pursuit. The realization that hardly anyone paid attention and fewer still noticed us at all, is an immensely liberating, if belated, epiphany.

The fact that the only opinion that really matters is that of the people close to us is a revelation that comes with, well, age. The rest should not matter.

Of course, this attitude can be carried to extremes. We’ve all encountered old people who feel free to say the most outrageous things, just because they can. Best not to fall into that trap.

Remember the fine line between endearingly frank and just plain rude and obnoxious.

Among the nuggets unearthed while delving into the “twilight years” is the issue of gravity when one’s body begins to betray us. Formerly taken for granted, firmness of skin and appendages

We indeed enjoyed April in Paris.

is no longer a given as everything begins to sag at an alarming rate. The truth is that the battle against gravity is one we are all doomed to lose.

Eavesdropping on senior citizens reveals that topics of conversation, like hair, can get sparser over time. Details of the latest funeral or who’s on the waiting list for a medical procedure tend to predominate, closely followed by wintering in Arizona, Florida or Texas. The weather is a perennial favourite (too cold, too hot, too dry, too wet) and at social events the music or dialogue is either too loud or completely unintelligible. And inevitably, nearly everything compares unfavourably to the “good old days”.

Yet countless people leave the workforce after many productive years eager to confront new challenges, which they meet with courage and grace. Retirement in the strict sense of the word is not in their vocabulary as they continue to seek opportunities to use their knowledge and expertise. Sadly, in a youth-oriented culture that acquired wisdom is not always valued. How many of us regret not having spent more time listening to and learning from parents and grandparents when we had the chance? So many questions unanswered, so many stories untold.

In conclusion, must aging and retirement be inextricably entwined? Obviously not, but they can complement one another by allowing for personal preferences, hopes and dreams. Finally, it all comes down to each individual’s point of view.

An informal poll among contemporaries yielded these pearls of wisdom. One thought the best thing about retirement is waking up every morning. Period.

Another felt that a long life well lived is indisputably the best revenge of all. Still another described old age as the perfect time to “re-tread” rather than “re-tire”. Our favourite comment on the subject: getting old is a slippery slope without a reliable braking system.

To which we can only add: enjoy the ride! an

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Living Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Choose non-invasive when gardening and landscaping This chart serves as a guide to avoid introducing potentially invasive plants when planting your gardens and buffer zones. The recommendations come from A Guide for Northern Ontario: Beautiful Non-invasive Plants for your Garden. Get the latest information from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council at ontarioinvasiveplants.ca.

Type

Potentially Invasive

Non-invasive

Ground Covers

Creeping Bellflower, Periwinkle, Goutweed

Wild Strawberry, Wild Ginger, Bearberry, Wintergreen, Foamflower, Wild Geranium, Mayapple, Bunch Berry, Running Euonymus

Ox-Eye Daisy

Black-Eyed Susan, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Pale Purple Coneflower

Grasses

Miscanthus, Reed Canary Grass

Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Feather Reed Grass or Sweetgrass

Tree & Shrubs

Japanese Knot Weed

Saskatoon Berry, Red Osier Dogwood, Common Elderberry

Non-native honeysuckle shrubs, Siberian Pea-shrub

Nannyberry, Common Ninebark, fragrant Sumac, Alpine Currant, Wild Roses, Silver Buffaloberry

False Spirea

Common Elderberry, Bush Honeysuckle, Flowering Raspberry

Norway Maple

Sugar, Silver, freeman Maples, Basswood, Hackberry

Oriental Bittersweet, Bittersweet Nightshade

American Wisteria, Jackman Clematis, Virgin’s Bower, Virginia Creeper, Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle, Goldflame Honeysuckle

Vines

Ornamentals Himalayan Balsam

Aquatics

Bleeding Heart, Meadow Rue, Spotted Jewelweed

Dame’s Rocket

Anise Hyssop, Fireweed, Wild Bergamot

Giant Hogweed

Wild Angelica, Ornamental Rhubarb, Rodgersia

Yellow Flag Iris, Flowering Rush, Purple Loosestrife

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Blue Vervain

European Common Reed, Common Cattail, River Bulrush, Hardstem Bulrush Narrow Leaf & White Cattail Eurasian Watermilfoil, Water Soldier

Coontail, Common Waterweed, Common Mare’s Tail, Yellow Pond Lily, Fragrant White Water Lily, Water Smartweed

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

57

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MEMBER RECIPE

Apple-Onion Burgers & Oven Fries

BY SHAYLA SMITH, LACLU Spring is here, the snow has finally melted off the deck, and we can once again fire up the 'cue and grill up a batch of appleonion burgers. At this time of year, when we've been itching for real burgers for months, we're happy to take the extra time to make our own from scratch—so much better than store bought!

This particular recipe was adopted from my days as a deli clerk at Bigway Foods in Keewatin. Apple-onion bison burgers were one of Claude's bestsellers. Thankfully, I no longer have to chop up ten pounds of onions and peel, core and dice twenty pounds of apples for the big-batch recipe. And while I don't usually bother trying to find bison burger, we do often use this recipe with deer or moose burger.

My boys—notoriously picky eaters, as young kids often are— consistently devour these burgers, as well as the homemade fries I serve alongside. In fact, in a few years I may be right back to making this recipe in fifty-pound batches... when I have two teenage boys in the house, that might just be enough to ensure there's a burger or two left for me.

Apple-Onion Burgers & Oven Fries SERVES 6 OVEN FRIES 6 large potatoes 1 tsp 1/4 cup canola/vegetable oil 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp 1 tsp garlic powder

onion powder montreal steak spice salt

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. 2. Slice potatoes lengthwise into fry-sized pieces.

3. Mix oil, Worcestershire and spices in a medium bowl— adjust spices to your personal taste.

Left: Rohan wants to know more about the sesame seeds on his fullyloaded apple-onion burger.

Below: Just the burger, cheese and a bun for this picky eater.

4. Toss in potatoes, mix well to coat.

5. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, arrange potatoes evenly and bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

APPLE-ONION BURGERS 1-2 lbs lean ground beef 1/2 cup finely diced onion 1 apple, peeled & diced 1 egg 1/4 cup corn flake crumbs

1 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tsp 6

Worcestershire sauce milk diced garlic salt (to taste) hamburger buns

1. In a medium bowl, beat the egg and mix in crumbs, Worcestershire, milk, garlic, and salt.

2. Stir in the onion and apple.

3. Add burger, mix by hand until tacky. Shape into patties and grill. Grilling time depends on how thick you've made the patties and the heat of your grill.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

59

Your better sense / nature

BY JACOB RODENBURG & DREW MONKMAN

Our environment is a delightfully textured tapestry of sound, sight, taste, feel, and smell. And spring is a wonderful time to activate our senses so that we can feel more connected to the rebirth and renewal that this season brings.

For example, we have hearing that is sensitive enough to detect wind gently moving through grasses and bold enough to deal with loud and raucous honking of Canada Geese winging their way north.

Step outside. Notice the incredible shades of colours, the sheen of light reflecting off a balsam fir, the deep blue of the sky and the many tons of white and grey folded in clouds.

Notice that you too, have the eyes of a predator—stereoscopic vision that enables you to perceive objects in three dimensions.

Take a moment and rub your thumb across the tips of your fingers. Feel the ridges of skin that encases them. We are enveloped in skin—the barrier between us and the world—and special receptors called Meissner’s corpuscles (in our fingertips, we have over 9,000 of these per

60

LOWDKIDS Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

square inch) respond to the slightest pressure, a gentle caress, or the sweep of a cool breeze.

Take one large breath and focus on the smell of the air around you. With every breath in and out (over 20,000 per day) we pick up odours. The latest research suggests we can detect millions of them. Can you smell the fresh scent of earth, the tangy smell of pine?

Rub your tongue across the roof of your mouth.

Can you feel the texture of your taste buds?

Crammed in our mouth and shaped like tiny volcanoes, our more than 10,000 taste buds help us to detect the faintest of flavours—for example our tongue can help us detect bitterness in as little as one part per 2 million. Sophisticated sommeliers (wine connoisseurs) can tell from what region grapes from a fine red wine were grown after just a few small sips.

Perhaps we can become nature sommeliers as we practice drinking in the natural world with all of our senses tuned and primed. Here are a few activities to help you connect more deeply to the natural world through the wonder of your senses.

Focused hearing

Cup your hands, squeeze your fingers together and slip them behind your ears. Now, push your ears forward. Notice how much better you can hear? Up to ten times better, actually. Now, with your “extenda ears” on, listen. Really listen. What do you hear? Can you find all of the sounds listed on this springtime sound scavenger hunt?

• The short bursts of trilling by chorus frogs. To hear what they sound like go to frogwatch.ca • The three toned springtime song of the black-capped chickadee—sounds like “Hey Sweetie” (to hear what this sounds like, go to: allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/sounds) • Tree songs—can you identify a tree by the sound the wind makes through its branches?

A white pine whooshes, a maple and oak chatter, quaking aspens shiver and bushes whisper.

• The bright and urgent song a red-winged blackbird—sounds like “Konk-er-me”. To hear what this sounds like to go: allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird • The cheerful sound of the American Robin which sounds like “Cheer-a-lee, cheer up, cheer-a-lee.”

To hear what this sounds like go to: allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/

Clothes pin view

We forget how nature can change so rapidly. When we go for a walk, we tend to notice what is right in front of us. To truly appreciate how quickly the natural world changes over time, try this: Find a wooden clothes pin and write your name on it. Clip it to a tree bud that is just about to open. Visit your clothes pin each day and notice how your bud transforms. If you can, take a photograph of your unfurling leaf.

Smell cocktail

Feely blanket/bag When we take the time to feel something, we often do so with our eyes open. But just by closing our eyes and isolating our sense of touch, we can experience nature in an entirely new way.

For this activity, collect a series of objects: interestingly shaped sticks, different rocks with rough and smooth textures, shells, bones, feathers, pinecones, leaves, grasses.

Place items under a blanket, along the periphery. Have participants lie down on their stomachs and ask them to slide their hands under the blanket. By using their sense of touch, can they guess what lies underneath?

Ask participants periodically to scootch over so that everyone has an opportunity to feel each of the objects.

As an alternative (and this seems to work well for younger children), place a variety of natural objects inside an old pillowcase. Place smooth objects in one, rougher in another.

No peeking!

Now that you’ve practiced sniffing, you are ready for a cocktail party! A chance to mingle with friends and to sample something fragrant and soothing. Why not create your very own smell cocktail? All you’ll need is a few paper cups and a small twig as a swizzle stick.

As you hike, selectively harvest tiny bits of the forest (e.g., a pinch of soil, a part of a leaf, a petal of wildflower, a bud, a smidgen of moss, or a flake of bark). Think about mindful harvesting (taking just a tiny bit from here and a bit from there and being careful not to cause too much damage in one spot). And if you can, practice reciprocity by planting some seeds. I often take along native wildflower seeds that I’ll sprinkle near wherever we have been harvesting. Place each bit of nature in your cup. Add your swivel stick. Use the swizzle stick to gently crush the material inside your cup. This will help release the odours. You now have created your very own smell cocktail. Give each smell cocktail creation a name, perhaps “Pinesappyness” or “Woodilicious.”

Take time to smell each other’s creations. Can you identify the fragrances? an

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Living

Real Estate Listings

Part 2&3 Carlton Road

Little Sand Lake

Lot 14 Winnipeg River

Part 2: 23 acres, 967 ft of frontage; Part 3: 14 acres, 423 ft of frontage. Great location to build your dream home on untouched land fronting on Carlton Road, and a 15 minutes drive to downtown Kenora this area is quiet and private.

3.68 acres waterfront lot with 174 ft rock shoreline, low profile at water’s edge, sloping upland. Water access.

South facing vacant lot minutes from town. 2.85 ac., 782 ft of frontage with hydro on the lot line.

Good water, great fishing and nice views.

$140,000

$249,000 +HST

807-466-8266 / gregkirby.ca

807-466-2236 / lakeofthewoods.net

$100,000 - $125,000

RE/MAX NorthWest Realty Brokerage

Greg Kirby, Re/Max First Choice Realty Ltd

Carmichael Real Estate Inc.

807-468-4573 / remaxnorthwestrealty.com

Moore Bay 1-3

Moore Bay 1—3 season duplex, 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 kitchens: $329,000 Moore Bay 7—An off grid, boat-in resort, 4 bed, 3 Season - Duplex, 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 kitchen, bath, kitchen: $299,000

French Narrows Quintessential LOTW lifestyle in the heart of world class fishing. Cottage offers 3 bedrooms, 4pc bath, open concept kitchen/living/dining $329,000 rooms, solar system with backup generator, fish cleaning house and a floating dock system.

$299,000-$329,000 7 - An off grid, boat-in resort, 4 bed, 3 bath, kitchen Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / $299,000 kenora-realestate.com

Shelley Torrie: 807.468.1120 Joey Katz Cell: 807.466.2770

storrie@kenora-realestate.com jkatz@kenora-realestate.com

Road access lakefront LOTW lots 2 new lots on Pine Portage Bay via Storm Bay Road. 2.4 or 2.6 acres, 200’ frontage each, includes 66’ shore allowance. Private location in unorganized area. Hydro and phone available.

Easy access to Kenora by car or boat.

$315,000

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 LOTW/ kenora-realestate.com 48 Lily Pad Bay $1,195,000

$519,000

Northwoods Realty Bruce and Jake Bennett

807-226-1024 / northwoodsrealtyltd.com

The Loon’s Nest, Eagle Lake

48 Lily Pad Bay, LOTW

Investment Opportunity! The Loon’s Nest on Eagle Lake is now available to be purchased as your own escape. There are two additional cabins on this well-maintained property making it great for those larger families.

This 2-storey, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a 1.86 acre lot and features a gourmet kitchen, a spacious rec room, and 2000sq.ft. of wrap-around deck.

$695,000 + HST

peterzaj@mymts.net

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

62

Cabin or year-round home on Whitefish Bay, Lake of the Woods. Photos, video and virtual tour on our website.

This 2-storey, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a 1.86 acre lot and features a gourmet kitchen, a spacious rec room, and 2000 sq.ft. of wrap-around deck.

$525,000 per lot Private Sale

Whitefish Bay

Cabin Country Realty

Services Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

$1,195,000

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

807-468-3747 / century21kenora.com

BUILDING DREAM S

Classifieds

Classified ads are a free service for LOWDSA members.

How to submit Classifieds

Email membership@lowdsa.com or mail LOWDSA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7

Next submission deadline: May 29, 2022 Please try to keep your listing to 35 words or less.

FOR RENT Lakefront cottage, Sioux Narrows. 2 BR main cottage includes 2 baths, large great room, full kitchen with dishwasher, dining room with French doors, wet bar, laundry, BBQ, internet/tv, private docking & swim dock. Also included is guest cottage with full bath. Located on Snake Bay, beautiful water views on 3 sides. Minutes from store, gas, groceries. $2500/wk. 2 week minimum. Price negotiable for longer term or seasonal renter.

Rustic log cabin. 2 bedrooms and 3 bed bunk house on boat house in Woodchuck Bay. Beds for 8-10 w/ 1 bathroom and outhouse. Road accessible off Rush Bay Road, large grass, low profile front lot with sand beach and floating dock. Weekly and monthly dates available. 3,500 per week Pls contact lotw.lodge.6@gmail.com.

Rustic 1000 square foot cabin on Zigzag Island (Clearwater Bay). 5-minute boat ride from Rockeries Marina. A boat rental could be available. Amazing fishing nearby. Satellite TV, great cellular coverage, bbq, kayaks, fire pit, and much more.

Prefer a couple or former cottage owners.

Knowledge of a composting toilet is essential. 1300$ per week. 204-688-7347.

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.

Lakefront - Clearwater Bay. South exposure; road access; spacious docks for swimming, fishing & boating. Large great room, kitchen & dining areas with spectacular lake view. 3 bedrooms; master with ensuite. Full second bathroom— shower & bath. Den with fireplace, satellite TV & pullout sofa. Dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer. Large deck & BBQ. Minutes from the liquor store, gas & groceries. 1-2 week stays, June-Sept $4000/w. Contact dougpeever1955@ gmail.com for booking details.

Lakefront property on Coney Island, LOW. Walking distance to Coney Island Beach and 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

64

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 Private Cottage in Bulman Bay, LOTW. Minutes from the Yacht Club. Near Keewatin, 10 minutes down McKenzie Portage Road. Lakefront with a large dock and great swimming. 4 bdrm, full bath with washer & dryer, good size kitchen with dishwasher, wood-burning fireplace & satellite TV. Screened porch, large deck, and fire pit. Lots of parking.

Recently renovated. Available January through December. Minimum 2-week stay. $3080/wk. Email inquiries to hklapman@mwgapparel.com Brule Point lakefront 3 bdrm cabin, LOW. Fantastic fishing area, quiet bay, two docking facilities with plug, private beach, fully stocked including freezer, large deck.

Cabin sleeps 5, single bathroom/shower.

Boat access only. 2022 rate $1330/week.

Contact donna@taketwoinc.com Exceptional location on Coney Island.

Minutes from Kenora / Keewatin with western exposure. Newer, open concept cottage with 4 large bdrms and three bathrooms. Separate master suite with bathroom and private deck. Amenities include a full kitchen with all appliances, dishwasher, microwave, washer/ dryer, large island, separate dining area, wood burning fireplace and satellite TV. Screened porch with large wrap around decks overlook the lake, outdoor shower and built-in gas barbecue. Waters edge has a large main dock with two floaters that provide deep water docking and great swimming. Minimum 2 week stay.

Email inquiries to 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, unrestricted deeded access, legal title to each lot.

Contact e-mail: peterzaj@mymts.net.

Services Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

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.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 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 651-200-2217, 651-274-7278.

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.

WANT TO HIRE Summer Student to do property maintenance at cottage property. On Storm Bay Road May-Aug 2022, position runs 16 weeks at 40h per week. The wages offered are $25 an hour. Email resume to kevin@mcfaddenbenefits.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. KOOLKING 13,500 BTU 4-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner w/ Heat Pump. Purchased August 2021 for $750, used only a few days and it works great, however it's too powerful for our small Camp. Asking $600, includes instructions, window fittings, gaskets and remote. homehardware.ca/en/14000-btu-portable-air-conditioner-with-heat-pump/p/3812972.

Could arrange delivery to your dock in northern LOW. Contact: Rob rksundog@ mymts.net or (204) 793-0530 Older windsurfer with 2 sails. One for learning, or high wind. One for experienced, or not as much wind. Can double as a paddle board. Available in May. Asking $500. Text or call 620 363 1122.

Z-Dock 15’x18’ floating dock. With integral small boat ramp $5000. 204292-3970.

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 Looking to buy home, cottage or property on Winnipeg River. Thinking of selling? Our family is looking to build

or buy a road access home, cabin or property in the $500-$900K range, within 20 min drive to Keewatin/Kenora. Email shayla.e.s@gmail.com.

Snow Blower or Garden Tractor.

Looking to buy a good condition, used, gas powered 30 inch or larger, with Snow-Thrower attachment and or Blade.

Contact: peterzaj@mymts.net 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 1984 Tiara 31’ Lake Cruiser - Live aboard. Low-time Twin 350 Crusader engines, all new interior refresh with XM and loads of equipment. This ex-Great Lakes boat is ready to go. $40,000 USD. Contact at 204-292-3970.

Lund Outfitter (2003 20ft ) with Mercury 115hp EFI Optimax, dependable and great on fuel. New in 2016 Merc 9.9hp long shaft Pro Kicker EFI, power tilt, elec start; 2 Interstate deep cycle batteries; Humminbird 9" Helix fish locator; bluetooth stereo, ladder & travel cover. New in 2018 all new canvas. On Easyloader trailer. Asking $24,750 OBO. Contact Ted 204-294-4891 or Hawkersidly@gmail.com Antique 1966 Mahogany CENTURY RESORTER. 17’7”. Original Chrysler V8 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.

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.

16 ft Albacore sailboat. Complete set of sails including main, jib, spinnaker and sail bag good shape. Custom built trailer included. Mast support for trailering.

Asking $2500, call 204-489-6787 or e-mail brugin1@mymts.net 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.

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

COMMERCIAL

•

RESIDENTIAL

807.468.5915 rBrignall@yahOO.ca

•

INDUSTRIAL

•

COTTAGE

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

•

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

•

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

ADVERTISE WITH

Red and White Pine Specialty Products T&G Pine Paneling Log Siding / Shiplap / Flooring Timbers | Hardwoods | T&G Cedar Paneling 1-800-757-4797 Box 300 Emo Ontario P0W1E0 www.manitouforest.com

Deb Polakoffine.ca

deb@areanewsm

agaz

4

204-795-684

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Services

65

Advertisers’ Directory ARTS 14

Mayberry Fine Art

212 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg

18

Melissa Jean Art

Kenora

877-871-9261

mayberryfineart.com melissajeanart.com

BUILDING SUPPLIES 53

Lumber One Building Supplies

1 Willow Drive, Falcon Lake

204-349-2294

lumberone.ca

65

Manitou Forest Products

Emo

807-482-2185

manitouforest.com

36

McMunn & Yates

1666 Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-547-3366

mcmunnandyates.com

15

Star Building Materials

16 Speers Road, Winnipeg

204-233-8687

starbuilding.ca/winnipeg

COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY 22

Lake of the Woods Control Board

40

Lake of the Woods District Hospital

21 Sylvan Street W, Kenora

807-468-9861

lwdh.on.ca

51

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

807-468-9861

lwdhf.com

800-661-5922

CONTRACTORS 65

AK & Company

Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-543-2493

19

Black Fox Construction

225 Main Street North, Kenora

807-468-5915

blackfoxconstruction.com

45

Conquest Manufacturing

3077 Road 6 NW, Altona

866-300-0222

conquestbuilt.com

8

Custom Woodworking Co.

Kenora

807-464-0007

customwoodworkingco.com

Docks & Lifts

1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora

807-547-4444

docksandlifts.ca

63

DTL Carpentry

Keewatin

204-979-4055

dtlcarpentry.ca

44

Oakwood Roofing

Highway 17 East, Kenora

807-467-8824

oakwoodroofing.com

55

REMR Roofing

2053 Hwy 17 E, Kenora

807-548-2811

remrroofing.com

20

We Drill Pipe

Winnipeg

833-237-4551

12

We Level Cabins

Winnipeg

833-253-8351

welevelcabins.ca

65

Bob's Electric

Kenora

807-468-5915

rbrignall@yahoo.ca

33

Bowman Electric

Kenora

807-468-8813

bowmanelectric.com

Inside Back

ELECTRICAL

FINANCIAL SERVICES 34-35

Bieber Wealth Management

1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg

204-953-7827

richardsonwealth.com

2

RBC Darcy Zaporzan

3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

204-982-2635

dzwmg.com

27

Richardson Wealth

1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg

204-943-5263

richardsonwealth.com

HOME & COTTAGE FURNISHINGS 10

Image One Home & Cottage

1060 Railway Street, Kenora

807-468-3641

imageonehome.com

39

Inland

625 Wall Street, Winnipeg

204-957-4940

inlandmade.com

HOME & COTTAGE MAINTENANCE 9

Dock on a Rock

42 Marrianne Drive, Kenora

807-548-4526

pineportageventures.com

65

Keystone Security

1221 Highway 17 W, Keewatin

807-468-7878

keystonelock.ca

42

LOW Septic Barge & Bell's Septic

Kenora

807-464-3468

septicbarge.com

65

Mason Plumbing & Heating

West Hawk Lake

204-349-2672

masonplumbing.ca

16

Morgan Fuels

Kenora

800-661-3635

morganfuels.ca

52

Sunset Spray East

Kenora

807-464-3104

sunsetsprayinc.com

65

United Tree Service

Kenora

807-464-3602

11

World of Water

712 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-468-4338

worldofwateronline.ca

65

Richard McKenzie Insurance

57-99 Scurfield Boulevard, Winnipeg

204-410-1010

mckenzie.insure

58

The Standard Insurance

319 Second Street South, Kenora

807-468-3333

thestandardonline.com

50

Hook Seller Lundin

203-301 First Avenue South, Kenora

807-468-9831

hsllaw.ca

26

PFK Lawyers

71 Main Street South, Carmen

204-745-2028

pkflawyers.com

INSURANCE

LEGAL

MARINE & RECREATION 57

Rond's Marine

1350 Dugald Road, Winnipeg

204-237-5800

rondsmarine.com

38

Snow Much Fun

Winnipeg

204-269-4357

snowmuchfun.com

Woodlake Marine

1956 Highway 17 West, Kenora

807-468-2628

woodlakemarine.com

WSL Sport & Leisure

832 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-468-5975

wslsport.com

Back Cover 47 REAL ESTATE Inside Front

66

Cabin Country Realty

138 Main Street South, Kenora

807-468-3541

cabincountry.com

58

Carmichael Real Estate

625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora

807-467-2323

lakeofthewoods.net

43

Century 21 Northern Choice Realty Ltd

5-308 2nd Street South

807-468-3747

century21kenora.com

23

Greg Kirby RE/MAX

Kenora

807-466-8266

gregkirby.ca

49

Northwoods Realty

5701A Highway 71, Sioux Narrows

807-226-1024

northwoodsrealtyltd.com

56

Pine Portage Ventures

42 Marrianne Drive, Kenora

807-548-4526

peterzaj@mymts.net

17

RE/MAX NorthWest Realty Ltd

334 Second Street S, Kenora

807-468-0101

remaxnorthwestrealty.com

33

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

721 Beach Road, Kenora

807-547-4020

kenora-realestate.com

Services Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Beautiful and wild Town Island

BY LORI NELSON

With the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, and the resulting relative ease of transport across the country, the charms of Lake of the Woods came to the attention of the travelling public.

While there were those who had the means to acquire their own little piece of paradise, for the majority, parks, beaches, picnic spots and ferries were their points of access to the lake. With that in mind, the Town Council of Rat Portage (now Kenora) made a prudent land acquisition in 1895. In negotiations with the Crown Lands Department, the municipality was granted ten acres on Island D72 for park and garden purposes under the Public Lands Act. In addition, a deal was struck, which would allow the Town to purchase the remainder of the 200 acre island for a nominal sum of 10¢/acre, about $18. While the Crown initially retained a shoreline reserve, this was eventually relinquished to the Town in 1911 for the sum of $29.

The aptly named “Town Island” was for the enjoyment of all.

During its first 50 years under Town ownership it was largely left in its wild state, although in 1905 some land was cleared for picnicking. In 1912, it was discussed as a possible site for the development of a municipal golf course. Its inaccessibility was a major drawback and the proposal was abandoned.

In the 1930s, the island began its role as an outdoor classroom, hosting first the boy scouts from Winnipeg and then attracting the interest of the Navy League of Canada.

Camp Ruttan In 1945, the Navy League entered into a 20-year lease agreement with the Town of Kenora to use a portion of Town Island for a sea cadet camp. Attended by 600 cadets in its first summer

of operation, Camp Ruttan, named after Manitoba Division President J.D. Ruttan, started as a tent facility. Within three years, 22 buildings had been constructed. In addition, a fleet of whalers, dinghies, sailboats, and rowboats were available for training purposes. A 32-foot navy harbour craft was used for transporting supplies and cadets to the camp.

The camp was staffed by Royal Canadian Navy personnel who oversaw the 20-plus civilian staff and local sea cadet officers.

Each camp session ran for two weeks throughout July and August, with accommodation for 175 cadets per session.

Training included classes on how to sail, row, swim, dive, and tie knots. In addition, to learn the routines of a ship, all took turns standing watch. Evenings were less structured and allowed time for baseball, soccer or volleyball, ending with “Kye time” when cocoa and a snack were served.

The camp was supported by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Manitoba Division whose efforts included the donation of funds towards the building of the landmark lighthouse on the island in 1950.

Varying sources indicate that Camp Ruttan was closed between 1950 and 1952. The Royal Canadian Navy who, each summer, committed personnel to the operations on Town Island, decided to withdraw that support, instead focusing their resources on centralized camps on the east and west coasts.

In 1954, B’nai Brith made an offer to purchase the former site of Camp Ruttan for $15,000 with the intent of operating a children’s summer camp. When word of the offer was announced, letters to the editor of the Kenora Miner and News voiced opposition to the sale. One writer, F.B. McEown, who knew the island as Park Island when he was a child, itemized the reasons for maintaining

Title photo: Town Island’s undeveloped shoreline is one of the natural assets that has made the island a conservation priority for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Photo: Patrice Nelson.

Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association Services

67

“Picnic Point” on Town Island is a popular overnight spot for campers from both B’nai Brith Camp and Camp Stephens. Photo: Patrice Nelson

the public regarding the potential loss of a valued public asset and the impact development would have on fish and wildlife values and water quality.

In the end, a win-win solution was arrived at—the City of Kenora would give Town Island to the province in exchange for land of equal value within or adjacent to the city’s boundaries. The province would maintain the island through their Lands for Life program which was established to protect natural heritage environments. The exchange was to be completed within ten years.

the island for the enjoyment of all—“the size and varieties of its natural assets, many natural boat landings, sandy beaches, deep water shores for swimming, excellent tree shelter for tenters and splendid settings for camp fires.” Local businessman George Carmichael addressed the Council of the day in his letter: “Display the same vision and outlook for the future as our Council did fifty years ago and preserve this for the People.” The fate of the island was put in the hands of Kenora voters in the fall municipal election. When the ballots were counted, there were 941 against the sale, 426 for.

B’nai Brith Camp Although the sale didn’t get approval at that time, a lease agreement was made with B’nai Brith, who, since 1954, have provided a wilderness-based camp for children ages 4-16. While the camp is described as a “fun, supportive, inclusive Jewish environment in which youth can explore, grow and mature”, it is a non-denominational camp that is open to all children. Their programs are varied and are geared towards different age groups and experience levels.

Youth have access to a wide variety of activities that include basketball, climbing, canoeing, dance, kayaking, archery, ziplining, paddle boarding, drama, soccer, and arts and crafts.

In 2014, B’nai Brith purchased 30 acres of the island from the City.

They have been committed stewards of the island and its valuable assets while offering a “natural classroom” to the thousands of children who have benefited from their camp experience over generations. The youth at Camp Stephens (on an adjacent island) have also benefited from the continued wildness of Town Island, using it for camping excursions, canoe trips, and campfires.

Sale of Town Island While the rest of the island remained free from any significant built structures, enhancements were provided at various points to make the island more attractive. In the 1970s, the Kinsmen Club of Kenora cleared the beach on the south side of the island, installed a dock, placed picnic tables and installed a small shelter.

None of that remains today.

In 2008, the City of Kenora considered a plan of subdivision for the unoccupied portion of Town Island. An Environmental Inventory and Impact Assessment was conducted and public input was sought. Again, expressions of concern were voiced by

68

Services Lake of the Woods Area News

Spring 2022

Fast forward to 2019 when Kenora City Council was once again considering the future of Town Island. The exchange with the Province never happened and the City was now considering the sale of Town Island with the revenue being directed to community needs. A Call for Expressions of Interest in the Acquisition of Town Island was issued by the City. No offers were received by February 2020. What was received instead was a petition, organized by the newly formed Friends of Town Island and signed by over 12,000 people protesting the sale of the island.

It included local and seasonal residents, Camp Stephens and B’nai Brith supporters, environmentalists, and lake lovers.

Following months of negotiations, an agreement of purchase and sale was reached in February of 2021 between the City of Kenora and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The City will sell its portion of the island for $2.25 million with the sale to close this August 2022. The City will also provide $75,000 towards the NCC Stewardship Endowment Fund.

Town Island is considered a priority in the conservation work of the NCC because of its large size, its intact forest and its undeveloped shoreline. Its biodiversity values are high, as too are the threats to the island. Kristyn Ferguson, NCC Program Director for the Ontario Region, cites some of the assets of the island that are worthy of conservation—nesting bald eagles, the American white pelican (relatively rare in Ontario and listed on the endangered species list of Canada), fish spawning along the undeveloped shoreline and the island as a migratory bird stopover.

A more comprehensive inventory and a five-year plan will be developed with a view to ensuring that the forest and shorelines remain in good condition and any emerging threats (like invasive species) are managed.

A fundraising effort, “Keep Town Island Wild”, was initiated in 2021 to raise the $2.85 million project costs, with B’nai Brith joining as a significant partner. Other funds have come from the private sector. In August, the sale will be finalized and the island will come under the care of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Many of the campers at B’nai Brith would be familiar with a Hebrew phrase that expresses a concept significant to the preservation of Town Island as a largely undeveloped wilderness that is there for the benefit of children and their families. It is “Shomrei Adamah”, which means “guardians of the land” and expresses our responsibility for the protection and renewal of the earth. Our thanks to B’nai Brith, the many donors, and the NCC for doing their part in being Shomrei Adamah of Town Island. an