Volume 46
Number 4
The Women of
September/October 2016
Coney Lodge
The historic Coney Island property creates a lasting legacy
48
by Lorne Hurst Pg.
We S We Seell ll Mor Moree tage Cot han Th T an Cotta gess! ! ME ET OU RT EA M GRAHAM CHAZE
HAROLD WARKENTIN
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In this Issue... President’s Message Editor’s Message
4
3
Executive Director’s Message
8
6
Members - Need to Know Metal Waste Day: A Huge Success LakeSmart visits Deception Lake Cottagers LacLu Area Celebrates Summer and Community
12
ews & Notes N McKenzie Clearwater Fire Department Celebrates 25 Years A Prescription for Change MNRF Working with Turtle Portage Area Residents Kenora District Phone Book New Investment in Freshwater Research at IISD-Experimental Lakes Area Lifesavers Dinner Auction Raises $305,000 Cover photo: Armin Schatzler
18
Environment Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association - Common Goals & A Shared Passion for Lake Life LacLu Environmental Committee Educating the Freshwater Scientists of the Future The Camp Way of Life by Danielle Gauld
32
28
LOWDKids! Frogs & Toads Ready for Winter 2016 Photo Contest
36
Boating Women of the Water Enjoy Black Sturgeon Lake Sailing Thrives on Black Sturgeon Lake Beautiful History by Pat Keena
44 46
40
Cottage How-to A Mud-Proof Foot Valve Food & Drink Notes from Razberry Lane The Women of Coney Lodge by Lorne Hurst
53 Advertisers’ Directory 54 The Back Porch 56 Classifieds
48
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President’s Message Nancy Salmijarvi LOWDPOA President Let me introduce you to my young friend, Hunter! Hunter is a fourth generation lake child, and even though he’s not yet two years old, all indications are he’s going to grow up to be a true lake guy. It’s fun to see how the young ones enjoy and experience their first adventures on the water; everything from swimming, wildlife sightings, boating and fishing, to a first experience of fireworks from a boat. Hunter’s great grandfather and grandfather are former LOWDPOA presidents and his entire young family is current members of our association. What about you? Are you encouraging your kids and grandkids to join us? Our current demographics show less than 100 members under the age of 40. The future of the association will soon be in the hands of this younger generation and our staff and directors are always working to ensure growth in this under-represented demographic. Our existing members are the best ambassadors we’ve got; I encourage you to assist us by signing up your family members, neighbors and friends. Our annual summer meeting in July was well attended with the Cottage Succession Planning seminar once again proving to be very popular. If I learned anything during the session it was that it’s never too soon to start discussing your family’s plans for the future disposition of cottage property. The experts in attendance provided excellent information with several members commenting later that they were surprised at the complexities involved in the process. Thank you to Bruce Ormiston, Mona Brown and Jim Lockhart for their presentations at the seminar. Another great season of LakeSmart has wrapped up with our team doing a superb job representing LOWDPOA both on and off the water, while visiting property owners and attending several area events. Thank you Lucas King, Will Jackson and Katie Appleby for a successful sixth season. My message wouldn’t be complete without some comment about the weather. After an incredibly dry spring, cold wet windy weather took hold until the third week of July. Thankfully, the month of August brought us true summer. The LOWDPOA Board goes back to the meeting table in September to continue its work on your behalf, representing member issues on many fronts. As always, your ideas and comments are welcome. Don’t hesitate to contact our Executive Director, Susan McLeod to provide your input. Fall can be a busy season with closing up cottages and seasonal chores, but it can also be a beautiful time at the lake. Remember to take some time to enjoy!
Executive Committee PRESIDENT
Nancy Salmijarvi, Welcome Channel Vice President
Hardy Bock, Black Sturgeon Treasurer
Christine Semenchuk, Storm Bay Past President
Robert Bulman, Tunnel Island
Board Members
Leslie Alexander, Malachi Lake Ted Bigelow, Echo Bay Wayne Bruce, Pistol Lake Dave Christie, Granite Lake Don Parfitt, Winnipeg River Laurie Pentney, Morson Becky Slater, Shoal Lake John Waterer, Clearwater Bay Bob Wilkes, Gunn Lake
Staff Executive Director
Susan McLeod (807) 548-4337 susan.mcleod@lowdpoa.com ASSISTANT Executive Director
Diane Schwartz-Williams (807) 468-8715 diane@lowdpoa.com
Contact
P.O. Box 1160 Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Email info@lowdpoa.com
Facebook facebook.com/lowdpoa Toll-free 1-888-265-9784
Phone (807) 468-8715
Editor’s Message
Teika Newton, Area News Editor September: a beautiful month that rounds off the summer and helps us settle into fall as the warm days become fewer and the leaves start to change colour. It’s a month that marks endings as we start to pack up our summer homes, and new beginnings as the children trundle off to school for another year. The out-of-town visitors, guests, and far-away family members have retreated back to their distant corners of the globe, and while departures often provoke the shedding of some tears, at the same time a new peace and tranquility settles around the lake. In this place of returning quiet, September is a month that offers the promise of renewal, a late-season restart, and it appeals to me more and more with the passing years.
As you settle in to enjoy the tranquility of the late summer and early autumn, you’ll find this issue contains a variety of stories featuring people and traditions in the Lake of the Woods region. We are sharing news updates from a busy summer, and also some member ideas that have come to us through email and letters to the editor. We encourage each of you to share with us your comments, ideas for stories, your how-to tips, and anything else you would like to see reflected in your magazine. We are always looking for new story ideas, so if you have got one to share, please don’t be shy. The magazine is a constantly evolving reflection of the input and direction we receive from the association members. We could not do this without your help, and for that we are grateful! We hope the changing air of September ushers in renewed vigour, a sense of adventure and your own happy anticipation of the changing season!
For any green thumbs, gardeners, and wild foods enthusiasts, September is prime harvest season. I know I’ll be using some of that new quiet time to process summer goodness: all the berries I’ve stored up in my freezer, the rapidly ripening tomatoes, the beans, the last of the peas from the garden. I’ll be digging potatoes, beets, turnips, onions and carrots, setting foods aside to last through the winter ahead. If these activities are familiar to you, too, we would love to hear about it! What are your favourite wild foods from the lake, your best garden prize? Do you have a favourite family recipe for pickles or jam or preserves? Do you have harvest season traditions you’d like to share with other LOWDPOA members? Please tell us about them.
The official publication of the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association.
Published by
Fifth Hammer Marketing Group P.O. Box 2, Kenora, ON P9N 3X1 Phone: (807) 407-7252 Publisher: Mike Greaves, mike@areanewsmagazine.ca Editor: Teika Newton, editor@areanewsmagazine.ca Art Director: Mike Newton, design@areanewsmagazine.ca Design & Layout: Shayla Smith Advertising: Mike Greaves
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©2016 LOWDPOA. 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 LOWDPOA or Fifth Hammer Marketing Group.
Distribution & Membership
Lake of the Woods Area News is published five times per year and is mailed to LOWDPOA members. To receive Area News visit lowdpoa.com and become a member today. Publication mail agreement #43107013. Printed in Canada.
WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Help us continue making this magazine great. Send us your comments, suggestions, pictures and story ideas. editor@areanewsmagazine.ca Upcoming Editorial Deadlines: Nov/Dec: Sept 21, 2016
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6
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Members - Need to Know Executive Director’s Message Susan McLeod, Executive Director
Summer 2016: Your Association at Work It was a slow start due to our June weather, but summer 2016 ended up being busier than ever. Our three LakeSmart and Invasive Species Ambassadors, Lucas King, Will Jackson and Katie Appleby, along with Diane Schwartz-Williams and I, had a packed schedule of lake visits, event attendance and the various summer meetings to which we were invited. In addition to all these activities, summer is the season when LOWDPOA and lake issues are top of mind for our members, so our phones, inboxes and Facebook page were filled with various questions, concerns and issues affecting lake life. We love to hear from you, as we learn so much about what is important to our membership, and what’s happening in specific areas throughout the district. In July and August our ‘office’ at the Wednesday Matiowski Farmers’ Market was often lined up with folks waiting to chat about LOWDPOA efforts, programs or just to say hello. The children stop to ask about our bottled invasive species samples – “Eeew, what’s that?”, and the parents follow with their comments on the association. Summer is the time we really feel connected to our members and community, and appreciate the opportunity to catch up.
This season, Lucas, Will and Katie were able to reach out to a number of smaller lakes thanks to LOWDPOA members who called to invite us, and offered their time to ‘host’ the crew as they visited various property owners sharing our knowledge on Living Green at the Lake. We had a great couple of days in and around Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls, on Deception Lake, Longbow, Granite, Lac Lu and Black Sturgeon, as well as spending time on Lake of the Woods. It was terrific to see the work being done by the individual cottagers’ associations in the area, and the commitment to preserve both the environment and lake life experience. Kudos to all, and LOWDPOA is happy to be a resource to help support their efforts. Our ongoing support of Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program also meant that Will was busy providing outreach and education to interested groups, placing warning signs at various docks and launches and doing testing on our lakes throughout the district. LOWDPOA’s annual results will be integrated into a provincial database, tracking the prevalence of a wide range of aquatic invasive species. This season’s Cottage Succession Planning seminar after our annual Summer Meeting was well attended, and as President Nancy noted in her message, participants came away with a much better understanding of the challenges around passing their cottages down to the next generation. While this can often be a daunting task, our panel of experts, Bruce Ormiston, Jim Lockhart and Mona Brown definitely helped outline the legal, tax and family discussions that need to take place with the goal of saving time, heartache and hopefully even a little money. We were disappointed this year as we had to cancel both our LOWDKids events: a day at B’nai Brith Camp and our teen trip to the Experimental Lakes Area.
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Members - Need to Know
Thank You to Our Sponsors We feel it’s important to help expand the next generation’s love and appreciation of lake life so LOWDPOA wants to hear your ideas around how best to get your children engaged with outdoor activities. Please send us your thoughts so we can create educational AND fun programs for the young members of your families. Aside from that, it really was another fantastic summer in LOWDPOA lake country. And once again, it flew by all too quickly. Before we know it the leaves will be changing and some of you will be thinking of closing-up chores while storing fond memories to get you through the winter until next summer. On behalf of the staff and directors, I’d like to thank our members for taking the time this summer to connect with us, and to participate in our programming. Member renewal notices will be coming out in late October so I hope you will continue to support your association by renewing again for 2017. There is strength in LOWDPOA numbers, and your membership truly makes a difference to our ongoing success.
Woodlake Marine
Nature Conservancy of Canada Qualico
City of Kenora
Copperfin Credit Union
Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
Ontario Power Generation
Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association
And to LOWDPOA members who supported us through their annual Environment Fund donations. You help make it happen!
Save the Date! May 1, 2017
Lake of the Woods Cottage Show
Reserve your exhibitor space early.
Contact: mike@areanewsmagazine.ca
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Members - Need to Know
8
LOWDPOA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Information about Lake Life:
What’s happening in our region along with helpful tips about waterfront living and the preservation of our wilderness.
Lake of the Woods Area News Magazine:
Published 5 times a year exclusively for LOWDPOA members.
Advocacy:
A strong voice in Ontario, representing you on issues including fair taxation, environmental concerns, waterfront development.
Annual Lake of the Woods District Cottage Show:
One-stop access to the products and services necessary to live your best life at the lake.
Members’ only workshops, seminars and events: Learn new skills and have some fun doing it.
There is strength in numbers. Your membership is extremely important to our continued success!
JOIN US TODAY! ONLINE Visit lowdpoa.com/membership PHONE 1-888-265-9784 or (807) 468-8715 EMAIL diane@lowdpoa.com MAIL Fill out this card and mail with cheque to: LOWDPOA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7
YOUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Name: Mailing Address: City:
Prov/State:
Home Ph:
PC/Zip:
Cottage Ph:
Email:
Membership Dues 1 Year $42 (CAD or USD)
2 Years $84 (CAD or USD)
PAYMENT INFORMATION Cheque (payable to LOWDPOA) VISA/Mastercard Number: _______ _______ _______ _______ Expiry date: ___ / ___ Signature: ___________________________________________
Metal Waste Day: A Huge Success LOWDPOA’s 2nd Annual Metal Waste Day held this past August at Pye’s Landing was another great success! This year’s event collected over 10,000 lbs of metal waste—everything from empty bean cans to three old boats! We cleaned up properties, area trails and forests in our lakeside neighbourhoods. A big thank you goes out to Carlton and Leanne from Pye’s Landing who offered their docks and parking facilities for people to bring old boats, appliances, bed springs—just about anything metal you could imagine, by boat, car and truck. Our LOWDPOA directors, staff and ‘volunteered’ spouses were on hand to help unload, making it as painless as possible to get rid of all that junk.
“Thanks to LOWDPOA for doing this,” was heard again and again over the course of the day, so we know our efforts were appreciated. We also want to thank the Kenora Rotary Club for taking part, and feeding all the hard workers with a fundraising BBQ on site in support of their Splash Park project. All in all, it was a fun and satisfying day while doing our part for our shared lake community!
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Members - Need to Know As you drive east to Kenora along highway 17, admiring some of the most breathtaking views Ontario has to offer, Lake of the Woods comes into sight on the south side of the highway. What many do not realize is how many beautiful lakes can be found just across the road. As the LakeSmart team, we focus on visiting as many lakes as possible throughout the summer, passing out information and talking to the cottagers that call these amazing lakes home.
LakeSmart visits Deception Lake Cottagers by Lucas King, LakeSmart Ambassador
This summer we spent a day on Deception Lake. Thanks to the help and chauffeuring of members Gio Robson and Gary and Trish Bergal, we were able to experience the beautiful area first hand. Found just north of Clearwater Bay, Deception Lake is made up of a tight knit community of cottagers exploring every option to keep their lake as healthy as possible. Cottagers have been coming to Deception Lake for many years. Some started by hiking in, using the old Trans Canada highway. When the building of the CP rail commenced, part of the lake was removed from use for the cottagers, as a crossing was
filled in as a replacement to an old bridge. Rumour has it there is an old rail car in the lake from the collapse of this bridge. This trophy walleye lake offers a combination of serene environment and unique history, making it another beautiful area contributing to our amazing Lake of the Woods district. If the opportunity arises, take it and visit these beautiful, serene, historic lakes that are all around us. Photos and history courtesy of Gil and Gloria Baker
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
10 Members - Need to Know
LacLu Area Celebrates Summer and Community Cottagers and permanent residents alike came together for the 98th time on the August long weekend to have some fun and friendly competition during the annual LacLu Regatta. LOWDPOA’s LakeSmart team attended in support of the LacLu Campers’ Environment Committee to talk ‘living green at the lake’ and area invasive species. The Regatta is a two-day family tradition with events and races for all ages both on land and in the water. Activities include foot, three-legged, wheelbarrow and sack races, hula-hoop contests, and handyman/woman competitions in the field at LacLu Landing. There is also a 5-mile run, water races including a 1-mile swim, and a poker derby providing a ton of fun for competitors and spectators alike. The event ended with a great fireworks display to wow attendees and wrap up a terrific weekend. The LacLu Campers Association volunteers deserve thanks for their hard work creating a strong community and another successful regatta. They are already looking forward to planning the 100th Annual Regatta in 2018!
BUILDING DREAM S
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
12 News & Notes McKenzie Clearwater Fire Department Celebrates 25 Years by Dennis Wallace Board members, fire fighters and friends of the McKenzie Clearwater Fire Department filled Ash Rapids Lodge on July 16 for an anniversary dinner and fundraiser. $10,000 was raised amongst over 100 participants in a grand event that included a superb walleye dinner from Andrew and Tannis Clinton, owners of Ash Rapids Lodge. Chef James McIlwain and Sous Chef Macy Chicago outdid themselves in food preparation.
Rich Suche, Chair of the Board of Directors, and a volunteer fire fighter, noted that the McKenzie Clearwater Fire Department is the fifth busiest fire department in Northwestern Ontario. Fire fighters made 98 responses to calls. The fire department territory, from the Keewatin boundary to the Manitoba border, north to the C.P. Rail tracks and south to hundreds of islands from the Northern Peninsula to the west end of Lake of the Woods and Shoal Lake, is one of the largest in Ontario. The fire department has two locations for fire trucks and equipment: at the Fire Hall next to Clearwater Bay and in Keewatin. In addition, there are two fire boats to serve the islands and mainland properties with no road access; one near McKenzie Portage Road and the other next to Clearwater Bay.
Fire Chief Russell Bell recognized the volunteer fire fighters who take extensive training in fire fighting and first responder services. He said this is a selfless task that protects everyone in our service area. Fire fighters are to be commended for their commitment and dedication. Russell spoke about the need for 911 in the area. Too often unnecessary delays are experienced because GPS mapping is not complete in the fire department territory thus first responders, including the fire department, paramedics and the Ontario Provincial Police, cannot pinpoint the source of a call. Current GPS references from a cell phone call show no map of a physical location, roads or other structures to aid a fire, paramedic or police response. Russell further commented that the fire department submitted a proposal to the KeeMan Local Service Board (LSB) a year ago requesting that they seek additional authority to apply a single levy of about $90 per property, based on a neighbouring fire hall (PUFF) estimate which assumes some volunteer work, to put 911 in place. The approach was made at the same time the Pellatt, Pelican, Umbach, Gidley LSB area carried out their community vote and subsequent request to Ontario for authority to levy a tax that would fund 911. He hoped that the KeeMan LSB can see their way clear to move ahead with a community vote in the near future. In the interim, note that separate numbers must be called for fire (807) 547-2400, police 1-800-310-1122 and ambulance (807) 468-3311. More information about the McKenzie Clearwater Fire Department can be found at mckenzieclearwaterfire.ca.
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
News & Notes 13
A Prescription for Change by Kenora Area Health Care Working Group Access to health care services and physician recruitment remain major hurdles to Kenora area citizens, First Nations and seasonal residents. Too often, we are unable to be referred to a specialist and other medical support in Manitoba and there remains a dearth of general practitioners, internists, emergency room physicians and general surgeons in Kenora. These were the messages delivered to Kenora City Council by Drs. Jillie Retson, Buzz Pedersen, Brad Kyle and Clay Hammett on June 16, 2015. City Council appointed Councillors Rory McMillan and Louis Roussin to pursue the matter with the presenting physicians. Within weeks a committee was struck and named the Kenora Area Health Care Working Group (KAHCWG). The KAHCWG now has sixteen members representing a cross section of residents, communities and health care services. The KAHCWG collaborated with the Lake of the Woods Development Commission to implement a physician recruitment strategy developed in partnership with Kenora area First Nations through the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Council and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’lyewigamig Health Access Centre (WHNAC). With contributions from area First Nations groups, City of Kenora, Lake of the Woods District Hospital and other concerned organizations, a three-year strategy with a $125,000 annual budget has been put in place. In addition, the KAHCWG has tackled the growing challenge of Kenora physicians not being able to refer patients to Winnipeg, a tertiary care centre, for treatment by specialists and to receive tests and other support not available in Kenora. In the past few years the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has frequently issued memoranda to the Northwest Local Health Integration Network (NWLHIN) denying services, for varying periods of time, to Kenora area patients due to pressures on the Manitoba health care system. Life and limb cases are deemed to be an exception but the practice is that Winnipeg hospitals and physicians are also exercising limits when they feel under Manitoba patient pressure.
With the support of City of Kenora Mayor David Canfield and Chief Lorraine Cobiness, Chair, Kenora Chiefs Advisory Council, the KAHCWG is seeking solutions to what many would say is a breach of the Canada Health Act under the accessibility section. Minister Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care has been the subject of several letters. A clear health services agreement between Ontario and Manitoba is needed. Kenora and area must strengthen its medical base. Seven months ago Minister Hoskins confirmed that the NWLHIN would pursue the concerns raised by the KAHCWG. A first meeting was held between the two bodies in Kenora on May 31. There did not appear to be a mandate, negotiating team or resources in place. The NWLHIN is to meet with the WRHA and would like to get the Kenora area taken into consideration during a Manitoba review of patients’ needs currently underway. This is only part of the solution. A walk-in clinic in Kenora is also needed. The current patient rostering system, used to pay general practitioners, makes creation of such a clinic difficult. Solutions are being sought by the KAHCWG with the NWLHIN. This will greatly benefit our seasonal neighbours. Finally, the KAHCWG is helping to pursue a fully equipped All Nations Hospital in Kenora that will attract general practitioners and specialists. KAHCWG representatives spoke to Premier Kathleen Wynne in Kenora on August 11. She indicated that she would pursue these matters. Communities must take charge of their health care regimes to ensure quality care. The KAHCWG will not stop until we have a system that is as good as any in Ontario. Contact with KAHCWG is possible via rmcmillan@kenora.ca.
R.W. SHEWCHUK, B.A.J. ORMISTON, B.M. RICHARDT, T.E. JOHNSON, K.M. RONNING, K.H. RALKO
When limits are in place, Kenora area patients are transferred to Thunder Bay for services available there or to Toronto, London, Hamilton and Ottawa. email: info@kenoralaw.com
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
14 News & Notes
MNRF Working with Turtle Portage Area Residents For the past 4-5 years the Turtle Portage has been an iffy thing – “99% of the time working not quite right” said a LOWDPOA member from the Morson area. Boaters would make it across one way not knowing if the return trip would be the same. LOWDPOA members in the area contacted our office and the local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), who are historically responsible for maintenance of the portage, and it looks like a solution is finally in the works. Over the years many ‘bandaids’ had been applied as a short term fix. The cables have been off, kinked, and even stolen. The cart easily comes off the rail system, because of missing and broken roller pins. The tracks are bent and not long enough for accommodating water depth fluctuations.
Shelley Isleifson, District Manager of Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry was made aware of the issue this spring, and has been great about keeping those affected up to date on their progress and the steps being taken to try and fix the crossing. It has become apparent that the issue is not only with the general maintenance of the portage, but also with users trying to put boats on the roller system that are much larger than what it was originally designed to accommodate. Thankfully, the lines of communication are open between the Ministry and users so considerations of the changes and improvements are being discussed including adjustments to the entire system, extra signage, installation of barriers to stop larger boats from being forced through the lift, and changing the wheels to synthetic material versus metal that exists. While these fixes may not happen ‘tomorrow’, as many would like, plans are finally in the works and MNRF has committed to keeping area residents informed of their progress.
HAVING THE CONVERSATION?
• GIFTING OR SELLING THE COTTAGE TO THE KIDS • CAPITAL GAINS CONSIDERATIONS • CO-OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS • FAMILY TRUSTS • ESTATE PLANNING Contact Raymond P. Oakes of the law firm of Booth Dennehy LLP for Discussions on Succession Planning for cottage properties in Manitoba & Ontario. Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
News & Notes 15
Kenora District Phone Book by Jack McKenzie For many years now, LOWDPOA members have been spoiled by the City of Kenora’s municipal telephone system printing and distributing an area wide phone book that included listings for most of the properties in and around the Lake of the Woods and Minaki. Unfortunately, the City of Kenora sold off its telephone utility to Bell several years ago, and the end of the year 2015 saw the end to the publication and distribution of the Kenora phone book. As postage costs increased, distribution of the Kenora phone book was limited to a City of Kenora booth at our annual cottage show and meeting, or by attending at the City Hall in Kenora and picking up a copy. This was an excellent service provided by Kenora and much appreciated by members who made it a point to pick up their copy each spring. Unfortunately Bell did not elect to follow in the City’s footsteps and no Kenora phone book was available to members attending the 2016 show and meeting. A regional white and yellow pages phone book produced by Bell is available and will be mailed to you—one copy per year free—by calling Bell at 1-800-268-5637.
New Investment in Freshwater Research at IISD-Experimental Lakes Area On August 10, 2016, IISD-Experimental Lakes area received confirmation of the award of $1.7 million in funding from the federal government. As committed in Budget 2016, Member of Parliament, the Honourable Bob Nault (Kenora), on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, confirmed the Government of Canada’s investment in freshwater research at IISD-ELA. Joined by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, MP Nault announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be providing $1.7 million over the next two years to the facility’s operator, IISD-ELA. This investment builds on the provinces’ support to ensure the continuation of the facility’s almost 50 years of ongoing research on how contaminants, climate change and other factors are affecting our freshwater ecosystems. Research conducted at IISD-ELA supports Canada’s long-term understanding of our freshwater ecosystems and leads to better decision making on the use and protection of our freshwater resources for the benefit of future generations.
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
16 News & Notes Lifesavers Dinner & Auction Raises $305,000 by Jess Rheault
On August 6, 158 seasonal and local residents came together at Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club (RLWYC) in support of Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (LWDHF). The night was electric and by the end of it all, $305,000 was raised for your hospital! Freaky Green Beatles entertained the guests during cocktail hour before Master of Ceremonies, Don Konantz, introduced Anthony Sharp, Base Manager for ORNGE and Chair of LWDHF Board. Anthony was a guest speaker in 2015 and was so inspired by the energy of the event, that he wanted to do more to help. He joined the board shortly after. Over the last eleven years Lifesavers has raised over $1.4 million for infrastructure and medical equipment needs at your hospital at the lake. Thank you Bob Kozminski and Nicki Douglas for bringing Lifesavers to LWDHF and building the foundation that continues to inspire the annual event. Your vision continues through our dynamic chair Catherine Konantz along with her dedicated committee of Lisa Paterson, Melanie Sifton-Borger, Leslie Landell and Colin Foster. Without our volunteers leading the charge, LWDHF would not be in a position to help your hospital at the level it does. This is also made possible thanks to our loyal sponsors and donors. There are so many people and businesses to thank, we have dedicated a page on our website. Please visit lwdhf. com for a complete listing.
Lifesavers Dinner and Auction is the largest event in support of Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation. In one night, Lifesavers raised over 60 per cent of our annual goal. Just imagine all that we will be able accomplish this year through Lifesavers and our other annual campaigns. Funds raised through Lifesavers will equip care rooms with patient ceiling lifts, purchase 2 infant warmers/resuscitation beds, 1 fetal monitor, 50lb washing machine, blood bank system, immunoassay analyzer backup and a coagulation analyzer which tests a patient’s ability to form a clot helping to determine course of treatment. You are making a difference. You are helping to save lives. Thank you! Thank you Linda and staff at RLWYC for an amazing night. As well, thank you to our adorable Whistle Raffle kids who used their smiles and freckles to get us closest to sell out we have ever had. Planning has already begun for Lifesavers 2017 and we need your help. If you would like to be a part of the planning committee or join others that have already made a commitment to support next summer’s event, please contact LWDHF or reach out to any one of our 2016 committee members. See you next summer! Catherine Konantz, Chair 2016: “Thank you very much to the Kenora and lake community along with all of our volunteers and generous donors and supporters for setting yet another fundraising record at this highly successful event. The spirit of generosity and giving surrounding the Lifesaver dinner is extraordinary and allows us to provide quality healthcare in our community.”
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Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation IJC Watershed Board Public Meetings
A vocal and engaged audience of Foundation supporters and LOWDPOA members packed the room in Kenora on August 10, to meet with the IJC Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board and IJC Commissioners and staff advisors. The Board provided an update on its activities during the past year, including reports from its Water Levels Committee, Engagement Committee and Aquatic Ecosystem Health Committee. The Water Levels Committee oversees the water level regulation of Rainy and the Namakan chain of lakes, upstream of Lake of the Woods. Its report focused on this year’s efforts to keep the upstream lakes within rule curves (high and low water limits that shift seasonally) and also on ongoing refurbishment of the dam at Fort Frances. The Aquatic Ecosystem Health Committee has responsibility for water quality and other ecosystem health issues, including on Lake of the Woods. This committee, formed in March 2016, presented its first annual report on water quality to the IJC, summarizing conditions through 2012-2014. It is currently working on its second report to encompass the 2015 data as well as a project to review of water quality objectives. The Engagement Committee deals with public outreach and communications and is currently working on a variety of public engagement tools including improvements to the Board’s website, answers to FAQs and identifying ways for the public to become involved with the Board.
The Board also held a session for an update on the IJC Lake of the Woods Basin Water Quality Plan of Study submitted to Canada and the USA in 2015.
Update on IJC Water Quality Plan of Study
Six days prior to the IJC public meeting, the Government of Canada announced it was assigning the $5.5 million earmarked for Lake of the Woods in Budget 2016 to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for studies in the Canadian portion of the Lake of the Woods basin. Few details were available other than that ECCC had a draft science plan focused on nutrients and algae. The IJC Board invited Dr. Véronique P. Hiriart-Baer of ECCC to present an overview of its draft study plan for Lake of the Woods. Dr. Hiriart-Baer presented a high level overview of the draft plan, which focuses primarily on studies to address concerns about nutrient enrichment and harmful algae blooms. It appears that the plan is built from and covers some elements of the IJC Lake of the Woods Water Quality Plan of Study but not all.
Environment Canada’s Plan— Public Concerns
In general, the announcement that Canada was investing $5.5 million in studies focused on Lake of the Woods water quality is a good thing. However, there were numerous questions and concerns from the public about the study plan that sent clear messages to the representatives from the Government of Canada who attended the meeting. Key themes of the comments revolved around the issues of: • Why a new plan was needed when there already was a plan developed by all the scientists in the basin and endorsed by the public at the meeting last year. • Why was Canada’s investment going to Environment Canada and not to the IJC? • How could the public review and provide input to the plan? There had not been any consultation by ECCC nor a mechanism for consultation presented.
Three Commissioners of the IJC attended the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board’s Public Meeting— evidence of the importance of Lake of the Woods. Rich Moy, IJC U.S. Section; Lana Pollack, Co-Chair IJC U.S Section; Richard Morgan, IJC Canadian Section
• In drafting a plan alone, ECCC has missed an opportunity to draw on the valuable brain-trust of the various scientists, agencies, organizations, and stakeholders that provided input into the IJC Plan of Study and who have been actually working on the water quality problems for many years.
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• The ECCC draft plan is not for binational studies but is for work on the Canadian portion of the lake. • The ECCC draft plan addresses only some of priority issues identified in the IJC Plan of Study – what would happen to the other issues such as invasive species, or internationally coordinated monitoring? • Clear language and agreement with other jurisdictions on science language, protocols, sampling and methods were needed if ECCC studies pursued independently were to be useful in the multi-agency, multijurisdictional context of Lake of the Woods.
• What would be the role of the IJC? How would ECCC studies be coordinated with Minnesota’s work and the work of the provinces? • How would the ECCC support development of international water quality objectives and reduction targets for phosphorus to combat algae blooms and why wasn’t a commitment to objectives and targets part of the plan?
Our Foundation—The Path Forward
Development of a sustainability plan for Lake of the Woods is a primary goal of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. We expect this investment to allow Canada to participate with the United States to develop phosphorus concentration objectives and reduction targets to combat harmful algae blooms—a key pillar of the sustainability plan.
Environment Canada’s Dr. Véronique P. Hiriart-Baer, responds to public questions and concerns about her agencies’ draft science plan for Lake of the Woods.
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Currently, ECCC has proposed a draft plan for science studies. Governments had the opportunity to commit to more. We think they still should. Our Foundation will continue to work through the International Joint Commission’s Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board and Global Affairs Canada, Environment Canada and U.S. agencies, to ensure that: • Environment Canada’s draft study plan integrates with and supports the significant scientific efforts already underway or completed by the State of Minnesota. • This leads to a tangible outcome for our lake — a binational water quality agreement with objectives, reduction targets, timelines and accountability through regular reporting by the IJC on the achievements of governments towards the agreement, just like on the Great Lakes.
How You Can Help
Your help now will ensure that we maintain the momentum for our lake. Sign up at the Foundation’s website to show your support and receive our email updates. Please consider making a donation to the Foundation. Your gift will help make sure that Lake of the Woods is a priority with governments, that research is completed and a sustainability plan is developed and implemented to restore and protect the water quality of Lake of the Woods. Canadian donors: lowwsf.com/donate US donors: lowwsf.com/donate-USA
Our Board and Staff BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tony Stephens – Toronto, ON Richard Sjoberg – Thief River Falls, MN Joan Richardson – Winnipeg, MB Bruce Ormiston – Kenora, ON Don Konantz – Vancouver, BC Art McKenzie – Sioux Narrows, ON Polly Craik – Winnipeg, MB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Todd Sellers – Minaki, ON INTERNATIONAL WATERSHED COORDINATOR Kelli Saunders – Kenora, ON
The Right Honourable John N. Turner spoke of the importance of the Boundary Waters Treaty and the International Joint Commission as the best platform to protect our lake.
The IJC can provide a mechanism for transparency and accountability, similar to its role on the Great Lakes. The IJC should have the role to analyze information provided by the governments, assess the effectiveness of programs in both countries and report on scientific progress towards meeting water quality objectives and targets when they are developed. Our Foundation will continue to work with the IJC, Environment and Climate Change Canada and other science agencies to address other areas of concern identified by the IJC in its 2015 Lake of the Woods Plan of Study, such as invasive species, other contamination and the need for coordinated monitoring binationally.
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From the Environmental Control Committee of the 1970s, to initiating the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Forum in 2004, and on to today’s LakeSmart program and the legacy of LOWDKids, LOWDPOA has a long history of environmental advocacy for the Lake of the Woods region.
Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association Common Goals & A Shared Passion for Lake Life by Susan McLeod Originally published in the North American Lake Management Society Lake Line magazine The sun is up, information kits are stowed, sunscreen’s applied and the ropes cast off for another day on the water for the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association’s LakeSmart team. It’s a perfect morning for their work, with the lake surface like a mirror reflecting the colours of summer in cottage country. The team’s goal today is to head down to the Sioux Narrows/ Nestor Falls (SNNF) area on Lake of the Woods, more than a 30 minute boat ride in calm weather. They’ll first spend a few hours stopping at docks along the shoreline, meeting with waterfront property owners and tourist camp operators to talk about the importance and benefits of healthy shorelines. Then it’s on to dry land and over to the SNNF Community Services Showcase to set up their display where they’ll inform area residents, cottagers and visitors on issues of importance to the health of our waterways and overall environment.
Environment Fund, community support also helps as businesses and organizations continue to step up with both cash and in-kind sponsorships that allow us to carry on each summer. Since its launch LakeSmart has personally connected with more than 2,000 cottagers, helping to improve their shorelines and educating them on the important ecosystems they support along the way. More than 4,000
LakeSmart is just one of the outreach and education programs offered by the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association (LOWDPOA). Now in its sixth summer season, it is also one of the most successful. Originating with an idea from the association’s Environment Committee, LakeSmart offered the opportunity to personally reach waterfront property owners with environmental education, raise the profile of LOWDPOA as leaders in lake stewardship, and positively impact waterfront development in the area. Thanks to the help and guidance received from the Muskoka Lakes Association that has operated a similar ‘dock-to-dock’ outreach program focused on boating safety, LakeSmart was launched in the summer of 2011. In addition to your generous donations to our
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information kits have been dropped off to docks (that’s a lot of boat bumps) and countless presentations have been made at public events throughout the district. As the profile of the program continues to increase, smaller lake associations are requesting full-day appointments for group presentations and individual property assessments. Margaret McKenty, president of the Trout Lake cottagers’ association organized the day for her members and said, “The LakeSmart team came yesterday as planned & connected with even more cottagers than I expected. Hurray! I’m looking forward to seeing whether & how it influences lake stewardship around Trout Lake.” LakeSmart’s high profile and healthy shoreline message also led to the creation of an important partnership between LOWDPOA, the City of Kenora, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund to build an interpretive Model Shoreline at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre. This naturally ‘landscaped’ area on the Kenora waterfront allows visitors to learn the importance of shorelines to water quality and lakeshore ecosystems, identify appropriate plants and structures to help protect the water’s edge, along with general to-dos and not-to-dos when considering shoreline development.
just to name a few.” Although issues related to taxes, utility costs and succession planning will always be important to cottagers, the common thread running through LOWDPOA’s long history has always been related to environmental concerns, particularly water quality.
“We swim, we sail and generally relax in this environment. Winters take a heavy toll on the spirit, but rejuvenation is rapid at the lake.” - LOWDPOA member Ian MacDonald, January 1971 Few people have a better opportunity to observe the effects of human activities in the wilderness than cottagers, many of whom return each year to the same location, and who’s knowledge of the local area may have been passed down for generations. As a group, we can have quite a positive or negative—our choice—impact on the environment. Cottagers from as far back as the late 1800’s have been coming to Lake of the Woods and the surrounding areas to get away from the cities, breathe the fresh air and splash about in the crystal clear lakes and rivers. We may not all live here year round, but as a group we have often been the first line of defence when it comes to protecting a lifestyle and ensuring a balance between Mother Nature and development. Each of us has a different idea of what it means to be ‘at the lake’; the kayakers may not understand the power boaters, and the cross-country skiers can’t imagine snowmobiling, but we all have one thing in common. We come to our very favourite place to enjoy, in our own way, friends, family time and the great outdoors. All the activities undertaken by LOWDPOA over the years revolve around our stated long term vision: To preserve one of the most beautiful places on earth as a highquality environment for future generations to enjoy.
The Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. What started as a small group of localized cottage owners coming together to fight against proposed education taxes has grown into the largest association of its kind in Ontario; with a membership of seasonal and permanent residents from across the entire Lake of the Woods watershed. President Nancy Salmijarvi states, “We are all joined by our passion for lake life and this gives us a strong voice when responding to issues that impact us. This can include water quality, forestry, mining, invasive species, land development, and taxation issues,
That common bond is what has driven all the environment related programs, education, political actions and various events undertaken by the association over the years. Environmental concerns and water quality are stated as the primary issues of members, and often their main reason for joining LOWDPOA. When the very first Environmental Control Committee came together in the early 70’s, the message from the membership was clear; cottagers had a vested interest in sustaining their environment.
Today’s association includes not just cottagers, but people who live and work in the region, so the balance between outright protection and economic development can be challenging.
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In today’s social and political climate, it’s more important than ever for cottagers, permanent residents and interest groups to find their common concerns and respect their positions, then work together towards ultimate solutions acceptable to all. By doing that, LOWDPOA has earned a seat at the table when local, regional, provincial and even federal discussions take place. Earned is the correct term as years of hard work by our board, staff and volunteers, sometimes a seemingly uphill battle, have brought us to where we are today. There is no doubt that the resource-based communities in Northwestern Ontario cottage country have faced their share of bad news over the past 20 years. Closing industries and job losses have been felt across the entire region, creating the need for reinvention and to look for alternate sources of economic development. Thankfully, LOWDPOA’s strong voice is recognized as a partner in the process, and our contribution is valued through this reinvention. While we realize the need for increased development and economic diversification, we also try to ensure that it is always balanced with a view towards environmental sustainability.
This first Water Quality Forum also proved to be a catalyst for a new, coordinated approach to water quality research. Realizing that LOWDPOA didn’t have the scientific ‘legs’ to undertake the work required, The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation was launched at the 2005 Forum and announced at our Annual Meeting in May that same year. The sole focus of the Foundation is the preservation of water quality in the watershed, on both sides of the border through heightened awareness and the provision of support and funding of related research projects. Todd Sellers, Past President of LOWDPOA was appointed Executive Director in 2006 and remains in the position.
Water Quality Forum: A Lasting Achievement for LOWDPOA
One of LOWDPOA’s greatest achievements was initiated back in 2004 and after 12 years its legacy continues to impact water quality related efforts on an international scale. That year the association organized the first Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum; a conference of scientists and stakeholders focused to the health of our waters. It brought together participants from both Canada and the United States who shared their projects and data. This annual event continues today with attendance by some of the most highly regarded specialists in the field.
Years later, after a tremendous amount of work by the Foundation, the International Joint Commission released its “Report to the Governments of the United States and Canada on Bi-National Water Management of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed”.
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LOWDPOA was an active member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee during a full year of consultation prior to the report being released, and today remains on the working committee as a stakeholder in watershed plans. When we look back, there is no doubt that as the organizer of that first water quality forum, we could never have imagined the results.
Through targeted activities and outdoor education, LOWDKids in the Wild aims to have young people feel a sense of ownership in our woods and waters. Likewise we wish that they will come to feel ownership in LOWDPOA as a major factor in maintaining and preserving those wild and natural places for themselves, and indeed for THEIR children and grandchildren.
All those LOWDPOA directors and volunteers deserve our thanks as this was one of the proudest moments in our history; one that will leave a legacy for generations to come.
LOWDKids in the Wild Looks to the Future
As with many not-for-profit organizations, our membership is made up of a high percentage of older folks. This is not surprising as they are the bulk of the property owners in lake country today, although we can see the generational shift to the next generation slowly taking place. For the association to succeed into the future and engage this next generation and their families, LOWDPOA recently launched its LOWDKids in the Wild program. LOWD (Lake of the Woods District) Kids focuses on motivating this group to ‘take the reins’ from their parents and grandparents, contributing to the well-being of the lakes areas in general and specifically through support of LOWDPOA. LOWDPOA’s youth education goal goes to the very heart of what most cottage and land owners deeply hope—that their children and grandchildren will value and enjoy the woods and waters as much as they have, and for most of the same reasons.
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A Shared Passion for Lake Life
LOWDPOA is only one of the cottage and lake associations across North America doing incredible things at a grassroots level. Together we’ve planted millions of trees, cleared miles of trails, educated thousands of people, fought back when our favourite places are under threat and undertaken countless programs and projects with those who share our passion for lake life. Here’s to our own Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association and here’s to all those like us. Now sit down, relax on the dock and enjoy the sunset. You’ve earned it! AN
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LacLu Environmental Committee by Bonnie Baltessen
The Laclu Campers Association was established nearly 100 years ago. Concerns about rock hazards, water levels and negotiating a stop with the Canadian Pacific Railway for the tenacious campers of the day were front and centre. The campers’ association evolved bringing fun into the mix, including an annual regatta with novelty and swim races for the whole family. As the popular event grew, environmental concerns fell away. Periodically, interested groups would investigate concerns, and when LOWDPOA began their Lake Partners program, many Laclu cottagers signed on, and diligently kept it up. Through the years environmental committees have formed and then waned, as volunteers moved on. In the fall of 2012, after a chance meeting between Glen Lenchuk, and myself, the association’s environmental team was reformed. Glen and I agreed to be co-chairs of a brand new committee. Attendees at our first meeting expressed concern that our members might be unfamiliar with how to be good stewards of the lake, having observed some non-lake friendly behavior. Everyone had anecdotal stories of questionable behavior, as well as drainage or septic issues. Environmental concerns are prominent in the Lake of the Woods area, with the frequent appearance of toxic blue green algae. While LOWDPOA does an excellent job of education, the Laclu Campers Association environmental committee felt more work was needed, specific to Lake Lulu one of the older cottage settlements. Lake Lulu has experienced blue green algal blooms many times.
misunderstandings. Resolutions are not always visible or forthcoming due to privacy concerns, but we believe we have directed the issues to correct governmental departments where necessary. One of our members was able to coordinate work with a testing lab, so the committee set about to find out the state of our water quality. We conducted four tests per year for two years and continued testing into this year. We are testing for e-coli and total coliform (fecal bacteria). The tests have been helpful for us establishing a baseline to work from. In regards to outreach, we have a presence at the Pellatt United Fire Fighters annual Pancake Breakfast as well as the LacLu Campers Associations regatta. Each year, we try to share more knowledge and give out incentives to people to set them on the right path for proper water stewardship. This year, with Glen’s lead, we sourced plants that work well at the shoreline. The idea is to encourage people to stay away from the shoreline with their lawn mowers and use natural vegetation to hold their shorelines firm. We offered these plants to property owners free to try. People were very interested and it was a huge success. Glen and his wife recently made a difficult decision to put their place on the market, and his presence will be greatly missed. But the recent addition of Bri Jolicoeur, our enthusiastic and creative marketer, I would say our committee is in great shape for the future.
Needing a way to get messages to cottagers, we worked on creation of a map with names of cottagers. In return for their email and a very modest price, we could send updates about the lake. Committee member John Loochuk stepped up to create our very own web site: lacluenvironment.com. Using this tool allows us to post important information pertaining to our area. As we hear concerns, we research the issue and try to find solutions or at least some information to help owners make informed decisions. We anticipated our committee could become a “complaints department” but were determined to make it a concerns department, and simply refer people to the right authorities, or make a call on their behalf. Our committee has no authority to issue any kinds of warnings or citations, but we are able to provide information necessary to sort out any
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Educating the Freshwater Scientists of the Future by Pauline Gerrard
We often refer to the world’s only whole-lake experimentation site as a “living laboratory”; a place where researchers are able to manipulate real-life ecosystems to research the effects of different pollutants on our fresh water, so as to produce results that are far more accurate and complex than could be achieved in a test-tube. But have you ever thought of IISD Experimental Lakes Area as an “open-air classroom”? With its year-round ongoing experimentation, breathtaking vistas, abundance of educational and recreational activities and fully equipped camp, it is the perfect venue for a unique scientific educational experience. In fact, up until recently, the site had not been used to that full potential. Since 2014, when the International Institute for Sustainable Development took over operation of the lakes, we have been working on opening up our doors, and one major facet of that is developing learning experiences and field courses for students and budding scientists. And how can we not? We want to make sure that today’s students are as excited and informed about fresh water issues as we are, and that the skills, expertise and experience particular to IISD-ELA is transferred to subsequent generations. Threats to our fresh water supplies aren’t going away, especially with the more pronounced effects of climate change, so we need to continue this vital work. Firstly, we reach out to universities. So much of what we do at IISD-ELA comes about from partnerships with universities and professors, so we are lucky enough to already have existing relationships. Students from Lakehead University, University of Manitoba, Trent University and more who are already studying a related topic have often heard of the research site and come to hone field research techniques in topics such as limnology, biogeochemistry, fisheries and aquatic sampling. While they are here, they can work along side world-class researchers and work hands-on to gain invaluable experience that they can then apply to their studies and subsequent career.
Secondly, the Experimental Lakes Students Expertise (ELSE) is now ready to be rolled out with many more schools, after having been piloted with St. John’s-Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg. This two-week field experience for high school students gives students a unique perspective into ecological literacy, freshwater research and systems thinking. The students work with their peers, two adult leaders and participating scientists all throughout the day, observing, helping, asking, answering, participating and learning a substantial amount about environmental science, limnology, the “whole-ecosystem” concept, chemistry, ecological interactions, human impacts and more. So far, this has all been received with a resounding thumbsup. When St. John’s- Ravenscourt School headed out on a pilot field course earlier this year, they learned everything from quinzhee construction, fire-making, outdoor cooking, snowshoeing, skiing and simply how to keep warm and dry while outside continually for more than 24 hours. All in Northwestern Ontario March weather, of course. Students don’t even have to spend that much time at the site. We certainly invite students, especially from surrounding areas, to come for shorter periods to get a flavour of what we do and why we do it. For example, this past June we welcomed students from Dryden High School to visit for just a few hours, get oriented, speak to the researchers, go out on the lakes, use a seine and then return home in time for dinner. Educational outreach is not the only product of IISD-ELA’s opening the doors to the public. We now work with local communities, Aboriginal groups, offer tours and encourage graduate research too. Here in Northwestern Ontario we are
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lucky to have access to such precious resources for such important fresh water science. We want to give back to all of those local communities, and giving them handson access to a uniquely enriching experience is key. AN Pauline Gerrard is the Institutional Development Coordinator for the International Institute for Sustainable Development
Research Snapshot: Miraculous Mucus IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) works directly with fish populations to obtain the most accurate information possible regarding their health. Some environmental monitoring programs have to sacrifice large numbers of fish in order to obtain their data, which can have a negative impact of the population at large. Monitoring can become part of the problem rather than part of the solution. IISD-ELA rarely employs sampling methods that involve sacrificing fish lives and, in fact, they are currently developing an innovative way of obtaining all that they need to know about the fish in our lakes, with minimal impact on the fish itself. The answer lies in, of all things, fish mucus! This much maligned substance actually reveals a great deal about a fish’s current health, as fish release molecules and proteins into this mucus under certain circumstances and in the presence of environmental stressors and specific contaminants. And all researchers need to do to obtain the gooey stuff is lightly scrape the fish externally and preserve it for later analysis. Because fish produce mucus continuously, taking a sample from them has no negative effect on their health. With additional study, the hope is that collecting mucus from fish will render the old methods of monitoring that require sacrificing fish unnecessary. At best, this work could save the lives of fish for generations to come!
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Danielle and husband Raul
My first memories are of camp: toes in the sand, hands sunk in clay, climbing over sun-warmed rocks, lake water in my long brown hair. Even before that, my pregnant mother used to dig a hole in the beach to put her belly in and laid face down to soak in the sun and relieve the pressures of gravity. I unfurled in the dark of her, surrounded by the press of Lake of the Woods shoreline. To this day, there is nowhere else I feel as much at home.
The Camp
Way of Life Danielle Gauld
After my birth and before my mother went back to work, we spent several whole summers at camp with her mother and my father’s mother. My mother and grandmothers were all the best of friends, brought together in part by this beautiful place they all loved. What an incredible gift that must have been to my earliest years, these seasons of long cottage days filled with the rhythm of women. Technically, the camp belonged to my father’s parents, although through their generosity and the camp way of life, it belonged to us all. In 1962, my Grandpa Ernie camped outside for a whole weekend to buy the lot. He and several others lined up on Friday and waited patiently to purchase the land on Monday when the Department of Lands and Forests reopened. He and Wilf Leydier, whose son eventually became our next door neighbour and whose grandchildren I would much later go to school with in town, had their photo in the paper and the article is now framed in the cabin he began building in 1963. My Grandpa Ernie was not much of an outdoorsman. He had bad circulation and as a result was always cold. He may also have outlived his need for adventure while being smuggled from Scotland in a shoebox (when born very premature, his parents could not afford his passage and had to hide him from sight), getting hit by shrapnel in the Second World War, being a miner and an amateur boxer. It is likely that he built the camp for my Grandma June as a
labour of love. She adored that place with her whole heart and he adored her with his. My father’s mother died from complications of her diabetes when I was four years old, soon after my brother was born. My grandfather followed behind her a few years later. Their presence is still everywhere at camp and having lost them so young, I am very grateful for this. Cottages are so often repositories of nostalgia – along with the oil lamps that lit them in their early days before electricity and other artifacts that give testament to their histories, somehow they simply hold memories better than other places. After that, it was my mother who kept us going to the cottage. My grandparents, seeing her passion for it, must have been very happy to know it would be in good hands. To this day, she is an avid swimmer and fisherwoman. She taught my brother and me to see the camp, the lake and the woods that surround it with a sense of wonder and delight. My dad joined us as his work schedule allowed. Even when he wasn’t able to be there himself, he did everything he could to support our enjoyment of the camp. He chopped and piled fuel for the woodstove, took us for boat rides, got things rebuilt and cleaned up after big storms. And storms there were - our cottage is in Storm Bay, which well earns its name. The camp and trees around it have been hit by lightning and small tornadoes several times.
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After my mom started working again, we were at camp only on summer weekends and during her holidays. Sometimes we would make it out early in the spring for a night or two - I remember Easter egg hunts and the ice tinkling musically against the rocks as it melted. These were precious times. I had severe motion sickness and a terrible tendency to throw up on the side of the winding Storm Bay Road, but it was always worth it. Even through my teenaged years it was my favorite place, filled with a sense of timelessness and magic. There was no running water back then. It was just an outhouse, an old cast iron tub they filled with warm water to bathe us in as children, and a basin to wash our hands and faces. Mostly we cleaned off in the lake and we still haul our drinking water from town. We had an old TV with rabbit-ear antennae that if we were lucky might pick up CBC. My brother and I traded video games and television for books and board games. We also had an old rotary phone on a party line, so that when you picked up the clunky black headset you never knew if you would overhear someone else’s conversation. Things are, of course, a bit different these days. The original cabin still remains but has been modernized a bit. There is now an airy, high-ceilinged screened-in porch built by my uncle to replace the old one that began to rot away and a master bedroom with a wall of windows overlooking the water. Most importantly, an indoor bathroom allows my parents to live there for the whole summer and much of the spring and fall. The bay has changed too. With a few exceptions, most of the families I grew up with are no longer there. And of course the lake itself has changed. It is much busier and more developed. The algae blooms are bigger and last longer. As a child I was fascinated by clams and hairsnakes, both of which seem to have disappeared from our area as the water quality has declined. The leeches are gone too and although they are hard to miss, I do worry about what their absence might mean. We have changed as well. I left Kenora when I was eighteen and have lived on the West Coast for almost twenty years now. My younger brother has been there almost as long. I love the ocean and mountains, but the ache of homesickness and the pull back to the lake never leaves me. I still return twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, without fail. I therefore have both the experience of living in the area year round as well as that of being a vacationer of sorts. Even after all these years away, I can still walk the rough terrain of the yard in bare feet in the dark. I know where every tree root is, every stone, every dip in the ground. I come there now to reconnect with family and friends, but also with myself – to relearn how to slow down, be present, let the days unfold. Sometimes I come alone and sometimes my husband comes with me. Raised in Victoria, BC, he visited camp for the first time early in our relationship. I remember us sitting on the dock after a boat ride and a dinner at Smith’s Camps and him saying thoughtfully, “I feel like I really get you now.” He wasn’t the first person to say such a thing. I think it is partly because camp is the place that holds my roots, but I also think that this is something that could be said about many of us – the cottage smoothes away our defenses, makes us the truest versions of ourselves.
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Ten years later, we were married there. We strung lights through the trees and drank BC wine and feasted on local food laid out on picnic tables.
The old cast iron tub I was washed in as a baby was painted blue and filled with mason jars of wild blueberry lemonade for our guests. My partners parents, who are originally from El Salvador and hadn’t taken a vacation in decades, flew in for the wedding. His dad was thrilled to be on a boat smaller than a ferry for the first time, his baseball cap turned backwards and his two sons grinning to see his joy. His mother, who normally works nearly seven days a week, stationed herself in a rocking chair and listened to the waves lapping on the shore with her eyes closed and a blissful look of contentment on her face. The camp has been with us for four generations now. Neither my brother nor I have children yet but our cousins do, and they are often there, splashing in the water with the wild happiness I remember from my own childhood. My closest friends and I have a yearly tradition of gathering at the cabin every summer with all of their kids and I am happy that this place has also come to mean something to them, these chosen-family nieces and nephews of mine. In the camp way of life, it belongs to them too. As I grow older, I have had to face the possibility that we may not be able to keep the camp and pass it on to future generations. My dream would be to someday move home and make our cottage into a bed and breakfast. However, my partner works primarily with youth and I work in non-profits. It seems unlikely that we will have the
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Before
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Lighting
Blinds
money needed to do such a thing. I hope that somehow this will change. I’m not sure what my life will look like without this place that represents so much of my history and has so deeply influenced who I have become. If we are unable to keep the camp in the end, I will do my best to carry the memories that used to be held within its walls. And I will certainly carry the lessons it has taught me: that life is best when we live it connected to the seasons, the land and water, and each other; the importance of sharing food and laughter, of being in the moment, of deep sleeps and days spent with lake water in our hair. I know that camp has made me a better person. I hope my grandparents would be proud. AN
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September/October 2016
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Tree frog photo – The Grey Treefrog is a master of disguise and can change its color from brilliant lime green to dull grey to camouflage itself against tree bark or leaves. This little fellow was hiding in the spout of our rain barrel and needed to be moved to a safer location so it wouldn’t drown.
Judging by the many, many frogs and toads we’ve seen this summer, the rainy, wet summer of 2016 must have been pretty great for frogs and toads in the Lake of the Woods area. After many years of serious decline in frog and toad populations around the world, including here in Northwestern Ontario, this year it seems that frogs and toads are really thriving. Frogs and toads belong to a group called Anurans, an order of amphibians that includes more than 5,000 species. Here in the Lake of the Woods area, we have many different anurans, including the American toad, the northern leopard frog, spring peepers, wood frogs, green frogs, boreal chorus frogs, mink frogs, and grey treefrogs. They are fabulous friends to have at the lake, not only because they are fun to watch and listen to, but because they eat huge numbers of biting insects like mosquitoes, flies, and even spiders. They are also an important food source for lots of fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Ontario Nature provides a great description of these creatures on their website, including call sounds, videos, photos and an interactive map that includes species lists for different parts of the Lake of the Woods region, and all of Ontario: ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_ amphibians/index.php#frogs In recent years, anurans have had a hard time and over the past decade or two, and many populations have shrunk or disappeared altogether. There have been many causes of their decline, many of which are caused by humans. The biggest threat to most anurans has been habitat loss through deforestation or filling in wetlands as cities and towns grow. Some frogs, like the grey treefrog, live in trees and when forests are felled, they lose their homes. Habitat loss is a constant and ongoing problem for all wildlife, and one that we really need to think about and try to minimize as we plan our cities and towns and roads and highways. And speaking of highways, getting run over by cars is actually
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one of the biggest causes of death to frogs and toads, so watch for these guys on the roads particularly at dusk and dawn and when it’s damp outside. Other threats to frogs and toads have been more specific to their group of animals. New diseases, especially a fungal disease called Chytridiomycosis (keh-trid-io-my-ko-sis) have been deadly for frogs. Chytridiomycosis has been introduced to wild populations by people releasing aquarium frogs into the wild. Humans can also pass along diseases to frogs and toads simply by holding them, since our hands often carry a lot of germs. Since anurans, like all amphibians, breathe through their skin, they are much more vulnerable to germs on their skin, so it’s really best to admire frogs and toads with your eyes, and to not pick them up. Chytridiomycosis comes from dirty aquarium tanks, and when it gets into wild ponds and other waterways, it attacks the frogs’ and toads’ skin, making it thick and hard. This makes it hard for them to breathe and they usually die within a couple of weeks of contracting the disease. The best solution to this problem is for people to stop releasing their pet frogs and toads into the wild, and to remember that the best place for a frog or toad to live is out in the wild, not in a tank in a house. Another threat to frogs and toads comes from the sun. Frogs’ egg masses and their tadpoles can be damaged by ultraviolet sunlight, in almost the same way that you can get a sunburn if you’re outside in the summer with no skin protection. The Earth has its own protective layer of sunscreen, called the ozone layer, way up in the upper levels of the atmosphere. The ozone layer works just like sunscreen works on your skin: it reflects harmful radiation from the sun off
Northern leopard frog – A couple of years ago, this leopard frog found a great spot to lay its eggs in a quiet, permanent roadside pool. We spent the whole summer watching its eggs grow, hatch into tadpoles, and we checked every day to see the tadpoles grow into adult frogs.
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LOWDKids! 33
the Earth just like sunscreen reflects it off your skin so that it doesn’t damage the cells of living things. Many years ago, certain chemicals that we used to release into the air caused holes in the ozone layer, and Earth lost some of its protection from the sun’s radiation. Thankfully, in 1990, governments around the world met in Montreal and agreed to a full ban on the use of these chemicals, and since then, the ozone layer has started to rebuild itself, and the ozone holes are shrinking. This is good news for all of us, but especially for frogs and toads’ babies, who are very vulnerable to sunburns. The other major cause of harm to frogs and toads comes from pesticide use and run-off from lawns and farms. Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill unwanted plants or insects, and they can poison frogs, toads, and the creatures they eat and the water where they live. Ontario has laws that limit how and when pesticides can be used, but we still have to be very careful to make sure we aren’t poisoning the water where so many of our friends live! There is very little scientific research being done on anurans in our area, so no one really knows how hard-hit local populations have been, nor whether there is actually a rebound under way this year. However, as someone who loves frogs and toads, and who has watched and them all my life, I am certain that there are more of these happy hoppers around now than at any time in the past decade, and that’s a good news story! AN
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
September/October 2016
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Ready for Winter by Hayley Anderson
The leaves are beginning to change, you have gone back home for the winter, and school is about to start. It is fall in Northwestern Ontario and the animals are getting ready for another long winter.
Some animals migrate. This means that they pack up and take off for warmer climates for the winter (like some grandparents!). In our area, the eagles, butterflies, and birds all start to travel south as the weather begins to change. If you look up in the sky you might see the flying “v” of the migrating Canada geese making their way south. Monarch Butterflies undergo one of the most spectacular migrations, heading all the way down to Mexico before making their way back up north in the spring. Hibernation is when animals go in to a deep sleep that can last for many months. They slow down their heart rate and breathing to conserve energy so that they don’t have to eat, and they sleep away the winter in caves or underground. Bears are the best example of hibernators. They fatten up all summer and fall to build up enough energy for hibernation then they find a nice cave or den and stay there until spring. Did you know that bats, chipmunks, skunks and some species of frogs also hibernate? Bats will find caves and group together to conserve body heat while they hibernate. Frogs actually have a type of “antifreeze” in their blood so even if they freeze while they are hibernating and they stop breathing and their heart stops beating, when the weather starts to warm up they will still thaw and wake up. Some animals prepare for winter by collecting and storing food during the spring and fall. Beavers make food beds in front of their houses. They gather fresh sticks in the fall and stick them into the bottom of the lake or river right beside their house. That way they can still eat in the winter and don’t have to go far from their cozy homes. Squirrels collect extra nuts and store them in tree stumps and in piles throughout the forest so that they have enough food to get them through the winter. Rabbits do not migrate or hibernate, but in the winter their coats change from brown to white and get extra thick in order to keep them warm. Weasels also go through this process, replacing their brown coats with white, dense fur to provide camouflage against the snow and to help them stay warm. You might notice that your dog also gets a winter coat. This is a leftover trait from their ancestors who had to grow thick coats to stay warm in the frigid temperatures before we domesticated them and brought them in to our homes. AN
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2016 Photo Contest Send us your best pictures in the following categories: • Kids being active at the lake • Wildlife and nature • Family photo WIN great Lake of the Woods mementos and swag. Deadline: December 31, 2016 Email your entries to: editor@areanewsmagazine.com Please provide your name, address and phone number as well as an image title and where the image was taken. Limit: 5 submissions per person.
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
36 Boating
Women of the Water Enjoy Black Sturgeon Lake by Deb Small
The lake is smooth and silent as I head out once again in my yellow kayak. The sun is lifting the early morning mist lightly off the water, promising another hot day. Our meeting place today is on an island we call Campers’ Island, which, for me, is about a kilometre and a half north of our camp on Black Sturgeon Lake. At this early hour I have the lake to myself. Such a huge body of water—I am awed to be a solitary paddler in the middle of this vast beauty, suspended in silence as my kayak slides easily through the black water. I head north to meet with several other women kayakers who are all part of a group that we call Women of the Water, or WoW, for short. Seven or eight years ago, a few of us started going out together in our kayaks to explore Black Sturgeon Lake. Over the years, our group grew as people invited neighbours and friends to join us. We paddle together for a few hours on most weekends throughout the summer and sometimes into the fall. We all live on different parts of the lake, so we choose a central meeting spot each week, and from there, we head out to explore islands and shorelines. On this particular morning, as I head out across an open stretch, I see a glimmer of my friend’s blue kayak and the flash of her paddle as she heads out from her dock. She slows to wait for me and then we head north together. Up ahead, just off a point, three more kayaks drift, awaiting us in their bold primary colours. These brightly, bobbing boats have a kindergarten playfulness about them—a cacophony of colour. The five of us continue north to the meeting place where there will be several more women who join us from further north on the lake. There is a light-hearted feeling of camaraderie as we greet each other and decide where to go next. Something magical happens as we paddle along together. The lake itself makes a huge statement—it is such a vast presence, supporting us on deep, black water, ancient
beauty. And in the midst of this largeness, we bring our daily lives to talk about as we move in twos and threes along the shore or across open water. Some of us have known each other for years; others are newer friends. There is something so easy about chatting with the person beside you while paddling along together. No eye contact or body language complicates the conversation; simply paddling in the same direction while exploring the landscapes of our lives. Silence is not awkward; silence is a healing presence all around us. The beauty of the kayak is not only in how quiet it is but also in how easily it takes you into shallow waters. In small, secluded bays, we can glide above large, brown rocks, big, solid boulders—startling in how close they seem. Weeds stretch up towards the sunlight; long, spindly, green plants swaying in the underwater currents, disappearing down into the blackness and fish. “I started kayaking when I was 44 and recovering from cancer treatment,” says Beth Morton, a member of our group. “I’ve always been active and enjoyed the outdoors but I wanted to slow down and take in the details. Kayaking is a great way to see the shoreline up close. You can get into the shallow places where boats can’t go. You are quiet enough to get close to turtles sunning on rocks, or loons swimming with their young ones.” Our weekly excursions have been adventurous and often challenging. We may choose a long creek to explore, or we may head out onto a windy open stretch to get into new bays. One time we opted for an easy outing, loading kayaks onto a pontoon boat for a leisurely ride to The Rollers— a place where the Black Sturgeon River flows into the Winnipeg River. There are rapids and a landing with a pulley system to move motorboats between rivers. We played in the rapids and moved on to explore part of the Winnipeg River.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Boating 37
We paddle in all kinds of weather, learning to watch the waves and understand the wind. Slight shimmering waves appear in a very soft breeze; choppy water surface indicates a confused, gusty wind; and the long regular rises and dips of waves announce a strong, consistent wind, often driving us to leeward waters for easier paddling. The big waves can be fun, with that lovely, easy bobbing of the kayak and the slight challenge to balancing, the wearying push of arms against the wind, the persevering progress. And with a tailwind comes the playful, surfing down occasional large waves.
mantra while paddling, that goes something like this— paddle paddle talk talk paddle paddle pass the snacks paddle talk paddle home,” chants Burns Cone.
We always bring an interesting variety of snacks with us and some have their coffee mugs tucked into their boats. Susan Burns Cone joined our group a few years ago after meeting Beth Morton as volunteer peer counselors at the Canadian Cancer Society in Winnipeg.
“The women I’ve met in this group are amazing, strong women who also love nature. We inspire each other to get out on the water regardless of the weather,” says Morton.
“Beth instantly included me and introduced me to her kayaking friends, whom she treasured. I started falling in love with the Black Sturgeon. I have come to treasure our
Every summer, the group celebrates with one or two gatherings on someone’s dock. The celebration includes elaborate brunches with fruit, yummy treats, and of course, coffee with a hint of Baileys to keep a glint in the paddle. We laugh and tease each other, sharing a sense of accomplishment at the end of a good, long paddle.
At the end of the excursion, we paddle homeward, each in a different direction, feeling contented and refreshed, carrying a little portion of peace back into our busy lives. AN
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
38 Boating
Sailing Thrives on Black Sturgeon Lake by Elsie Neufeld
On a windy but warm July Sunday afternoon, the Burns’ dock on Black Sturgeon Lake buzzes with activity as the fifth annual Black Sturgeon Sailing Club’s (BSSC) sailing school winds down. Students, volunteers, parents and instructors pitch in as the final boats dock and are loaded for transport. For five years now, on the third weekend of July, a fledgling flock of white sails take to lower Black Sturgeon Lake for the BSSC’s annual sailing school. For two days, about 30 students—children and adults—learn the basics of sailing, studying theory and sailboat parts on shore, and getting the hands-on experience on water. The BSSC, like Zigzag and Lake of the Woods Royal Yacht Clubs, falls under the wing of Sail Manitoba. This affiliation provides access to the mobile sailing program and insurance to cover club events. Sail Manitoba’s mobile sailing program simplifies the event for organizers. The outfit travels to lakes throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario during the summer, teaching people how to sail. The program provides the boats—Laser IIs, FJs and Pram sailing dinghies— and instructors. This year, brothers Graham and Dylan Moll instructed. This sailing school is popular. It is fully booked in January with a waiting list. “In January everyone is eager, dreaming about summer; by May or June, when other summer plans get in the way, there are cancellations,” explained Phil Burns, the BSSC founder. Still, the lessons fill up. Some participants are previous students, paying $40 again to get a season refresher course. It is a fun community event. The logistics of the school include transporting the sailboats to and from a landing; organizing morning and afternoon classes; keeping everyone safe and warm; coordinating volunteers; and organizing the barbecue on the Saturday night. “Now that we’ve done it for five years, there’s a groove to it,” said Kanning Burns, Phil’s wife. The Black Sturgeon Sailing Club owes its existence to Phil Burns and family who moved to the lake in 2012, bringing with them an enthusiasm for sailing and a plan to make Black Sturgeon a sailing lake. “Phil Burns is the force behind the evolution in the sailing scene at Black Sturgeon,” said his neighbour Marnie Melnyk. Melynk and her husband, Ted, were one of the few people with a sailboat in the neighbourhood before the Burns family came to the lake.
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“When we arrived in 2004, we would rarely see other sailboats. Now we have many sailboats, a sailing club, yearly sailing schools, two young sailors on the Manitoba Sailing team and planned races,” said Melnyk. She points out that Burns also seems to know where to find a boat when someone is ready to take that step.
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“I grew up spending summers at Clearwater Bay and being part of the Zigzag Yacht Club,” said Burns, explaining the genesis of his sailing passion, and his connection to the Lake of the Woods sailing community. “When we came here, I wanted to offer my kids the same opportunities I had.” Burns’ wife Kanning adds, “We want to develop a sense of community here. We want the kids to love the lake, and to know you don’t need a motor to enjoy being on the lake.”
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The sailing school weekend launches the sailing season on Black Sturgeon Lake. After the weekend school, three weeks of Sunday sailing races follow to hone the skills of the new and seasoned sailors. One student at a time, one sailboat at a time, Black Sturgeon Lake is becoming a sailing lake. AN
The Burns’ enthusiasm for the sport is infectious; neighbours have caught the bug. While several now embrace the sport as sailors, others pitch in as good neighbours, like the one who transports the Prams and equipment on his pontoon boat to the trailer at the Black Sturgeon Camp landing. BSSC is particularly excited this year for two of its members, Nicole Laspina (16) and Lauren Burns (14). These two young sailors qualified for the Manitoba Sailing team. They raced at the 2016 Power Smart Manitoba Games at West Hawk Lake. Burns finished fifth after 10 races and unfortunately Laspina had to retire early in the series.
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Ida Skead with Kenora harbour in the background At 77, Ida Skead of Kenora still produces beautiful moccasins and clothing, drawing on the history of the Ojibway of the Lake of the Woods region.
l u f i t u a Be ory t s i H a n e e K t a P by
“
The youth ran fast through the trees, long black hair streaming. In his left hand was his bow, right hand tightly holding the bow string and his notched arrow. At the tip of the shaft of his arrow was his prized possession, a small amber arrowhead created in the style shown to him by the tribe’s most skilled knapper. The youth had seen a flock of geese preparing to land near the flat rock at the water’s edge, where he and his tribesmen had pulled up their canoes earlier in the day. It was dusk now and the men were still away hunting larger game inland. Perhaps he could contribute with a fat goose - wouldn’t that surprise them! There. Through the trees and across the tall grass. A large flock, the males standing guard while smaller birds cropped the tender shoots. Gingerly, he inched his way through the trees and approached the grassy area. His footsteps made no sound, clad in soft moose hide moccasins that his mother had made. He was intensely proud of her skill in making clothing. His moccasins were fitted just for him, soft and supple, yet thick on the bottom soles and tightly sewn with deer sinew and thistle. They were unadorned because he understood that decoration would come later, when he had tales to tell. The boy edged silently toward the flock. He raised his bow, drew the sinew taught and took a deep breath. But too fast. The largest gander started, rose and veered toward open water. The arrow rose, sharp against the darkening sky, and true to its target. The youth watched as the arrow struck the mighty bird, then it bounced off its thick feathers, the shaft spiraling downward and his beautiful arrowhead turning and twisting down to splash in the silent waters of his beloved Lake of the Woods. Today was not a day of tales to tell.
”
Four hundred years ago, all the necessities of life were harvested along the shores of Lake of the Woods. This included clothing and footwear. Steel needles for sewing were not yet available but metal kettles, axes and knives would soon replace native pottery and stone tools. There were no glass beads and manufactured fabrics. Clothing was made from the resources at hand and it had to stand up to climate and terrain. It had to insulate from the cold and snow of winter and be lightweight, comfortable and flexible in summer. Footwear was particularly prone to wear and stress, more so than any other clothing. One pair of moccasins might last two months.
First Nations lived in harmony with all other beings of the natural environment. The Lake of the Woods area provided moose, hare, beaver, muskrat, and bear as well as a plethora of plants as food, medicine, clothing and accessories. Dyes from willow root produced a vibrant red that lasts today on pictographs and clothing. Porcupine quills and eagle feathers adorned ceremonial dress designed to stimulate the generosity of game spirits and acknowledge the beautiful history of its owner.
The porcupine quills used in this barrette made by Ida Skead were once a prominent decorative touch by the ancient Ojibway.
Ida Skead of Kenora still produces this beautiful artwork today. Her history is the history of Lake of the Woods.
When Skead was very young, probably six or seven, she was a resident of St. Mary’s Residential School on the property that now houses Devil’s Gap Marina. She doesn’t speak much about those days at the school but she remembers missing her parents and her grandparents terribly and she remembers fellow students who were at the school one day “and gone the next”, without explanation. Skead’s father was a trapper. He would hunt weasel, beaver, mink, fisher, otter and muskrat. When she and her sister were home, they were assigned to help hunt squirrels. Her mother would “whip up a pair” of moccasins from moose hide, using canvas for the upper portion to save on leather. Needles go through moose hide very well. Deer hide is thinner than moose and would be used to make gloves and mittens. “There are two types of moccasins in the Ojibway style,” Skead explains. “There are the round style and the pointy. Most have a floral design, like the woodland flowers around the lake. Long ago, red and blue were mainly used. Red dye could be made from tree bark and blue dye came from blueberries.” “I remember my grandfather wore only moccasins in the summer. The leather breathes and would keep his feet cool. For very cold days, the whole skin of the rabbit could be worn inside the
41
moccasin.” Skead’s grandfather would wrap long laces of thin hide around the foot and calf to hold the moccasin in place. “Years ago, my uncle found some very old moccasins in Keewatin,” says Skead who also found in a case owned by her uncle some moose sinew that her mother used for sewing. “Lake of the Woods has a history that is not just the white man’s history.” Skead is now 77 years old. She remembers her grandparents fondly and spent all her childhood days with them when she could. She loved going out in their birch bark canoe to harvest bearberry leaves, which grew close to the shoreline and were used to make Labrador tea.
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Woodland wildflowers are prominent decorative touches on moccasins made by the Kenora Ojibway.
She also remembers men from her community travelling to nearby islands to hunt larger prey. The hunt was always shared with everyone in the community. Nothing would go to waste. The stomach of a moose was cleaned, roasted over a fire and then cut into small pieces to later make soup. Skead remembers her mother roasting the nose of a moose over a fire, turning it over and over to remove the fur, and then serving it along with the jaw meat and cheeks.
“Moccasins were almost always plain,” explains Skead. “Embroidery was used but only on moccasins for special occasions. There was no moose tufting here as decoration (on moccasins). Moose hair would be used for mattresses and bedding. I remember duck down used as stuffing in blankets.” Skead also fondly remembers Fife’s Hardware Store on Main Street in Kenora as the best place for the items that her mother and father needed for the different seasons – twine for fishing nets in the summer, snare wire for trapping in the fall and the best needles for moccasins and clothing throughout the year.
Well before Ida’s memories and for centuries on the lake, all stages of clothing were manufactured by women using the resources of the lake and land. Skins were dehaired and defleshed with scrapers made from the leg bone of a moose, then steeped in a brine made with brain matter to stimulate the tanning process. After the hide was dried and stretched, holes were punched into the skin using a sharp awl made from animal bone. Sinew from the back and leg muscle of moose or large deer were threaded through the holes to bind the tanned skins together as clothing and footwear.
Moccasins for serviceable wear were constructed of leather tanned to a rich tan colour and coarse, thick texture. Moccasins used at dances and ceremonial events were tanned more delicately. There are some reports of beadwork and decorative touches on the bottom soles of ceremonial moccasins, placed there so guests could view the ingenuity of the owner while seated around the fire. Moose hair might be used as decoration for the article of clothing, depending upon its intended use. There were varying techniques but generally the hair from the long winter coat of a moose was picked from the hide by hand, washed and then the white hairs dyed. Porcupine quills were a valuable decoration. The quills hold colour longer than other materials. The quills of a
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An example of the centre seam style of moccasin on display at the Lake of the Woods Museum in Kenora.
freshly harvested porcupine were steeped in hot water for several days until pliable. Then, by holding one end firmly in the teeth, they were flattened by pressing the edge of the thumbnail against the quill held by the forefinger and drawing it tightly along the length of the quill over and over until it was smooth. A hole was made in the moccasin and the sharp point of the quill was thrust from the back and drawn out the front of the moccasin. The end of the quill left at the back was bent and pressed to serve as a fastener. Fine thread harvested from thistle, fireweed and cattails were used to sew these delicate decorations to the hide. Moccasins made in the ancient Ojibway style were a single piece of tanned hide sewn with a center seam and puckered toe. Ojibway means puckered. The more common style today is a two-piece pattern that includes an apron, or vamp, inserted at the top of the foot, replacing the center seam. Even before the arrival of Jacque de Noyon to Lake of the Woods in 1688, trade routes existed from the Lake of the Woods region west to the Pacific Ocean, north to the tundra, east through the Great Lakes and south through the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. Lake of the Woods was a
The Ojibway Cultural Centre has impressive crafts on display and for sale, like these child’s moccasins.
natural epi-center. But few ventured because this region was already a land of plenty. The Lake of the Woods Museum on Main Street in Kenora holds a treasure of moccasins on display, showing the wealth of tanning techniques and decorations developed over the centuries from materials at hand. The Ojibway Cultural Centre on Airport Road just north of downtown Kenora also has impressive crafts on display and for sale. The centre is built on land that once housed another residential school, the Cecilia Jeffrey School. A memorial has been erected there “To all the Children” who attended. Some tanned moose hide is available at the centre for local artisans, as are “star blankets”, traditional skirts, moccasins, trinkets and jackets. To people like Ida Skead, the past is never forgotten. In some ways, the past can return. “Porcupines are coming back,” she says happily. “Look for bark eaten off the trees along the roadway. Those are porcupine cuttings and they are coming back to the lake.” AN
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44 Cottage How-to
Editor’s note: This letter was received in response to Dyke Williams’ article (May/June 2016) on Do-it-Yourself Adaptations. We look forward to hearing about other members’ ingenious ideas for adapting your summer home to your changing needs!
A Mud-Proof Foot Valve A normal foot valve can become plugged by mud and debris at the bottom of the lake due to windy conditions or other mishaps, so I decided to build a bottom-proof stand that would keep the valve off the bottom without using a float.
Drill 4 x 1-inch holes in the sides of the pail about an inch from the bottom as shown. Cut the 1-inch pipe into 2 equal pieces and insert them into the holes with about 2 feet sticking out each side of the pail.
Materials used were:
Drill another 1½-inch hole in the pail about 2 inches from the bottom and insert about 1 foot of 1½-inch pipe so that it reaches the middle of the pail. Now attach the 90-degree elbow and 2 feet of 1½-inch hose with the foot valve pointing straight up. Insert the reduced connector to the one-foot piece, then double clamp all connections with stainless steel hose clamps.
• • • • • • • • •
an ordinary heavy duty 2 gallon plastic pail about 10 feet of 1-inch ABS pipe a bag of redi-mix cement 1½-inch foot valve to match the pipe size 90 degree 1½-inch elbow 1½-inch to 1¼-inch reduced connector about 4 feet of 1½-inch 100 lb plastic pipe 10 stainless steel hose clamps 2 x ¼-inch stainless eye bolts about 3 inches long with washers and nuts
When all this is done, mix the bag of redi-mix and pour into the pail to secure everything. Before the cement is hardened, remove the metal handle on the pail and insert the two eyebolts with washers into the cement and tie a loop of nylon rope for a handle. Make sure the upright pipe with the foot valve is pointing straight up. I tie a ¼-inch nylon rope to the rope handle on the pail and secure it to the shore in case the valve needs to be serviced. When the cement has cured for about 48 hours, attach your inlet pipe (I use 1¼-inch) to the reduced connector, double clamp with stainless clamps and lower into the water. This method can be easily modified to use any diameter of inlet hose or foot valve, and the cross pieces of ABS pipe keep the pail from tipping over on the bottom, while keeping your foot valve a steady 3 feet off the bottom and in clean water without the need for a float. I hope my “adaptation” helps someone else keep their foot valve clean. I have left this in the water since 2010 with no problems. The details are fairly easy, and it takes about an hour or so to build. Peggy & Brian McCowan Rush Bay
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L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
46 Food & Drink
Notes From
Razberry Lane by Henry & Anita Rasmussen
A Walk on the Wild Side In this part of the world there is an ongoing controversy concerning the relative merits of the Saskatoon berry and the blueberry. Those of us who hail from God’s Country, i.e. Northwestern Ontario, tend to be blueberry snobs, while the Manitoba-born contingent, raised on Saskatoon pies and jams, holds a different opinion. This is an argument not likely to be resolved any time soon.
usually able to set aside our childhood preferences and enjoy eating them fresh, frozen, canned or baked in a pie. As an added bonus, both berries are said to contain antioxidant properties essential to good health.
Of course the berries in question are only two samples of the richness available in this diversified landscape. For the moment, we have agreed to set aside the gloves and together explore the wild summer harvest that a generous Even here at Razberry Lane, an oasis of tranquility and nature provides. Besides blueberries and Saskatoons, peace, differences of opinion resurface seasonally. chokecherries, pin cherries, cranberries, wild plums, wild Henry’s earliest and fondest memories involve gathering raspberries and strawberries abound, free for the picking. Saskatoons, while Anita grew up in blueberry-rich Rainy Any or all of these can be turned into jellies, jams, tarts, River District, hence the debate. Like everyone else, we are pies and other desserts. Admittedly, there is some effort involved and there will always be insects that resent your Shelley Torrie Shelley Torrie HOME and COTTAGE REALTY intrusion into their territory. On the plus Broker of Record side, the air is fresh and clean, the woods 807.468.1120 storrie@kenora-realestate.com 807.547.4020 www.kenora-realestate.com are beautiful, the exercise beneficial. And if you bring a lunch, berry picking can turn into a social and pleasurable Joey Katz event. There is always the satisfaction of Broker contributing to one’s own food supply 807.466.2770 We’ll go the extra mile! jkatz@kenora-realestate.com as well. R E A L
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The wild teems with other edible herbs and plants, mushrooms being a prized example. We have friends skilled in the crucial art of differentiating between the edible and the poisonous varieties. They tend to be a cautious bunch, reluctant to reveal their secret sources, yet relationships with wild mushroom pickers are well worth cultivating as they usually share with their friends. Right here within city limits, there are a number of stately silver maples imported from Eastern Ontario at the turn of the 19th century. These conceal a treasure in the form of sap, which, by dint of considerable work and determination, can be transformed into pure maple syrup, rivaling that of the Eastern part of the country in taste and quality. Like berry picking in the wilds, making one’s own syrup is not for everyone, but can prove immensely rewarding for the more adventurous among us. In our zeal for promoting wild berry picking, we’ve neglected to mention one of the area’s richest resources: the lakes and rivers that surround us, fresh water, replete with fish of all varieties to please any palate. There are trout, bass, perch, and, everyone’s favorite: the walleye. Fishing can be an expensive hobby, with fancy boats and the latest in bait and tackle, or the cheapest, using only a simple rod and reel
and worms from the garden. It comes in all forms to suit every type of angler. The Lake of the Woods area probably has more fishermen per capita than any other region in Canada, allowing us to enjoy some of the tastiest and best fish in the country year-round. Picture this on your dinner table: fresh walleye fillets, wild mushrooms fried in butter, baby potatoes grown in your garden plot, a salad made with lettuce, green onions and tumbler tomatoes from the deck. And for dessert, a fresh blueberry (or Saskatoon) pie, hot from the oven. All possible, all within your reach, and all waiting to be discovered by the next generation of growers and gatherers, too. We owe it to our children to introduce them early to this environment, one that will enrich and transform their lives forever. Nature offers its bounty, and asks little of us in return. Venturing into the wilds in the Lake of the Woods area provides an opportunity to experience a degree of diversity, freedom and beauty—and deliciousness—rarely found anywhere else. AN
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BY Lorne Hurst My maternal grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Eber Couser was born in 1886 and was the eldest of 3 girls born in Ontario. Their mother died shortly after the birth of her youngest daughter and their father, a farmer, did not feel he could raise the girls alone, as they were all under the age of five. A difficult decision was made to send the girls to live with nearby farming families and Margaret recounted her early years as being difficult, without the opportunity to go to school beyond grade five. Although the sisters remained in touch by letter, they did not meet again until their adult years. This loss of a strong family unit may have been the driving force in my grandmothers’ heart to create a lasting legacy. Although she had only limited education, she understood that hard work and perseverance was required to succeed. Margaret had many talents; she was a well-known Winnipeg curler who won many championships, and was a talented soprano who performed for local audiences. She worked a number of years as the manager of PALA (Presbyterian Anglican Literary Association) Camp in Minaki and while she enjoyed this position, decided she wished she could run her own business - such as a summer camp. With her husband, Ernest Borden De Armond, who she met through Westminster United Church in Winnipeg, she traveled to Banff and as far south as Louisiana (my eldest sister Shirley Render still has the Creole cookbook) looking for a suitable location. As her husbands’ job as an accountant was in Winnipeg, a mutually agreed upon site was to be close to their Winnipeg home.
Shortly after World War I they purchased eight acres on Coney Island that had started as a dairy farm in the late 1800s. Colonel Thompson had originally purchased the beautiful farm, consisting of a gorgeous two storey lodge and a boathouse, before the First World War. His intent was to turn it into his summer residence. Unfortunately he did not return from the war and as a result the property was purchased from Colonel Thompson’s estate by my maternal grandmother, making her the sole owner and Proprietress. Another property in the estate is now known as Thompson House at St. John’s Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg. Initially the property contained the main lodge with five large bedrooms upstairs and five rooms downstairs, all with their own fireplace. The camp operated without running water and the cabins had no power, using only kerosene lanterns. Plumbing was also very primitive.
For a mere $7.00 a week you had your own room and three meals a day. For a mere $7.00 a week you had your own room and three meals a day. Over a 30 year period there were many improvements in the sleeping quarters; such as the addition of separate cabins that could sleep numerous families, as well as changes to the ever popular two storey boathouse. In the early years the upstairs was only for single women, but as the lodge gained popularity the boat slip was covered over and the downstairs made into rooms for couples. In the late thirties as the effects of depression eased, the business prospered and the rate rose to a whopping $35.00 per person per week or $75.00 for a family of four. Most of the guests came from Winnipeg. I have had many people tell me stories of how they met their partner at Coney Lodge. Guests who came as singles one year would often return the next as newlyweds. These repeat guests that initially came for one week frequently, would now stay for two, with their ever expanding family. At its height, Coney Lodge could accommodate over 100 people a week. Indoor activities at Coney Lodge included quiet reading from the lending library, piano playing, bridge, bingo, sing song nights and everyone’s favourite - ballroom dancing on the custom built hardwood floor to a wind up gramophone and wonderful records. Outside there was lawn bowling, baseball, tennis, croquet as well as lawn golf. There were regular boat tours
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of Kenora decontaminated the dump, but if you walk by on a moonless night, we’re sure you can still hear the singing around the campfire. Fortunately the town of Kenora was also thriving and therefore building supplies as well as food supplies were readily available. Some of the companies still remain, but many such as Lakeland Dairy, the vegetable market (reintroduced as the Matiowski Farmers’ Market these days at the waterfront), Red Rose Flower and the Fish Market have vanished or been re-purposed. My eldest sister, Shirley, now enjoys going to the “new” Town Hall as she still remembers walking into that building almost 65 years ago to pick up mail from box 618.
This new prosperity by the early 1950’s opened up lake country and anyone who had a passion for the water was looking to buy their piece of paradise.
in the camp launch around Lake of the Woods, similar to what the M.S. Kenora does today. The large sandy beach was a huge draw, as was the availability of row boats and canoes. In the evening there was a weekly bonfire fire down at the dump below the 50 foot drop of Blueberry Hill where the town of Kenora had created a ski jump for winter use. This proved too costly to maintain and the new ski hill, Mount Evergreen, had been created so the ski jump on Coney was eventually torn down. Over the years the town
It took many people to run the operation of Coney Lodge and each year there were four to six boat/maintenance boys and four kitchen/linen helpers. Staff was hired over the winter and the pastry chef and meat chef were interviewed in Winnipeg so that menus could be confirmed as the meals were definitely a highlight for the guests. It was not uncommon to go out and pick red currants, raspberries and blueberries which the pastry chef would then turn into delightful desserts for that evening. As the camp ran from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. most nights, many of the staff lived at the Camp over the summer. I understand this often led to romance, as well as other human resource issues; some things never change. The camp rules were also for staff, not just for patrons.
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Coney Lodge became a well-oiled machine, but in her early 1950’s my grandmother Margaret’s health began to deteriorate. My mother, Mary Drysdale De Armond, born in 1918, began taking over more responsibilities when she was only 20. Under her guidance the camp truly prospered, especially after the second world war. However, “times were a-changing”. Originally, guests of Coney Lodge would arrive from Winnipeg by railway on CPR #2 Camper Special. As more people were able to purchase automobiles they would travel via Main Street over the Redwood Bridge to Highway 44 through the Whiteshell. After more than four hours on the road, they would call on the telephone #19 Black and be picked up by the camp launch. This new prosperity by the early 1950’s opened up lake country and anyone who had a passion for the water was looking to buy their piece of paradise. During those years, my father, Harold Hurst, created a successful medical practice, following his specialty training at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and hoped my mother would be able to find more time with their family. So after more than 30 years, Coney Lodge closed its doors to guests in 1956. Her intrinsic love of the land and the water that surrounds us was instilled in all four of her children. My eldest sister Shirley and her daughter have a summer place on Gunn Club Island and her son has built on Shoal Lake. My sister Susan Makridis spent her early years as a swimming instructor at Coney Island Beach and gained notoriety by swimming around Coney Island. My brother, Brian Hurst, who was backcountry hiking in the area he knew so well, looking for a remote cabin near Linklater Lake, died tragically in the fall of 2014, as he was caught in an early snowstorm. We know his soul is here. My wife, Elly Hoogterp, our children Kim and Niels and I hope that our ongoing care of the historic property on Coney Island fulfills my grandmother Margaret’s desire to create a family legacy that will continue for future generations. AN
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) reminds the public that no burning is allowed during the day from April 1 to October 31. Permits are not required for most smallscale burning of wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products if the following conditions are met: All Fires • The fire must be at least two metres from any flammable materials. • All fires must be tended by a responsible person until extinguished. • Adequate tools or water must be available to put the fire out. • The fire is to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and must be put out no later than two hours after sunrise. Piled Material One pile only that is less than two metres in diameter and less than two metres in height.
•
Grass and Leaves The total area to be burned is less than one hectare. • The length of the flaming edge is less than 30 metres. •
Incinerators Must be an enclosed device. • Must be at least five metres from a forest. • Must be covered with a lid made from 5 mm or smaller wire mesh. •
Residents in organized municipalities must check with their local municipal office for other burning restrictions or bylaws. When a Restricted Fire Zone Order is implemented no outdoor fires are permitted. ontario.ca/fireprevention Paid for by the Government of Ontario
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How to Submit Classifieds Email: susan.mcleod@lowdpoa.com Mail: LOWDPOA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Next submission deadline: October 7, 2016 Please try to keep your listing to 35 words or less.
For Rent Whitefish Bay. 4br/2bath home near Sioux Narrows. Road access. TV, VCR, DVD, microwave, freezer, screen porch, sand beach, floating swim dock and large boat dock. Private with beautiful sunset views. $1500/week (discount more than one week). Call Brad at 612-581-0824. See pics at www.muskiebaycamp.com Whitefish Bay. 2 Bdr/1 bath cottage near Sioux Narrows. Road access. TV, VCR, DVD, microwave, freezer, screen porch, sand beach, floating swim dock and large boat dock. Private with beautiful sunset views. $1000/week (discount more than one week). Call Brad at 612-581-0824. See pics at www.muskiebaycamp.com
LOW Island Cottage 15 mins. from Kenora. SW exposure, 300’ frontage beach area, 62’docking, 2700 sq. ft., open concept, 5 bdrms, L.R., D.R. plus entertainment room and sunroom. D.W., W/D,T.V.,Phone, internet available, all amenities., $2500 wk. Min. 2 weeks, must have own boat, parking available. 807-548-4916/204-229-2219/204-284-4940 Coney Island. Large newer 4 bdrm cottage with large kitchen, eating area, fireplace and electric heat. Multi-level decks, great docking, swimming. 2 kayaks available. Exceptional location, in a quiet bay. Available May, June, August, September. Contact Bill at (204) 223-6374 McCallum Point Road, Clearwater Bay. 3 bdrm, 1 bath, full kitchen, Bell TV, furnished, large deck with beautiful Lake view. Guest cottage. Sleeps 8. Available on selected weeks May 29-Sep 11. From $750-$ 2000 weekly. No Smoking, no pets indoors. Contact Don: donunger@mymts.net 1 (204) 806-1998
Private Island Cottage. 3 bdrm 2 bathroom cottage on Hay Island, LOTW. Fantastic views from the large double tiered deck. Very clean and new. Summer kitchen and timber frame gazebo on large pipe dock. Great docking, boating, fishing and swimming. $1500 wk. Please email Cathy at cathshep1@gmail.com.
Private, Family Fun Island. Southern exposure, 180’ lakefront with beach, 150’ docking. Kayaks, canoe, 12’ skiff, PWC for rent. 16’ waterslide and dive tower. Firepit, fireplace, hot tub in veranda with shuffleboard, darts, TV/VCR. All amenities. $1500/ week, mainland parking $10/day. Contact Sandy (928) 259-7559 Nov–Apr, (807) 548-1077 May – Oct. Private Cottage for rent in prime location Bulman Bay, LOTW - minutes from the Yacht Club. Near Keewatin, 10 minutes down McKenzie Portage Road. Lake front with 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 firepit. Lots of parking .Recently renovated. Available June, July, August & September. Minimum 2 week stay. $2800/week Email inquiries to hklapman@mwgapparel.com Island Rental - 4 miles west of Sioux Narrows. 2 bdrm cabin with loft, kitchen, chemical toilet & water heater. Sleeps 3-4 adults; 3 children. $1000/ week; $3000/4 weeks. Blueberries galore in July/ August. (812)637-3366 mel@getreals.com
13 acre island available for camping or houseboating. Sandy beach; middle of best walleye fishery. No facilities. Go to Google Earth and search ‘Craig Island Kenora Ontario’. $500/week. (812) 637-3366 mel@getreals.com
Beautiful lakefront road access 4 bdrm 2 bath cottage for rent on Storm Bay Road. All docks & decks are new and the interior/exterior is completely remodeled. Includes satellite internet and laundry. Sunroom facing the lake. No pets no smoking. $3000/week. Discount on multiple weeks. Email: stormbayroadrental@gmail.com 2 Bdrm Waterfront Cottage on Winnipeg River. Fully furnished, full service. Large deck, boat dock, quiet, clean. No smoking. 10 minute drive from Kenora year round. Book early $180/day, $1000/ week. Contact (807)468-1171 / tomrof@kmts.ca. Clearwater Bay. A western exposure offers sunsets over Deception Bay from the deck of our family cottage. Road access to 3 bdrm cottage with full amenities including internet, plus fireplace. Dock and waterside patio with a ten foot sheltered boat slip is suitable for swimmers of all ages. Available June and July. For further info call (780)477-7958 or email gmccrea@telus.net
Want to Rent Want to rent 3 bdrm waterfront cottage, road access, run-about boat. June and July on Lake of the Woods or Minaki area. Contact: zedwiebe@mymts. net or (204)253-7143 Retired couple previous island camp owners with 30+ years LOW experience and own boat looking for lake/island cabin to rent anywhere within radius of approximately 14 miles of Kenora. 3-4 weeks starting July 4. Call James (604)880-2295.
Retired couple looking to rent 2/3 bdrm cottage for one month this summer. Preferred location is Coney Island or surrounding area. Some flexiblity on times is possible. Docking for 19 ft boat required. We are former Kenora residents and lovers of the Lake of the Woods. Non smokers with a small quiet clean dog. We are a “renter’s dream” and will treat your property with respect. References are available. Contact Don or Kathleen by email (rudkokd@gmail.com) or cell (204) 803-0077. Thanks for your consideration.
Want to Buy 10-12 ft John Boat & 12 ft Grumman Canoe. Call after June 1st (807) 543-2225.
Real Estate for Sale Lakefront cottage one-half hour from Kenora. Western exposure. 1.35 acres. 164’ lake frontage. Well maintained. Fully serviced. Septic system. Bedrock foundation. 3 bdrm loft style. 3 pc bath plus washer/dryer. Screened porch with hot tub. 16x16 guest cabin. Bunk house. 20x24 boat house. Large dock. Many extras. Private sale. $395,000. Call (204) 256 6809 or (807) 543 3112. Waterfront home on Lake of the Woods. Our custom built year-round home features 3 bdrm, 3 bath and over 2900 sq ft of living space on the shore of LOTW, west of Kenora. No detail was spared in constructing and finishing this home and it’s loaded with amenities! Great location, minutes off Hwy 17 in low tax, unorganized territory. Call Wes for more details (807) 543-1556, rae-wes@shaw.ca L.O.W. Island 15 mins. from Kenora. Recently upgraded, 1250 sq. feet plus 12x18 screened area, large deck. 3 B.R., bathroom, utility room. Open concept kitchen, L.R., dining room. 12 x 20 workshop, 8 x 12 shoreline shed, 50’ crib dock and beach area. All major appliances included. $385,000 Ph. (306)371-0628
All-Season Cottage/Home, fully furnished, Deception/Clearwater Bay area, 1,600 sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2 bath, on 1.59 acres, 235 ft. of shoreline, with boathouse and docks. More Information: pineportage@mymts.net. Move-in-ready. Private Sale.
Classifieds 53 Long Bay, Sioux Narrows, LOTW. 8 acres, 800’ of low profile shoreline including two natural sand beaches. Road access with western exposure. Original log lodge, six cottages, 2 double garages, fixed and floating docks. Asking $999,000. Call 1 (807) 407-5891.
Boats & Motors for Sale 1950’s Antique Wooden Boat. As is. Peterborough Handy-Boy. Last used in Kenora 2014 Wooden Boat parade. Complete with 1970’s vintage Johnson 20 H Motor and trailer. Asking $3900 OBO. Call Wes at 807-733-1067 or 204-807-8481.
Classic Chestnut Canoe. Cedar strip, canvas covered. Professionally restored to its original beauty. Complete with paddles, original seats, along with custom made lower gravity seats with back rests. 807-548-1881. Avon 310 Lite ROVER Inflatable Dinghy, Manual Air Pump, Carry Bag, Oars, Bench, 9.9 Yamaha Outboard, Gas Tank. 1500 OBO Phone: 807-468-8331 OR 587-521-4447. Boat is in Kenora. Bombardier 4.8 Sailboat. Fiberglass. Two sets of sails. $1000 or best offer. Email: rcs928@gmail. com or call (807) 226-1276 after June 1.
18 ft. Raider Monaco. Fiberglass construction with deep V hull. Walk through seating. Inboard/ outboard mercury motor. Full cabin canvas covers with windows. Very low hours. Excellent condition. Trailer included. Phone John (204) 667-4367. 25hp Yamaha, 2013. 4 stroke outboard motor, short shaft. Call (309) 752-0205.
1985 32’ Fairlane flybridge sedan. Sleeps up to 6 pp. Well equipped for living aboard. 2 x 230HP merc stern drives. Offers contact Dave at (250) 658-8891 or after May 1 (807) 543-3191.
1964 Chris Craft SS Classic 18’ Wooden Boat. Superior condition, one of a kind! Excellent value at $24,000. 327 Chevy 210 HP 325 hours, straight through dual exhaust. Professionally restored by renowned boat builder Don Danenburg, author of the book, “How to Restore your Wooden Boat”. Includes full boat cover and custom build, heavy duty tandem axle trailer powder coated black with mag wheels. Original manual documents, accessories and other extras included. Call John 204-791-4202 or email tyjohn@shaw.ca
For Sale Snowmobile package. 2003 Polaris Indy 550 Trail Touring. 2-up, reverse, cover, low mileage. 2008 Polaris FST IQ LX 750 Turbo. Reverse, cover, low mileage. 2003 Triton 101” x 10’ Trailer. 2-place, tilt, salt shield, spare wheel. Musher sleigh, 2 New Helmets with heated visor. Asking $11,400 for complete package. Phone (807) 543-2804 2 - 2001 Seadoo GTX . One red the other blue. Good condition. Including double trailer. $8,500 Call 204 955 0203.
4” Submersible Pump Model - Simer 2873G-12 3/4HP Stainless steel body and motor shell. 3-Wire, 230V motor is energy efficient 1-1/4” Discharge pipe size Includes control box. New pump— never out of carton—carton still factory sealed Asking $350. Contact Jim Kubas (204) 889-9277 (Winnipeg) or (204) 807-9174 (LOW). Minn Kota 24 Volt System. Sonar in bottom skeg, foot control, excellent used condition. Best for 1620 ft boat. Call after June 1st (807) 543-2225.
25 HP Yamaha Outboard. Excellent used condition. Comes with hose, tank and spare prop. Call after June 1st (807) 543-2225. 5x10 ft Utility Trailer with tailgate. 2 ft sides. 3500 axel. Excellent tires, jack on the front with wheels. Call after June 1st (807)543-2225.
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
54 Advertisers’ Directory Arts 38 Inglenook Art Studio 1051 Railway Street #3, Kenora 807-407-1170 inglenookartstudio.com
Building Materials 12 Lumber One Building Supplies 1 Willow Drive, Falcon Lake 204-349-2294 lumberone.ca 52 Penta Protective Coatings 39 Merit Crescent, West St. Paul 204-992-2603 penta.ca 39 Star Building Materials 16 Speers Road, Winnipeg 204-233-8687 starbuilding.ca/winnipeg
Community & Philanthropy INSIDE City of Kenora BACK 1 Main Street South, Kenora 807-467-2000 kenora.ca 16 Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation 21 Sylvan Street West, Kenora 807-468-9861 lwdhf.com
Contractors & Construction 2 Black Fox Construction Lot 19, Williams Road, Kenora 807-407-9983 blackfoxconstruction.com 11 DTL Carpentry 204-979-4055 dtlcarpentry.ca 43 Laclu Industries 877-615-3667 lacluindustries.com
49 Oakwood Roofing 1350B Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-467-8824 oakwoodroofing.com 52 REMR Roofing 2053 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-548-2811 remrroofing.com
Docking & Boat Storage 45 Docks & Lifts Ltd. 1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-547-4444 docksandlifts.ca
Electrical 52 Bob’s Electric 225 Main Street North, Kenora 807-468-5915 rbrignall@yahoo.ca 24 Bowman Electric 1025 Railway Street, Kenora 807-468-8813 bowmanelectric.com
Environment 51 MNRF - Firesmart ontario.ca/fireprevention
Equipment Sales & Rentals 52 Bestway Rentals 1906 Sixth Street North, Kenora 807-548-4131 25 Loch Lomond Equipment Sales 1860 Loch Lomond Road Thunder Bay 807-472-7357 lochlomondequipmentsales.com
Financial Planning 17 The Darcy Zaporzan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204-982-2635 dzwmg.com
Fireplaces 37 Flame & Comfort 318 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg 204-943-5263 flameandcomfort.com
Home & Cottage Maintenance 52 Bell’s Septic 807-468-7251 bellskenora.com 21 Best Price Railing 1149 St Matthews Avenue, Winnipeg 204-837-7245 best-price-railing.com 52 Denver’s Window Cleaning Services 30 Deerfield Trail, Steinbach 204-320-1935 denverswindowcleaning.com 52 Lake of the Woods Septic Barge Box 351, Keewatin 807-464-3468 septicbarge.com 23 Notre Dame Sandblasting & Painting 74 Grea Street East, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes 204-871-7463 ndsandblasting.com
Home Furnishings 31 Image One Designs 1060 Railway Street, Kenora 807-468-3641 imageonedesigns.com
Insurance 30 Garriock Insurance 390 York Avenue, Winnipeg 800-773-7157 garriock.ca 47 The Standard Insurance Brokers 319 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-3333 thestandardonline.com
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Advertisers’ Directory 55 Legal
Marine
14,45 Booth Dennehy LLP 387 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg 204-957-1717 boothdennehy.com
BACK Woodlake Marine COVER 1956 Highway 17 West, Kenora 807-468-2628 woodlakemarine.com
Real Estate
41 Hook Seller Lundin LLP 203-301 First Avenue South, Kenora 807-468-9831 INSIDE Cabin Country Realty hsllawyers.com FRONT 138 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-3541 15 Shane Pearce Law cabincountry.com 100 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-7892 19 Century 21 Reynard Real Estate, 13 Shewchuk, Ormiston, Richardt & Johnson LLP 214 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-5559 kenoralaw.com
Greg Kirby 807-547-5555 century21.ca/greg.kirby
42 Century 21 Reynard Real Estate, Ian Filips 807-468-1378 century21.ca/ian.filips
5 Duncan Carmichael Real Estate 625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-467-2323 lakeofthewoods.net 27 Northwoods Realty 5701A Highway 71, Sioux Narrows 807-226-1024 northwoodsrealtyltd.com 50 Royal LePage Landry’s For Real Estate 231 First Street South, Kenora 807-468-9871 royallepagekenora.ca 46 Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 721 Beach Road, Kenora 807-547-4020 kenora-realestate.com
R E S E R V E YO U R B O O T H S PA C E
2017 Lake of the Woods
COTTAGE SHOW Monday, May 1, 2017 · Victoria Inn, Winnipeg
Contact Mike Greaves at (807) 407-7252 or mike@areanewsmagazine.ca
L.O.W. AREA NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
56 Phil Burke
The Back Porch The Garden Patch When town councillor Edith Carmichael suggested that White Polar Bay implement a weekly market at the waterfront park, Mayor Horton Freeman scoffed, “Our vendors will starve.” Little did the mayor realize what promotion and imagination could do. The town council agreed to an exploratory venture by Councillor Carmichael who immediately sent her spies to Kenora to check out the highly successful Matiowski Farmers Market. Based on this information, she prepared her report which council passed in one meeting. That night she dreamed of a huge white tent crammed with people, products and produce while overhead a banner boasted ‘Carmichael’s Garden Patch’.
but her mother heard ‘heart rocks’. The idea was genius because Angela made over $50 that day.
The town jumped on board. Licenses would have to be procured and other rules of the game established lest local merchants felt offended. The location chosen was the Waterfront Park. Of course they didn’t have a Taj Mahalstyle tent like Kenora but they were offered the use of the tent intended for the mixed golf tournament. Tables were rented out as fast as they could be set. The first few weeks were deemed ‘acceptably successful’ as Len Scriber wrote in his editorial in the Polar Bay Sentinel. Certainly some locals, tourists and summer residents attended but Edith Carmichael knew that more could be done. She realized that more people would come if there was something to buy and if there was entertainment. Edith would ensure that the second requirement was met.
“The table operated by ‘Everything Fowl’ sold every kind of winged farm bird imaginable. Customers ‘flocked’ to the table (excuse the pun). It would have been among the most successful vendors at the event except that the next table was operated by the White Polar Bay Critter Club and when the dogs and cats up for adoption caught a scent of the freshly butchered fowl, the temptation was too great. Customers migrated from the site (again, forgive the pun) to avoid the yowling and gnashing of teeth.
Edith invited Ruth Newsworth from the Sentinel to do a walk-through of the event and feature it in her column— The Buzz-Line. “As I entered the Garden Patch tent dozens of people crowded the pathway, anxious to be a part of the momentum on this fine fall day in White Polar Bay. We were personally welcomed by Mayor Freeman and Councillor Carmichael. Nearby, a mixed quartet of singers intoned ‘It’s a Long Way To Tipperary’ and ‘Greensleeves’, their dulcet tones echoing amid the chatter of happy market goers. “Our first stop was ‘Grandma’s Oven’, a baked goods table loaded with everything a grandma could bake and sold by grandpa, an aged man in coveralls. The next table offered Lake of the Woods Heart Rocks, bean-size stones on cupcake papers coloured to look like flowers. These were being sold for $1.40 apiece by seven year-old Angela Jenn who told her mother she would like to sell ‘hard rocks’
“The ‘Hand Picked Fruit’ table included blueberries, apples, raspberries, strawberries and oranges. When I questioned him about the oranges selling in a local produce market, he assured me that he had handpicked the oranges himself at the local Save-A-Lot grocery store. Apparently he wasn’t the only one engaged in this practice. Gregory Douglas of ‘Just Roots Veggies’ sent his wife to the grocery store twice because his supply of potatoes was depleted as quickly as he could replenish it.
“The arts and crafters tables were concentrated in the centre of the tent. The visual artists from the local collective displayed a stunning variety of pieces. ‘Quilting Wonders’ offered dozens of quilts to celebrate every occasion and ‘Socks and Such’, manned by members of the Needles Knitting Club, displayed everything from baby sweaters to winter vests. ‘Edna’s Photography,’ specializing in pet portraits and wedding photos, filled the wall behind the table with marvellous samples. “Space does not permit me to include all the vendors but it was a worthy experience culminating with ‘Veritable Veggies’, ‘The Woltz Brothers’ - offering music specially designed for seniors’ events, ‘Trains and Stuff’ crafted from locally grown red pine, and a booth manned by ‘Birds of a Feather’, an online local nature group anxious to share the gift of birds. “Needless to say I was pleased to attend this event that wraps up its weekly sales and entertainment extravaganza next week, and like many other people I look forward to its reopening next June. Kudos to the Garden Patch.” AN
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