LOW Area News - Spring 2017

Volume 47

The History of

Laclu

by Bonnie Baltessen

38

Pg.

Number 2

Spring 2017

We don’t just sell cottages. We sell lifestyles.

Middle Island LOTW - $385,000

Longbow Lake - $359,000

Winnipeg River - $549,000

NE

Storm Bay Road LOTW - $685,000

Poplar Bay LOTW - $800,000

W

Echo Bay LOTW - $969,000

Rush Bay Road LOTW - $599,000

NE

W

Black Sturgeon Lake - $975,000

When seeking professional real estate services don’t hire just any Realtor. Get effective perspective by choosing a Realtor that truly knows the market and cottage lifestyle.

Choose Cabin Country Realty. Contact us today for a market evaluation of your property or to discuss listings in the Kenora & Lake of the Woods District. We sell more than cottages!

Listings • Market Evaluations • Buyer Representation • Rentals

www.cabincountry.com 138 Main St S, Kenora, Ontario

In this issue…

President’s Message Editor’s Message Members’ Page

4 5

3

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

by Cory McCrindle

54

6

Members – Need to Know

Notes From Your

Executive Director

LOWDPOA Summer Events

Lake of the Woods Cottage Show

and AGM

Summer Kick-off

Renew Your Membership

Events Calendar

Digital Editions

Emergency Phone Numbers

14

Cover photo: Shayla Smith

News & Notes

New Tax Rules for Property Sales

Spring Lake Levels

What's Happening at LWDHF

Sewage Systems at the Lake

Hydro Bill Changes

Further Information About

Lyme Disease The Art of the Slow Cruise

by Dyke Van Etten Williams

24

28

Environment

Lake of the Woods Water

Sustainability Foundation

Lake Sturgeon Recovery Efforts in

the Upper Winnipeg River

Climate Change at IISD-ELA:

What is Happening to Our Lakes

38 42

The History of LacLu

by Bonnie Baltessen

Invasive Species

Rusty Crayfish, an Invader in

Lake of the Woods

Angling for Success

47

50

Boating

Test Your Boating Safety

Knowledge - Part 2

Cottage How-To

All About Walls: Going Green with

Vapour and Air Barriers

Water Testing 101

Cottage Opening Tips

Heat Pumps: The Elegant

Heating Solution

64

LOWDKids!

Snapping Turtles

Circles in the Sand

Spring Reading

68

Wildlife & Wilderness

Beavers, Landscape and Ecology

Weird and Wild Plants

74

Arts & Culture

Dip, Dip and Swing into this

Summer's Art Events

Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls

Bridge & Falls Creative Residency

Program, 2017

New Art Gallery for Kenora in

the Works

76 Real Estate Listings 78 Cottage Services 80 Classifieds 81 Advertisers’ Directory 82 The Back Porch

Langs Island by Lori Nelson

84

Beautiful Inside & Out Kenora’s Quality Builder

807 407 9983 | blackfoxconstruction.com

3

President’s Message

Nancy Salmijarvi, LOWDPOA President Truckloads of snow followed by a long warm spell led to dangerous ice conditions and terrible roads, both on land and on Lake of the Woods. The good news is the winter season is behind us and we’re all anxiously awaiting “ice out”. (Spring ice conditions can be monitored on the Lake of the Woods Ice Patrol blog at icepatrol.wordpress.com) Your Board of Directors and staff have been busy over the winter conducting our regular business and planning for the future. The committees have worked hard to ensure LOWDPOA remains a strong and relevant organization protecting this special place we share and love so much.

I’d like to congratulate the City of Kenora on a stupendously successful Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada.

Truly a community event involving hundreds of individuals and businesses, Kenora hit it out of the park. Just watching the broadcast on TV made me realize yet again how privileged we are to live and play in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’m guessing a lot of the Hockey Day in Canada visitors and television fans are already planning their summer visit to the area to experience firsthand what they caught a glimpse of in February.

On to spring... if you’re like me, you start to get a bit of spring fever in April. Our thoughts turn to long days on the lake, landscaping projects, (what are those deer resistant plant names again?) and of course the never-ending property improvement jobs. Spring also means it’s time for the LOWDPOA AGM and Cottage Show, this year being held on May 1 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. As usual, we’ve got a great lineup of exhibitors to get everyone fired up for summer with longtime exhibitors being joined by new ones. Check page 8 in this magazine, and keep an eye on our website and Facebook for more show details and exhibitors' lists.

This year the show time has changed. It starts a half hour earlier at 12:30 p.m., runs until 6:30 p.m. and is followed immediately with a short AGM. The exciting news is that right after the meeting (I promise to keep the business meeting as short as possible), we will be screening the video “Lake of the Woods: a History by Water.” We’re also going to share a sneak preview of part two of this excellent series with one of the narrators on hand to provide commentary and answer questions. If you haven’t seen this documentary that was produced for the City of Kenora's Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre and the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls' Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre, you don’t want to miss it. And if you have seen it, you know how great it will be on a big screen.

We hope you’ll join us for our annual AGM and Cottage Show. The event has become somewhat of a social gathering, kicking off the lake season, as people meet up with old friends and neighbours to reminisce and make plans for the coming summer at the lake.

I look forward to seeing you May 1 at the Victoria Inn, and remember to take some time to enjoy this issue of the Area News.

Editor’s Message

Teika Newton, Area News Editor Over recent months, members have contacted me to offer story ideas, tips and suggestions for content they would like to see in the Area News. We welcome and encourage this feedback – and, indeed, we have scattered calls for your contributions throughout this magazine, as well as many articles drawn from member suggestions and submissions.

Whether you have stories about time at the lake with your children, family, and friends, or you have ideas for how-to and fix-it projects for around camp or at home at the lake, or you just have questions or suggestions, please share your thoughts with us!

Following on members’ requests for an increased focus on science and environmental content, we are working to develop a few columns that will run in each issue of the Area News. Among these are profiles of climate change impacts to our boreal lakes and ecosystems, penned by IISD-Experimental Lakes Area staff and researchers. The first of a series of four articles on this subject appears in this issue. We are also working with the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation to share with you summaries of the scientific research being conducted by international researchers to improve the state of water quality in our basin. As the first in this series, read the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation’s column on the 14th Annual International Rainy – Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum for an overview of the science presented at this year’s premiere gathering of Lake of the Woods area scientists and policy makers. In this issue we also have an article by Ryan Haines profiling some of the work being done by area First Nations and fisheries biologists to attempt to restore lake sturgeon, a species at risk, to the Winnipeg River.

and cottage, and Beth Turner leads us through a new home build with a focus on wall construction to maximize energy efficiency.

LOWDPOA members have continued to raise concerns about a wide variety of issues, from Lyme disease to property tax assessments to electricity rates – all covered in this issue of the Area News.

We are also bringing you a number of charming, entertaining and insightful features focusing on local history, wildlife, and area arts and cultural activities. Dyke Williams’ slow cruise on Lake of the Woods is just the thing to whet one’s appetite for approaching summer evenings of languid and leisurely exploration. Dave Schwartz’s profile on beavers as nature’s master hydrologists is a fascinating read, as is Lori Nelson’s rich history of humble Langs Island, a piece of geography at once familiar and largely unknown to many Kenora residents and visitors.

Finally, as April is a month of preparation, anticipation of summer, and enthusiastic first trips to the cottage, we’ve provided a few handy reference materials in this issue, including a listing of emergency phone numbers for the area and a checklist of cottage opening tips.

We wish you all a safe and enjoyable start to the 2017 cottaging season. If you’ve been away for the winter and are returning to the lake in the next few weeks, we welcome you back. As I write this, the early spring weather is beautiful and the lakes, newly emerging from the icy cover of their winter slumber, are twinkling and sparkling and beckoning us all to come play and explore. See you at the lake!

We are also continuing our series on energy-efficiency retrofits and building techniques begun in the last issue.

In this issue, Elsie Neufeld discusses heat pumps for home

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, Andrea Wray Advertising: Mike Greaves, Dick Tolton Jr.

4

©2017 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: May 2, 2017 July 25, 2017 September 26, 2017

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Members’ Page Anders McEwen, Fenton McEwen, Trent Hamilton, Leah Hamilton & a 38" northern pike on a tip up.

LOWDPOA member Trent Hamilton sent us this image from a day spent ice fishing on Lake of the Woods with his family last year. Like Trent, all our members and their children and grandchildren make such great memories at the lake and sometimes we’re lucky enough to have these photos and tales shared with us.

If you've got stories and snapshots of fun or memorable things your family has done at the lake, we'd love you to see them here on the Members’ Page.

The Members’ Page is also a place where members can share questions, comments and ideas with other members. If you’ve got a great cottage how-to question or answer, or anything else you’d like other members to know, please send it along to us!

Email your Members’ Page submissions to editor@areanewsmagazine.ca at any time.

Correction In the previous issue of the Area News, we erroneously reported the date of the opening of the Minaki’s golf course as 1924. The golf course opened on July 4, 1925.

LAKE OF THE WOODS DISTRICT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION Executive Committee

Board Members

Staff

Contact

PRESIDENT Nancy Salmijarvi, Welcome Channel

Leslie Alexander, Malachi Lake

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

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

Vice President Hardy Bock, Black Sturgeon

Ted Bigelow, Echo Bay Wayne Bruce, Pistol Lake Dave Christie, Granite Lake

Treasurer Christine Semenchuk, Storm Bay

Don Parfitt, Winnipeg River

Past President Robert Bulman, Tunnel Island

Becky Slater, Shoal Lake

Laurie Pentney, Morson John Waterer, Clearwater Bay Bob Wilkes, Gunn Lake

ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Linda Biggar (807) 468-8715 linda@lowdpoa.com

Email info@lowdpoa.com Facebook @lowdpoa Toll-free 1-888-265-9784 Phone (807) 468-8715

5

6

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Members - Need to Know

Springing Ahead Notes from your Executive Director Diane Schwartz-Williams

With eyes closed I imagine so vividly the hint of buds appearing on branches, new bird songs in the air, lakes freed of ice and I smile. Eyes wide open, I am back to the present (mid-March) writing my first ‘Notes from your ED’ and thinking forward in anticipation of those images becoming reality.

I suspect I am not alone in that pleasant daydream.

By the time you are reading this issue we will be getting ready to wrap up the final details for our Lake of the Woods Cottage Show and 55th Annual General Meeting on May 1 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. Your new Assistant Executive Director, Linda Biggar and I are both looking forward to meeting many of you for the first time and greeting some familiar faces at the Cottage Show. If we don’t get a chance to meet and talk to you there, we’ll look for you at one of our summer events or at the Matiowski Farmers' Market in Kenora.

Linda and I really did hit the ground running on January 1 and it has been a busy few months. That pace is set to hold steady for the coming months as we get programs and events lined up, take care of the business of the Association, learn all aspects of our new roles and most importantly – listen to you and respond to your questions and concerns.

We are very fortunate to have a committed and knowledge-able Board of Photo by Tom Thomson Directors. In addition, we are most grateful for the support of other volunteers who give generously of their time, wisdom and skills as members of various Association committees.

Their collective efforts and willingness to contribute many hours of their time to our programs and initiatives represent one of the pillars of LOWDPOA’s respected voice and strength.

The other pillar is our members and their commitment that comes from their passion for lake life.

That passion for lake life is almost electric every year at our Lake of the Woods Cottage Show and Annual General Meeting.

We’re excited about the line up for this year and hope to see you there on May 1. With over 85 exhibitors at last count and more to come, all the bases for lake life will be covered.

Whether you are looking for something for your cottage, watersports, information on lake living, tips for living green at the lake or information on LOWDPOA, you will find it at the Cottage Show. (If you’re into watersports you’ll definitely want to check out the boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more that will be on display.) Doors to the Cottage Show open a little earlier than usual at 12:30 p.m. and will remain open until 6:30 p.m.

This year we’ve added something special we know you will enjoy to the Annual General Meeting. The AGM will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the business meeting kept as short as possible and a special screening of the video documentary, Lake of the Woods: a History by Water to follow. One of the documentary’s narrators will be on hand to provide commentary, answer questions and share a sneak peek at the sequel.

Furniture Area Rugs Lighting Blinds Reupholstery

1060 Railway Street, Kenora Ontario TEL (807)468-3641 TOLL FREE (800) 834-8770

imageonedesigns.com

As LOWDPOA's Executive Director, I work on a number of different fronts, collaborating with other organizations and drawing on a broad spectrum of resources.

Although all resources will enhance the work (and results generated) on behalf of the Association, there is no resource more valuable than you, our members.

Your insights and knowledge, issues and concerns, feedback and contributions are why LOWDPOA makes sense and what makes it tick. So, whether it is by mail, email, Facebook or phone - let me know what's on your mind.

Looking forward to hearing from you, meeting you - and of course - to spring.

Diane Schwartz-Williams LOWDPOA Executive Director

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Members - Need to Know LOWDPOA Summer Events Plans in the works; stay tuned!

Your LOWDPOA staff and committees are planning for a busy summer in 2017. While some details and dates are yet to be confirmed, there are many member programs and events being organized. Watch for updates and registration details on our website, Facebook page, in your inbox for LOWDPOA eNews, and of course in the June issue of the Area News.

Summer 2017 plans already include trips for adults and LOWDKids to the Experimental Lakes Area, our Annual Summer Meeting and our 3rd annual Free Metal Waste Drop Day. The potential for a “LOWDKids in the Wild” full-day event, a special presentation in conjunction with the Annual Summer Meeting and a couple other ideas are being explored as well.

We’re also looking for new ideas and suggestions from you!

If you have an event or activity you would like LOWDPOA to consider please let us know. Contact Diane Schwartz-Williams at 807-543-4287 or info@lowdpoa.com.

Our LakeSmart team will be back on area waters for our seventh year in a row. We’re looking forward to introducing our new team to you at the Cottage Show on May 1 and in the next issue of the Area News. Please welcome them if they drop by your dock in July or August. To arrange a neighbourhood presentation on healthy shoreline living and its impact to your waterfront, please contact us. We’re also happy to set up individual appointments for a personal evaluation of your waterfront, offer suggestions for improvement or provide congratulations on a job well done.

There is one place you can be sure to find us every Wednesday in July and August – at the Matiowski Farmers’ Market in Kenora. The best part of being at the market for us is getting to meet and greet our members. Drop by to say hi and catch up on LOWDPOA news all summer long.

ORDERING DEADLINE MAY 12

MAY 20

Order Your Seedlings!

Pick-up day is Saturday, May 20, 2017

Pick-up available at eight locations throughout the region.

New this year -- order online!

Visit lowdpoa.com/cpages/seedlings

LOWDPOA members have proudly planted over 300,000 tree seedlings over the years. Each year we offer members the opportunity to purchase bundles of seedlings.

For more information contact us at (807) 468-8715 or email info@lowdpoa.com.

7

Lake of the Woods

COTTAGE SHOW AND

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGM is more than business!

View a special screening of the video documentary Lake of the Woods: a History by Water and meet the documentary’s narrator. As well, check out a a sneak peek of the sequel.

Monday, May 1, 2017 • 12:30 - 6:30 pm Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg 55th Annual General Meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Plenty of watersports:

boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more!

Preliminary Exhibitor List BA Robinson Bestway Rentals & Sales The Blue Heron Blue Heron Tours Boathouse Restaurant Bob’s Electric Boreal Architecture Studio Inc. Brown & Associates Law Office Cabin Country Realty Century 21 Reynard Real Estate Ltd City of Kenora Denver’s Window Cleaning Services Inc. Docks & Lifts Donny B Drifted for You Duncan Carmichael Real Estate Brokerage Earth4U Consulting Inc Envirogard Product Ltd / Rainfresh Faux Rocks Northwest Fifth Hammer Flame & Comfort

FOCA - Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations Garriock Insurance Green Adventures Hardwear Company IISD-ELA / Experimental Lakes Image One Designs Kenora Golf & Country Club Kenora Home Hardware Building Centre Kenora & Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation Killer Crumbs K-Sports Marine Lake of the Woods Brewing Company Lake of the Woods Control Board Lake of the Woods Cottage Guide Lake of the Woods Distrcit Hospital Foundation Lake of the Woods Docking & Lakeside Water Sports Lake of the Woods Museum Lake of the Woods Septic Barge

Lumber One Building Supplies McMunn & Yates Midnight Loon Glass MNRF - Province of Ontario MNRF- Province of Ontario (Fire Smart) Nature Conservancy of Canada Northwestern Health Unit Notre Dame Sandblasting Oakwood Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. Ltd. The Old Armories , Rat Portage Courthouse & Jail OPP Marine & Trails Unit Penta Protective Coatings Ltd Pine Ridge Outdoors Postech Screw Piles Raysolar Rosanne Chop - Norwex Independent Consultant Royal LePage Landry’s for Real Estate Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club Ryan’s Rustic Railings Shaw Cablesystems G.P.

Shewchuk Ormiston Richardt & Johnson LLP Solar Lighting Inc. Solar Solutions Inc Sophie’s Restaurant & Deli Star Building Materials Sunset Diving Suncoast Screen Enclosures TF Leisure Marketing (Linwood Homes) Through Glass Images Tower Garden & Juice Plus Valentus Verti-shade on Main Ltd Wet Canada Western Marble Granite & Tile Wicker World Home & Patio The Window & Door Store Wolframe’s World of Water Wood with Whimsey Wooden Pens & More Woodlake Marine WSL Sport & Leisure

Visit lowdpdoa.com and Facebook for updated exhibitors’ lists.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Members - Need to Know

Summer Kick-off at the Lake of the Woods Cottage Show & 55th Annual General Meeting On Monday May 1, the place to be is the Victoria Inn (Winnipeg). The stage is set for another great Cottage Show and an Annual General Meeting that promises to be both informative and entertaining.

over the past 12 months and to learn about some of the issues on the horizon for LOWDPOA. We are going to keep the business meeting as short as possible, with a special screening of the video documentary, Lake of the Woods: a History by Water to follow. One of the documentary’s narrators, Sean Kavanaugh, will be on hand to provide commentary, answer questions and share a sneak peek at the sequel.

As always, there will be a wide range of exhibitors eager to showcase their products, share their knowledge and answer your questions. With over 85 Lake of the Woods We hope you will bring a friend or exhibitors at last count and more to Cottage Show: neighbour who may also enjoy our lakes come, all the bases for lake life will be 12:30–6:30 p.m. and rivers as much we do. Anyone who covered. Whether you are looking for simply enjoys lake life while camping, something for your cottage, information 55th Annual sailing, visiting or renting in the area will on lake living, tips for living green at the find much of interest at the Cottage Show. lake or information on LOWDPOA, you General Meeting: This popular event is a great opportunity will find it at the Cottage Show. (If you’re 6:30–7:30 p.m. to share the benefits of LOWDPOA into watersports you’ll definitely want membership and help support our growth to check out the boats, paddleboards, and programs. kayaks and more that will be on display.)

It is also an opportunity visit with friends Looking forward to seeing you on May 1. and neighbours you may not have seen since last summer.

Doors to the Cottage Show open a little earlier than usual at Keep an eye on the LOWDPOA website lowdpoa.com or 12:30 p.m. and will be open until 6:30 p.m.

Facebook page facebook.com/lowdpoa for show updates and additional exhibitors.

The Annual General Meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m. is your opportunity to get an overview of the association’s activities

BOREAL ARCHITECTURE STUDIO INC. Kenora: 807 464 1151 Winnipeg: 204 898 6503 www.borealstudio.ca

9

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

10 Members - Need to Know LOWDPOA MEMBERSHIP

Mark Your Calendars

JOIN US TODAY! ONLINE Visit lowdpoa.com/membership PHONE 1-888-265-9784 or (807) 468-8715 EMAIL linda@lowdpoa.com MAIL Fill out this card and mail with cheque to: LOWDPOA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7

YOUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Name:

May

1

Mailing Address: City:

Prov/State:

Home Ph:

PC/Zip:

Email:

RED PINE SEEDLINGS # of bundles ______ @ $9.00 each

Catch up on your Association business and enjoy a special presentation of the video documentary, Lake of the Woods: a History by Water. One of the documentary’s narrators will be on hand to provide commentary, answer questions and share a sneak peek at the sequel.

TOTAL $ ___________

Check pick-up location (Saturday, May 20 between 10 am - 12 pm):  Clearwater Bay (Firehall)  Minaki Marina

 Nestor Falls (Dalseg’s Store)  Storm Bay Rd. (Firehall)

 Morson (Spruce Creek Golf)  Sioux Narrows (Gov’t Dock)  Kenora (The Blue Heron)

 PUFF Fire Hall

Membership Dues 1 Year $42 (CAD or USD)

Share your passion for Lake Life!

2 Years $84 (CAD or USD)

May

PAYMENT INFORMATION Cheque (payable to LOWDPOA) VISA/Mastercard Number: _______ _______ _______ _______ Expiry date: ___ / ___

Monday, May 1, 2017 Victoria Inn, Winnipeg 1808 Wellington Ave.

Doors open for the Cottage Show 12:30–6:30 p.m.

LOWDPOA Annual General Meeting 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Cottage Ph:

15 seedlings per bundle:

55th Annual General Meeting & Lake of the Woods Cottage Show

12

CVC: _________

Name on Card: ___________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________

There is strength in numbers.

Your membership is extremely important to our continued success!

May

20

Last Day to Order Seedlings Friday, May 12, 2017

Place your seedling order online at lowdpoa.com/cpages/seedlings, by mail or phone 807-468-8715

Seedling Pick-up Day Saturday, May 20, 2017 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Watch lowdpoa.com and facebook.com/lowdpoa for Summer Event announcements.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Members - Need to Know

Digital Editions FREE r ou with y POA LOWD rship e memb

Read Area News wherever you are!.

Access the current issue, as well as 2016 & 2017 past issues.

Visit lowdpoa.com

Can't log in? Contact LOWDPOA at (807) 468-8715.

Login Online!

Sign up for eNews Keep up to date on LOWDPOA news and events There’s always plenty going on with your Association and sometimes getting updates and info out to you in a timely manner does not fit into our Area News publishing schedule. That’s where LOWDPOA’s eNews fills the gap.

Our eNews is sent periodically (but not too often) and includes breaking news that may be time sensitive, important reminders, event updates, and useful links.

To sign up for eNews: • Email

linda@lowdpoa.com • Call 807-468-8715 • Login & update your online profile at lowdpoa.com

We always enjoy your phone calls, emails and letters; and now our member online community gives you one more way to stay informed, up-to-date and: • access your member profile • renew your membership • register for events • order seedlings • purchase a gift membership • read Area News anywhere

Prefer to try it on your own?

• Go to lowdpoa.com • Click on login • Enter your email and click on ‘forgot password’ • Check your inbox and you’ll be on your way.

Contact us:

• if your email address is not recognized • if you're unsure about the process • to ensure we have your current email address on file • if you need assistance to get started

Linda Bigger linda@lowdpoa.com 807-468-8715

11

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

12 Members - Need to Know

Emergency Phone Numbers • Is the person awake? Can you wake them up?

• Is the person breathing? Are they breathing normally?

• How old is the person?

Sometimes it can be frustrating answering all of these questions but please keep in mind that we are trying to help you.

The communication officer will give you pre-arrival instructions to help you in your specific situation.

_________ :CVC

)DSU ro DAC( 48$ sraeY 2

Stay on the line until the communication officer tells you to call back if anything changes.

If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, stay on the line to tell the 9-1-1 operator that everything is okay. If you hang up before speaking with the operator, they will call you back and/or dispatch a police vehicle to investigate the situation. Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies.

Please note: All numbers listed below are current as of March 2017. The Area News does not assume responsibility for ensuring these numbers remain valid in future.

Emergency Phone Numbers Within Kenora, Keewatin, Jaffray Mellick:

Pellatt / Laclu Fire: 807-468-3473 Pellatt / Laclu Ambulance: 807-468-3311

Fire, Police, Ambulance: 911

Ontario-wide Forest Fire reporting: 310-FIRE (3473) Ontario Provincial Police: 807-548-5534 or 1-888-310-1122 Ontario-wide ambulance: 1-877-351-2345

Outside of the City of Kenora:

Clearwater Bay / McKenzie Portage Fire: 807-547-2400 Clearwater Bay / McKenzie Portage Ambulance: 807-468-3311

Lake of the Woods District Hospital: 807-468-9861

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These questions will be asked on each call received at the CACC. There are more questions that may be asked depending on the person's condition or type of fire emergency. As information is gathered it is passed on electronically to a dispatcher who, in turn, relays this information to the paramedics or firefighters.

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• Where do you need the ambulance? Including municipality, if it is an apartment, and the closest major intersection. Remember, the ambulance can't help you if they can't find you.

• What phone number are you calling from (including area code)?

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Some of the primary questions for medical emergencies you will be asked:

hcae 00.9$ @ ______ seldnub fo #

:hP egattoC

Stay on the line and be prepared to answer all questions asked; answering questions does not delay emergency response. For medical emergencies, be prepared to answer the questions related to the patients condition.

___________ $ LATOT

SGNILDEES ENIP DER

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The 9-1-1 operator will ask if you require ambulance, fire or police assistance. Your call will be quickly transferred to the appropriate emergency communication centre.

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ENILNO 5178-864 )708( ro 4879-562-888-1 E N O H P moc.aopdwol@adnil L IA M E :ot euqehc htiw liam dna drac siht tuo lli F L IA M

Not all areas in Northwestern Ontario have 9-1-1. Please make sure you know the emergency numbers in your area. You can look in our Contact Us (http://kenoracacc.ca/ contact-us-2/) section for alternate phone numbers.

pihsrebmem/moc.aopdwol tisiV

!YADOT SU NIOJ

What happens when I call 911?

• Where do you need the fire department?

• What phone number are you calling from?

• Why do you need the fire department?

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The Kenora Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) provides the following helpful tips on how to use 9-1-1 service (available online at: http://kenoracacc.ca/ calling-911/), if it’s available to you.

Some of the primary questions for fire emergencies you will be asked:

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Most of the urban areas in the District of Kenora have access to 9-1-1 services for fire, police, and ambulance, but if you live in a rural part of the region you will need to have other phone numbers at your fingertips in case of emergencies.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

14 News & Notes

New Tax Rules for Property Sales

By Bob Stewart

A move by Canada Revenue Agency to ensure those who don’t use their property as a principal residence are paying capital gains tax when it is sold, means more record keeping, a new entry on annual income tax returns and in some cases an unexpected tax bill.

reported on a Canadian income tax return, even if no tax is due. This applies to residents and non-residents and its impact will be to allow Canada Revenue Agency to more easily track property sales to ensure any taxes owed are paid.

Principal residences in Canada have been exempt from capital gains tax — a tax on the increase in value of not stocks and bonds, but real estate — since 1972 when the tax was introduced, and homeowners didn’t have to notify the government when the property was sold.

For those owning multiple properties who may change which one is their principal residence during the time they own them — a home and a cottage is a common situation — the new rules mean it is more important than ever to keep good records of property valuations, change of use or designation and major improvements, as capital improvement expenditures can be credited against the difference between purchase and sale price to lower taxes due.

For tax purposes a principal residence is considered a residential property “ordinarily occupied” by the taxpayer.

In October 2016 the federal government enacted several rule changes to address the issue of people avoiding the tax by not reporting the sale in the belief they qualified for the principal residence exemption. While primarily aimed at non-residents, at least one measure will impact all property owners.

As of the 2016 tax year, any sale of real estate must be

There are many nuances involved in determining the capital gains on real estate and use of the principal residence exemption, including the land area that is part of the property; whether all or a portion of it was ever rented out; the number of years of ownership; and the number of years it was a principal residence.

The new measures, which include penalties of up to $8,000 for not reporting a sale or disposition due to change of use, coupled with the existing rules, makes it advisable to consult with a tax expert as part of a property sale unless you are comfortable understanding and working with tax regulations and forms.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

16 News & Notes

Spring Lake Levels

By Jack McKenzie Last fall, leading into freeze up, water level conditions looked ideal. Lake levels were declining and freeze-up was slow to arrive. There was little cause for concern, as it looked like ice would form at a level below that which would cause damage to shoreline structures. The normal ice-over date of mid-November passed and the lake remained icefree until close to mid-December.

The ice, when it finally formed, was quickly insulated by a good covering of snow, which in turn acted as insulation preventing the formation of the thick ice needed for good ice roads. This was a problem for contractors looking to access water-access-properties with building material.

The inflow into the lake then remained abnormally high all winter. The high winter inflow meant that the outflow had to be increased in an attempt to draw down the lake to a spring target level.

These high outflows resulted in more current under the ice and continued poor ice road conditions. The lake outflow into the Winnipeg River at Kenora ran about 25 per cent higher than normal all winter. With the warmer than usual weather in February/March, coupled with the unseasonable rain, the outflow was further increased to about 35 per cent more than normal in an effort to reach the spring draw down target level.

What happens if the draw down level is not met? The biggest concern is that if the spring starts off with higherthan-targeted lake levels, there is the risk of not having the reservoir space in the lake to handle the combination of spring runoff and spring and summer rain storms. This has impacts at both ends of the lake. When the Lake of the Woods reservoir overflows, it requires fully opening the Norman Dam at the northern outflow. This causes high water levels on the Winnipeg River, including in and around Minaki. Meanwhile, at the south end of Lake of the Woods, there is a risk of damage to the shoreline any time the lake level exceeds 1,060 feet elevation.

As of early March, snow pack and warm conditions plus the wet conditions of last fall suggest a continued high rate of inflow well through the spring. If you couple that with some of the long range forecasts, one of which predicts aboveaverage rains over the summer, there does not appear to be a shortage of water in the lake this year.

Looking for more information on the lake conditions?

Attend the LOWDPOA Cottage Show, May 1, at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The Lake of the Woods Water Control Board will be there with staff and an information booth. They would love to have you drop by to get caught up-to-date on current conditions.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

News & Notes 17

What’s Happening at

LWDHF

Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (LWDHF) is pleased to announce that it has added a third member to its team. Andi Scheibler has joined LWDHF as the Development Coordinator. She is the lead contact and organizer for all fundraising events as well as manager of marketing and publicity for the hospital foundation. She joins Jess Rheault, Executive Director, and Lindsay Whitaker working in partnership with your community to raise funds for capital equipment and infrastructure at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).

Andi jumped right in, pulling together Hockey for Health 3-on-3 April 5-9. Teams who raised the most money were crowned champions in novice to old-timer divisions. Wins or losses didn’t matter in this tourney; you had to raise money to win the trophy. Please visit lwdhf.com for Hockey for Health results.

First on the calendar for LWDHF’s summer is the 21st Annual MNP Hospital Foundation Charity Golf Classic at the Kenora Golf and Country Club on Thursday July 20, 2017. 32 teams will take to the greens in support of the hospital.

LWDHF works in partnership with MNP to help ensure that our golfers are well taken care of while we raise funds for medical equipment. Last year’s event raised over $43,000 enabling LWDH to purchase a Glidescope and an Accuven vein veiwer for the emergency department and a rapid infusion blood and fluid warmer for the operating room.

The vein viewer and fluid warmer are brand new medical technologies for the hospital.

Three weeks later, August 12, 2017, is the 12th Annual Lifesavers Dinner and Auction held at Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. This annual event was founded by Bob Kozminski and Nicki Douglas who co-chaired Lifesavers for eight years.

Last year’s event netted $305,000 for your hospital-at-the-lake; bringing the 11-year total of funds raised to over $1.43 million. LWDHF is blessed to have Catherine Konantz take on a third year as chairperson.

Lifesavers has helped purchase vital patient care equipment over the last few years including ICU and ER central monitoring, patient ceiling lifts, two infant warmer/ resuscitation beds, a fetal monitor, blood bank system and several important pieces for the lab which help to determine course of treatment for patients. Lifesavers plays a significant role in patient care advancement at your hospital. Without the support inspired through this event, your hospital-at-the-lake would struggle to meet its equipment and infrastructure needs which directly impact patient care.

The support received from our local and seasonal residents year after year continues to leave us in awe of the generous spirit within our community. Thank you for choosing to make a difference. Together, we are doing amazing things for healthcare in Kenora overlooking beautiful Lake of the Woods.

W. Randall F. Seller, B.A., LL.B

Stephen R. Lundin, B.A., LL.B

RSeller@HSLlaw.ca

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Cheryl C. M. Siran, B.A. (ADV), LL.B CSiran@HSLlaw.ca

Beth Allison White, B.H.Ec., LL.B

Reid E. Thompson, B.A., LL.B

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

18 News & Notes

Sewage Systems at the Lake

By Doug Vergunst Last fall, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) announced some proposed Building Code changes to sewage systems to better reflect existing practices and to improve the rules in a number of areas. The Northwestern Health Unit submitted comments on most of the proposed changes. Some of the bigger proposed changes include bringing chambers into the Building Code, preventing development on bare bedrock and requiring mandatory pumping of septic tanks every five years. Experience has shown MMAH cares and does listen. To date, there has not been a proposed time for these changes to take place.

New for 2017 in advanced treatment (tertiary) systems is a requirement for the manufacturers to have their treatment units approved by the Bureau de Normalisation du Quebec (BNQ), a Canadian standards body. Prior to this change, manufacturers only had to achieve a MMAH listing status with no standardized evaluation or maintenance of the listing.

The new BNQ format will raise the bar as it is an expensive endeavor and there are mandatory audits by the standards body to ensure that the units they approve do measure up. This is good for the industry and the public as tertiary systems are allowed to be closer to the water table in a smaller footprint area than a regular system.

One of the proposed amendments was prescribed regular maintenance of class 4 (non-tertiary) septic tanks. These requirements will bring some parity to advanced treatment units which already have prescribed requirements.

The proposal requires that your septic tank is pumped out at a minimum of once every five years. This brings two things to mind immediately for me as a septic tank owner. The requirement does not address effluent filters or seasonal use.

For those of you that do not have an effluent filter or know what one is—you should get one to help preserve the life of your drain field. They act like most filters and work at preventing the lumps and bumps from going out to clog the soil in your drain field. The filters will also require you to maintain your system with more frequent pump outs as the solids in the tank will be retained and may back up your plumbing sooner (2-3 years). Older septic tanks may prove challenging for retrofitting a rigid filter, but there are also wire brush type models available that work in outlet devices that are somewhat less accessible.

Regardless of pump-out frequency, filters should be cleaned/rinsed back into the tank on a yearly basis to ensure that they do not clog up, preventing effluent from leaving your tank.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about your septic systems, contact the Northwestern Health Unit at nwhu.on.ca or 1-800-830-5978.

Doug Vergunst is the Tobacco Enforcement Officer and Chief Building Official and the Northwestern Health Unit and has been a sewage system regulator for over 25 years.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

20 News & Notes

Hydro Bill Changes: Fair Hydro Plan Impacts All Aspects of Electrical Bills

By Bob Stewart

Fixed distribution rates, Hydro One class mergers, sales tax rebates, increased subsidies, Global Adjustment reductions, nuclear plant delays. Government pronouncements promising bill reductions of 8 per cent, 17 per cent, 31 per cent, even 51 per cent. Critics charging the new measures are just an illusion, a save-now-pay-later scheme aimed at getting the current government re-elected in 2018.

Ontario electricity consumers haven’t had this much change and controversy thrown at them since the old Ontario Hydro was dismantled in 1998 and the system shifted to full userpay with itemized bills.

Making sense of it all is a challenge, even for the well-informed.

Whether it is a year-round home or a cottage, whether you use a minimal amount of power each month or a lot, homeowners can’t be faulted if they’re experiencing the equivalent of an ice cream freeze headache.

Fixed Rates

In 2015 the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) ruled that all electrical distribution utilities had to change the way they charged customers for delivering power – instead of a combination of a fixed service monthly charge and volume charges determined by the kilowatt hours used, customers would be charged a fixed monthly fee, no matter how much power they used. The OEB ruling was based on the rationale that it costs roughly the same to deliver power to similar groups of users – installing and maintaining poles, lines, transformers, meters and related equipment - no matter how much electricity is delivered.

Some customers will save the promised 25 per cent, others much more, some much less, and a small minority, none at all.

How these changes are going to impact the 16,000 electricity customers in the Kenora district on an individual basis is difficult to generalize as so much depends on which company is involved - Kenora Hydro has about 6,000 residential and business customers, while Hydro One serves about 10,000; which rate group you are in; and individual consumption patterns.

How much monthly bills will change for individual customers will vary widely. Promised cost saving percentages are all based on province-wide averages. Some customers will save the promised 25 per cent, others much more, some much less, and a small minority, none at all.

Overall, in this area, those using electric heat and deemed high-volume users will save the most in actual dollars, with Hydro One, the primary distributor, projecting savings of $232 monthly (43 per cent) for an electrically heated home in its R2 class.

Low-volume users, especially cottagers, may not experience any savings as the new bill reduction measures will be overshadowed by the move to fully fixed rates and the elimination of the seasonal class.

Following is a breakdown of the various changes and measures underway now, or due to take effect later this year, that are going to impact the bottom line on hydro bills.

Local Distribution Company charges make up the bulk (90-95 per cent) of the Distribution Charges line on monthly hydro bills. Distribution Charges also include Smart Meter program levies (these are due to expire in 2018) and grid connection charges, which aren’t expected to change.

A phase-in period of four to eight years, beginning in 2016, was allowed for the shift to fully fixed rates depending on the bill impact with a maximum increase of $4 in the monthly fixed charge allowed each year. For Hydro One Low Density (R2 class) and seasonal customers the phase-in was set at eight years; for Kenora Hydro, four years.

When the target monthly fixed rates are reached – $125 a month ($65 with current provincial subsidy) for Hydro One R2 customers, $55 for Hydro One R1 medium density customers, $60 for seasonal customers and $30 for Kenora Hydro – high volume users (those using electric heat, for example) will be paying lower distribution charges than they are now – saving of $200 to $300 a month in the winter; low volume users like apartment dwellers or cottagers who turn off their power in the winter, will pay more - $10 to $40 a month - depending on power used; average consumption level customers won’t experience any great changes.

Ending the Seasonal Class

The OEB also ordered Hydro One to further consolidate its residential customer classes by eliminating its seasonal class with its separate rates and merge those customers into its Urban, Medium Density and Low Density classes.

This will have a profound impact on seasonal customers moving to the R2 Low Density class, some 84,000 of the 155,000 current seasonal class customers. That’s because they are currently ineligible for the province’s Rural or Remote Rate Protection program that covers off $60.50 of the monthly charge for primary residences in the R2 class.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

News & Notes 21 While the exact timing and method for this has not yet been determined, some 3,000 low volume cottagers in this area will face a doubling or even tripling of the distribution charges on current bills. For example, a current $120 three-month winter bill, with no power consumed, would climb to over $400 with the merger of seasonal class customers into the R2 class.

The combination of fully fixed monthly rates and elimination of the seasonal class will result in some cottagers paying upwards of $1,000 more annually on electrical bills than they do now.

sales tax portion of the harmonized sales tax, which was put on energy bills when it replaced the separate GST and Ontario provincial sales tax in 2010.

The combination of fully fixed monthly rates and elimination The federal government will continue to of the seasonal class charge its five per cent tax as it has since the GST was introduced in 1991. will result in some cottagers paying Increased subsidies upwards of $1,000 Enhancement of several provincial subsidies on electricity bills are another key part of more annually on the government’s plan, with the enhanced electrical bills than subsidies expected to be fully in place by summer. they do now.

Tax rebate

In addition to the changes ordered by the OEB in how utilities charge for their services, the government enacted several measures last fall as part of a comprehensive Ontario Fair Hydro Plan. Though still under development, the overall aim is to lower hydro bills in the province by an average of 25 per cent compared to 2016.

As one of its first steps, the province began putting a credit of 8 per cent on all residential and general service bills as of Jan. 1, 2017, effectively cancelling out the provincial

The Rural or Remote Rate Protection (RRRP) program credit was bumped from $31.50 per month to $60.50 a month effective Jan. 1, 2017 for all yearround customers in Hydro One’s R2 class and for year-round customers served by Algoma Power.

The government has pledged additional enhancement to the program for customers of six more utilities with above-average distribution costs who will be eligible along with Hydro One’s R1, Medium Density class. The revamped program will provide a subsidy range of $12 to $75 for customers in each utility based on a target of $35-40

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

22 News & Notes monthly, the average for the lowest distribution cost among the seven utilities involved.

Sioux Lookout Hydro and Atikokan Hydro customers will qualify for a subsidy in the $12-$15 range; Hydro One customers in Dryden, Rainy River and other Hydro One R1 clusters in the Kenora region will get a subsidy of $18. Hydro One R2 customers will get the new maximum, $75 monthly taken off their bills.

In addition to the RRRP, the government is removing local distribution charges completely for on-reserve First Nation residential customers – some 21,500 households at the start with more added as they are identified. According to Statistics Canada and National Housing Survey data there are approximately 51,500 occupied dwellings on First Nation reserve land in Ontario.

Subsidies for low income households under the Ontario Electricity Support Program will be increasing by 50 per cent, bumping general support rates to $45 to $98 monthly depending on household size, income range and whether electric heat is used with support of up to $113 monthly for low income First Nations residents.

A new low income fund - the Affordability Fund - is to be established to cover those in need who do not meet the criteria for other support programs.

Commodity rates

Several measures are planned to lower average per kWh charges for electricity consumed. That cost, based on timeof-use rates for most consumers, currently averages just under 12 cents per kWh and accounts for over half of most total electricity bills now.

Negotiating new rates with generators, extending the cost recovery time frame for major capital projects, delaying several planned nuclear plant upgrades and other measures including enhancing conservation programs for industrial and large volume commercial users are expected to lower the average cost to eight cents per kWh, resulting in cost savings for all users.

The impacts of these cost saving measures are expected to be incorporated into 2017 summer season time-of-use rates that will be announced by May 1.

For an average year-round consumer this four cent per kWh rate reduction works out to a $40 monthly saving at 1,000 kWh of consumption. A seasonal user with an average consumption of 400 kWh will save $16. An electric heat user, using 5,000 kWh in the winter months would save the most – $200 on a winter bill of that volume.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

News & Notes 23 Regulatory Charges

The government plan includes removing the costs for current and future support programs from electricity user bills to the province’s tax base. These are included in the Regulatory Charges line on bills. This line also includes costs for operating the province’s electricity control and purchasing agency, the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Subsidy costs include the RRRP program, with a current levy of $0.21 per kWh and the low income program which has a current levy of $0.11 cents per kWh. Both levies amount to about $3 a month for an average customer. They would have increased substantially as the programs were expanded and enhanced.

Timing for removing these charges from electricity bills will depend on when required legislation and accompanying regulations are passed.

Cap on Increases

As a final measure, the government has committed to capping future electricity sector average rate increases to the rate of inflation, currently about 2 per cent annually, for at least four years after the 2017 rate reductions are in place.

How all these promised savings are to be paid for is a key issue with critics of the plan, while consumers will be concerned over how long the savings will last.

Overall, the various measures are going to add $4.5 billion or more in lost tax revenue and added costs to the provincial budget, trimming the amount paid directly by users from $18.5 billion in 2016, to $14 billion by 2018 when all the measures are fully in place.

The sales tax credit is estimated to represent a loss of $1 billion in tax revenue based on various estimates, however a previous 10 per cent credit, the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit, cost $1.5 billion a year, so the 8 per cent credit cost could be closer to $1.2 billion annually.

Subsidies, existing and enhanced, for low income, rural and First Nation permanent residents total about $900 million.

Removing financing costs from the Global Adjustment for the next 10 years, a central factor in lowering the commodity price, represents a $2.5 billion saving for ratepayers annually.

Further Information About Lyme Disease In our last issue, we ran a series of letters and articles focused on the prevalence of Lyme disease in our area. Readers may recall that a study by researcher John Scott identified that 73% of ticks he collected on Corkscrew Island in the Kenora district were infected with Lyme disease.

In the past month, the Canadians Concerned About Lyme Disease contacted us, asking for support in helping to raise awareness about the threat of Lyme disease.

The organization has a petition to federal Health Minister Jane Philpott asking for action on Lyme disease that, as of early March, had already garnered nearly 37,000 signatures.

If you are interested in adding your signature, here is the link: https://www.change.org/p/ministerphilpott-ticking-lyme-bomb-incanada-fix-canada-s-lyme-actionplan-now

The good news for consumers is no matter how much their hydro bills drop this year, clawing back savings of this magnitude, once fully in place, will be difficult for any political party wanting to serve more than a single term as a government. AN

SHEWCHUK, ORMISTON, RICHARDT & JOHNSON

LLP

Editor’s Note: As new updates on hydro are received by LOWDPOA, it will share the information at lowdpoa.com and on its Facebook page.

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24

by Dyke Van Etten Williams

On a slow cruise last August we got to see something very few folks have ever seen.

Right there along the shore was a seagull fending off and chasing away a white pelican!

This photo: 'The view on a slow cruise' by Leslie McLeod Story photos by Dyke Van Etten Williams

“Why ever?” you may ask. I don't have any clear answers for this most amazing event. Our guess is that the pelican was after some food the gull had just caught or found on the rocks. Gulls will catch crayfish, fly up well above a flattish rock or dock and drop them to crack their shell. Might there have been “essence of crayfish” right there and the pelican was trying to steal it? Or a minnow the gull was forced to drop when the pelican invaded?

The great thing is: fascinating things are happening “out there” all the time and we, because we were there too, got to see the whole thing. What an outstanding deal. The key is: you have to be there!

For a decade now our extended family has taken what we call “Pizza Cruises”. We make or pick up several varieties of pizza, tuck them into our multi-pizza warmth keeper and set

off in our powerboat for an evening on the water. Because such an adventure can be centered around any number of foods (they're just the excuse to go anyway), let's call them “Slow Cruises”. They can feature: appetizers (“appies” to us), wings, dry ribs, cheese breads, sandwiches (“sammies”), salads, desserts and whatever. Include beverages, a trash bag and plenty of napkins or paper towel.

These photographs are from just one slow cruise taken last summer. Nothing was staged or reshot – I took what I saw as it happened. I often used a very “long” lens (my Panasonic Lumix ZS-40 zooms to 30 times actual, and to a total of 60 electronically enhanced); and, it has a viewfinder, which I consider indispensable. It’s a great woods and water camera and it fits a shirt pocket. It makes my shots look as though I was “right there”, when in fact I was many hundreds of yards away from wildlife, as we all should be.

Here are some thoughts sparked by each photograph you see: Photo 1: Lots of us feel we really lead a “runabout” life.

Even at the lake we usually run about in our runabouts with this smooth, symmetrical, Rorschach-like wake streaming behind. Even as a devout sailor and paddler, I have always found this sight beautiful, ever since I was 10 and was let loose in a varnished cedar Peterborough 12-footer and a green Johnson 5.

I am however somewhat doubtful that my body was meant to go over water at the speeds today's runabouts can achieve.

Photo 2: Now this is what a slow cruise wake looks like – under five knots and quiet enough that you can converse easily (what a gift!). Moreover, if you are using your charts – as you should be – you can sometimes edge a tad closer to the shore so you can see both water and woods things happening up close. In reality, you usually notice woods things first by hearing them (bird songs, animals moving, etc.) before seeing them. It's a chance to respect and admire the peace that is always there.

1

2

3

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Photo 3: Pizza warmth keepers (the red thing) come in many shapes and sizes and they really do work, not only for pizza but for anything (appies, etc.) you may want to serve warm.

Coolers are essential for all the cold items plus ice in plastic lidded containers, etc.

or on the land. They spend about half their time actually soaring, gliding in the wind without moving their wings except to steer.

Photos 4 and 5: This wondrous granite with white pines at the north end of The Hades is really the iconic sight on lakes in our area – Canadian Shield rocks and boreal forests. The yellow is lichen growing on that vertical surface, greatly enhanced by the evening “side lighting”. Sunlight coming in at a slant as evening progresses goes through more atmosphere than it does straight up at noon. It picks up and shares this enhancing colour and lights the sides of things and not just their tops for a whole different look.

Note all the trees and bushes growing as if by magic out of cracks and on tiny ledges somehow filled with enough dirt and moisture to sustain them.

In the 1970s, when we sailed one of our first LOWISA regattas, the whole family was much taken by pelicans, which then mostly lived in the western part of the lake.

So much so that, when chartering a boat with no name, a roll of black tape and much grunting named her the “Soaring Pelican” for the time we had her.

Photo 6: Our lakes are also ideal sailing lakes, with ample areas of clean, clear water but for the most part areas not so large as to be rugged going in a blow. 14,500+ islands plus endless points, peninsulas and bends provide calm waters and there is a zillion sheltered anchorages. Here's the ideal situation – a boat that can ably sail anywhere, which folks can comfortably live aboard and which is right there at your dock awaiting your next adventure. Same with powerboats. Terrific digs.

Photo 7: Now how cool is this? An airborne white pelican, my favourite Lake of the Woods bird, showing incredible grace for a critter that looks pretty ungainly on the water

7

Let me digress for a minute…

Many summers, believe it or not, we have seen several hundred pelicans, joined by an equal number of black cormorants, rafted together and floating along main stretches of the lake. This “raft” would also filter through narrower spots and into bays, completely covering the water with black and white. We think the cormorants dive for fish (is the raft following or driving a school?) while the pelicans cruise above and pick up what's driven upward or dropped by the divers. Then they gradually drift through another narrows and on down the lake. Truly awesome.

Other birds easily seen on a slow cruise: osprey, great blue herons (“GBH's”), kingfishers, gulls, terns, cormorants, loons, eagles. One evening in the Manitou, on a tiny rock island with seven dead tree trunks (“snags” in the local parlance), we counted 31 mature bald eagles perched within feet of each other. In the 1970s when they had almost vanished due to DDT, the experts said an individual eagle's territory was about 25 square miles. Not today.

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26 10 As for animals, look for bear (often seen patrolling a shore or swimming from spot to spot), deer, fox, lynx, otters, beaver, bobcats, wolves and further south the occasional moose. In the water you sometimes see muskies and northern pike sunning themselves in the shallows near shore, and one of us may even have seen a lake sturgeon doing much the same. What else? How about a red squirrel swimming for all it's worth; a garter snake; or many turtles and frogs warming themselves in the sun (they are coldblooded) on rocks and logs near shore?

Photo 8: Here's the gull having at the pelican, heaven only knows why. Once on a canoe trip we watched two gulls (the parents) attacking an eagle in the air by continually diving at it and whacking into its sides and head. The “why” was obvious there – there were gull chicks on a large rock almost underneath this aerial combat and clearly the eagle had thought to make a meal for its own chicks back in its nest. Gulls don't really seem to have nests – they just use bare rock islets out in the middle of lakes.

Photo 9: Out the south end of The Hades into open water, another LOW trademark. Note the curved white cloud – it's the tops of cumulo-nimbus thunderstorms being blown off and “downwind”. This is a sign of a coming storm but not due for hours, and, sure enough, there was thunder about 9:00 a.m. the next morning. By the way, there is no such thing as a storm “coming up suddenly”. There are almost always warning signs in the sky if (a) you look for them, and (b) you know what you're looking for. If you haven't already, invest in a “weather radio” - they're now cheap, tiny and very reliable. And before you go out, and while out, listen to Environment Canada's forecasts, wind and storm watches and warnings. Before I go out I also always check the weather radars available on my computer and using apps.

You can do it on tablets and smartphones too.

Photo 10: We passed this group making camp on this beautiful point, possibly a canoe trip where they have drawn their canoes up on shore around the corner out of sight. Points are preferred places to camp since the wind can reach them easily and helps keep the bugs away if there are any. Lake of the Woods has hundreds of campsites.

With the protection of its many islands, points, etc. it is wonderful paddling country.

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Photo 11: Next we came to these two folks and their dog sitting on this rocky point, facing the setting sun. Where did they come from? We have no idea. Is there a cabin back in that bay and they walked up to say “good evening”? Or did they come by canoe or motorboat? Who knows. Look what the side lighting does with the colors and contrasts and contours you're looking at. Evening is a very special time to be out on the water.

Photo 12: While not certain, you are really likely to see (in the air or in a tree) at least one eagle on a slow cruise. The white head and tail indicate that this is a mature (and thus breeding and nesting) adult. It will have had a nest earlier in the summer, with the chicks “fledging” (flying for the first time) sometime in July. Youngsters are about 7/8ths the size of an adult when they leave the nest. That first flight may only be to the next nearest tree, and they perch low and try not to be seen. They stay in the vicinity well into fall because mom and dad are still feeding them, all the while showing them how to feed themselves eventually.

Fledglings are a mottled brown all over, and look like that until about their fourth summer when they mature and gain the distinctive white head and tail.

Photos 13 and 14: The triangle on the rock is “how it's usually done”. In the other picture I laughed out loud when right on the opposite side of that same channel there was this unique, colourful and effective (though I'm sure unofficial) similar red and white warning on a similar rock.

Lake of the Woods is remarkably well buoyed in its main travel areas, and the charts have all the detail one could ever need. The old ones were paper, since replaced with incredibly durable, foldable plastic. We cut the old ones to size and Mod Podged them onto old garage sale hard placemats and coasters. They're so authentic that the routes we pencilled in and followed on LOWISA are still there. They're now standard on the dinner table.

Photo15: Time to start home to our “permanent campsite” our island and cottage. What profound beauty we get from sights like this, ironically right before it goes completely dark and you can't see much of anything. Running lights are a must now, as is knowing exactly where you are and what you need to find (and avoid) on the way back.

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27 16 Photo 16: If ever there was a Lake of the Woods icon, this one on the way home is it. An island surrounded by great water and crowned with the traditional white pines. Did you know that the white pines are not reproducing themselves in great enough numbers to sustain themselves? High deer populations combined with white pine weevils and blister rust threaten their continued presence. An even greater threat is global warming, which is very real. Lee Frelich (Director, Dept. of Forest Resources, U. of Minnesota) believes that in 50 or fewer years much of white pine territory will have become oak savannas due to warming.

If you have property in our area, do buy whatever tree seedlings LOWDPOA offers each spring. At only $0.60 per healthy seedling, they are the bargain to end all bargains – and come with simple planting directions. Plant 30 trees a year and you'll spread your forest's ages, mix your species, and some say erase your carbon footprint for the year.

Photo 17: The moon was huge on this trip, and here it is with a jet jumping “under” it. This served as a reminder that going home also meant re-entering that different, faster, runabout

17 world. How would our feelings of “thanks for the peaceful time” match or collide with those of folks on that jet?

Photo 18: Welcome home. The boat is now berthed and securely tied up. Its interior has been picked up and cleaned as needed. The food and “stuff” are on their way to the cottage. The leftover pizza will likely be eaten for breakfast (shudder!) by the resident teenagers.

What else is there to say? At this time of night, I am so often reminded of being a kid and spending eight weeks each summer at a challenging canoe-tripping camp in Algonquin Park. Each night the bugler would ascend to the highest point on the island and at dusk play “Taps”. It soared over the water and echoed back from the far shore. It became the “how it should be” for that magic hour. Maudlin? Sure, but lots of things in our way-back past are. I can hear it tonight, and the words that made it “just right” for that place and time: “Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hills, from the sky. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.” AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

28 Environment

Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation

Put a plan in Place. Ensure there's enough science and management expertise. Unite and coordinate actions binationally communities, researchers, policy makers. That’s our vision. We’re getting close.

Research and policy converge at forum It was standing room only at the 14th annual International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum, held March 8-9 in International Falls, Minnesota. The record attendance of 162 researchers and policy makers reflects the increasing focus on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River basin by our governments, the International Joint Commission and stakeholders.

In addition to research studies, this year’s forum featured significant participation of elected officials – an important indication of their interest and support for the research and for the policy efforts underway to put a binational plan in place for the Lake of the Woods basin. Participation included an address by the

Hon. Robert Nault, MP for Kenora, affirms commitment of Canada to action on Lake of the Woods water quality at forum

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Rt. Honourable Robert Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, a video address by U.S. Senator Al Franken, as well as attendance of officials representing Senator Franken, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan.

Felicia Minotti of Global Affairs Canada presented an outline of how Canada and the United States propose to integrate the Canadian and American science into an overall binational framework for moving forward with remedial actions. The results for Lake of the Woods should be the establishment of international water quality objectives and reduction targets for nutrient pollution and identification of management actions needed to combat the blooms of harmful blue-green algae that plague Lake of the Woods each summer.

The proposed framework for action relies heavily on the binational framework that we’ve been working to put in place for over a decade. Science coordination is managed by the International Multi-Agency Arrangement collaboration of local agencies who work closely with the International Joint Commission (IJC) and its Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board to develop water quality objective and policy recommendation to governments.Under the proposed framework, the IJC would have an additional role to provide oversight assessment and reporting on scientific progress

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Environment 29 and progress towards achievements of lake objectives, much like it does on the Great Lakes.

Research at forum indicates progress on Lake of the Woods There was an extensive body of research presented at the forum with sessions focusing on: water level control on Rainy and Namakan Lakes; studies in Voyageurs National Park, and a special extended session on Lake of the Woods.

In the Lake of the Woods session, it was clear that a lot has been achieved scientifically over the past decade.

Encouraging results were presented that indicate that Lake of the Woods has responded to the reduction in phosphorus pollution over the past 30 years. The “legacy” of phosphorus built up in the bottom sediments from pollution in the mid-20th century has declined and likely is no longer the main driver of current lake conditions. This is great news as it means that if we put a plan in place to further reduce modern inputs, the lake can respond. We’ll be featuring some of the research presented at the forum in more detail in coming issues of the Area News.

Veronique Hiriart-Baer presented an outline of the science that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will be conducting on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, with the $5.5 million allocated to it last summer. Some initial

work started this winter. Over the next three years, ECCC scientists will focus on nutrients and algae studies aimed at three main objectives: • Monitoring and assessments to inform setting of water quality objectives for the lake • Identifying causes and consequences of nutrient enrichment and algal blooms • Modeling to predict the lake’s response to potential nutrient load reduction scenarios A panel discussion followed the ECCC presentation, providing an opportunity for questions and discussions about this first look at the ECCC science plan.

Dr. Mark Edlund, with sediment core from Lake of the Woods

Foundation honours scientist at forum The foundation presented Dr. Mark Edlund with the Kallemeyn Award, recognizing his outstanding professional achievements and contribution to research and resource management in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods basin.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

30 Environment Mark is Senior Scientist at St. Croix Watershed Research Station – the environmental research arm of the Science Museum of Minnesota. International research led by Mark is providing the keys to unlocking the Lake of the Woods story about the causes of algae blooms and how the lake is responding to historical pollution and modern day pollution controls. This research is foundational to Minnesota’s Impaired Waters Study for Lake of the Woods that is developing phosphorus objectives and targets for the lake.

With the Kallemeyn Award, the foundation and the international research community at the forum thank Mark for his dedication, outstanding research, and efforts to foster collaborative and cooperative approaches that truly carry forward the Kallemeyn "legacy" and which are contributing immensely to our ability to protect and restore the water quality of Lake of the Woods.

A resounding congratulations and thanks to Mark!

The path forward for Lake of the Woods Development of a sustainability plan for Lake of the Woods is the major goal of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. We expect the investment announced last summer of $5.5 million will 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.

A binational approach is needed that establishes water quality objectives, targets, timelines, and a mechanism for ongoing accountability and assessment of progress – not just disconnected science. We are encouraged now that Canada and the U.S. are considering this need, however a commitment is needed. There is a key opportunity now for a binational approach, with Minnesota already engaged in developing phosphorus targets and allocations for the U.S. portion of the basin.

Dr. Mark Edlund (centre), with previous Kallemeyn Award recipients (l-r) Lee Grim, Ryan Maki, Tom Mosindy, Nolan Baratono, Larry Kallemeyn

The foundation continues to work through the International Joint Commission’s Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board and with Global Affairs Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and U.S. agencies, to ensure that we get a lasting outcome for our lake. Here’s what is needed: 1. IJC role for ongoing oversight and accountability.

The IJC should have the role for ongoing oversight and independent assessment and reporting on programs in both countries and progress towards meeting water quality objectives and targets—similar to its role on the Great Lakes.

2. International water quality agreement and process.

Governments should institute a water quality agreement that establishes objectives, targets and allocations for phosphorus and processes to achieve them along with review and reporting requirements, modeled on the GLWQA Annex 4 process, most recently applied to Lake Erie.

3. Science integration in support of binational action.

The ECCC science plan should be integrated with and support the processes underway in Minnesota to set phosphorus water quality objectives, targets and allocations to inform development of remedial action plans binationally. AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

32 Environment

Lake Sturgeon Recovery Efforts in the Upper Winnipeg River

by Ryan Haines

Overharvest, pollution, dams. This is the trifecta that has resulted in the decimation of lake sturgeon across much of its range. However, in recent decades there have been considerable efforts to restore lake sturgeon population with some success and cause for optimism for the future of this grand fish. In the hopes that this will be the next great success story for lake sturgeon recovery, work has begun on the upper Winnipeg River, the area between the Norman and Kenora dams in Kenora and the Whitedog Dam approximately 20 km northwest of Minaki.

Initial lake sturgeon assessments in this section of river, conducted in 2008, 2009 and 2014, indicate that a remnant population is present but in numbers that make it extremely unlikely that the population will recover on its own. Benthic work conducted in 2011 indicated that the legacy impacts on the river system from log booms, pulp mill effluent and sewage discharge are subsiding as the river appears to have flushed most of the materials and pollutants downstream (off to Lake Winnipeg). With no harvest of lake sturgeon occurring in the system, the decimation trifecta is now a “unifecta” as it has been demonstrated in areas such as the Rainy River that Benthic work conducted lake sturgeon populations can survive and thrive in dammed waterways.

by Dalles technician However, the research conducted previously on lake sturgeon in the upper Winnipeg River does provide some cause for concern with respect to recovery efforts. The lone adult lake sturgeon captured in 2009 was tagged and released at the Norman Dam in the spring, then recaptured four months later by an angler 140 km and five hydroelectric developments downstream near Lac du Bonnet in Manitoba. Both of the adult lake sturgeon captured in the initial assessment work show strong links genetically to the Lake of the Woods population at Rainy River, indicating that these fish may have travelled downstream from Big Traverse on Lake of the Woods. This information does call into question whether or not the section of the upper Winnipeg River between Kenora and the Whitedog Dam has the habitat requirements to support a healthy lake sturgeon population. To help answer these questions, there are going to be 12 lake sturgeon transplanted from Rainy River to the upper Winnipeg River in 2017 as part of the Upper Winnipeg River Lake Sturgeon Recovery Plan.

The recovery efforts are the result of a collaborative effort between Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining Ojibway Nation (Dalles First Nation), Rainy River First Nation, Joe Hunter from Sustainable Sturgeon Culture, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. In the spring of 2017 the project will begin with the capture of twelve medium-sized lake sturgeon (approximately 1 metre or 36 inches in length) from Rainy River by Sustainable Sturgeon Culture. These 12 sturgeon will be tagged with transmitters and then transported and released into the upper Winnipeg River at the Dalles First Nation. Receivers will be strategically

Guy Henry in 2011 indicated river health had improved.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Environment 33 Upper Winnipeg River Lake Sturgeon Recovery Team. From left to right Chris Martin, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF); Josh Peacock, OMNRF; Chief Jim Leonard, Rainy River First Nation (RRFN); Joe Hunter, Sustainable Sturgeon Culture; Kiley Shebagegit, RRFN; Clarence Henry, Ochiichagwe'babigo' ining Ojibway Nation (OON); Chief Lorraine Cobiness, OON; Ryan Haines, OON; Allan Anderson, OON; Jim McNulty, OMNRF; Erik Lockhart, OMNRF. Missing from photo - Fabian Blackhawk, OON; Christy Macdonald, OMNRF, John Vandenbroeck, OMNRF, Shelley Isleifson, OMNRF

placed throughout the river system to monitor the movement of the transplanted lake sturgeon throughout the year. It is hoped that the sturgeon will remain in the section of the Winnipeg River between the Whitedog Dam and Kenora and more can be learned about the sturgeon movements and habitat preferences in this section of the river.

Review of the data following the first field season will provide important information that the recovery team will use to determine the next steps for successful recovery of lake sturgeon in the system. Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining Ojibway Nation has indicated their interest in participating in this initiative, as expressed by Chief Lorraine Cobiness.

“This project will enable Ochiichagwe'babigo'ining Ojibway Nation to continue to act as stewards of the land and play an active role in the conservation and restoration of lake sturgeon in our homeland,” she said.

A ceremony and meal to support the release of the lake sturgeon is planned for mid-May and the public is

encouraged to attend and learn more about the project. Anglers and boaters on the upper Winnipeg River are asked to keep clear of the large orange buoys that will be marking the locations of the receivers as these are critical to the success of this project.

Imagine hooking a 40-pound lake sturgeon on your spinning rod while out fishing for a feed of walleye. This is not just the stuff of dreams or folklore for many people who live on waters where lake sturgeon have made a recovery. It is the hope of the Upper Winnipeg River Lake Sturgeon recovery team that the “new and improved” version of the river is healthy enough to support a thriving lake sturgeon population. With sound science, traditional ceremonies, multi-agency support and a little luck we may once again regularly see the thunderous splash of a pre-historic fish breaking the surface under shadow of the Minaki Bridge. AN

Dalles technician Rob Cobiness, Jr. identifies benthic organisms with school group in 2011.

What has IISD-ELA taught us about CLIMATE CHANGE? IISD-ELA, the only place on earth where we can experiment on real lakes, has discovered that in northwestern Ontario...

Our lakes are getting DARKER and less ICY Our air is getting WARMER Our fish are getting smaller and squeezing into smaller habitats For more information visit iisd.org/ela

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

34 Environment

Climate Change at IISD-ELA: What is Happening to Our Lakes?

By Sumeep Bath, Media and Communications Officer, IISD Experimental Lakes Area When considering the effects of climate change it is tempting to look far afield, conjuring images of storms battering the southern United States, typhoons wreaking devastation in southeastern Asia or the rapidly diminishing Arctic. Despite some popularly held beliefs, the results of climate change can pretty much be seen in almost all parts of the world to varying degrees, and no location is immune from its everintensifying impacts.

Not even here in our idyllic corner of the world can we escape climate change. Perhaps anecdotally you have experienced a changing climate here in northwestern Ontario; from earlier springs to warmer winters, and changes to local flora and fauna.

At our IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) research station in northwestern Ontario (only 50 km east of Lake of the Woods), we have jointly operated a weather station with Environment and Climate Change Canada since 1969.

As part of our weather monitoring program we have taken

daily measurements of air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, snow depth and a wide range of other parameters. In combination with our monitoring programs for streams and lakes, these data help us understand how climate change has, and will, influence our nation’s precious freshwater resources.

These unique datasets also provide us with a privileged look at how climate change has affected this region over the last fifty years, and offer a window into changes that we in northwestern Ontario may see in upcoming years and decades. In a series of articles to appear in the next few editions of Lake of the Woods Area News, we will reveal what we have discovered here at IISD-ELA and what we expect we are headed for.

As you might expect, our datasets reveal that air temperatures in our region have been getting progressively warmer over time. This overall increase in temperature in our region is happening much faster than the global average.

For example, since 1969 mean annual air temperatures have increased by 0.42°C/decade at our research site, much faster than the global average (0.15-0.30 °C/decade).

Moreover, it appears that autumn and winter months are warming much faster than summer months. Since 1969, the long-term increases in temperature have been highest in December and January, where temperature increased by 1.3 °C/decade and 1.1 °C/decade, respectively.

And while our friends elsewhere in western Canada are looking to experience drier climes, here in northwestern Ontario we can expect wetter weather with increased rainfall.

Other than being annoying, these changes in precipitation will affect the amount of water entering our lakes and alter their physical, chemical and biological properties. These changes may ultimately contribute to algal blooms, already plaguing many of our lakes, and are associated with poor water quality and beach closures.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Environment 35

You may have also noticed how our winters have been getting shorter and shorter. In many parts of the northern hemisphere, including at IISD-ELA and Lake of the Woods, researchers have documented shorter winters and a reduced duration of ice cover. Our data show that the period of ice cover for the lakes has declined by 18 days since 1969 at a rate of 4.24 days per decade. And it doesn’t stop there; based on regional climate projections for northwestern Ontario, the duration of ice cover could decline by an additional 20–30 days by 2070.

The duration of ice cover on lakes matters greatly for local communities. For example, it is important for winter roads into remote northern communities (and cottages on Lake of the Woods!), as well as recreational activities that you may

enjoy, such as snowmobiling and ice fishing. These activities are of large economic importance to our communities, bringing in much-needed supplies and tourism during the winter months. The duration of ice cover is also very important to the plants and animals, including fish, in our lakes.

Do these changes confirm what you have been witnessing for a while? Where is our climate heading and what will it mean to our lakes and rivers (and how we enjoy them) over the next 50 years? We hope that you will follow the upcoming editions of the Lake of the Woods Area News as we explore these questions.

For more information about IISD Experimental Lakes Area, visit iisd.org/ela. AN

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by Bonnie Baltessen

(with files from H. Price and B. McLean)

My home is on Lake Lulu, and I think often about how lucky I am that my ancestors fell for this place and purchased parcels of land here. Not only is it beautiful, but there is a great sense of community both in the larger area of Pellatt and in the smaller hamlet of Laclu.

According to one of our resident historians, Harry Price, the first homestead on the shores of Lake Lulu was registered at the Land Titles in October, 1894. By the end of 1916, there were 15 homesteads completely encircling the lake. Most of the homesteaders were Scandinavian farmers trying their luck on the harsh clay soil. The development of a lakefront subdivision with 34 lots in 1913 led to an influx of seasonal residents, mainly railroaders. My paternal grandfather and great grandfather were among them.

The subdivisions continued and non-railroaders jumped in to purchase small parcels of this little paradise for a reasonable price. I remember my maternal grandmother telling the story of purchasing their tiny piece of property for $50, which they paid off at a monthly rate of $10. Her family wasn’t railroaders, but they had discovered the secret lure of Lake Lulu. My father’s family, the railroaders, had a much longer history at the lake. I grew up listening to stories about the railroaders riding to the nearest stop, then walking to Lake Lulu and boating to campsites. It seems a daunting task now, as they would have come bags and rations in tow.

In January of 1918, a group of these part-time settlers met in Winnipeg to form what was then called the Ostersund Campers Association. It subsequently became the Ostersund Laclu Association; followed by the Laclu Campers Association (LCA), and my great grandfather, Henry Powles, became one of the first presidents. Not surprisingly, one of the first orders of business was to approach the Canadian Pacific Railway to have the train stop at Lake Lulu for the summer months. The group also worked together to create a shelter at the stop.

According to the first minutes, the association was concerned enough about water quality to create a set of rules for the lake. The rules contained instructions for waste disposal and general cautions to keep the water clean. There was a touch of irony to their efforts that they would not have known at the time as the livestock still freely roamed around parts of the lake and into the water. It’s well known now that this has been a major source of phosphorus loading. Yet, the campers made an effort.

The same year, 1918, a sports committee was formed. While it is unclear who hosted it or when it occurred, it appears that enthusiastic volunteers and participants stepped up. The sports day was geared to water events such as diving and swimming. Very early on, it was decided that the “regatta” would be held on the August long weekend. It also expanded into a two-day event including land races and novelty races.

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The days I remember best are those when both the Webb and Millar families offered up their properties for the annual regatta. There were plenty of activities for all ages spread over two days. And it proved to be a great day for Webb’s store sales as hungry competitors slipped into the snack bar for sustenance. There was always a dance in the evening and a family sing-a-long the next day. My family loved to sing, so we never missed.

Bill had a funny follow-up story about arriving at the lake for their honeymoon. Both he and his wife were confident there would be many people at the ready who could ferry them to her family cabin after they exited the train. As it turned out, only one boat showed up. There were already plenty of

Buying or Selling?

Peterson Drive - Winnipeg River

The association encouraged the opening of a store on the lake and supported it with their business. Over the years there were several stores, with Webb’s perhaps being one of the most endearing. Certainly, it was the biggest and it offered rental cabins and boats as well. The beautiful log lodge still stands today with new owners working to restore it to its glory days.

I remember my father’s friend, Bill, loved to tell his story about meeting his wife at the regatta. One of the games played for young adults was musical chairs. When the music stopped, the boys had to sit on a chair and the girls had to sit on their laps. His wife, whose family had a cottage at the west end of the lake, literally sat in his lap, and the rest, as they say, is history.

This small group of campers was so enthusiastic that many meetings were held during the winter months, planning and preparing to improve the Laclu summer experience.

Dances and bingos were held to fundraise and create a social atmosphere. Trained first aid volunteers stepped up identifying themselves as willing and able to help out in the

Armstrong Lake

event of an emergency. Winter whist drives were held to raise funds with biscuits and tea offered up as refreshments.

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39

40

people in the boat who had come to greet their expected guest. In keeping with the friendly neighbourhood mindset of the lake, the driver and crew offered them a ride anyway.

It was dark, and the newlyweds just wanted to get to their cabin. Bill said he put his fingers just over the side of the boat, and they touched water.

When Webb’s closed, the location for the dances and sing-song vanished with it. Undaunted, the Laclu Campers filled the void. The Millar family stepped up to offer their place as the ongoing regatta site. A bingo held by the Pellatt United Firefighters and barbecue at the fire hall, served as wonderful substitutes for previous regattas’ activities. When the Millars sold their place, the LCA negotiated a deal with the new owner of Webb’s, procured the proper insurance and it was literally game-on once again.

The LCA may be small, but it seems they were always game to take on a challenge in the early years. Whether they were campaigning to enlist help from the Ontario Provincial Police regarding a series of worrisome thefts and robberies, investigating to solve the mystery of the disappearing fish during spawning season, or lobbying to get improved access to their cabins by way of roads or safe docks – they were dedicated to resolve the issue and worked together to do so.

BLINDS

As with any association, Laclu Campers has seen its participation and activity ebb and flow. Sometimes, participation has been strong with plenty of people attending meetings and supporting the different causes, and sometimes it seemed to be waning. There have been periods with visibly active environmental committees and then gaps where it seemed no one was doing anything. However, there have always been environmentally aware people on Lake Lulu participating in programs offered by Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association. We have had “Loon Rangers” and “Lake Partners” keeping eyes on the environment. For the past three years, the environmental committee has been working hard with EST. 1983 the strong support of LOWDPOA and the LCA to help educate people about good • MOTORIZATION • SECURITY SHUTTERS water stewardship.

AWNINGS • PHANTOM DOORS Plans are in the works to have a very large celebration in 2018, reminiscent of the years when the campers got together often throughout the summer. It won’t just be a regatta celebration, but a busy summer, bringing people back together again. Cabin tours, memorabilia sharing and fireworks are in the plans.

Having discovered my great grandfather was there at the beginning, it makes me smile to think that it’s very likely that my two sisters and I, born Powles, will attend the celebration so many years later. AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

42 Invasive Species

Rusty Crayfish,

an Invader in Lake of the Woods

by Hayley Anderson Have you ever been swimming, felt a pinch, looked down and seen an aggressive crayfish making a stand? If so, you’ve probably met a rusty crayfish.

The rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) is native to the Ohio River basin in the United States. It has successfully become an invasive species in Canada and the U.S. outside of its native range. One of the initial spots of introduction was in Lake of the Woods in the 1960s, in the Whitefish Bay/ Long Bay area near Sioux Narrows. American anglers were common in that area at the time, and the belief is that rusty crayfish were either introduced accidentally after bait bucket dumping, or intentionally for use as fishing bait.

Since then, it has become the dominant species of crayfish in most areas of Lake of the Woods and has made its way through the lake and up to the Winnipeg River.

In 2006 the invasion front in Lake of the Woods had reached Ash Bay, near Clearwater Bay, and it was determined to have moved approximately five to eight kilometers in the two years since previous sampling. In 2007 it was found in Falcon Lake, Manitoba, likely introduced by human activity, possibly brought in from Lake of the Woods.

Additionally, it has been sold as a school and aquarium pet by biological supply houses to classrooms, which may have release parties at the end of the school year unknowingly contributing to the spread. On their own, rusty crayfish do not disburse very far, so any spread over longer distances is usually the result of people intentionally or accidentally introducing it to new areas. Due to their habit of keeping fertilized eggs under their tail, one female crayfish is actually enough to start a new population.

In my experience, there can sometimes be a nonchalant response when people learn about rusty crayfish invasion since we already have native crayfish in the lake and they would just be replaced. It may not seem like it should be as much of a concern as other higher-profile invasive species, such as zebra mussels. However, the native crayfish in our lake ecosystems have evolved alongside other species to eat and be eaten by them, and to provide certain services in harmony with other species. Through the introduction of an invasive crayfish, that balance is upset by removing that part of the food web and replacing it with a piece that doesn’t fit back in. With rusty crayfish, the impacts on the lake are not as severe and immediately noticeable as they would be if zebra mussels were to move in. Nevertheless, there are many smaller impacts that can add up to a larger issue.

In Lake of the Woods, and more so in the surrounding deep and cold lakes, lake trout is prized for fishing and for eating. Slow growing and late to mature, lake trout spawn on gravel beds. Gravel beds also happen to be preferred rusty crayfish habitat, and rusty crayfish are opportunistic feeders who prefer animal protein. When rusty crayfish move into an area, the freshly laid lake trout eggs and young fry get eaten more quickly and in greater quantity than they would normally. Though native crayfish species also forage for fish eggs and fry, rusty crayfish eat greater quantities with greater frequency (amounting to twice as much consumption as our native species) due to their higher metabolic rate. Over time, this will have a negative impact on the surviving numbers of an already slow-to-mature species. Additionally, rusty crayfish destroy aquatic vegetation beds while foraging for food.

This impacts fish such as minnows that would use that same vegetation as spawning area and bass that would normally use it as cover.

The virile crayfish (Orconectes virilis) is one of the native crayfish species in Lake of the Woods. It is the most similar to rusty crayfish in terms of habitat and food requirements.

Interestingly enough, the virile crayfish has been found as an invasive species in the United Kingdom as a result of introduction through irresponsible owners who dumped their aquarium contents.

There are many similarities between the rusty crayfish and virile crayfish life cycles, with a few key differences that help the rusty crayfish to become dominant where they are introduced.

For most crayfish species, the fertilized eggs are carried underneath the female’s tail in an arrangement that looks like a raspberry, so when the females have eggs attached they are said to be “berried”. Virile and rusty crayfish will produce similar numbers of eggs, anywhere from 80 to 300.

Females stay in the berried state for three to six weeks until

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Invasive Species 43 the eggs hatch. After the eggs are hatched, the young cling to the mother’s legs until they are old enough to survive on their own. The difference between the two species is that rusty crayfish hatch their eggs earlier than virile crayfish, and the young are able to leave the mother earlier, giving them an immediate advantage to find the best habitats and a head start in size compared to virile crayfish born the same year.

larvae would live. This translates up the food web to fewer available invertebrates for fish and other species to eat.

If a fish is picking a crayfish to eat, it will choose the one with the smallest chelae (claws) and the most energy reward for their effort. Rusty crayfish have larger chelae than virile crayfish and assume an aggressive “claws up” posture if they are confronted (by fish or by swimmers, it seems). Virile crayfish will attempt to swim away instead.

Because rusty crayfish actively push the smaller and less aggressive crayfish out of the best hiding spots and homes, the latter are also at greater risk of predation. Rusty crayfish can be eaten by fish, but they have a thicker carapace (shell) which makes them a lower quality food, and this can result in the slower growth of fish species if rusty crayfish are the most abundant food source.

Rusty crayfish has a few key identifying features that set it apart from other crayfish. It has rust coloured patches on either side of its carapace. The tips of its chelae are orange with a black band, and the chelae are smooth and often quite large in relation to its body. When the chelae are closed, there is no space in between the “fingers”. In comparison, the virile crayfish has blue chelae with white wart-like bumps and orange tips, and a brown carapace.

When the chelae are pinched together, there is a substantial gap in between the fingers.

Rusty crayfish have been shown to reduce the populations of benthic invertebrates such as midge larvae, mayflies, dragonflies and stoneflies through predation and their habit of destroying aquatic vegetation where these

All of these impacts separately might not create a noticeable impact on Lake of the Woods, but cumulatively, over time these effects could change the size and availability of sportfish species.

During a study to identify the invasion front of rusty crayfish in Lake of the Woods (Geard, N. Islands as an Invasion Pathway for the Rusty Crayfish, 2007) another crayfish was identified as a potentially invasive species. Orconectes immunis, also known as papershell or calico crayfish, is not native to Lake of the Woods and may also have been introduced for use as bait. Interestingly enough, it was also first discovered in the Whitefish Bay/Long Bay area of Lake of the Woods. During the study it was found to have been

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

44 Invasive Species Crayfish Boil

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/fisheries/craving_for_crayfish Wash 8 pounds of live crayfish.

Prepare the boiling water as follows: put 5 gallons of water in a 10-gallon pot.

Bring the water to a boil and add: • 1 large onion cut into wedges • 2 oz. red pepper • 2 lemons cut into wedges • 2 stalks of celery • 1 lb. salt • 1 head of garlic, peeled and sectioned Boil for about 15 minutes to extract the flavors. Add 8 to 10 washed small red potatoes. Return to a boil. After 10 minutes, add 6 ears of sweet corn broken into thirds and the live crayfish. Return to boil and cook for 10 minutes. Crayfish will float to the top of the water when

done. Turn off heat and let soak. The longer the soak, the spicier the flavor.

Sample potatoes, corn, and crayfish to check flavour. Five minutes is a typical soak time. Remove crayfish, potatoes and corn from water, drain and serve.

A basket that fits inside the pot will make removing and draining easier. Serves 4.

To boil another batch in the same water, add more salt and red pepper and repeat the process. Water can be boiled outdoors over an open fire or indoors on the stovetop. *Remember that crayfish cannot be moved overland, so the crayfish would have to be harvested from the same lake area where they will be eaten.

moved more than 70 km to a different part of the lake in Ptarmigan Bay. Since they definitely can’t swim that fast, it was likely moved through bait bucket dumping.

Papershell crayfish burrow into the shoreline as deep as the water table and return to these burrows when they are not out looking for food. They may have grey, purple or pink chelae with a pale stripe running down their back and are a The papershell crayfish has different habitat requirements mottled brown or green in colour. These crayfish are prolific so would not directly compete with either rusty crayfish or and most die within their first year or after their first brood. virile crayfish but the broader ecosystem impacts are not Because of its burrowing behaviour, it will stick closer to yet known. the shoreline than rusty or virile crayfish which can live in deeper waters. Also, papershell crayfish is able to traverse short distances over land during wet seasons, so it may introduce itself to nearby lakes. It has a higher THREE SEASON ROOMS • SCREEN ROOMS • POLYCARBONATE ROOFS tolerance of pollution and low oxygen levels, so may be found in habitats where other crayfish cannot survive.

The greatest threat to currently uninvaded lakes around Lake of the Woods is human introduction of rusty crayfish through use as fishing bait. If you want to use crayfish as fishing bait, catch them from the lake in which you will be using them. In Ontario, it is illegal to sell crayfish to be used as bait and it is illegal to transport them overland, alive or dead.

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Rusty crayfish are impossible to eradicate in a large established population such as the one we have in Lake of the Woods, however, there have been studies that show that with intensive harvest, their impacts can be minimized. Given that there are lots of recipes on the internet for crayfish boils and bakes, perhaps we can all help by establishing a new camp tradition to try to control this invasive species. The Minnesota Sea Grant website provides many recipes, tips on preparing crayfish for consumption, and information about their nutrient value. AN

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Invasive Species 45

Angling for Success How to defend your favourite hobby from invasive species If you like to fish, you may have noticed unfamiliar species showing up in your favourite lakes and rivers over the years.

This isn’t part of a natural evolution that is shaping the way fish and other organisms get into our waterways – it is a disturbing and stubborn trend that has serious consequences for all.

Alien species are plants and animals introduced, by human action, outside their natural range. Invasive species are ones whose spread can threaten the environment, the economy or your health.

In fact, every year invasive plants cost the agriculture and forest industries in Canada about $7.3 billion. In Ontario, the impacts from zebra mussels alone cost between $75-91 million per year.

Invasive species commonly hitch rides on boats, trailers, boating and fishing equipment, including bait buckets.

Impacts from aquatic invasive species are broad and can

You can report sightings of invasive species by contacting the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Invading Species Hotline:

1-800-563-7711

May 27, 2017 | 10am-4pm Cost: $120 Various exercises that will heighten our ability to paint outside while we enjoy the sights, sounds & smells of Mother Nature.

You can take action to stop the spread of these invaders.

Here’s how: • Do not release your bait into a water body. Empty your bait bucket on land at least 30 metres from the water’s edge, or freeze/salt the bait to use later. Dispose of worms in the trash.

• Drain the water from your boat, including from the motor, live well and bilge.

• Remove all aquatic plants, mussels or other visible organisms from your boat and gear and put them in the garbage.

• Remove organisms you cannot see on your boat by rinsing with hot water, spraying with high-pressure water or drying it in the sun for five days.

You can also use the EDDMapS Ontario system to report sightings through your computer or smartphone.

Join in the fight against invasive species and protect your great outdoors. Learn more at

Ontario.ca/InvasionON

info@invadingspecies.com

Plein Air Painting: Melissa Jean

include reducing the number of native fish and causing problems for native mussels (many of which are at-risk).

They can also damage the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Boating 47

Test Your Boating Safety Knowledge Part 2 By Marianne & Rod Nuttall In the last issue, we reviewed a few boating safety topics for you to test your knowledge.

Here are a few more. Again, read each of the following and just think about what you would do in that situation or how you would answer the question.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

You have a 14-year old child who has passed their PCOC test and wants to drive your boats – 40 HP and 75 HP powerboats and your personal watercraft (jet ski, Sea-Doo, etc.). Your plan is to start by supervising the first few trips. You plan to sit beside them in the powerboats and behind them on the personal watercraft (PWC). Is this a good start?

You just bought a new state-of-the-art GPS with a chart plotter for Lake of the Woods. You’ve tried it out and it works well. Should you take your paper charts off the boat?

You have fallen overboard and the water is cold. No one is around to rescue you. Should you swim to keep warm?

You are out in the boat and are a little confused as to what side of a buoy to go on. You recall someone saying that as long as you go very close the buoy you will not hit the rock. True or false?

You only go boating in a small lake or small bay and stay close to shore. When you go fishing by yourself, you do not need to wear or carry a personal floatation device (PFD) or lifejacket. True or false?

You do a detailed inspection of your boat and its safety equipment in the spring, mid-summer and early fall.

You feel you are good to go for the rest of the season. True or false?

You never drive a boat; you are only a passenger. There is no need to understand the boating safety information as it does not apply to passengers. True or false?

The answers:

1. Your 14-year old child wants to drive your 40 HP, 75 HP powerboats and a PWC. You plan to start by supervising the first few trips by either sitting beside or behind them.

There are several answers to this question. A 14-year old with a PCOC card is legally allowed to drive 40 HP powerboat by themselves and a 75 HP powerboat with supervision. So sitting beside them in the powerboats is a good idea and mandatory for the 75 HP. But anyone under the age of 16 cannot be at the controls of a PWC, even if supervised. So this child cannot drive the personal watercraft at all until age 16.

The age and horsepower restriction rules state that anyone under the age of 12 can operate up to a 10 HP powerboat by themselves and over that if supervised. Ages 12 to 15 can operate up to 40 HP by themselves and over that if supervised. But no one can be at the controls of a PWC if under age 16 (even if someone is supervising by sitting behind them). Note: The reason for the PWC restriction is that a PWC has unique handling abilities, one being that you need power to be able to steer. And be aware that if someone underage is caught driving a PWC, both the underage person driving and the person who allowed it will be fined (estimated at $250 each).

2. You have a GPS on board. Should you take your paper charts off the boat?

Don’t be too quick to remove your paper charts. There are several reasons you should keep them on board. The first reason is you never know when the technology may fail. There is a possibility that the satellites that feed information to your GPS may fail. But it is more likely that your actual GPS may fail or you may run out of battery power to run the unit. While we love our GPS, there are times when it is much simpler to pull out the chart to get that overall perspective of the big picture or to do some planning. Also, depending on what version of GPS and the digital charts it uses, sometimes the paper version is more accurate and detailed in some areas. You should continue to keep up your chart reading skills by following your paper charts manually now and then so that you will be able to find your location in the event of technology problems.

Also, be aware that your GPS plotter may not show you in exactly the correct place. For example, in tight quarters it may show you driving up on the shoreline (the entrance into Queen Island on Lake of the Woods is one such spot). This may be due to slight inaccuracies of the old surveys on the lake. Some people have hit rocks by blind faith in their GPS being totally accurate and not paying attention to the chart details and what they see outside the boat.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

48 Boating

Boating Safety Course Dates BASIC Course

A six and half hour course, plus exam. Or optional review, with no test. *See below. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE. Location Date Time St. Vital/Windsor PK April 23 (Sun) 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Arts & Tech Ctr) River Heights April 29 (Sat) 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Grant Park H School) May 24 & 31 (Wed) 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm St. Vital May 9 & 16 (Tue) 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm (College Jeanne Suave) Stonewall Collegiate May 11 & 18 (Thu) 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm Transcona June 6 & 13 (Tue) 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm (Murdoch MacKay) Kenora July 4 or 5 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (Clarion Lakeside Inn) (to be confirmed) *Note: We are now offering an optional Boating Safety Review Course; No Test or Card Issued. This is intended for boaters that already have their PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card) but would like a review of the course material. You will join in the Basic course but will not write the test at the end and a PCOC card will NOT be issued. (A $30 discount on course fees.)

To register for a course, contact Nuttall Boating at 204-889-3000 in Winnipeg or Toll Free 1-877-783-3368 or email info@nuttallboatingsafety.com. Check our website for changes and additional dates. nuttallboatingsafety.com

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3. Should you swim to keep warm in cold water?

Generally the answer is no. Swim only if you can join others or reach safety if it is close enough.

You should do everything you can to save your energy and body heat, and heat loss to the cold water is the primary concern. If you can, try to get as much of your body out of the water as possible by climbing onto an overturned boat or other floating object. Your main heat loss areas are your armpits and groin. Protect these areas from cold water circulating around them. Adopt the H.E.L.P. position (Heat Escape Lessening Position). Hold your arms tight against your sides and bend your knees and hold them as close to your chest as possible. (This is only possible while wearing a PFD or lifejacket.)

4. Will going very close to a buoy on either side keep you off the rocks?

This may work sometimes but definitely will not work all of the time. In some cases the rocks are extremely close to the buoy. If you find yourself in this situation, review your chart.

You do have a chart with you, right? You should be able to read the number painted on the buoy and match it to the buoy number on the chart.

Look around at your surroundings (islands, shorelines, etc.) and you should be able to figure out exactly where you are and what side to go on. If you are not sure at any time, slow the boat down and if you do hit, you may have less damage by going slow.

5. You only go boating in a small lake or small bay and stay close to shore. When you go fishing by yourself, you do not need to wear or have a PFD or Lifejacket. True or false?

Everyone needs to, at minimum, have a lifejacket or PFD in the boat with them. It is the law and for good reason. Statistics show that the majority of people who die in boating fatalities were not wearing a PFD and would be alive today if they had been wearing a PFD. A large number of fatalities are from people just falling out of a boat, either dealing with the call of nature, losing their balance or maybe reeling in a big fish.

Statistics also show that majority of boaters that died were relatively close to shore and could swim. The reality is that the majority of people who fall out of a boat cannot get back in by themselves and cannot reach the PFD in the boat. Add cold water to the equation and it is even more difficult. If you are out in a boat by yourself, make sure you wear a PFD. Consider getting an inflatable PFD that is very comfortable to wear. Also, think about how you would get back in the boat and maybe practise it. You may want to think about setting up a rope or ladder that you could reach from the water if you fall in.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Boating 49

6. You do a detailed inspection of your boat and its safety equipment in the spring, mid-summer and early fall.

You feel you are go to go for the rest of the season.

True or false?

You need to make sure your boat and its safety equipment is present, accessible and working every time you go out.

The mandatory equipment requirements vary by type and size of boat so you need to know what you need to carry on each boat. It would be a good idea to make your own list and keep it on-board. The Safe Boating Guide produced by Transport Canada is a good resource. A few items to check include the following: • Make sure PFD’s are there and in easy reach.

• Make sure that no one has left the flashlight turned on or taken it away.

• Check for adequate fuel for your planned trip.

• Make yourself a pre-departure checklist.

7. You never drive a boat; you are only a passenger. Is it true that there is no need to understand anything about boating or boating safety information because it does not apply to passengers?

Absolutely not! Everyone on board should have an interest in what is going on around them and be aware of situations and conditions that could affect their safety and or enjoyment. Two or more minds and sets of eyes are always better than one for navigation and watching for hazards or problem conditions in or out of the boat. Consider that in the event of an emergency, you may need to operate the

LAKE LIFE

boat and go get help. For this reason, it is good to take turns driving the boat.

If someone falls overboard, everyone on the boat should know how to get that person back on-board, either on their own or with the help of others.

Having people on the boat to assist with watching the weather, hazards and looking after other people on-board is also helpful. Also, the driver may need some assistance in figuring out the route or reading the chart.

As a passenger, you may find boating more enjoyable if you understand a bit more about what is going on around you.

This may increase everyone’s knowledge and help avoid problems.

How did you do? If you don’t know how to respond these situations, maybe it is time for a review of the course material. Dig out your course manuals or consider taking a review course. The Safe Boating Guide produced by Transport Canada is available online: http://www.tc.gc.ca/ media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf AN Marianne & Rod Nuttall are certified boating safety instructors offering boating safety courses in all areas of Manitoba and NW Ontario. They have certified over 17,500 boaters to date. They can be contacted in Winnipeg at 204-889-3000, toll free at 1-877-783-3368, or email info@nuttallboatingsafety.com.

50

Story and photos by Cory McCrindle What a thrill, last June, when Kenora found out it was going to be the host city for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada! Many in Kenora recalled the disappointment in 2008 when we were runner-up to be Hockey Day’s host community. It stung, but the 2016 award presented a bigger and better opportunity to show off our city. Here was our chance to show not only what hockey means to Kenora, but what Kenora means to hockey.

I had no way of knowing it at the time, but I was going to get an up-close look at all the action. For a self-professed hockey freak, this was huge news. The City of Kenora was looking for an event photographer to provide a pictorial overview of the all the Hockey Day events. I submitted a proposal and was ecstatic when I found out I had the successful bid. While the organizers prepared for Hockey Day, I also got ready – and psyched up – for what was to come.

To me, Kenora was a wonderful choice as host. We have such a rich history in the game. The Kenora Thistles made us the smallest place to ever capture the Stanley Cup in 1907. Now, 110 years later, the Cup would be a large part of the celebrations. We’d get the celebrities; we’d get the spotlight; we’d get a chance to show that we could throw a world-class hockey party.

Don Cherry and Ron MacLean broadcasting live from Kenora Recreation Centre.

Traditional dancers opened the event at the Grand Entry.

Dawson Lentz (near) skating alongside Mike Richards in the alumni game.

It all kicked off on Wednesday, February 15, with a draft for the two teams that would take part in the NHL/Thistles Alumni Game at the Kenora Recreation Centre and the aptly named Thistle Rink. Our hometown hero, two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Richards, was the first player selected by the team led by former NHL star Lanny McDonald. Darcy Tucker’s team chose another former NHL player, Mark Napier, with the second pick. The two squads were filled with many players with local ties – guys I grew up watching play, reading about, and even hearing about on Thistles game broadcasts when I was young. But the biggest surprise of the draft was when 11-year-old Dawson Lentz was selected to play as a replacement for broadcaster Scott Oake, who couldn’t play due to what was jokingly referred to as an upper body injury. Dawson was thrilled. I totally get it – the eleven-year-old me would have been over the moon.

Over the course of the next three days of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada events there were so many highlights. Meeting the celebrities – from the players, to the broadcasters, to the musicians – was delightful. Everyone was so personable and giving of their time. I got a great photograph of Bryan Trottier, Lanny McDonald, Mark Napier and Kenora’s own Mike Richards and Rick St. Croix with the

Left to right: Bryan Trottier, Lanny McDonald, Mike Richards, Mark Napier, Rick St. Croix.

Cup. That’s five guys with thirteen Stanley Cup wins between them. Trottier alone has seven of those.

As Saturday – Hockey Day – approached, the hits just kept on coming.

The Cup paid a visit to Beaver Brae Secondary School on Thursday morning, carried in by former Philadelphia Flyer and Toronto Maple Leaf Rick St. Croix. Rick, Cassie Campbell and Lanny McDonald all joined Ron MacLean onstage as he emceed, resplendent in his Kenora Dinner Jacket. All shared stories with the students and later McDonald was mobbed for autographs. That would be a theme of the Hockey Day activities. My theory is that at least half of Kenora’s population now owns something signed by Lanny.

52 Ron MacLean broadcasting from the deck of the M.S. Kenora.

Two hockey fans embrace the Stanley Cup

Youngsters had a chance to learn from the pros at several clinics.

Next, Mark Napier and Bryan Trottier joined McDonald and St. Croix for a truly heartwarming appearance at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. The looks on the faces of the residents who met the players and saw the Stanley Cup were priceless. It was a tribute to the inclusiveness of the events.

Young and old, male and female, and players of different abilities all got to take part in the fun.

Later, Mike Richards carried Lord Stanley’s mug into Pope John Paul II School to a screaming crowd accompanied

by Trottier, Napier, Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker and broadcaster/author Ken Reid.

The Alumni game was a triumph as the crowd at the soldout event got to see their old heroes – and even their new hero, Dawson Lentz - play. After the game, Bryan Trottier moved from behind the bench over to Revampe Nightclub to play guitar and sing with Dave Bidini and his band.

The newly formed Kroppy Cup Pond Hockey Tournament proved pond hockey players could compete and have fun

despite less-than-perfect ice conditions. The sledge hockey demonstration was an eye opener for participants and spectators. The Cup seemed to be everywhere and so many people had their chance to get their photo with it. Players and fans swapped stories and old acquaintances were renewed.

On Saturday – Hockey Day – the stirring Grand Entry at the Whitecap Pavilion saw area First Nations members leading the way and again highlighting the inclusiveness of the community at the festivities. Ron MacLean broadcast live from the Harbourfront all day, generously drawing the crowd into the show. Hockey royalty Don Cherry got to spend some time with his former Springfield Indians teammate, Kenora’s Dennis Olson during the visit. Saturday evening, Cherry and Ron MacLean did Coach’s Corner from the Rec Centre and posed for pictures with the teams that played that day.

In the end, Kenora had a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on display across the nation. And we made the most of it. Kenora Dinner Jackets may now be the fashion statement of the year. Everyone seemed to have one. Well, that and a sweater from their favourite team.

A spokesperson for event sponsor Scotiabank called it the best Hockey Day to date.

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On a beautiful Saturday in February, we showed Canada our love for the game of hockey. In an event filled with stars, none shone more brightly than the community itself. All the hard work paid off. All the obstacles were overcome.

In the end, our home team - our home - won. And for that, we should all be very, very proud. In Kenora, for a unseasonably warm February day, Hockey Day was our day. AN

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SPRING 2017

54 Cottage How-To

All About Walls: Going Green with Vapour and Air Barriers

by Beth Turner Of all the homes I've lived in, the older ones—with their traditional architecture—were by far the most beautiful.

But they were sorely lacking in one particular area, their exterior envelopes. For example, take our 1925 Craftsman home in Southern Ontario. In the dead of winter, we were quite toasty sitting by the fireplace... but if we moved a few feet toward the windows, we were shivering. It was not comfortable or efficient.

Beth’s 1925 Craftsman house

Fortunately, we've come a long way since the days when poorly sealed walls were insulated with newspapers, horsehair or, as was the case with our old home, nothing at all. Nowadays, experts contend that the best building envelopes should include a number of components (see chart below). For this article, we will focus on the last two (vapour and air barriers), since they are often the most misunderstood by prospective homebuilders and even by many tradespeople.

Critical Wall Components Component

Example

Structural

Studs, window and door headers

Thermal protection

Insulation (fiberglass, cellulose, foam, etc.)

Drainage

Housewrap, flashing, rainscreen gap

Vapour barrier

Polyethylene, vapour-barrier rated paint

Air barrier

Usually multiple materials with low permeability to air flow, combined to create a continuous air barrier system

Note: often, one material can serve multiple functions (i.e., spray foam as thermal protection and vapour barrier).

Vapour barriers

There are a number of different materials that can serve as a vapour barrier. Most of us are familiar with polyethylene (i.e., “poly", plastic sheeting layer behind drywall) as it has become ubiquitous in cold climates like the Kenora area.

Installed on the interior, it functions to reduce the amount of water vapour diffusing through a building assembly.

Does vapour diffusion cause problems? That depends on a number of factors. Thick insulation is great for energy efficiency, but it can lower the dew point of exterior sheathing. Water diffusing outwards may then condense on the cold sheathing, leading to damp walls.

Polyethylene vapour barrier installed over Roxul mineral wool insulation. Note that all wall air gaps have been sealed with black acoustical seal and any gaps in the vapour barrier have been taped with impermeable tape.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Cottage How-To 55 Rethinking poly

Many experts now believe that too much emphasis has been placed on the risks of vapour diffusion and that poly has been over-used, even in our cold climate. As Martin Holladay of Green Energy Advisor writes, “a vapor retarder is a double-edged sword: while under some circumstances it can have the beneficial effect of helping to keep a wall or ceiling dry, under other circumstances it can have the undesirable effect of preventing a damp wall or ceiling from drying out.” This is especially applicable to air-conditioned homes when, for part of the year, the dynamic is reversed (a cold, dry interior and a hot, humid exterior).

In response, innovative green builders have come up with a number of alternatives. One solution is to install rigid foam insulation on the home's exterior. At a sufficient thickness (prescribed by the climate), this insulation raises the dew point of the exterior sheathing enough to prevent the aforementioned condensation issues. In fact, some say that with thick foam on the exterior, it is preferable to avoid interior poly—the foam reduces the ability of the walls to dry to the exterior, so the interior layers must be more permeable.

Some forward-thinking builders have also begun installing “smart” vapour barriers. It seems unbelievable, but the permeability of these barriers changes in response to humidity levels, allowing moisture to pass through in some conditions but not in others.

Air barriers

While the importance of vapour barriers is often overstated, air barriers are frequently overlooked altogether. When we were building our own home and enquiring about the need for an air barrier the response was, more often than not, “An air what?” But they can have major impact on both the durability of a home and the comfort of its occupants.

In contrast to slowing vapour diffusion, air barrier systems stop the movement of air. Warm air carries with it a great deal of moisture. As it exfiltrates in the winter or infiltrates in the summer, this moisture can damage walls and roofs causing them to fail prematurely. In addition, a good air barrier also serves as a barrier from the noise, smells and dust outside. (For this reason, dirty insulation is often a sign of an air leakage: dirt is deposited as air moves through the walls and roof.)

Not only do air leaks lead to bigger heating and cooling bills, they also increase the “stack effect.” The simplest way to understand this concept is to imagine your home acting like a giant chimney. In the winter, as warm air rises and escapes, it reduces the pressure in the house.

To compensate, cold air is then drawn in from any gaps or holes in the building envelope. This may lead to big temperature differences, such as between the floor and the ceiling or between the centre of the room and the drafty perimeter (as was the case in our Craftsman home).

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

56 Cottage How-To Where do air leaks happen?

Most of us are familiar with air sealing around windows and doors. However, according to the Building Science Corporation (ccSPF.com), the biggest source of air leakage is at “building envelope connections”—for example, where the foundation meets the walls or where the walls meet the roof. Additionally, penetrations like pipes, light fixtures, and electrical boxes can be very problematic without careful sealing. Recessed lights are notoriously leaky.

A proper air barrier system requires a number of components and materials, such as gaskets, caulk, spray foam and tape. The air barrier can be located on the inside of the house (i.e., airtight drywall), on the outside (i.e., taped exterior sheathing), or in the middle (i.e., using spray foam). Drywall over polyethylene (properly taped and sealed with acoustic sealant) can be an effective component of an interior air barrier, and is preferable to materials like tongue and groove pine, which allow more air to escape between boards.

Case study: a well-planned green home in kenora

When new Kenora residents Chanda Hunnie and Adam Smerchanski set out to build a home on the Winnipeg River, they made energy efficiency and durability a priority. For this reason, they eschewed the typical wall assemblies (for example, polyethylene over pink fiberglass batts) and instead carefully planned out a superior building envelope.

A cross-section of the couple's walls would reveal a double layer of 1.5” rigid foam—staggered and carefully taped— beneath the exterior siding. This foam not only functions as part of an effective air barrier, it also sufficiently raises the dew point of the plywood sheathing beneath it, reducing the potential for condensation issues. It also addresses any thermal bridging (increased heat conduction) from the studs.

Whichever air barrier is chosen, it should be continuous, rigid and durable. New homebuilders should plan for an air barrier system from the start, and insist these details are included in their architectural drawings.

But don't houses need to breathe?

This myth likely arose after we began building tighter homes in the 1970s but neglected to address subsequent ventilation issues, leading to poor indoor air quality, high humidity and mould.

But the solution is not to build leakier homes again.

Instead, we should address these concerns through proper ventilation and humidity control with appliances like HRVs (heat recovery ventilators). Additionally building envelopes do need to dry out when they get wet—which is why we should pay careful attention to the materials we use, and how they might trap moisture.

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Wall detail from Chanda and Adam’s house.

To insulate the stud-bays, Adam and Chanda chose mineral wool (Roxul), one of the most environmentally friendly materials. It holds its shape much better than fiberglass, repels water, and is very fire-resistant.

Being well-versed in the latest green building techniques, they knew that the use of exterior foam meant the walls would need to be able to dry to the interior. As such, they chose to forgo the standard interior polyethylene layer. Instead, a ½-inch layer of drywall with vapour-barrier-rated paint provides just the right amount of permeability for their wall assembly.

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With their home nearly completed, the new residents are excited to see how it performs in a blower-door test (the standard measurement tool for airtightness). Over time, Adam says, he is confident that “the added cost of the insulation will be recovered by lower heating and cooling costs.” Undoubtedly, their careful planning and science-based approach will pay off for many years. AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

58 Cottage How-To

Water Testing 101 If your water is supplied by a city, large or small, your water supply is tested regularly. However, many of the pipes buried underneath our cities have been in place since the introduction of wide-spread water treatment.

This aging and crumbling infrastructure now poses its own risk, which is why it is smart to test the water where you use it—at your tap.

If you’re on a private water supply, like a well, lake water or even a rainwater tank, no one is testing your water unless you are. It’s possible that your water was tested when you moved in or drilled a new well, but bacterial water quality changes over time and can be impacted by extreme seasonal changes and weather events, land-use changes or a nearby failing septic system. Even if the presence of a particular contaminant is obvious, such as the red-coloured stains on fixtures left by iron in the water or white scale left by hardness minerals, remember that microbiological contaminants cannot be seen or tasted in water. The only way to be sure your water supply is safe is to test it. Getting your water tested will provide the information to help you make the best water treatment choice.

When to test your water

The simple answer is, all the time. You never know when your water quality might change. But there are some situations to keep in mind as a red flag to test your water: • There is a change to your water’s colour, taste, or odour.

• Someone in your family has or develops a weak immune system from an illness or medical treatment (the elderly or very young, cancer/chemo, dialysis, etc.).

• Your family grows.

• There is an unexplained gastro-intestinal illness in anyone drinking your tap water.

• You move into a new home or cottage.

For those on a private water source, basic testing for bacteria and nitrates is recommended at least once a year. Some contaminants, such as hardness or iron, you really only need to test for once, because if those minerals are in your water, they will always be in your water. But, bacterial contaminants can come and go, so it’s best to test regularly.

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SPRING 2017

Cottage How-To 59 Understanding water test results

Different labs may present the information a little differently, but one of the key results to look for is total coliform count. Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria that can come from many sources. You’ll find them living in soil and decaying vegetation, as well as in the digestive systems of humans and animals. Most coliform bacteria are harmless, but some can cause serious illness. If your test results show that there are coliform bacteria in your water, your water source might be contaminated with surface water, manure or sewage.

Fecal coliforms or E. coli

As well as a total coliform count, your test results may include a fecal coliform count, or E. coli count. Fecal coliforms are types of coliform bacteria that live in the digestive systems of humans and animals. If your test results show any fecal coliforms or E. coli, your water is contaminated with human or animal waste, and the water isn’t safe to drink unless you boil it.

Test your water regularly

Remember that the quality of your water changes throughout the year. To protect the health of you and your family it is recommended you test your water at least once a year.

Spring is a good time, when water is most likely to become contaminated by spring melt, heavy rain, or flooding.

You should also consider testing your water if: • There is a change in land use nearby.

• You notice a change in quality of water.

• A member of your household experiences an unexplained gastro-intestinal illness.

Consider a water treatment system

Unfortunately, some problems cannot be fixed. If you cannot control the source of contamination, or if you want additional peace of mind, consider installing a water treatment system that inactivates bacteria and other microorganisms.

Point-of-use (POU) systems treat the water at a specific tap.

So if, for example, you install a point-of-use system at your kitchen sink, the water from your kitchen tap is treated, but the water coming out of your bathroom tap is not. Pointof-entry (POE) systems treat all the water coming into the house, so you can turn on any tap knowing the water that comes out is safe.

There are different water treatment methods available, but not all water treatment systems disinfect for microbiological contaminants. Contrary to popular belief, carbon filters (in-fridge filters, pitcher filters, and tap-mounted filters) don’t disinfect your water, nor do water softeners. As a rule, reverse osmosis systems do not, either. Only UV and chlorine are proven to disinfect your water effectively. Each technology has different benefits and drawbacks, so talk to a water treatment professional to decide which type of system best meets your needs. AN

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SPRING 2017

Cottage How-To 61

Cottage Opening Tips The following tips are gleaned from our friends at the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations and the Electrical Safety Authority.

Before you head to the cottage:

• Check your car’s lights, signals, tire pressure and fluids before the trip to the cottage.

• Assemble a first-aid kit for your cottage and your car.

Already have these? Review the contents of the kits and replace any missing or expired supplies.

• Review the condition of boats, including fuel lines and tanks. Ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and in good repair.

When you arrive:

• Look for damage to powerlines leading to your cottage.

Stay clear of downed or sagging lines, and contact your local utility immediately.

• Advise your utility if the trees appear to be too close to the powerlines (within one metre).

• If you own the hydro poles and powerlines on your property, contact a professional to trim trees that are within one metre of powerlines.

• If there is a transformer on a pole (looks like a small garbage can), a high voltage powerline feeds this transformer so the branches must be trimmed to at least four meters away from the powerline.

Before turning the power on at the main switch:

• Check that all wiring around your cottage that runs exterior equipment such as water pumps, etc. is intact.

If it is damaged, remove the associated fuse or turn off the circuit breaker and contact a licensed electrical contractor. You can find a contractor using findacontractor.esasafe.com

• Ensure all branch circuits are in the "off" position in your electrical panel. After you turn on the main switch, turn them on one at a time to avoid surges that can damage your appliances. If you have a fuse box, simply plug in or switch on appliances and electrical devices one at a time.

Other spring tasks for the cottage:

• Install and maintain cottage smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Remove dry leaves and debris from the cottage roof and/or eavestroughs to reduce fire risk. (Remember to use ladders with caution.)

• Boating in spring weather? Beware of the dangers of cold water immersion. See Marianne & Rod Nuttall’s article Cold Water Safety in the April 2016 issue of the Area News for information on boating and cold water safety, or visit: foca.on.ca/safe-boating/ • Talk to your insurance representative to review your cottage, car and boat coverage. Bear in mind that many property insurance policies carry exclusions related to water damage—check yours and be sure you understand what you are covered for.

• Prepare for extreme weather events by creating a family emergency preparedness plan for the cottage.

Just like at home, consider what your family would need to survive at the cottage for 72 hours in an emergency.

• Talk to your neighbours, and plan ahead for emergencies by identifying vulnerable people and potential community volunteers. AN

• Make sure all appliances or electrical devices are unplugged or switched off and that there is no debris on stovetop elements or baseboard heaters.

• Fill the hot water tank.

• Check all appliance and extension cords for signs of damage or wear— especially cracking or rodent damage.

• Check that the chimney for your electric furnace is clear of debris (i.e. bird's nests, leaves, etc.).

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SPRING 2017

62 Cottage How-To

Heat Pumps: The Elegant Heating Solution

By Elsie Neufeld

Geothermal heat pumps are an elegant way to heat and cool your home, but that elegance is lost in the ongoing debate as to their affordability. We will get to the affordability but first let’s examine the elegance.

You may not realize this but you have two, maybe three, heat pumps operating in your house now—your refrigerator, freezer and air conditioner. The term heat pump refers to a device that takes heat from one place and puts it somewhere else.

In the case of your refrigerator and freezer, the heat pump removes heat from the cold compartment and transfers it to the surrounding air. An air conditioner takes the heat from a room or the house and puts it outside.

The heat pump that heats your home absorbs heat from outside air, ground or water and puts it in your house.

In Northwestern Ontario, air source heat pumps are not practical since an auxiliary heating system would be needed. This article will only address ground and water source heat pumps, commonly called geothermal or geoexchange heat pumps.

Elegance may be defined as combining ingenuity and simplicity to achieve a goal.

Heat pumps fit that description.

Elegant feature #1: A geothermal heat pump provides heating, cooling and heat for domestic hot water in one unit.

This is also a factor to consider when looking at affordability.

Elegant feature #2: A geothermal heat pump burns no fossil fuels to heat your house, carries no carbon monoxide hazard, and contributes no carbon footprint except for the small amount of electricity it requires. Since Ontario has some of the cleanest, lowest-emissions electricity in North America, that footprint is small.

Elegant feature #3: A geothermal heat pump uses solar energy since the heat in the ground and water come from the sun, the most abundant source of free clean energy. A heat pump simply moves that heat energy into your home.

Elegant feature #4: To cool the living space in summer with a heat pump, a reversing valve changes the direction of the flow so the heat is absorbed from the house and deposited into the ground or water. (Until recently, cooling with a hydronic (water-to-water) system was not desirable because of condensation on the cooled floors or radiators when their temperature drops below the dew point. Recent advances in temperature control appear to have overcome this problem.)

You now see the elegance of heat pump operation, but it comes at a price, and it is hard to say what that price will be in your case.

Natural Resources Canada says that approximately 64 per cent of an average Canadian home’s energy demand goes to heating and cooling. Depending on your existing heating system, a heat pump can reduce your energy demand from 50 to 70 per cent. As a rule of thumb, a heat pump uses one quarter of the energy of other heating systems (oil, gas or electric) to supply the same amount of heat. This is the efficiency of moving existing heat around with a heat pump as opposed to converting oil, gas or electricity into heat.

Domestic hot water, the second largest energy demand in a home, accounts for approximately 20 per cent of a home’s energy consumption. Consider having the domestic hot water pre-heat option included if you decide to install a geothermal heat pump. This can reduce your existing hot water heating costs by up to 25 per cent.

Affordability

Geothermal heat pumps require the installation of heat collecting coils in water or soil. These coils are installed horizontally in a trench, vertically in drilled wells, or laid out in a lake or pond. Using local lakes and ponds saves on the cost of major earthwork or drilling. Aside from the cost, it isn’t always possible to dig a trench deep enough to be below the frost line. These and other factors make every situation different, so the cost of installation will vary.

As well, your priorities and concerns will be different from your neighbours. Maybe all you care about is the cost of installation and the payback period. Payback is hard to calculate and may require a crystal ball to answer questions like: How much will electricity, oil and gas increase in cost over the next few years? How much will energy efficiency of a heat pump increase your house value?

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Cottage How-To 63 Other questions you want to ask include: How much do you care about your carbon footprint and supporting environmentally friendly and sustainable technology? How much is that worth to you in dollars and cents?

In my personal experience, we had an in-floor hydronic system heated with an electric boiler.

We switched to a water-source geothermal heat pump with a domestic hot water pre-heater.

We were able to install the water loops in our lake, the least costly installation. Switching to a geothermal heat pump cut our heating costs by 75 per cent and our overall electric bill by half. Our payback period was six years.

HEAT PUMP Increasing the pressure raises the vapour temperature

Ground loop transfers heat to a working fluid in the heat pump

Financial considerations are important, but the elegance of heating, cooling and offsetting hot water cost by using a single unit is appealing, as are benefits like sustainability, reduced carbon footprint, and improved house value. There are many considerations that go into evaluating the cost benefits of a geothermal heat pump.

To help you understand how viable a heat pump is for your home, talk to local installers in the Lake of the Woods area. Online, follow these resources:

Heat is transferred to the building’s distribution system

COMPRESSOR

EVAPORATOR

CONDENSER

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

EXPANSION VALVE

The distribution system can be either underfloor heating, radiators or forced-air system

The working fluid expands causing it to cool

GROUND LOOP A network of pipes is buried in the ground or immersed in a water source

• Canadian GeoExchange Coalition: A buyers’ guide including financial worksheets where you can compare heating systems for your type of home. www.geo-exchange.ca/en/UserAttachments/article58_Residential_Geothermal_Buyers_Guide_2009.pdf • Natural Resources Canada: information on all kinds of heat pumps. www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/publications/efficiency/heating-heat-pump/6827 AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

Spring 2017

64 LOWDKids!

kids.lowdpoa.com

Getting to Know the Creatures in Your Neighbourhood

SNAPPING TURTLES The following information comes from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at

ontario.ca/page/snapping-turtle

Snapping turtles, Cheldyra serpentina, are Canada’s largest freshwater turtle. They are large (20-36 cm long) and heavy (4.5 – 16 kg), and have black, brown or greenishbrown bumpy shells that are often covered in algae. They look truly prehistoric! To make them look even more like something out of the dinosaur age, their tails, which are often as long as their bodies, have spiky crests kind of like a stegosaurus. Snapping turtles are found from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, and in Ontario they are more common in southern Ontario than in the north.

In 2009, snapping turtles were added to Ontario’s Species at Risk list as a species of “special concern”. This means that although they aren’t yet threatened or endangered, their populations are vulnerable to threats that are reducing their numbers. If no action is taken to protect them, snapping turtles could become more rare than they already are. For this reason, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry passed a new law on April 1, 2017 to ban the hunting of snapping turtles across the province.

Humans are often biggest threats to snapping turtles. The biggest source of turtle deaths comes from them being hit on roads by cars. These turtles live for many years – they can live to be more than 100 years old! Like humans, they don’t become reproductive adults until they are 15-20 years old. When it’s time for them to start mating and laying eggs,

they will leave their pond and walk across land to find a mate, food, and a good nesting site. They love the gravelly edges of roads as nest sites, but this means they often are at great danger of being hit on roads. Other sources of turtle danger come from critters like raccoons, crows, ravens, rats and more who like to eat their eggs. And until this year, it was actually legal to hunt snapping turtles in Ontario – but not anymore!

What you can do to help turtles: If you want to be a friend to the turtles in your neighbourhood, here are some tips provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Report a Sighting • The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry tracks species at risk; you can use a handy online form to report your sightings to the Natural Heritage Information Centre; photographs with specific locations or mapping coordinates are always helpful.

• Every year, turtles all over the province cross busy roads to get to their nesting sites, or use gravel shoulders of roads as nesting sites; watch for turtles on the roads, especially between May and October.

• The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas also collects observations of all Ontario reptiles and amphibians.

Submit your observations at: ontarionature.org/atlas.

kids.lowdpoa.com

Photos by Erika Olson

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

Spring 2017

LOWDKids! 65

Circles in the Sand

By Hayley Anderson

Volunteer Volunteer with your local nature club or provincial park to participate in surveys or stewardship work focused on species at risk.

Be a good steward • Private land owners have a very important role to play in species recovery; you may be eligible for stewardship programs that support the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.

• As with many other rare plants and animals, the snapping turtle depends on wetland habitat; you can help by protecting any wetlands and surrounding natural vegetation on your property.

• Visit the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (www.ontarionature.org/atlas) or Toronto Zoo Adopt-a-Pond website (www.torontozoo.com/Adoptapond) to learn more about Ontario’s turtles.

Report illegal activity Report any illegal activity related to plants and wildlife to 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).

Have you ever looked down to the bottom while swimming to see a neat circle of rocks centred on a circle of cleaned sand? Surely it could not have been made by nature; could it? It is symmetrical and looks out of place in the disorderly wilds of the shoreline sand. Your next thought may be aliens, obviously, because it looks like those crop circles left by the visiting aliens from strange movies.

These beautiful circles in the sand are made by spawning fish. Largemouth bass, bluegill, rock bass and smallmouth bass all make these circular nests to hatch their eggs. Every year, once the water warms up to a certain temperature, the male of those species starts to build. He uses his tail to sweep sand and silt away, and uses his nose to nudge larger objects out of the nest. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on how picky he is.

Once the nest is finished, all that is left is a circle with stones in the middle. Then the male must coax a female to choose his nest as the place to lay her eggs. Once the eggs have been laid, they settle to the bottom and stick to the rocks where they will start to develop. The female leaves the nest after the eggs have been laid, but the male remains on guard, slowly swimming and fanning the eggs with his tail so that they have a steady supply of oxygen and do not get covered in sediment. He will also try to chase nosey swimmers away. They don’t bite but can give you a fright when they bump in to your legs if you get too close to the nest!

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

Spring 2017

66 LOWDKids!

kids.lowdpoa.com

SPRING

READING

Did you know the Lake of the Woods Museum has a superb book and gift shop? Here, the Museum’s community engagement officer, Lynn Halley, shares some of the titles on offer through their bookshop this spring and summer.

First published in 1997, Juliana and the Medicine Fish was a finalist for Ontario’s Silver Birch Award, BC’s Red Cedar Award, and the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award. The coming of age story about a girl dealing with her parents’ divorce is set at a rustic fishing lodge and includes themes of indigenous history and spirituality. It was one of four titles shortlisted for the 2010-11 On the Same Page program and garnered the most selections through online and inperson voting between June and October.

Another local author, Paula Thorburn wrote The Bush Babies, a book that tells the story of a little girl named Kitz and an even littler boy named Kyler. They were sister and brother and loved each other very much. Kitz and Kyler lived on an island - their very own island on Lake of the Woods in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

The Gift of the Stars, written by Basil Johnston, is a children’s book. These stories teach us that we all have a gift to share. We depend on the insects, birds, fish and the animals to help us live in harmony with them. What these stories teach us is to install a sense of worth, a heart filled with compassion, love, respect, honesty and the celebration of what the Creator has given to us.

Ultimate Explorer Guide for Kids presents straightforward advice on what every explorer must know if they are to survive the most daunting challenges the world has to offer. The ultimate adventures are gleaned from the author's travels around the world. He packs every page with the priceless knowledge he has gained over the years.

The Adventures of GEO the Pebble is a book written by local author Jay Gerald (aka Jay Whetter). Have you ever picked up a pebble and wondered where it came from and the adventures it has had? This is the story of Geo, who was born at the top of a mountain and travelled all around the world to end up in the palm of your hand.

kids.lowdpoa.com

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

Spring 2017

LOWDKids! 67

Bugs of Ontario is a fun-filled field guide into the creepycrawly world of Ontario's bugs. Learn about 125 of the coolest bugs you might encounter in the province's great outdoors. John Acorn, an avid bugster and host of the popular television series The Nature Nut, supplies a lively and personable text that evokes each species' character.

Meanwhile, respected Canadian artist and naturalist Ian Sheldon has created brilliant illustrations that bring each bug to life.

and the rocks, water and plants that it is made of and the animals, insects and birds and more that live on it. Where is Earth's biggest volcano? What's the tallest tree on the planet? It's all in here, ready for kids to discover and share.

Bear bags, wilderness showers, and telling the temperature by counting the cricket chirps... Whether you're planning an over night in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness, Camp Out is packed with stuff to know. From the basics, gearing up to choosing a site; to building a tarp tent; and tasty outdoor recipes: solar oven pizza, chow down chili and s'mores of course—with 8 variations.

Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield The Darkest Dark will encourage readers to dream the impossible.

Plus: how to keep a field journal, exploring the nighttime sky, creepy campfire stories, and when it's time to go home, leaving no trace. It's everything you need to pick up and head for the hills.

Top 10 for Kids Nature is packed to the max with checklists, fun facts and pictures. Humorous, relatable and informative, the book engages readers while they learn about earth

Eye Like Stickers are the freshest, most vibrant sticker books on the market with 400 high-quality photographic stickers in each book. And they’re reusable! Bugs, space, horses, letters are just some of the titles available.

Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he's a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem – at night, Chris doesn't feel so brave. He's afraid of the dark.

But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest dark there is – and the dark is beautiful and exciting, especially when you have big dreams to keep you company.

Scratch & Sketch Constellations is an art activity book for constellation lovers of all ages. Connect the stars to create shimmering, colorful constellations, and discover ancient stories about each shape in the sky. AN

68 Wildlife & Wilderness

Beavers, Landscape and Ecology

by Dave Schwartz

Beavers are fun and interesting to watch but their impact on the world around them is quite astounding.

Apart from man, no other animal has such great ability to alter its environment to provide for its own food, safety and comfort.

Beavers cut down trees, strip the bark for food and use the leftover branches and stems for building their dam and, later in the season, their lodge. As their pond deepens they will store unstripped branches in the water near the lodge to supply winter food that they will access under the ice.

Given their druthers, beavers would probably choose to inhabit lakes surrounded by aspen and willows, their winter food of choice. Ideally there would also be an abundance of aquatic vegetation for summer sustenance.

This ideal environment would give them a life of relative leisure with no need for the hard, relentless work of dam building and maintenance.

As the dam raises the water level, a pond forms and the ecosystem starts to change. Aquatic vegetation takes hold in the pond and soon becomes a significant component of the beavers’ summer diet. Organisms adapted to moving water are displaced by animals and plants better adapted to lakes than streams.

Aquatic vegetation in a beaver pond

However, most beavers don’t win the lake-life lottery and must build dams in order to create a food-rich, safe environment. It begins when beavers, at the tender age of two years, are booted out of the family home. They set out in search of a mate and a site for their dream home. They need a valley with deciduous trees and a stream flowing through it. Once they find a good site, no environmental assessment is required and dam construction begins without delay. With luck, beavers will get more bang for their buck teeth by choosing a site where a relatively small dam will provide access to enough deciduous trees to supply sufficient cambium bark to satisfy their food requirements.

The beaver is the keystone species in its ecosystem, creating and maintaining habitat for many other species.

In and around the pond, the population density and species diversity of insects and plankton increase. With pond formation and its enriched food chain come larger populations of many animal species including frogs, toads, waterfowl, herons, wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, fish, and mammals such as muskrats, otter, mink, wolves and small rodents.

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Wildlife & Wilderness 69 Trees in the flooded areas behind the dam die because their roots are unable to get air, so the pond often has standing dead trees. Water may also back up into areas of forest that are of no value to beavers. Whole stands of spruce, pine or other tree species, unappetizing to beavers, may be flooded out and die.

This could be described as collateral damage but for the fact that the forest of standing dead trees provides food and habitat for a variety of Dead trees in a beaver pond species not associated with the pond ecosystem.

Broadleaved trees felled near the pond re-grow with many trees growing from the stem of each original tree (coppices).

This provides the beavers with easy-to-reach stems and leaves for food in subsequent years and also provides food for hares, deer, and moose, adding to the diversity of animals attracted to the area.

Freshwater wetlands are considered to be the world's most valuable land-based ecosystems. Beaver-engineered

wetlands over much of North America provide habitat and sanctuary for many endangered species. For example, milkweed grows on and around most beaver dams in our area. That may be a significant factor in the survival of milkweed-dependent monarch butterflies as this plant becomes more and more threatened by large-scale agriculture and other factors.

Once their territory has been established, beavers vigorously defend it against intrusion by other beavers. Only offspring are permitted to remain in the colony Milkweed and usually only until they are two years old, at which time they are sent packing and must find a mate and their own suitable site to colonize. This protection against overpopulation and its resultant environmental degradation enables the area to remain as healthy beaver habitat for a long time.

Eventually, despite good management, diminishing food supply will force beavers to abandon their pond and their dam will fail. The pond will drain and the stream will resume its original course. This leaves a large open space in which grasses and sedges will be the first plants

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

70 Wildlife & Wilderness to dominate the nutrient-rich soils that once formed the bottom of the pond. Such "beaver meadows" often contain scattered dead trees in the open, grassy areas.

Trees will eventually take over the meadow and eventually the resulting forest may be suitable for another beaver colony. The area will again attract a pair of beavers seeking a new home and the cycle will repeat.

Despite their relatively small size, beavers have far greater impact on streamside forests than larger "Beaver Meadow" herbivores. Their impact is greater because they can cut down mature trees, the only animal other then man to do so. They concentrate their tree felling and foraging in the relatively narrow band of forest surrounding their ponds, removing far more vegetation than they consume because they use wood to build dams and lodges, as well as for food.

As their preferred tree species are cut down, other tree species are left standing. Consequently, after many years the forest beside a beaver pond may be dominated by different tree species than it was before. That, in turn, may change the animal species that inhabit the area and possibly render the area uninhabitable by the beavers themselves.

While the effects of an individual beaver dam are important, the cumulative effects of many beaver dams throughout an ecosystem are even more significant. Beavers reliably maintain wetlands that alleviate droughts and floods by keeping water on the land longer, lessening erosion, raising the water table, and purifying water. Microbes break down toxic substances, such as pesticides, in the wetlands that beavers create. Thus, water downstream of dams is cleaner and requires less treatment for human use. As the management of water supplies becomes more critical, recognition of the beaver's key role in providing free wetland creation and management is growing.

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Marshy beaver wetlands become peatlands as dead vegetation accumulates underwater. Peatlands are effective in carbon sequestration, making beavers an ally in the battle against climate change.

Archaeological and historical evidence indicate that an important adaptation of a least one Indian tribe, the A’aninin (Gros Ventre), to the dry grasslands of the northern plains was a prohibition on the killing of beaver. In spite of this, the fur trade took its toll and by the end of the eighteenth century, beaver were largely extirpated from the prairies. The loss of the species meant the end of an ancient and effective strategy for drought mitigation on the northern Great Plains.

Of the estimated 60-200 million beavers that lived in North America prior to the arrival of European settlers, only about 10 per cent of that number survives today. When beavers were wiped out, much of the land’s wetlands were lost too.

Many of today’s environmental problems can be linked to the decline of beaver populations. Before beavers were extirpated in many areas of North America by the fur trade, hundreds of dams in the headwaters of major rivers moderated their flows. Instead of water running downstream in hours, a typical leaky beaver dam may slow this to days or weeks. Keeping water on the land longer means that more of this important resource is available for other animals, including humans. Beaver dams play an important role in controlling regional floods when they are numerous in the headwaters of a watershed.

So, the expression “busy has a beaver” has more validity than most of us realize. In looking after their own needs, beavers dramatically affect the appearance of our landscape, the health of our environment and the diversity and population of plants and animals that share their habitat. Virtually every flat valley, large or small, in our area has been affected by the activity of beavers.

Those valleys are present in every stage of succession from active pond to beaver D R I L LI N G meadow to all possible 807-482-2895 • 807-275-7961 (Cell) stages of forest succession Jason.tessier@melswells.ca to potential homes for new beaver pairs that will start the cycle all over again. Thus, • Specialized Pipe Piling beavers augment the beauty • Hydrofracking of our landscape, dotting it with meadows, ponds and • Water Well Servicing wetlands and increasing the potential for us to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the land. AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

72 Wildlife & Wilderness

Weird and Wild Plants

by Hayley Anderson

We can walk by them every single day and never really notice them. Plants are often overlooked or ignored because they are a constant part of our landscape. Unlike wild animals like bears or lynx, plants seem common and unchanging until there is one that catches the eye, causing one to wonder how long it has been there or what it is. By introducing you to some of these species, I hope that you will be inspired to take a second look at some of the more common but incredibly interesting plants our landscape has to offer.

Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein) is not originally from our area, but is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Despite being an introduced species, it very rarely becomes invasive because the seeds require open space to germinate. Such open spaces are most often found in recently disturbed areas such as trails cleared in the bush or along our existing roadways.

This habitat requirement which puts it directly in our line of sight, along with its distinct look, make it easily recognizable. Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning that in the first year of growth it creates a rosette (circle) of leaves, overwinters, and then Mullein Flower - John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org grows back with a flowering stalk in its second year of growth before going to seed and dying. The leaves are fuzzy and are also known as “nature’s toilet paper” for reasons best left to the imagination, but keep it in mind if you’re in a pinch. The flowering stalk is tall and pole-like, with individual yellow flowers. It is used in herbal medicine and the tall flowering stalks have been dried and used as torches.

Sarracenia purpurea (Pitcher Plant) is most often found in swamps or bogs.

It is classified as a carnivorous plant because it lures and traps insects, beetles and sometimes even small frogs. It releases nectar as a lure, on the inside of the upper tip of the

Pitcher Plant - Brett Marshall, Sault College, Bugwood.org

pitcher leaf, and as insects land to drink the nectar, they slip and fall in to the pitcher. The inside of the pitcher is covered with downward pointing hairs that stop insects from getting out. These pitchers are full of rainwater (a trait unique to this species of pitcher plant compared to the rest of its family) and digestive enzymes which then help to break down the prey. The pitcher plant uses the decomposing prey as nutrients to help itself survive in nutrient-poor soil. Each pitcher plant has one red flower that is on a single tall stem and points downward, and bronze to reddish green pitchers (which are formed from the leaves) in a rosette around the stem.

Jewelweed Flower - Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) is interesting in itself, but the location in which it grows is also quite fascinating.

Jewelweed is usually found near patches of stinging nettle and poison ivy. Stinging nettle and poison ivy cause rashes or burning when touched by bare skin, but jewelweed is an easy cure. Crushing jewelweed leaves and rubbing them on the skin or using the syrupy sap in the stalks helps to dull the pain and itching caused by nettles or poison ivy. There are also soaps, lotions and balms made from jewelweed.

Jewelweed is named due to the jewel-toned yellow flowers as well as the sparkling shimmer that water droplets create on the leaves. If you see what looks like jewelweed, but with pink flowers, it is actually an invasive species called Himalayan balsam and should not be touched to avoid spreading it. Another name for jewelweed and its invasive cousin, Himalayan balsam, is touch-me-not, because the seed capsules explode when touched and launch seeds up to two metres away. This can be really fun but should not be done with balsam to prevent its spread.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Wildlife & Wilderness 73 Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) is very common in our area, but it is actually an example of an invasive species. I remember first discovering it as a kid. It grew like wildfire behind our school. We called it “stinkweed” and used it in our potions as we played. It’s a good thing that we didn’t eat our potions because while researching for this article, I discovered that it is toxic. It was introduced from Europe or Asia to North America, and has become a widespread plant in roadside ditches and areas disturbed from construction.

It is considered to be invasive because it can actually push out native species where it grows and can be toxic to livestock and humans if it is eaten.

The yellow flowers are button shaped and give off an odour of camphor.

Tansy - Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

Melilotus albus (White Sweet Clover). If you drive down the highway in the early fall, you will see many tall plants with small white flowers. White Sweet Clover is an introduced and occasionally invasive species that thrives in disturbed soils. It is an issue in protected habitats in Southern Ontario such as alvars and savannahs, as it will move in and take over from already at-risk native species. In Northern Ontario, we most often see it on the roadside. Like all clover, it is a member of the pea family and is closely related to legumes like peas, beans and peanuts. The interesting thing about legumes is that as the plant grows, it actually White Sweet Clover - University of Alaska changes the soil to make it Anchorage, Bugwood.org a better habitat for itself.

It is called a nitrogen fixer, meaning it absorbs nitrogen gas from the atmosphere (with help from a bacteria partner called rhizobium), and stores it in its roots. Once the plants die, they release the nitrogen in to the soil which helps to change the soil and make it more beneficial for future plants’ growth.

This is just a broad sampling of some of the most common plants to get a future botanist started. See if you can find any weird and wonderful plants on your property. During your exploration, remember to never ever eat berries or plants that aren’t familiar to you as a lot of them can be poisonous to humans. AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

74 Arts & Culture Dip, Dip and Swing into this Summer’s Art Events!

For nearly 140 years, Kenora and much of Northwestern Ontario has depended on the abundant natural resources found in the local waters, lands and rock. These bountiful resources enticed residents, original and newcomers, to establish their communities on the land.

In recent years, a new valuable resource has been mined from these communities, enabled in part by the Lake of the Woods Arts Community (LOWAC). This vein has proved to be just as sparkly, colourful, deep and attractive as any ores or gems and while not full of metal, it is definitely full of mettle. This resource, folks, is our Northwestern Ontario artist community.

In 2016 and 2017 a call to Northwestern Ontario artists was sent out by LOWAC, with a submission deadline of March 2017, to submit their artwork for an indoor/outdoor art exhibit featuring art inspired by the opening of the CrossCanada Trail, Path of the Paddle, and the hosting of the Canada Summer Games rowing events being held at Rabbit Lake in Kenora.

‘Dip, Dip and Swing’ has already brought forth 19 artist submissions at the time of this article. A deposit of $100 was required with the stipulation that if the piece was not completed by April 1, 2017, the deposit would not be

Finished at last

refunded. Artists were also given the option of submitting their work for jurying with an additional fee of $50. Artists whose works are accepted by the panel of jurors will receive an exhibit fee pursuant to CAR-FAC (Canadian Artists’ Representation – Le Front des Artistes Canadiens) standards. They may indicate that their artwork is for sale during the exhibit too.

The completed artwork will be displayed in outdoor public spaces, or in galleries, businesses and public buildings around Kenora. Works will be displayed from the last week in June until the end of August. An example of submissions can be seen at Tim’s Paint and Trim on Highway 17 East in Kenora, where a beautifully painted full sized canoe is currently displayed.

This amazing opportunity promises visual and tactile pleasure for residents, visitors and participators during this exciting, busy summer.

Why don’t you become a member of LOWAC and benefit from this community active organization? For more information on Lake of the Woods Arts Community please visit lowac.ca or visit the Facebook site, lowac-Lake of the Woods Arts Community.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Arts & Culture 75

New Art Gallery for Kenora in the Works Walter J. Phillips was a master watercolourist and a pioneer of the colour woodblock in Canada. Among his best-known and loved images are those that depict family holidays on Lake of the Woods from the 1910s until the late 1920s.

Phillips’ work can be found in the National Gallery of Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Smithsonian, and soon his work will be on display in a new public arts centre to be established in Kenora.

Recently, the Lake of the Woods Museum received the support of City of Kenora Council to pursue an expansion of its cultural offerings with the addition of an art gallery that will be located in the original museum building with a proposed multi-level 5,100 square foot addition.

The impetus for the arts centre/gallery was the generous offer of two longtime lake residents who have been collecting the Lake of the Woods woodcut prints and watercolours of W.J. Phillips for the past 20 years. Because their “heart home” is Lake of the Woods and Kenora, they wish to gift their collection, which currently numbers around 70 pieces, to the Lake of the Woods Museum.

Poplar Bay, Lake of the Woods

by Walter J. Phillips

An exhibit of some of Phillips’ Lake of the Woods works will be on display at the Museum from May 3-27. The pieces to be exhibited will form part of the permanent collection of the arts centre.

If you would like more information about this exciting new project, please contact Lori Nelson at the Lake of the Woods Museum at 807-467-2105.

The dream for the arts centre is that it will become a dynamic art space boasting two galleries and studio and programming space. Operating under the umbrella of the Lake of the Woods Museum, the centre will offer arts programming, space for visual artists to create, exhibit opportunities, and an inspired community space.

The Lake of the Woods Museum presents

Beauty as His Touchstone: Walter J. Phillips’ Lake of the Woods An exhibit of a selection of the Lake of the Woods works by W.J. Phillips.

May 3 - 27, 2017 Exhibit Opening: May 3, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

76 Phil Burke

The Back Porch Otter’s Spring Strange man, that Otter Forrest. Of indeterminate age, he is one of more beloved residents of White Polar Bay, a little town tucked into the rocky, boreal forest shoreline of northern Lake of the Woods. In fact, Otter Forrest’s true name remains unknown and as White Polar Bay’s unofficial poet laureate, he is as mysterious as the rhyming patterns and soulful messages of his poetry. But Otter Forrest is more than a gifted wordsmith; he is the essence of all that is White Polar Bay. Ah, spring. Following his annual schedule, every Saturday afternoon beginning in mid-January, Otter shuffled to the waterfront park overlooking White Polar Bay, cleared the snow from a bench with his cane, and sat for exactly one and a half hours facing south, the direction from which he knew spring would arrive.

Week after week, Saturdays came and went and Otter took his place on the bench staring through frigid air, blustery winds, fog and swirling snowstorms. As always, when his time commitment was fulfilled, he would slouch back home.

When interviewed by Len Scriber of The Daily Sentinel, Otter Forrest offered a brief stanza: The iron fist of winter clenches my weary heart And my mournful being pangs to hear the music ring From the goddess of rebirth and life renewed Forever cherished and known as Spring.

Perfect strangers, guests of the winter attractions in White Polar Bay, often asked if they could help. Otter would simply shake his head and mutter, “Succour cometh…in time…in time.” The same perfect strangers would shake their heads in awe and slowly back away.

This year his visits continued through the months of January and February with a brief show of soulful activity on Groundhog Day, February 2, when Otter Forrest perched on his snow blanketed bench and smiled as a bright but frigid sun bathed his world. He knew that if the groundhog saw its shadow it meant that White Polar Bay would have to endure a mere six more weeks of winter, and thus the wicked season would be defeated by March 16—a bonus by White Polar Bay standards.

So his vigil continued, through the vagaries of February into March, known as the ‘le mois entre’, translated as ‘the between month’ because it is between winter and spring. By mid-March true spring was nowhere near the horizon but there were signs. The snow pack was thinning. The crows were back and everyone in White Polar Bay knows that there are only ‘two snows after the crows’. In fact, there is even a suggestion that Otter himself began that legend. Ravens were incubating in the gables of the town office and eagles were beginning to nest in areas where open water was nearby.

Geese returned and honked in happy V’s over the forests and frozen waterways in the company of other waterfowl.

But March 16 came and went and still no spring. When the next kindly person asked Otter Forrest how he was doing, he stared into the distance and his reply was hardly cryptic or poetic as he scowled, “Yea, t’is enough to make one cry, I hate groundhogs because they lie.”

Just before March had breathed its last, little Marnie Land was walking her huge poodle-mix, Skully, at the waterfront and saw Otter Forrest staring blankly at the vast white ocean. She settled beside him on the bench while Skully pulled at his leash, anxious to continue the treasure hunt for marvellously delectable scents.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Forrest,” she said, “Spring will come.”

Suddenly, she brightened, pointed into the hazy sky and said, “Listen. The gulls are back.”

The old man strained to hear and finally above the breeze and noises of the town he recognized the familiar mewing of these raucous birds cheering their return home. In that instant the pall of despair departed Otter Forrest’s soul.

He thanked Marnie profusely, patted Skully playfully, and danced homeward twirling his cane like a Broadway dandy.

Weeks later there was no doubt that Spring indeed had arrived as the maiden of new life offered her love and fresh warm breath to thaw the land and coax green shoots from the trees, shrubs and soil. But the final gift of the season arrived on the second Sunday in May, Mothers Day, when the Marnie Land presented Otter Forrest with a bouquet of dandelions. In Otter’s own words, “The largess of true spring arrives in the gentle hands of a child proffering a gift of gold.” AN

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

78 Real Estate Listings

Eagle Lake

A 24-acre water access private peninsula featuring 5,525 feet rock shoreline with sheltered coves and harbours. Profile ranges from low to high with north, south, east and west exposures.

$129,000

Century 21 Reynard Real Estate, Greg Kirby 807-547-5555 / century21.ca/greg.kirby

Sioux Narrows

Excellent 1.44-acre property with 202 feet of shoreline on Long Bay. 2-bedroom, 768 sq. ft. cabin ready to be finished. Photos/video on our website.

$299,000

Northwoods Realty

807-226-1024 / northwoodsrealtyltd.com

Lougheed Drive Lots, Winnipeg River

2 - 5.52 acres road access and hydro to each lot line with varying profiles.

$129,900 - $219,000 +HST

This property encompasses approx. half of an island, having 9.81 titled acres with approx. 2,900 ft. of meandering rocky shoreline. 2 cabins and 2 docks situated on the east side of the property.

NEW PRICE $499,000

Duncan Carmichael Real Estate 807-467-2323 / lakeofthewoods.net

760 sq. ft. 2-bedroom seasonal cottage with waterside deck, two floating docks on 0.57 of an acre with 140 feet low profile south exposure frontage. Road access.

($97,333 – 164,095 USD) +HST

$209,000

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

Century 21 Reynard Real Estate, Greg Kirby

807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

807-547-5555 / century21.ca/greg.kirby

French Narrows, LOTW

Hilly Lake

$345,000 ($258,485 USD)

$425,000 ($318,708 USD)

4 bed, 1 bath cottage situated on a 1.65 acre low profile lot with 600+ ft. of north and south water frontage/exposures. Includes gazebo, solar power, protected bay & docking.

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

Ptarmigan Bay, LOTW

Armstrong Lake

Upgraded back split home/cottage, 4 beds, 3 baths & open concept living on a medium profile lot with easy access to water’s edge, $18,000 steel garage pkg. included, 10 minutes to downtown.

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

Storm Bay Road, Br 18, LOTW

Belle Avenue, LOTW

$499,500 ($372,270 USD)

$539,900 ($404,871 USD)

Log cabin, low profile, fabulous views, sand beach, dock with boat port & upper deck. 2 car detached garage.

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

4 bed, 2 bath home/cottage, 2000+ sq. ft. of living space. 17’ vaulted ceilings. Minutes to town by boat or car.

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

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Real Estate Listings 79

Rocky Point Drive, Black Sturgeon

Riverbend Lane, Winnipeg River

$549,000

$649,500 ($487,060 USD)

Solid and private; start your family legacy on Black Sturgeon Lake with this well-kept and move-in ready lakefront cottage.

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

5 bed, 3 bath, year round home/cottage, beautiful river and sunset views, large octagon shaped gazebo, detached 2 stall garage.

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

Storm Bay Road, Br. 11, LOTW

Sand beach on LOTW! 3 bed, 3 bath, year round home/cottage, with 2 car garage, guest cabin, boathouse, extensive docking & decking, crown neighbour & quiet bay. Great value.

$650,000 ($487,435 USD)

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

Deception Bay, Clearwater Bay, LOTW

Year round home/cottage, guest cottages and workshop/garage. Approx. 315’ of frontage with north and south exposure and sand beach.

$795,000 ($596,171 USD)

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

Headwaters Penthouse, LOTW

This condominium is approx. 2271 sq. ft. plus a spacious covered deck with spectacular lake views. It has 3 BR, 3 baths, 2 underground heated parking stalls & storage cage, and 2 docking slips.

NEW PRICE $798,000

Duncan Carmichael Real Estate

Echo Bay, LOTW

Year-round cottage on Echo Bay. With over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has plenty to offer the whole family.

$969,000

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

807-467-2323 / lakeofthewoods.net

Bigstone Bay, LOTW

4 bed, 2 bath, with 2 garages and a 3 bed, 1 bath loft and guest cottage with boat launch.

Incredible sand beach.

$1,295,000 ($971,121 USD)

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

Andrew Bay, LOTW

Own half an island - 1.6 acres, 4 level cottage, pagoda style gazebo & magnificent sand beach.

$1,450,000 ($1,053,610 USD)

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

Kendall Inlet, Clearwater Bay, LOTW

2 cottages, oversized garage, 4.2 acres with over 1,100’ of low profile deep water frontage on Kendall Inlet, east end of Clearwater Bay.

$2,900,000 ($2,174,710 USD)

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

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

80 Cottage Services We’ll get you back on the water.

See me at the Farmers’ Market starting this June! Check website for dates

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For Rent Clearwater Bay Easy access mainland Clearwater Bay 4 season home. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, open concept living-dining-kitchen, screened porch. Amenities include full kitchen with dishwasher & microwave, washer/dryer, 2nd fridge, wifi, satellite TV. Southeast exposure, large decks overlooking the lake with barbeque & outdoor eating area. Single slip boathouse and docks with deep water. Minimum stay 2 weeks. Contact janellezaj@mymts.net Exceptional location on Coney Island minutes from Kenora/Keewatin. Large main dock with two floaters that provide deep-water docking and great swimming. Open concept with large kitchen island, all appliances, dishwasher, separate dining area, wood burning fireplace and satellite TV. Screened porch, large wrap around decks, outdoor shower and built-in gas barbecue. Minimum 2 week stay. Email inquiries to bill.ralph@shaw.ca Lakefront cottage on Lake of the Woods, near Kenora. Road access, 2 bdrm, fully modern. Available Aug 11-18. $800 per week. Information and pictures, contact lowcottage@hotmail.com.

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

Recently renovated. Available January through December. Minimum 2 week stay. $2800/week. Email enquires 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/ wk; $3000/4 wks. Blueberries galore in July/August.

812-637-3366, mel@getreals.com 13 acre island for camping or houseboating. Sandy beach; middle of best walleye fishery. No facilities.

Search ‘Craig Island Kenora Ontario’ on Google Earth. $500/wk. 812-637-3366, mel@getreals.com Sioux Narrows, Executive Log Cabin Estate. 3 bdrm, 4 beds in loft, screened porch, granite kitchen with wolf appliances, washer/dryer, fireplace, boathouse with 1 lift, boat launch, kayaks, mountain bike & walking trails, sand beach all on 270 private acres. Minimal wifi service. Minimum 2 wk stay. $3000/wk. Contact Pete Hayes at 575-621-0800 or email to petehayes1960@gmail.com Lake front 3 bedroom cottage - 30 mins from Kenora a short drive off Trans-Canada Hwy. On a beautiful, quiet lake with lots of bays and clear clean water. Perfect for swimming, kayaking,

Email: diane@lowdpoa.com Mail: LOWDPOA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Next submission deadline: March 10, 2017

Classifieds 81

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canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, boating, blueberry picking, hiking & biking. The cottage is great - comfy, very clean and well equipped with a GREAT newly renovated kitchen, 2 decks, floating dock. It will appeal to those who enjoy the outdoors and the joys of lake life. Road access. By the week or longer periods. Phone: (204) 941-0475 Email: LakeforU@mymts.net.

Want to Rent Looking to rent a 4 bedroom cottage with mainland access, west of Kenora. We require 2+ bathrooms. Dates are flexible. Would like either the month of Jul or Aug. brian@canadianfootwear.com, (204) 981-0277.

Real Estate for Sale Waterfront Condo Location...Location...Location.

2 bdrm, 1 bath, 1150 sq. ft. condo overlooking Kenora Bay. Open concept with living room, dining room and kitchen overlooking the lake. Includes boat slip, garage, guest parking all kitchen appliances, air conditioned plus other nice amenities.

This unit is available for immediate occupancy.

Asking $419,000. For more information contact maffleck@kmts.ca Waterfront home on Lake of the Woods. Custom built year-round home features 3 bdrm, 3 bath & over 2900 sq ft of living space, west of Kenora. No detail was spared in constructing and finishing this home. Loaded with amenities! Great location, minutes off Hwy 17 in low tax, unorganized territory. Call Wes: 807-543-1556, rae-wes@shaw.ca

Miscellaneous for Sale Propane freezer and propane refrigerator (no top freezer) These are Crystal Cold full size units that we used at our off grid cabin. They are gently used and in great condition. They are both about 18 cubic foot capacity full size heavy duty units.

Specifications are available at crystalcold.com.

These units retail for over $3000 each. I will sell the pair for $1500 or $900 for either unit. Located on Annie Island in Whitefish bay. Call or text Dave at 618-694-3709 to arrange to see them.

Want to Buy Grandpa looking for small, light, (no leaks) boat able to be fitted for rowing granddaughter for fishing. Contact Paul McCrea. 604-736-1580 or wunday600@gmail.com.

Want to buy a "Shorestation" or similar vertical boat-lift - 6000 lb. capacity. Call 204-896-6141.

Boats & Motors for Sale 1994 Sea Ray Bow Rider 21 ft, 386 Hours. Mercury 5.7L Immaculate condition. Included: a full Sunbrella canvas set, bow cover, interlocking top extursion, aft curtain, side curtains, cockpit cover and fire extinguisher. Many upgrades. $10,000 (OBO). danielleandre5@hotmail.com or 204-981-4441.

1956 Lyman 19ft runabout, 100 H.P. gray marine inboard, original condition, kept in boathouse, runs great. $18,000. No trailer. For pictures contact Barb. (807) 466-2578 or burchwell@sympatico.ca 2005 – SX175 yellow/white Glastron Boat, inboard Volvo/Penta 4.3L with low hours. Includes fish finder, radio, cover, EZ Load trailer. Asking $11,000.

Echo Bay. Call Fred: 807-733-3717 or 204-269-8756 TWO Mercury Racing Motors 1 - 1952 KG7 Super 10 - Hurricane 1 - 15 HP - Modified Current model 16 cu.in. c/w new factory racing lower unit and SS cleaver prop (never used).

Phone Jim Geddes for info 204-599-2192 2000 Sea Ray 215 Express Cruiser in immaculate condition, 5.0L fuel injected, 240 hp Mercruiser, less than 450 hrs, trim tabs, depth finder, upgraded stereo, cuddy cab with toilet and sink.

Sleeps 2 comfortably, pressurized water system, transom shower, integrated swim platform, full canvas, mooring cover and bimini top. Snap-in carpet, custom cooler, garage stored and professionally serviced. Custom Sea Ray tandem boat trailer included. Located on Storm Bay Road. Great value at $14,750! Call Robert at 250-858-3301 Pace Ship 16’ Sailboat. Fibreglass hull, teak wood trim with small storage cuddy. Great for family, lots of cockpit space, easy to sail and very stable in the water. Built in Mahone Bay, NS. Includes jib, main sail, retractable keel, tiller and all lines.

Stored for 16 yrs in good condition. Echo Bay, LOW. donway@mymts.net, 760-733-3333 or 204-888-4698

Miscellaneous Lake of the Woods Historical Society Special Events at Mather Walls House Sunday, May 14 – Mother’s Day Tea (on Mother’s Day) (2 - 4 p.m.)

Falcon Lake Golf Course Ladies League - FUN LEAGUE PLAY at Falcon Lake Golf Course on Tues mornings for all levels. Tee times start at 9:00 am in June and 8:00 am in July and August. League Fee $25 or $75 including optional R.C.G.A. membership. Fees cover year-end flight prizes. For more info please email brendacleverley@gmail.com 10th ANNUAL MIND BODY SPIRIT FAIR Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Clarion Lakeside Inn, Kenora, Ontario

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

82 Advertisers’ Directory Architecture 9 Boreal Architecture Studio 201 Main Street South, Kenora 807-464-1151 borealstudio.ca

Art Studio 45 Inglenook Art Studio 1051 Railway Street, Kenora 807-407-1170 inglenookartstudio.com 80 Midnight Loon Glass 807-465-5896 midnightloonglass.com

Building Materials 30 Kenora Home Hardware Building Centre 1105 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-468-8975 homehardware.ca 16 Lumber One Building Supplies 1 Willow Drive, Falcon Lake 204-349-2294 lumberone.ca 63 McMunn & Yates 1666 Highway 17 W, Keewatin 807-547-3366 58 Star Building Materials 16 Speers Road, Winnipeg 204-233-8687 starbuilding.ca/winnipeg

Community & Philanthropy City of Kenora INSIDE BACK 1 Main Street South, Kenora COVER 807-467-2000 kenora.ca 28 Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation 21 Sylvan Street West, Kenora 807-468-9861 lwdhf.com 74 Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls Highway 71 807-226-5241 snnf.ca 57 Women’s Place Kenora 530 Third Street North, Kenora 807-468-9095

Contractors & Construction 2 Black Fox Construction Lot 19, Williams Road, Kenora 807-407-9983 blackfoxconstruction.com 51 Conquest Manufacturing 3077 Road 6 NW, Altona 866-300-0222 conquestbuilt.com 71 DTL Carpentry 204-979-4055 dtlcarpentry.ca 80 Middle Lake Enterprises Keewatin 807-466-8202 43 Norsemen Contracting Kenora 807-468-1488 48 Oakwood Roofing 1350B Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-467-8824 oakwoodroofing.com 77 REMR Roofing 2053 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-548-2811 remrroofing.com 81 Postech Screw Piles 57-075 Symington Rd E, Winnipeg 1-855-4-PILING manitobascrewpiles.ca

Docks 46 Docks & Lifts Ltd. 1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-547-4444 docksandlifts.ca 32 Frank Hickling Sales 15 Chimo Place, Springfield 204-222-3301 fhsales.ca

Electrical 80 Bob’s Electric 225 Main Street North, Kenora 807-468-5915 rbrignall@yahoo.ca 56 S&H Electric Contracting 70 Highway 641, Keewatin 807-221-9418 sandh.electrical@gmail.com

Energy 35 Northern Energy 1870 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-548-2665 21 Raysolar 1870 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-548-7297 raysolar.ca

Environment 33 IISD – Experimental Lakes Area issd.org/ela

Equipment Sales & Rentals 80 Best Way Rentals 1906 Sixth Street North, Kenora 807-548-4131

Financial Planning 15 The Darcy Zaporzan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204-982-2635 dzwmg.com 31 Richardson GMP Limited 1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg 204-943-5263 richardsongmp.com

Fireplaces 27 Flame & Comfort 318 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg 204-943-5263 flameandcomfort.com

Home & Cottage Maintenance 18 Bell’s Septic 807-468-7251 bellskenora.com 80 Denver’s Window Cleaning Services 30 Deerfield Trail, Steinbach 204-320-1935 denverswindowcleaning.com 70 Friesen Drillers 204-326-2485 friesendrillers.com

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

Advertisers’ Directory 83 80 Keystone Security Solutions 1221 Highway 17 W, Keewatin 807-468-7878 keystonelock.ca 18 Lake of the Woods Septic Barge 807-464-3468 septicbarge.com 61 North Coral Landscaping 1310-311 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg 204-880-8453 northcorallandscaping.com 73 Notre Dame Sandblasting & Painting 74 Grea Street East, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes 204-871-7463 ndsandblasting.com 52 Spiders & More 204-205-0035 spidersandmore.com

Home Furnishings 6 Image One 1060 Railway Street, Kenora 807-468-3641 imageonedesigns.com 40 Verti-shade Harbourfront, Kenora 807-468-3980 verti-shade.com

Insurance 81 Garriock Insurance 390 York Avenue, Winnipeg 800-773-7157 garriock.ca 22 The Standard Insurance Brokers 319 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-3333 thestandardonline.com

Legal 55 Booth Dennehy LLP, Raymond Oakes 387 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg 204-957-1717 boothdennehy.com 69 Brown & Associates Law Office 71 Main Street South, Carman 204-745-2028 brownlawoffice.org

17 Hook Seller Lundin LLP 203-301 First Avenue South, Kenora 807-468-9831 hsllawyers.com 75 Shane Pearce Law 100 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-7892 23 Shewchuk, Ormiston, Richardt & Johnson LLP 214 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-5559 kenoralaw.com

Marine 80 All Brands Boat Repair 204-346-BOAT allbrandsboatrepair.com 49 Enns Brothers 1095 Railway Street, Kenora 807-468-4077 ennspowersports.com BACK Woodlake Marine COVER 1956 Highway 17 West, Kenora 807-468-2628 woodlakemarine.com 13 WSL Sport & Leisure | Tall Pines Marina 832 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-468-5253 lotwsport.com

Real Estate INSIDE Cabin Country Realty FRONT 138 Main Street South, Kenora COVER 807-468-3541 cabincountry.com 41 Century 21 Reynard Real Estate, Greg Kirby 807-547-5555 century21.ca/greg.kirby 19 Duncan Carmichael Real Estate 625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-467-2323 lakeofthewoods.net 29 Northwoods Realty 5701A Highway 71, Sioux Narrows 807-226-1024 northwoodsrealtyltd.com 39 Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 721 Beach Road, Kenora 807-547-4020 kenora-realestate.com

Restaurant & Eatery 14 Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. 350 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-2337 lowbrewco.com 68 Sophie’s Ukrainian Cuisine Hadashville 204-426-2399

Retail 53 Donny B 39 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-3084 donnyb.ca

Sunrooms 44 Suncoast Enclosures 1106 Buchanan Boulevard, Winnipeg 204-292-2173 suncoastenclosures.com

Stuff to Buy & Eat 36 Bearheart Kids Boutique 37 Broken Paddle Coffee Roastery & Kitchen 36 HAF Art Studio & Gallery 37 The Hardwear Company 36 HoJoe Coffee & Books 37 Lake of the Woods Brewing Company 36 The Plaza 36 The Seasons Shop 37 McTaggarts 37 Tangled Tree Framing & Gifts

Water Treatment 80 The Water Filter E-Store thewaterfilterestore.com 59 WET Canada 3700 McGillivray Boulevard, Winnipeg 204-223-0330 wetcanada.com 60 Wolframe’s World of Water 710 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-468-4338

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2017

84 History

Continuing our recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, here is another look at our region’s history.

Langs Island

by Lori Nelson

Curiosity about some island names can be quickly satisfied.

A glance at a lake chart will tell you that Donald Duck Island looks like, well, a duck. Cliff Island has, you guessed it, cliffs.

But there are other islands that are identified with names that aren’t quite as obvious and therein always lies a story.

I have lived within view of one such island for most of my life. You may have heard it referred to as Bush Island or you may simply know it as the launch pad for Kenora’s summer fireworks. But the name of the small island set between the southeast point of Tunnel Island and the northeast corner of Coney Island is currently and officially Langs Island.

Why Langs?

Early land registry plans identify the five-acre, low-profile island as “Bush Island”. Before the building of the Norman Dam in 1893-95, which raised the water level about three feet, it likely would have appeared as part of Coney Island, joined by a sandy causeway which is a sandbar under current lake levels. However, in 1895 when Walter Lang was granted the patent for the property, for the modest sum of $25, it was an island—Bush Island.

Lang, with his wife Catherine and their children Helen and Thomas, had arrived in Rat Portage from Nova Scotia about ten years earlier. Originally he had come from Scotland at the age of 23 and settled in Nova Scotia where he met his future wife, a born and bred Nova Scotian. It’s mere speculation on my part that Walter had some connection to the noted mason and master builder George Lang, also from Sprouston, Roxburghshire, Scotland, who at the time of Walter’s arrival in Canada was operating a brick factory in Shubenacadie, his wife’s birthplace. Perhaps this is where Walter was employed in his early years in Canada.

What brought the Lang family halfway across the country to Rat Portage, I don’t know, but Walter eventually found employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway, working as a car inspector. He earned enough to set aside money to purchase the island for his family that continued to grow to include five daughters and three sons.

An 1896 photograph of the island shows that most of the bush had been cleared and a relatively large twostorey, white frame house in the middle of the island was constructed facing town. It must have been a delightful playground for the Lang children and an ideal island home— five acres to explore, a rocky shoreline replete with crayfish and minnows, all within a short paddle from town. Its location afforded the family a front row seat to significant events like the 1901 Single Scull World Championship between Jake Gaudaur and George Towns; the first motor launch race on the lake; and the festivities that marked the Northwestern International Rowing Association regatta in 1910.

The Lang family left Kenora in the fall of 1910 and moved west to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where their son Thomas was living. By this time Walter was 60, Catherine 51, and most of their children were of working age. It’s reported that they felt that the west provided better opportunities for them.

Langs Island, 1896

Ownership of Bush Island eventually passed to George Graham, manager of the Rainy River Navigation Company that had among its fleet the steamboats Keenora and Agwinde. After Graham’s passing in 1927, J.W. Stone and his family used the island as a summer retreat.

In 1954 the Town of Kenora purchased the land in a tax sale for $619. Today, Langs Island stands unoccupied and overgrown. Its return to its natural state leaves little evidence of its first owners. Its name serves that purpose. AN

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