LOW Area News - Spring 2018

Volume 48

Number 2

Spring 2018

Ritchie Road, on Black Sturgeon – our File 4274

SHOW YOUR BEST At Cabin Country realty we take great pride in showcasing the best features your property has to offer. And we get results. Serving every type of Seller, we’re here to exceed what you expect from a quality real estate brokerage. If you’re contemplating selling your property or wish to have a no obligation fair market evaluation of your property completed, please get in touch with us. We will guide you with the professionalism and expertise you deserve.

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www.cabincountr y.com 138 MAIN ST S, KENORA, ONTARIO

13.2 acres

MALACHI LAKE | 99,000

BLACK STURGEON | $739,000

STORM BAY ROAD | $869,000

DOMINIQUE ISLAND | $325,000

POPLAR BAY ISLAND | $1,450,000

MCCALLUM POINT ROAD | $1,950,000

WINNIPEG RIVER | 269,000

WINNIPEG RIVER | 219,900

SO

LD

$

VACANT LOT

LD

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SO STORM BAY ROAD | $869,000

LD SO

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PELICAN POUCH | $349,900

SO

SO

LD

LACLU | $439,000

LILY PAD BAY | $895,000

MCCALLUM POINT ROAD | $1,950,000

$

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PTARMIGAN BAY | $299,000

POPLAR BAY | $359,900

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In this Issue…

President’s Message

6

Editor’s Message

5

Notes from your Executive Director

10

Members’ Page

9

12

Members Need-to-know

Let’s get summer going

LOW Cottage Show

Mark your calendars

News bites

What’s Happening on your Lake?

24

News & Notes

Kenora Forest 2018-2019 work schedule

We’re going to make a big splash

Planting trees with LOW Brewing Co.

Water levels and flows The Villeneuve Family: 140 years on the Winnipeg River by Debra Wingrove No Roads Required by Elsie Neufeld

38

35

29

Basin News

Lake of the Woods Sustainability Foundation

44

Wildlife & Wilderness

Brewed Awakening Save our Birds

Thank you for not feeding us bread

Big Bad Wolf: myth or reality

A Truly Pleasant Misery

57

Cottage How-To

Harry the Handyman

58

Boating

Licensing or Registering Your Boat All About Bats by Hayley Anderson

68

Cover Photo: G. Thomas Bancroft

62

Food & Drink

Outstanding Spinach Salad

Steelhead Trout

72

LOWDKids!

Fun with Amphibians

Funniest Picture Books in the Library

Kat the Nature Dog Cottage Services Classifieds

79

78

80 Advertisers’ Directory 82 Real Estate Listings

The Cossey Boatbuilders by Lori Nelson

84

Shelley Torrie

Shelley Torrie Broker of Record

HOME and COTTAGE REALTY

807.468.1120 Joey Katz Broker

807.466.2770

R E A L

Many more properties available.

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Exclusive Ranch-Style waterfront retreat offering 900’ of water frontage, panoramic views and miles and miles of waterways to explore/fish!

B R O K E R A G E

Buying or Selling?

Becky Doucette

Worona Road – Black Sturgeon $775,000 ($596,478 US)

E S T A T E

East Melick – Black Sturgeon $695,000 ($534,907 US)

4+ bed, 3 bath year round home/cottage w/ full walkout lower level, 2 stall garage, 1200 ft. of water frontage & 4.35 acres with the possibility to sever.

Recently reassessed—reduced property taxes!

Lot 1 Malachi Lake $144,900 ($185,951 US)

Private Lakeview Getaway! Well maintained, affordable 880 sq. ft. two bedroom cottage with low maintenance exterior, situated on a very private 0.7 acre lot. Water or railway access.

NEW PRICE

Malachi Lake $275,000 ($352,908 US)

Coward Road – Sandy Lake $319,000 ($249,953 US)

Sioux Narrows – Snake Bay – LOTW $1,499,000 ($1,153,706 US)

Comfortable 1650 sq. ft. four season water access cottage. Approx. 2.2 acres & 68 ft. of water frontage.

Lived in year round for 20 years, this cottage has 2+ beds, hydro, water filtration system with heat trace, multiple heating systems and much more!

With many recent upgrades, this 3-season cottage could easily be converted to your all season home!

Offering quality waterfront, this property could be yours to enjoy for years to come!

3+ acre private peninsula with over 1000 ft of frontage on Snake Bay, LOTW. Rustic 3 season guest cottage & newer 4 season home/cottage with full basement. Multiple out buildings, garages & docks.

Must be seen to be fully appreciated.

Coney Island – LOTW $435,000 ($334,798 US)

Riverbend Lane – Winnipeg River $649,500 ($499,888 US)

Clearwater Bay – LOTW $795,000 ($611,872 US)

One owner, 3+ bedroom, year-round home/cottage with Canexel siding, newer roof, double stall boathouse with lift & separate workshop. Low profile lot. 2 minutes to Kenora by boat. Turnkey!

5 bed, 3 bath, year-round home/cottage, beautiful views, large octagonal gazebo, detached 2 stall garage, full walkout lower level, dock, woodshed, storage shed, green space privacy buffer abutting.

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

Snow Drive – Black Sturgeon $539,900 ($415,535 US)

Lily Pad Bay – LOTW $875,000 ($673,444 US)

Laurenson Creek – Access to LOTW $49,900 ($38,406 US)

Approx. 2200 sq. ft. 4 bed, 2 1/2 bath year round back split home/cottage with built-in 2 car garage and many upgrades. Approx. 1900 sq. ft. of decks and docks. Meticulously maintained!

USD as of March 7, 2018.

5 bed, 4 bath year-round home/cottage with cathedral ceiling, granite, floor to ceiling windows, 3 season sunroom and 30’ x 30’ garage with sleeping accommodations. Impressive 2 stall boat port with rooftop deck and deep waterfrontage.

Park your boat here! 1/8 interest in an 8 stall boathouse on Laurenson Creek offering electric garage door opener, electric lift, hydro, parking & access to Lake of the Woods. Rebuilt in early ‘90s.

President’s Message Nancy Salmijarvi, LOWDPOA President We should all let out a collective cheer! Yippee, the long, cold winter of 2018 is behind us (or at least I sure hope it is). Now it’s time to look forward to the long, warm, stormfree summer of 2018!

As usual the LOWDPOA board and staff have had a busy winter planning several spring and summer events. This is where you’ll see us again during the summer: the Matiowski Farmers’ Market, our annual Members’ Summer Meeting (two locations this year), spending time with the LakeSmart team, LOWDkids events, IISD-ELA tours, plus our Free Metal Waste Collection Day. We’re a busy group and all our work is on behalf of LOWDPOA members. We’ve attracted many new members to the association during the last year and we’ve also taken some time to make contact with former members that have let their membership lapse for a variety of reasons or have simply forgotten to renew. If you’re new to LOWDPOA, welcome—and welcome back to those of you returning for 2018. We thank you for your support and know you’ll enjoy all the benefits of membership.

Our biggest event is our annual Cottage Show and AGM. This event is our official kick off to the season, and one where lake neighbours and friends meet to start making plans for lake time adventures and get-togethers. It’s also a great resource for anyone planning anything from buying a new property, succession planning for a property, or preparing for improvements to an existing property. We have many longtime exhibitors and several new exhibitors joining us this year. Check page 13 and keep informed by checking our website and Facebook page closer to the date.

Something for everyone can be found at the show being held at the Victoria Inn Monday, May 7. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and remain open until 7:00 p.m. The Annual General Meeting takes place at 7pm and will be followed by a screening of Lake of the Woods: a History by Water Part 2.

With my term ending this May, this is my last message to our members as president. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the association president for the past three years. During that time we’ve made some incredible changes to the look, feel and overall vibe of this association. I would have to sum up my time as chair as one of some great challenges with resulting changes all to the benefit of our members.

I have been very fortunate to work with an amazing board with each director bringing a unique skill set to the table that made my job as chair manageable, productive and rewarding. I certainly have to thank everyone on the board for their incredible support and guidance, and the many hours of volunteer time they give to this association. With a solid, committed, supportive board to work with, my job was almost easy, and they definitely played a big role in all that we have accomplished over the past three years.

Secondly, what a superb staff I’ve had the benefit of working with. Beginning with former Executive Director (ED) Susan McLeod and now with ED Diane Schwartz-Williams and AED Linda Nelson, their skills and knowledge of the day to day business of LOWDPOA makes for a well-run organization.

While stepping down as president I look forward to staying very involved on the board in a different role. My first and most pleasant task in the role is to welcome Dr. Hardy Bock as the incoming president. Hardy will officially begin his duties as president at our AGM in May, and I know he will continue the good work our members have come to expect.

Happy spring, I hope to see you on the lake! Take some time from your opening spring chores, dust off a chair, and take some time to enjoy this issue of Area News!

6

Editor’s Message

Teika Newton, Area News Editor At the end of winter, new beginnings spring forth.

For me, the winter that is rapidly giving way to spring has been the best one I can recall in many years. Although it was long and sullen with interminable days of grey cloud and cold temperatures, we saw plenty of snow accumulate around Kenora, and for an avid cross-country skier like me, this was heaven on Earth! Between November and March, I think there were fewer than five days that I didn’t strap on the skis. Last fall’s big storm (profiled in the previous issue of Area News) felled many trees, and often my way was barred on many familiar paths. Nevertheless, over the course of the winter, I explored countless remote small lakes near my home as I dared to venture further and further afield, taking in all the beauty and solitude of our pristine winter wilderness. In my backwoods travels this winter, I saw lynxes, owls, foxes, deer, eagles and so many other woodland friends.

But now, spring is now upon us. There are already new, seasonal birds at the feeder, and bear sightings are being reported on social media as these fellows break out of their winter hibernation.

Spring is all about getting moving, getting outside, and getting productive, and this issue of Area News delivers! We have several feature articles that celebrate the many ways members and their families enjoy life on the land and water, from the Villeneuve family history of steamboating on the Winnipeg River, to Dave Schwartz’s musings about camping, and Elsie Neufeld’s article that focuses on members who have water access-only cottages.

As many migratory and hibernating critters return or re-emerge from their winter homes this month, appropriately enough, this issue is also particularly rich with content focused on wildlife. We provide updates on a regional little brown bat conservation project, thoughts about wolves, and a couple of pieces that promote better human behaviour to care for birds.

As in every issue this year, look for delicious member recipes, handy tips for cottage maintenance, and lots of news and updates for members. And then, get outside, enjoy the return of warmth and sunshine, and have some fun!

I have stowed away the skis for next year, and am now hitting the pavement with my bicycle, ruminating about the gardening season ahead, and looking forward to a summer of swimming, paddleboarding, rowing and boating.

The official publication of the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association.

PUBLISHED BY

Fifth Hammer Marketing Group P.O. Box 2, Kenora, ON P9N 3X1 Phone: (807) 407-7252 Publisher: Mike Greaves, mike@areanewsmagazine.ca Editor: Teika Newton, editor@areanewsmagazine.ca Art Director: Mike Newton, design@areanewsmagazine.ca Design & Layout: Shayla Smith Advertising: Mike Greaves, Colt Manson

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.

UPCOMING EDITORIAL DEADLINES:

May 3, 2018 July 26, 2018 October 3, 2018

©2018 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.

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Executive Director's Note Diane Schwartz-Williams

I know spring is on the way. It must be; key indicators tell me this is so. The Lake of the Woods Ice Patrol updates on spring ice conditions are being posted online and the calendar tells me that today is officially the first day of spring.

Like so many others ready for winter to be over, I am eager to see the snow disappear, ground greening up and ice giving way to open lakes. An early spring would be so very welcome after what felt like a long, hard winter, but Mother Nature is clearly in charge and it looks like she may have other plans in store for us. You can bet that I am going to be checking the LOW Ice Patrol updates frequently and Linda will be sharing those updates with you on our Facebook page.

Plans are coming together for what is shaping up to be a busy summer filled with a number of activities for members and many opportunities for your LOWDPOA board and staff to connect with members. The following pages will provide all sorts of details that ‘members need-to-know’ about our summer plans. Check it out— LakeSmart team on the move, IISD Experimental Lakes Area tours, summer members meetings, and Free Metal Waste Collection Day, with more to come.

As always, we kick off the lake season with our Lake of the Woods Cottage Show (1:00 - 7:00 p.m.) and 56th Annual General Meeting (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) on Monday, May 7 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The Cottage Show continues to grow every year and there will be familiar long-time exhibitors as well as many new ones waiting for you this year. We’ve extended the show hours a little to make it more convenient for those coming after work and we are looking forward to screening Part 2 of Lake of the Woods: a History by Water with you at the AGM. Read on for more information about the Cottage Show and AGM or visit lowdpoa.com/cottageshow. If you are thinking of exhibiting at the show email info@lowdpoa.com as there is still time to register.

led your association in her role as president. Nancy’s commitment to all that LOWDPOA stands for, her dedication to the work we do on behalf of members and her leadership during a period of transition have been remarkable, and she truly made a difference. For all that, and on your behalf and mine—thank you Nancy.

Photo by Tom Thomson

Your board is made up of LOWDPOA members who are willing and able to give their time, knowledge and energy for the benefit of the association. They are a diverse group that represent you well, each one taking on a variety of roles on the board. Dr. Hardy Bock is one such member, someone you will become very familiar with over the next two years after he takes on the role of LOWDPOA President at the AGM in May. I am looking forward to working closely with Hardy over the next couple years and know that the association will continue to grow and strengthen under his leadership.

In closing, just a reminder that we are always looking to hear from you whether it be with comments about Area News, questions or suggestions. Call me at 807-543-4287 or email info@lowdpoa.com and let me know what’s on your mind… and I hope to see you at the Cottage Show.

Thinking spring and wishing for early ice-out,

Spring is a season of change in the natural environment around us, and it is also a time for change within our Association. For the past three years Nancy Salmijarvi has

LAKE OF THE WOODS DISTRICT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION Executive Committee

Board Members

Staff

PRESIDENT Nancy Salmijarvi, Welcome Channel

Wayne Bruce, Pistol Lake Dave Christie, Granite Lake Anneke Gillis, Paddy Lake Jean Anne Hallas, Lily Pad Bay Lucas King, Woodchuck Bay Don Parfitt, Winnipeg River John Waterer, Clearwater Bay Bob Wilkes, Gunn Lake

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

Contact

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

EMAIL info@lowdpoa.com FACEBOOK @lowdpoa TOLL-FREE 1-888-265-9784 PHONE (807) 468-8715

VICE PRESIDENT Hardy Bock, Black Sturgeon TREASURER Christine Semenchuk, Storm Bay PAST PRESIDENT Robert Bulman, Tunnel Island

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

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

10 Members' Page

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program launched in Kenora Last summer a group of Youth Rangers from Fort Frances spent a day with our LakeSmart team, providing an excellent opportunity to share program knowledge and experience.

At the time, the program was relatively new for Fort Frances and something we hoped to see come to Kenora soon.

We just heard from our friends at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) that Kenora will have its own Ogimaa Binesiiyog Stewardship Youth Ranger Partnership Program this summer.

This program is a partnership initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong, the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances and the Ne Chee Friendship Centre in Kenora. If you are (or know someone who is) looking for a great summer job working outdoors on environmental stewardship projects and learning about natural resources and Anishinaabe culture, you should check this out. With a new team starting up in Kenora this summer they are looking for a Team Lead,

an Assistant Team Lead and four Rangers. Applications close April 27. You can find out more about this unique program on the Ogimaa Binesiiyog Facebook page and the MNRF website: ontario.ca/page/stewardship-youthranger-program. For more information or to apply for these positions, please contact Stacy Skene in Kenora at 807-468-2531 or stacey.skene@ontario.ca.

With two great youth stewardship programs this summer— LOWDPOA’s LakeSmart team and the Ogimaa Binesiiyog Stewardship Youth Rangers, we expect to see our youth lead the way and are excited to see them in action.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Members' Page

11

Wolframes at Watershed Forum LOWDPOA members Colleen and Darcy Wolframe attended the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum held at the beginning of March in International Falls, MN. The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation (LOWWSF) leads a partnership of agencies to organize the annual forum, first held in 2004.

Attended each year by upwards of 160 research and resource managers, the forum is the "hub" for all groups working to ensure the future ecological integrity of the waters of the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Basin, and has been described by LOWWSF as a “strategic incubator for cross-border research, management collaboration, networking and communication”.

Returning for the second year in a row the Wolframes, Kenora residents and business owners, joined a number of other like-minded individuals who may not be scientists or researchers but share a concern for our shared watershed and want to be informed and involved in preserving its health. During the twoday symposium, they attended more than 30 presentations that addressed a diverse group of issues and studies. While they acknowledged feeling somewhat overwhelmed with all the details and the enormity of the issues, they were encouraged to hear about ongoing work on solutions to address some of those issues.

In summing up their forum experience Colleen Wolframe said, “We knew that there would be a lot of science at the forum, and we were happy to Colleen & Darcy Wolframe at Watershed Forum 2018 understand at least some of it. All the studies, research and work being directed to protecting and sustaining our watershed is incredible. There was so much to take in and absorb, and as non-scientists, we really appreciated the opportunity to talk directly with some of the presenters during the networking and awards reception.“

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

12 Members - Need to Know On your mark, get set…

Let’s get summer going!

At the Lake of the Woods Cottage Show & 56th Annual General Meeting If the ice on the lakes is starting to melt—and it is—that means it’s time to start planning to attend the Lake of the Woods Cottage Show, LOWDPOA’s traditional way to kick-off summer and lake time.

Doors to the Cottage Show will open at 1:00 p.m. and will be open until 7:00 p.m. when the Annual General Meeting (AGM) begins. The AGM is your opportunity to get an overview of the association’s activities in 2017 and to learn about some of the issues on the horizon for LOWDPOA. As we did last It felt like summer outside in Winnipeg on Monday, year, we are going to keep the business meeting as short as May 1, 2017 and inside the Cottage possible with a special screening of Lake Show it was easy to imagine of the Woods: a History by Water (Part 2) to enjoying all that summer at the follow. This is the sequel to the video we lake means.

Monday, May 7th screened last year and we are delighted that one of the documentary’s narrators, Victoria Inn, Winnipeg Last year’s Cottage Show was Sean Kavanagh, will be on hand again this one of our biggest ever with over year to provide commentary and answer Lake of the Woods 90 exhibits covering all aspects questions. If you saw the first video last of lake life, and we’re planning Cottage Show: year, you know how amazing it was to see to top that this year. Whether on a large screen and we’re hoping to see 1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. you are looking for something you back for the sequel. If you missed it, for your cottage, watersports, you missed something special—please join 56th Annual information on lake living or tips us for the sequel this year. for living green at the lake you General Meeting: will find it at our 27th Annual Do you have friends and neighbours who 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lake of the Woods Cottage Show. enjoy our lakes and rivers as much as With 70 exhibitors confirmed in we do? Even if they are not members of March and many more to come, LOWDPOA, invite them to join you for the you can count on a wide range Cottage Show. Anyone who simply enjoys lake life whether of exhibitors eager to showcase their products, share their at a cottage, camping, sailing, visiting will find much of knowledge and answer your questions. interest at the show. It is also a great opportunity to share the benefits of LOWDPOA membership and support our Although there will be much to explore at the Cottage growth and programs.

Show, we know that for many members in attendance each year there is a real sense of homecoming. We can see it Exhibitors, LOWDPOA Directors and staff, the LakeSmart and feel it in the buzz of conversations, smiles and hugs team and volunteers—we are all looking forward to seeing as members greet old friends and neighbours and gather you on May 7! in the aisles to reminisce and make plans for the coming summer at the lake.

Keep an eye on lowdpoa.com and our Facebook page for updates on show activities and exhibits.

MAY 19

Order Your Seedlings!

Pick-up is Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to noon

ORDERING DEADLINE MAY 5

PICK-UP AVAILABLE AT SIX LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

You can also order online.

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

Monday, May 7, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg 56th Annual General Meeting: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lake of the Woods

COTTAGE SHOW AND

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Our AGM is more than business!

View a special screening of the video documentary Lake of the Woods: a History by Water (Part 2) with commentary by Sean Kavanagh, one of the film's narrators.

Plenty of watersports:

boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more!

P R E L I M I N A RY E X H I B I TO R L I ST Our exhibitors represent some of the best businesses serving the LOWDPOA membership.

Bring a friend and introduce them to the benefits of being a LOWDPOA member!

All Brands Boat Repair

Garriock Insurance

LUXE Furniture Company

Bestway Rentals & Sales

The Hardwear Company

Brown & Associates Law Office

IISD Experimental Lakes Area

MB Sustainable Development Forestry & Peatlands Branch

Cabin Country Realty

Image One Designs

Century 21 Reynard Real Estate Ltd

JC Decks

Change of Latitude Marina

Kenora & Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation

City of Kenora Conquest Manufacturing Denver's Window Cleaning Services Docks & Lifts Duncan Carmichael Real Estate Brokerage Earth4U Consulting Inc Electrical Safety Authority Enns Brothers Faux Rocks Northwest Fifth Hammer Flame & Comfort Forests Ontario

Killer Krumbs

McMunn & Yates Mayberry Fine Art Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry Kenora District

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry - Fire

Lake of the Woods Control Board

Nature Conservancy of Canada (The)

Lake of the Woods Cottage Guide

Oakwood Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. Ltd.

Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation

OPP Forensic Identification

LOW Gear

OPP Marine & Trails Unit

Lake of the Woods Museum

Penta Protective Coatings Ltd

Lake of the Woods Sunrise Soap

Pine Ridge Outdoors

Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation

Pioneeer Log Furniture

Legacy Originals Inc. Lumber One Building Supplies

Postech Screw Piles Q104 Kenora Onine Rainfresh Water Treatment

ReMax First Choice REMR Roofing Royal LePage Landry's for Real Estate Shaw Cablesystems G.P. Solar Solutions Inc. Standard Insurance (The) Star Building Materials Suncoast MB Sunset Spray East Ltd. TF Leisure Marketing (Linwood Homes) Timber Ridge Homes Tom Thomson Photography Verti-shade on Main Ltd World of Water Kenora Wood with Whimsey Wooden Pens & Much More Woodlake Marine WSL Sport & Leisure (Kenora)

Visit lowdpoa.com and Facebook for updated exhibitor lists. Interested in exhibiting? Email diane@lowdpoa.com.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

14 Members - Need to Know

Mark Your Calendars May

5

Last Day to Order Seedlings Place your seedling order online at lowdpoa.com/cpages/seedlings, phone 807-468-8715 or TF 1-888-265-9784

We’ll be launching the LakeSmart boat at the beginning of July, and our LakeSmart team will be on area waters for the 8th year in a row. Please welcome them if they drop by your dock in July or August. Let us know if you would like to arrange a visit to your neighbourhood for dock visits or presentations on living green at the lake, healthy shorelines, invasive species and more.

May

7

56th AGM & Lake of the Woods Cottage Show Victoria Inn, Winnipeg Cottage Show: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

LOWDPOA AGM 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join us! The AGM is your opportunity to get an overview of the association’s activities in 2017 and to learn about some of the issues on the horizon for LOWDPOA. As we did last year, we are going to keep the business meeting as short as possible with a special screening of Lake of the Woods: a History by Water (Part 2) to follow. For a list of exhibitors see the Cottage Show ad on page 11.

May

19 Jun

30

Jul

1

LakeSmart at Matiowski Farmers’ Market Whitecap Pavilion, Kenora 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

LakeSmart at Matiowski

Jul 4 - Farmers’ Market Aug 29 Whitecap Pavilion, Kenora

8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. every Wednesday.

Seedling Pick-up Day

10:00 a.m. – 12 noon at six locations.

LOWDPOA joining Zig Zag Yacht Club for ZZYC Welcome Reception & Fireworks at Dusk 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Jul

9

LOWDPOA Summer Meeting at the Lake – Kenora 1:00 p.m. at the Clarion Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre

Missed the AGM in May? Catch up on LOWDPOA business, meet your LakeSmart team and learn about plans going forward.

Plans for a special presentation and exhibits are underway; stay tuned for more details.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Members - Need to Know 15 LOWDPOA’s spring and summer calendar is definitely filling up and we have more plans yet to be finalized and added. Look for updates in the next issue of the Area News, and in the meantime follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date. And don’t forget to let us know what’s happening at your lake!

Aug

Jul

12

45 &

IISD Experimental Lakes Area Full Day Visit & Tour

LOWDPOA & LakeSmart Team at Laclu Regatta 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Pre-registration required. Discount rates for LOWDPOA members. See page 16 for details.

Jul

16

LOWDPOA Summer Meeting at the Lake – Sioux Narrows 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre

We're looking forward to seeing our members from Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls and Morson areas! Plans are being finalized to provide a shuttle service—details to follow. Catch up on LOWDPOA business over the past year, meet your LakeSmart team and learn about plans going forward. Plans for a special presentation & exhibits are underway; stay tuned for more details.

Jul

26

Aug

11

IISD Experimental Lakes Area Full Day Visit & Tour

• LOWDPOA & LakeSmart Team visit to Morson • LOWDPOA & LakeSmart Team visit to Laclu

• LOWDkids activities including Storm Drain Painting to spread the message “A healthy lake starts here!”

Pye’s Landing, Clearwater Bay 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Get all the metal junk out of your yard, shed, garage and surrounding bush.

Pre-registration required. Discount rates for LOWDPOA members. See page 16 for details.

Plans in the works & dates pending:

Free Metal Waste Collection Day

Drop off by truck or boat. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload.

Aug

23

IISD Experimental Lakes Area Full Day Visit & Tour

Pre-registration required. Discount rates for LOWDPOA members. See page 16 for details.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

16 Members - Need to Know OUR CONTRIBUTORS Hayley Anderson is a graduate of Ecosystem Management and a former Invasive Species Technician. She has lived in Kenora her whole life and actively enjoys the lakes in our region.

Elsie Neufeld lives on Black Sturgeon Lake. She’s an avid traveler and since retirement has been authoring a novel, teaching writing workshops and freelancing.

Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor education centre. He is the coauthor of The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-round Guide to Outdoor Learning.

Drew Monkman is a retired French immersion teach, naturalist and writer. He is the co-author of The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-round Guide to Outdoor Learning.

Marianne and Rod Nuttall are avid sailors and have been teaching boating safety courses to local boaters since the program was first introduced in 1999.

Dave Schwartz is a retired science and outdoor education teacher. He has a strong interest in environmental and conservation issues, canoe tripping, photography, travel and nature.

Lori Nelson is the Director at Lake of the Woods Museum.

Her family grew up on Tunnel Island and by sail her family has explored every corner of Lake of the Woods.

Anita & Henry Rasmussen, from Razberry Lane, enjoy sharing tales and lessons of food selfsufficiency. Their greatest wish is to turn everyone into a gardener.

Debra Wingrove is a spiritual teacher, born and raised in Kenora. She has returned to her heart-home after a long teaching career in Alberta.

IISD-ELA TOURS July 12, July 26, August 23 IISD Experimental Lakes Area is one of the world's most influential freshwater research facilities. Come take part in hands-on testing and learn about the importance of freshwater science for sustainable development.

Cost: $30 for LOWDPOA members; $35 for non-members Registration Details Below.

Meet in Kenora at 8 a.m., return by approx. 5 p.m.

Tour is on – rain or shine. Appropriate footwear and clothing recommended. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Your day tour of the IISD-ELA facility includes: • Transportation to IISD Experimental Lakes Area (details provided with registration confirmation) • A welcome presentation that gives an overview of the history of IISD-ELA and IISD-ELA science • A tour of the facilities and closest research lakes including: discussions of standard water flow, quality and fish sampling; tours of the chemistry and fish labs; a tour of the Environment Canada metrological station; a hands-on netting activity to collect small fish or zooplankton.

• Lunch at the beach in the camp recreational area. Please pack your own lunch. We ask that you help to reduce waste by packing your lunch as waste-free as possible.

• A visit to the ongoing whole-ecosystem experiment in which scientists have reduced water flowing into a lake to mimic drier conditions expected in the Canadian Boreal Shield due to climate change.

REGISTER BY MAIL, PHONE OR SCAN & EMAIL PO Box 1160, Kenora ON, P9N 3X7 | Toll Free: 1-888-265-9784 | Phone: 807-468-8715 | linda@lowdpoa.com

REGISTRATION DETAILS July 12

July 26

Member

Non-Member

Name: Mailing Address: City: Home Ph: Email:

August 23 # of Attendees

PAYMENT INFORMATION Total amount: Cheque (payable to LOWDPOA) VISA/Mastercard

Prov/State:

PC/Zip: Cottage Ph:

Attendees under 18 will be accompanied by an adult.

Card number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry date: _ _ / _ _ Signature: Please email updates on LOWDKids events & registration

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Members - Need to Know 17

News Bites Changes to land use planning & appeal system came into effect April 3, 2018

The Building Better Communities & Conserving Watershed Act 2017 was passed by the Ontario Legislature in December 2017. The changes the Act makes to the land use planning and appeal system came into effect April 3, 2018 with the establishment of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal as the province-wide appeal body for land use planning matters.

These changes are in response to the province-wide consultation undertaken as part of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) review. Notification received at the beginning of March 2018 included some detail on the changes and advised that an update on the proposed regulation changes and finalized approach to transition is pending.

At this time LOWDPOA's Government Affairs Committee is waiting on that information yet to come from the province.

Once received, the committee will be reviewing the changes and their impact on our members. Watch for more discussion on this important topic in future issues of the Area News.

LOWDPOA members invited to participate in Economic Impact Survey We know anecdotally that LOWDPOA members make a significant economic contribution to the area, but we are looking to quantify that contribution. In partnership with the City of Kenora’s Lake of the Woods Development Commission and the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls we have developed a survey to help better understand the significant economic contributions and needs of our seasonal and year-round members. It has been several years since we have asked our members to complete such a survey, and the data we have needs to be updated. Your response last time was amazing and we are hoping that your participation this time will be similar.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, either online at surveymonkey.com/r/lowdpoa, or fill out the form inserted in this issue and mail or scan/email back to us.

Handy emergency numbers & info We have received a number of requests from members for an emergency number directory that can be posted in your cottage or home. We were listening to you and have inserted a directory into this issue that includes emergency and other important numbers. It is best posted in a central location that is easy to find and use in the event of emergency. While we are pleased to provide this directory to LOWDPOA members, we’re hoping that this summer is a safe, healthy one with little need to make use of the directory.

Pat Drew to represent LOWDPOA on FOCA Board Congratulations (and thank you) to Pat Drew whose nomination to the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) Board was approved at their AGM in March. A longtime LOWDPOA member, Pat is a former Director and dedicated association volunteer and is stepping into the FOCA Board seat previously occupied by LOWDPOA President, Nancy Salmijarvi. As the largest cottager association in Ontario, LOWDPOA’s voice at the FOCA Board table is a respected one, and we know that LOWDPOA will be well represented by Pat just as it was by Nancy.

Updating your online member profile What you include in your online member profile helps your association better understand who our members are. This can be most valuable when we are planning programs and events. There are a number of ways to update your profile and keep it current.

• Login online at lowdpoa.com with your email and password and make the changes to your profile.

• Fill out the membership form in this magazine and scan/email or mail to us and we will make the changes.

• Contact Linda at info@lowdpoa.com or 807-469-8715, let her know what changes are required and she will update your profile for you.

Metal Waste Collection program recognized by FOCA Each year FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations) awards the FOCA Achievement Award. At the FOCA AGM in March, the Malachi Campers and LOWDPOA were featured collectively as one of the outstanding nominees for this year’s award. The nomination highlighted the Malachi Campers metal waste collection event, which Malachi cottager and former LOWDPOA Director, Lesley Alexander, brought to LOWDPOA. LOWDPOA’s 4th annual Free Metal Waste Collection will be held Saturday, August 11 at Pye’s Landing from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

18 Members - Need to Know Book your LakeSmart visit now!

Looking for your LOWDPOA membership renewal package?

Thanks to the generous support of Woodlake Marine, who provides the LakeSmart boat each summer, the LakeSmart team travels extensively on Lake of the Woods. They also visit a number of other area lakes.

If you haven't received it yet, contact Linda to have your renewal package sent out or fill out the form on page 21.

Spread the word about being more sustainable in our stewardship of land and water.

info@lowdpoa.com | 807-468-8715 | 1-888-265-9784

Share practical knowledge that leads to a healthier lake ecosystem: • Tips for living and playing green at the lake • Information on preventing the spread of invasive species • Suggestions on ‘good’ plants to grow on shorelines • Shoreline buffer zones, • Checklist for healthy, safe septic systems We’re looking for spots to drop anchor.

Interested in having the team visit your property, attend your event or visit your lake?

Call 807-468-8715 or email info@lowdpoa.com.

Share your passion for lake life...

with a LOWDPOA gift membership!

Easy to order! Login online at lowdpoa.com or call 1-888-265-9784.

th F Mo e Co ind u nd ttag s a ay, e S t Ma ho y 7 w! th

You can also order by mail. See page 15 for details, or contact info@lowdpoa.com or (807) 468-8715.

Mark your calendars! See you this summer!

1st Annual Father/ Daughter Ball

Q-Munity BBQ & Teddy Bear Picnic

Friday, June 22nd

Saturday, June 23rd

22nd Annual

Saturday, July 7th

21 Sylvan Street West | (807) 468-9861 x2469

13th Annual

MNP/LWDHF Charity Golf Classic

Lifesavers Dinner & Auction

Thursday, July 19th

Saturday, August 11th

lwdhf@lwdh.on.ca | www.lwdhf.com

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Members - Need to Know 19 Every summer dozens of activities take place on and around our lakes and rivers, from Morson to Minaki, Ingolf to the Winnipeg River, Sioux Narrow-Nestor Falls to Kenora and all points in between. There is a ton of fun going on in area lake communities that we usually hear about after the fact.

We would like to be able to talk up your events and programs before they take place so we can help spread the word and maybe even share your good ideas with others. Keep us informed and let us help you keep others informed. Contact Diane Schwartz-Williams at 807-543-4287 or info@lowdpoa.com.

What's Happening on Your Lake The Laclu Campers Association has quite the summer planned to celebrate their 100th anniversary. They will kick off the celebration with their PUFF Annual Pancake Breakfast on May 19. Plans for a homecoming dance, fireworks, boat parade, cabin tour, regatta and a season ender barbecue are coming together thanks to the efforts of a hard working group of volunteers. For more information on the celebration or to learn how to get involved, visit the Laclu Campers Association website laclucampersassociation.com or their Facebook page.

The Zig Zag Yacht Club is lining up their summer calendar of events and it all begins on June 30 at the ZZYC Welcome Reception (4 - 6 p.m.) with fireworks to follow at dusk. As is the case each summer, there are employment opportunities for teenagers and young adults. The club is looking to hire Program Leaders for its Sailing/Sport Camp, Summer Fun and Swimming as well as some part-time staff. Applications will be accepted from members and non-members and will remain open until May 30, 2018, and hiring will begin as soon as April 1. For more information email employment@zzyc.ca.

If you are a Morson cottager, there is still time to share your memories and stories with the Morson History Book Committee. This book is being published to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Morson Township (before amalgamation into the Lake of the Woods Township).

Submissions will be accepted until July 1, 2018 and can be emailed to morsonbook@gmail.com.

So, what’s happening on your lake? Tell us about your event, news and activities and take advantage of the opportunity to make use of the Lake of the Woods Area News, our eNews and social media to help spread the word. Call Diane Schwartz-Williams at 807-543-4287 or email info@lowdpoa.com.

LacLu Cabin Tour LacLu, a small, quiet lake with an amazing history of family and friendship, was pioneered by C.P.R. employee campers who became some of the first owners of cabins on the lake. The LacLu Campers Association was founded in 1918, and one of the many special events to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2018 will be a LacLu Cabin Tour, to be held on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The tour, which will include 10 cabins (some vintage, some new, and each with special features of their own) will be self-guided by car (eight cabins only) or guided from LacLu Landing by pontoon boat. A personal ticket in the form of a guidebook allowing a one-time entry to each cabin will cost $30. The guidebook will include pictures and a short history of each cabin on the tour and a list of sponsors and donors of this event. Tickets are limited and will be available commencing the first week of May at various outlets including Bennett's Marine, LacLu Landing, Sweet Lake of the Woods Chocolate Shop and others to be announced.

As part of the event, artists and crafters will be selling their wares at LacLu Landing.

In addition, there will be a silent auction of a special LacLu Heritage acrylic on canvas painting, donated by Melissa Jean, a nationally LacLu Heritage, 16 x 20 acrylic on recognized artist who paints canvas by Melissa Jean across Canada, on location, and in her Kenora studio.

Her artwork can be found in public and private collections worldwide, and in galleries across Canada.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day at LacLu Landing.

Any questions concerning this event can be directed to the co-chairs, Barb McLean via mcbarb@mymts.net or Joan Thornton via nanapapaarizona@live.com.

New for 2018: Register as a Full Member or a Virtual Member PRINTED MAGAZINE

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Something Amazing Happens When You’re a

Beetles released on Purple Loosestrife

Lake of the Woods District

Property Owner’s Association

Member

2017 LakeSmart team

As a member, you have access to a wealth of information about our region, lake living, healthy shorelines, water levels, highway twinning, hydro, taxation, forestry and more—delivered to you via our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, e-News bulletins and of course 5 issues of our Lake of the Woods Area News now available in both print and digital versions. » Questions or concerns about something happening in our area?

» Looking for information on a topic not covered in our Area News magazine or on www.lowdpoa.com?

Launching the LakeSmart boat

» Ideas, information or suggestions you think we should know about? » Interested in knowing more about the programs we deliver that are made possibly only through your membership support and generous contributions to our Environment Fund?

Just let us know!

Fall 2017 issue of Area News

Spreading the message

10,000 seedlings planted annually

Netting at IISD-ELA

Metal waste collection day

LOGIN to our on-line community where you’re just a few clicks away from additional services and members only benefits.

Contact Linda at 807-468-8715, 1-888-265-9784, or linda@lowdpoa.com to find out more. lowdpoa.com

@lowdpoaLakeTime

@lowdpoa

2017 Cottage Show

CONTACT INFORMATION Name _________________________________________________________

Mail completed form to Box 1160, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X7 or scan and email completed form to linda@lowdpoa.com.

Address _______________________________________________________ City _______________________ State/Prov _________________________

Questions? (807) 468-8715 or 1-888-265-9784

JOIN OR RENEW ONLINE, BY EMAIL, OR MAIL

Country _______________________ Postal/Zip ______________________

Please tell us a little about yourself for your confidential member profile.

What you include here will help us better understand who our members are.

This info will only be used by LOWDPOA and will not be shared.

EMAIL ____________________________________________ YES, email LOWDPOA eNews (updates between issues of Area News) YES, send my renewal notice by email YES, email LOWDKids in the Wild notices and events Please do not print my name in the membership listing in the June issue of Lake of the Woods Area News.

Please tell us how you enjoy the Lake of the Woods area. Check all that apply: Owned my own property in the Lake of the Woods area for ________ years.

Part owner of a shared/family property for ________ years.

Not a property owner; enjoyed Lake of the Woods area for ______ years as a  camper  sailor  renter  other: ______________________ When are you at the lake?  Summer Only  Permanent  Part-time year round Your Age Range (check one):  under 21  21-30  31-40  41-60  61-70  over 70

2018 MEMBERSHIP

NEW

$50 $100

$ ________ $ ________

$42 $84

$ ________ $ ________

Seedlings (see right)

$ ________

Gift membership (see right)

$ ________

Donation Environment Fund Taxation Fund

$ ________ $ ________

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . $ ________

Online: LOGIN to lowdpoa.com/cpages/renew

By Cheque: Please make payable to LOWDPOA.  Mastercard

Name the lake or river (with bay or road if you wish) you would like included with your name in the membership listing (where you own property or where you frequently visit): ___________________________________________

LOWDPOA members planted 10,000 seedlings in 2017 and 300,000 since this program was launched. We’re looking to match 2017’s numbers with your help.

15 seedlings per bundle: # of bundles ____ @ $10 each

$ ________

 Pick-up location (Sat., May 19: 10 am - 12 pm): Clearwater Bay (Firehall) Kenora (The Blue Heron) Minaki (Minaki Marina) Laclu (PUFF Fire Hall) Sioux Narrows (SN Gov’t Dock) Storm Bay Rd. (Firehall)

(New: Pick-ups for Nestor Falls & Morson in Sioux Narrows)

GIFT MEMBERSHIP Full Membership ($50 ea.)

Virtual Membership ($42 ea.)

Name ______________________________________

PAYMENT OPTIONS

 Visa

Please indicate the region in which you spend most of your time in the Lake of the Woods area: Clearwater Bay area Kenora area Minaki area Morson area Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls area Other_________________________________

RED PINE SEEDLINGS

Full Membership (Magazine Mailed) One Year JAN - DEC 2018 Two Year JAN 2018- DEC 2019 Virtual Membership (Digital Magazine) One Year JAN - DEC 2018 Two Year JAN 2018- DEC 2019

Home Phone ____________________________ Cottage Phone ___________________________ Mobile Phone ___________________________

Amount $ ________(Cdn.)

Card # _____________________________________________ Expiry date (month/year) ___________/ ___________ CVC __ __ __ Name on card _____________________________________________

Address ____________________________________ City ______________________ State/Prov. ______ Country _______________ Postal/Zip __________ Email ______________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Please send recipient a gift card with message: _________________________________________ _________________________________________

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

22 Members - Need to Know

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

Read Area News wherever you are!

Access this issue with LIVE WEBLINKS as well as all previous issues since 2016.

Visit lowdpoa.com

Can't log in? Contact LOWDPOA at (807) 468-8715 or 1-888-265-9784

Login Online!

Sign up for eNews Keep up to date on LOWDPOA news & 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.

• • • • • •

• Email linda@lowdpoa.com

• Call 807-468-8715 or 1-888-265-9784 • Login & update your online profile at lowdpoa.com

LOWDPOA WEBSITE UPDATES We are continually updating our website with great resources. Access links to resources such as Boating Safety, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed and much more.

@lowdpoaLakeTime

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?

• • • •

To sign up for eNews:

www.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:

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 If you need assistance to get started

Linda Nelson, linda@lowdpoa.com (807) 468-8715 | 1-888-265-9784

@lowdpoa

@lowdpoa

LakeoftheWoods.net 807-467-2323 or 888-954-2323

carmichaelrealestate@lakeofthewoods.net

“Dedicated to Lakefront Property”

Duncan Carmichael

Real Estate Broker of Record - c: 807-466-2323

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Real Estate Broker - c: 807-466-2236

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

24 News & Notes From time to time our members reach out looking for information or answers to questions about forestry issues. Thanks to the commitment and knowledge of LOWDPOA member and director, Wayne Bruce, and a good working relationship with MNRF, we are able to stay on top of what is happening in our area and provide the info and answers requested.

The Local Citizens’ Committee (LCC) is a volunteer group that has an advising role to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the preparation and implementation of Forest Management Plans within the Kenora District. Wayne sits on this committee and has been a great advocate and valuable resource for LOWDPOA members. Although Wayne is stepping down from the board in May, we are most fortunate and appreciative that he has agreed to continue as LOWDPOA’s representative on the LCC.

Kenora Forest 2018-2019 Annual Work Schedule

by Wayne Bruce The LCC met February 28, 2018. The following is a summary of the planned activities on the Kenora Forest for the 20182019 operating year.

• Harvest: Approx. 3,000 hectares (ha) identified for potential harvest. This includes areas that were not completed last year and areas required for advance road construction for future years.

• Renewal: 383 ha identified for mechanical site preparation. Additional areas may be included in the fall.

• Regeneration: Scheduled to plant approximately 450,000 trees over 477 ha. This will be a combination of jack pine, black spruce and white spruce. Currently 37 ha are identified for aerial seeding, however there may be more area added depending on site assessments.

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• Tending: 452 ha is being identified for potential tending in order to control hardwood competition in established conifer plantations. These potential areas are within the general location of Sand Lake Road and Caution Road.

The identified area will be refined after site assessments have been completed this spring.

• Roads: New construction is planned for the Westway Road (primary road), Norway Road and Talbot Road (branch roads) and operational roads as required. No major road maintenance is planned. However, routine maintenance on haul roads will be conducted.

• All areas harvested four years ago will have an assessment completed to determine if any supplemental treatments are required to meet the regeneration standards within the Forest Management Plan.

• Fire Prevention and Suppression: Operation will follow the “Guidelines for Modifying Forest Operations in Response to Fire Danger and the Forest Fires Prevention Act”. This includes daily calls to check fire “codes” for operating area, restricted hours during high fire indices and fire caches on site to action any fire starts.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

News & Notes 25 LOWDPOA, through their representative to the LCC, has emphasized a number of issues important to LOWDPOA members: • Encouraging no evening work hours and no weekend work in areas near cottages during the summer months while harvesting is in process • Increasing setbacks from areas used by cottagers that are close to planned harvest areas • Limiting road work on roads used by cottagers to times when there would be less cottager traffic • Attention to bird rookeries and other wildlife disturbances that could be affected by harvesting • Fire prevention by harvesters • Replanting • Tending methods that are environmentally sound • Harvest techniques that preserve wildlife • Safety for workers and community members during the harvest process The MNRF and Miitigoog LP (the Sustainable Forest License holder) are very keen to address these issues. They have encouraged community participation in their planning process and are quick to follow up on any concerns expressed by community members.

Kenora Forest and planned forest activities for the 2018-2019 operating year.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

26 News & Notes Planting Trees with the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

Water Levels and Flows

This spring, the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is undertaking a few initiatives that are good for the community, good for the region, great for the lake and great for planet Earth.

Conditions did not look favourable at the Lake of the Woods Control Board’s (LWCB) meeting held in Kenora in October 2017. Lake levels were near the peak 1,060-foot level and the Norman Dam was open to almost to its maximum.

From now until May 2018, the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is partnering with Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association, Beaver Brae Secondary School and St Thomas Aquinas High School in Kenora to plant 5,000 trees. You can help make this project happen! For every 4-pack of Papermaker Czech style pilsner sold until May, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company will plant a tree.

In addition to 'One 4-Pack, One Tree' promotion with LOWDPOA, the owners and staff of the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company are also partnering with the Kenora District Ministry of Natural Resources to plant an additional 10,000 red pine saplings in honour of Earth Day 2018.

The Brewing Company’s commitment to Earth Day, every day underpins their Ditch the Straw campaign to abolish plastic drinking straws that began in 2017. Customers have been happy to forego the single-use plastic straws that persist in the environment for hundreds of years after they are tossed out.

Thanks to the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company's initiative in approaching LOWDPOA and MNRF with great partnership opportunities and local high schools joining us, thousands more seedlings will be planted this spring. Each year LOWDPOA members plant 10,000 seedlings with over 300,000 planted since our seedling program began. This year we will collectively plant 25,000 seedlings, and that is something to celebrate.

by Jack McKenzie

The concern at that time, as it is every year, was getting the lake level down to 1,059 feet prior to the formation of ice. This is a concern as the formation of the ice cover above this elevation and the subsequent winter draw down often causes damage to water front structures— docks and boathouses.

Fortunately, the cold weather held off last fall with the lake remaining ice-free until December. This allowed the lake to decline to around the desired 1,059-foot level by freeze up.

Conditions for the balance of the winter were such that the LWCB was able to draw the lake down to the spring target level of 1,058 feet before the spring melt started.

Hopefully the winter draw down of just one foot did not cause any damage to waterfront structures.

The LWCB held its late winter and spring planning meeting in Kenora on March 6. This is the meeting at which they review what has taken place over the winter and what projections are—an educated guess at best— for the spring melt.

Unfortunately this year, forecasts for the spring by the various government forecasting agencies do not agree for either temperature or precipitation. Ontario Power Generation reported that their data points to higher than normal water content in the snow on the ground.

On the Minnesota side of the area map, reports are that the snowpack is above normal.

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In recent years with similar conditions— with summer lake levels on the high side and Winnipeg River flows at such rates— inflow conditions have exceeded normal summer operating range and caused problems for those downstream of Kenora, although this is not a projection of what to expect this year. Rather, the LWCB pointed out the risk of higher water levels when the current snow conditions are combined with spring and early summer high rain falls.

Hopefully the risk of high water levels and increased river flows will not materialize.

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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2016 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved. 16_90783_N4D_002

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

28 News & Notes

“We’re going to make a big splash!”

by Deb LeMaistre, Chair, Kenora Rotary Splash Park Committee That’s the message from the Rotary Club of Kenora as they actively fundraise to build a splash park in Kenora to hopefully be built in 2018. The opening of the Rotary Splash Park will be part of the club’s celebration of 100 years of Rotary Club of Kenora's service to the community and the world.

The Rotary Club has partnered with the City of Kenora, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) and the Kenora Association for Community Living (KACL).

The Rotary Splash Park will be located in Norman Park, and fully accessible to children of all physical ability levels, giving them access to fun through water play. Use of the splash park will be free of charge to everyone.

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The park theme is “Our Lake”, and will include spray features showcasing life and nature on our lake. The Kenora Rotary Splash Park will be a meeting place for families, and offer a new form of outdoor exercise for children.

The Splash Park is coming to life with the generous support of our community, friends and businesses. Working together we can create a lasting legacy for Kenora and the children that play here.

For more information please go to the “Kenora Rotary Splash Park” Facebook page, kenorarotary.ca or email kenorasplashpark@gmail.com.

Seven generations back is how far we have ventured, to recount this story of the Villeneuve family and their life on the Winnipeg River, near Kenora.

29

The Brick House

THE VILLENEUVE FAMILY:

140 Years on the Winnipeg River

Written By Debra Wingrove History Provided by Don Hendrickson, Randy Villeneuve and Linda Brown

Simon and Marie-Ann e Villeneuve

It was Simon and Marie-Anne Villeneuve of Quebec who, in 1880, built the first house on Villeneuve land—a log cabin, later sided with boards, then raised to two storeys, and fortified with homemade bricks (baked in an outdoor oven). They raised 14 children in what came to be known as the Brick House, and made a living boating, barging, logging and milling, while surviving the challenges and enjoying the blessings of life on the river. You can still see the Brick House (said to be quite haunted) standing on the hill above the Winnipeg River, overlooking the bay. Susan and Fred Penner purchased the Brick House in 2000, and they have restored it to its magnificent glory.

The outdoor brick kiln was used to make ks homemade bric eg ip nn Wi of out River clay.

on Brown’s camp Linda and Jack wer Lo ve eu en e Vill the site of th nnipeg River.

Farm on the Wi

The original homestead, adjacent to Dufresne’s Island, was extensive, stretching from the “Upper Farm” at the south end of Villeneuve Road (their current property), down river to Johnson’s Bay, off Anderson Road.

In the 1920s Simon and Marie-Anne settled the “Lower Farm”, about ten miles down river, beyond Locke Bay. They built a two-storey house that was eventually barged up river to the Upper Farm. They kept animals at the Lower Farm and harvested wood and hay from that location. There was a steam-powered sawmill at the Lower Farm, and its boiler stands on that shore today.

Patrick (Pat) Villeneuve, son of Simon and Marie-Anne, built a home on the Upper Farm for his wife Lucy (of France) and their five children, Celina, Julia, Jean, Joffre and Leo. Pat and Lucy lost their lives on New Year’s Eve 1940, when their house burned to the ground under suspicious circumstances. The foundation of that house became Joffre’s shop, and is still there today.

Joffre (pronounced Joff) and his wife, Iva (“Billie”) Luckett of Tennessee, were my grandparents. They built their home next to that foundation, but their home, too, was destroyed by fire in 1948. Joffre milled wood and constructed a new home for Billie and their five children, Betty Jo, Donald (my dad), Darlene, Randy and Linda. That house is still used by family members today.

Barging the Villeneuve family farmhouse up the river in '59.

A steam boiler that once powered a sawmill still sits at the Lower Farm .

A Family with a Long History on Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River Family ties to the river and the lake go way back in local history. Joffre’s uncle, Pete Villeneuve, was the engineer on the original steam-powered Argyle, on Lake of the Woods. He was instrumental in installing the diesel engine that modernized this fine ferryboat for excursions on the lake. Joffre’s uncle, Edmond Villeneuve was the engineer on the SS Nipigon. Joffre and Billie’s children, and their spouses, either lived on the river, camped on the river, or made a living on the river (and on the “big lake”).

Joffre’s son-in-law, Harold Jeffrey (married Betty Jo), worked for the Department of Transport, Marine Division for many years, managing the navigational systems of the entire Lake of the Woods-Rainy RiverWinnipeg River waterway, including Perry Sound, Red Lake, Minaki, and all the way to Winnipeg. Harold’s parents homesteaded at Locke Bay. He became a master of local waters, able to navigate at night with not a lick of moonlight. “Bette” and Harold owned an island down river, and a refurbished houseboat with a colourful past. Apparently, it had once been a vessel of ill repute, cruising the 49th parallel to avoid being stopped by marine police on either side of the line.

Daughter Linda, and her husband Jack Brown, lived on the Upper Farm, made their summer home on the Lower Farm, ran their self-made houseboat, and operated a docking service on Villeneuve Road.

circa 1940.

Pat, Lucy and Leo Villeneuve

Joffre and Billie Villeneuve on the dock in the 1980s.

The SS Nipigon with a birch canoe in the foreground.

Son Donald, and his wife Shirley—my parents—lived on the Upper Farm at several points in their married life, and enjoyed countless houseboat trips on the beloved SS Villeneuve, a salvaged boat converted by Joffre to a diesel-powered houseboat. Family often gathered aboard the SS Villeneuve, touring down river at 5 miles per hour (4 mph against the current) to Minaki and Big Sand Lake, swimming, tanning, fishing, picnicking, berry picking and lazing about. I recall a wonderful trip with Gran and Grampa, and relatives visiting from Tennessee, including my cousin Gloria. She and I lounged above the wheelhouse listening to Grampa explain how the boat was powered, how to manoeuvre the tricky current, and other little known facts about “running the river”.

Harold Jeffery at his parents’ homestead on Locke Bay in 1914 or 1915.

Masters of Navigating and Industry on the Winnipeg River Boats of all descriptions speckle the Villeneuve past. As a schoolboy, Joffre built his first boat, and as a young teen, during the depression, he built rowboats and sold them for five dollars. Joffre was a “river rat” through and through, able to navigate any section of the deranged waterway on the darkest of nights. He liked to tell the story of the race between his steamboat and Joe Garrow’s steamboat.

To ensure his win, he dove down and tied a potato sack over Joe’s propeller, causing the old boat to work far too hard, and ultimately, to lose the race.

Jack Brown ’s self-mad e houseboat , moving t heir camp to th e Lower Fa rm.

Navigating parts of the Winnipeg River was especially treacherous back in Joffre’s day. The strong whirling current could easily capsize a small boat. It was often impossible to navigate the Dalles rapids before the Dalles channel was excavated. According to family reports, one man would have to walk along the shore ahead of the boat to determine where the deadly whirlpool was situated, then guide the boat around it. Sadly, Joffre’s cousin, Everett Villeneuve, lost his life in that very whirlpool.

In early days there was precious little time for recreation on the river. There was swimming and fishing of course, but the river was more a transportation route supporting the family’s livelihood. Steamboats and barges were the first wave of industry for the Villeneuves, who hauled log booms up river, to the Upper Farm, where the logs were then milled, or barged to Rideout Bay to be sold.

Joffre and Billie with th e Hendrickson family, boardi ng the SS Villeneu ve in the 1980s.

The SS Villeneuve.

Joffre’s steamboat tug was called Snuffy. Later he had a gaspowered tugboat called the Mudpout, to move the barges. The barge business was a key part of Villeneuve industry for many years, moving cattle, equipment and supplies down river to Minaki and to camps along the way.

Family members recall how difficult it could be to run barges on the Winnipeg River. The barge crew would use pike poles, pushing against the rock, to help move the barges up the river, against the current. When the current was especially strong, the tugboat would have to tow the barge, rather than push it alongside, or two boats would be used, one along each side of the barge, to make it through the current.

In the fifties, Pat Villeneuve’s old barge was partially submerged in the bay at the Upper Farm. The bow and the gunwales remained above the waterline and served as a swim dock for Joffre and Billie’s children.

Grampa Joffre as a young boy, wi th his parents.

This was the first boat he had ever bu ilt.

The Villeneuve sawmill was another important operation for the third-generation river folk. Living on the river made it easier to bring logs to the family mill. The old sawmill had been barged up from the Lower Farm, and located in a sheltered bay on Villeneuve land, at Halverson’s, who were also part of the Villeneuve clan. The mechanism for operating the mill was ingenious. It was powered by a V-8 motor, with small gage railway tracks running into the river, ending at a submerged rail cart, used to ferry 16-foot logs from the river to the mill. In the forties and fifties, three men and a small boy (Randy Villeneuve) sawed 3,000 board feet a day. Randy’s job was to sit on the rail cart and manoeuvre the logs onto the cart—a big job for a little fella.

Joffre Villeneuve’s barge and steamboat in 1942.

Joffre Villeneuve with a fine fish.

Joffre built this barge and later sold it to Ontario Hydro.

Joffre Villeneuve: A Masterful Mechanic and Teacher Exemplifying the Villeneuve spirit of ingenuity and endless enterprise, Joffre built boats, barges, a sawmill, a shingle mill, a welder for aluminum, a tractor, and a floatplane. (He got his pilot’s license at age 48.) He built an airboat, aka “windjammer”, to traverse open water and ice in winter. He invented a snowmobile called the Snow Bee, long before Skidoos were available, but abandoned the project, because “it leaned over in deep snow”.

Joffre’s self-taught skills for welding, sheet metal, and all things mechanical or electrical served him well, as a mostly self-employed man of industry. (He did work for the paper mill for a while, operating the tugboat, aka the “gator”). Local men often came to Joffre to find solutions for mechanical problems. He was, by all accounts, a willing teacher to many people.

Joffre frequently manufactured bearings for a boat called the Iris H, when Bud Hatch operated it as a tourist boat. (The Iris H was formerly a commercial fishing vessel). Her babbit bearings seized up on a regular basis, and Joffre would cast a new set of bearings overnight, so the Iris H could make her run to Minaki the next day.

Doug Reeves (l eft) and Joffre operating the family sh ingle mill.

The Villeneuve family has a rich history of legacy and legend on the Winnipeg River, one of hard work, self-sufficiency and varied commerce. For almost 140 years these industrious people have engaged in self-sustaining endeavours, including spinning wool, growing and selling food, harvesting wood for steamboats, woodstoves, and for market, hunting, trapping and fishing, and conducting business along the mighty Winnipeg River. To them, the river was not an idle place for play and pleasure, as it is for many of us today. It was an ally, asset, and adventure, in every sense of the word. AN

(airboat).

Joffre built a windjammer

Joffre operating the sawmi ll.

Marie-Anne Villeneuve spinning.

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In our lake world, we might get by with iffy internet and cell phone service. We even put in solar energy rather than a power line. But no road? That’s where most of us draw the line, but some cottagers thrive on

Once the road was in, shortening the travel time from Winnipeg to Minaki, they could pick and choose their times more appropriately and avoid the worst of the weather. Now it is even better because he and his wife, Shirley, are retired. If the weather is bad, they have the luxury of just waiting it out.

that detachment and the challenges it presents.

PEACE AND QUIET REIGNS

“That is all most of us in Minaki area have ever known,” said Garry Bolton, estimating that 80 per cent of cottage properties in the Minaki area are boat access only. A real estate agent in Kenora guessed that on Lake of the Woods about 25 per cent of cottages have only water access.

Bolton has never considered moving to a road access property, not only because he honours the family history, but also because of the advantages of his road-free cottage style. His list of pros includes: more solitude and quiet; fewer drive-up, drop-in visitors; more of a true cottage experience; reduced capital costs if one is buying and, for emphasis, “Repeat 1”, solitude and quiet.

“It’s not for everyone,” said Bolton, an island cottager.

He has a unique perspective on this challenging cottage experience. He was born into it. Four generations of his family have lived through the evolution of cottage lifestyle in Minaki.

The Bolton's cottage is on Big Island, a 260-acre island in Gunn Lake with six cottages. His family cottage was built in 1914. He has spent all of his 69 summers there.

“I was five months old the first time I was on the island.”

Bolton remembers a time before the road to Minaki was built in 1961. The Canadian National Railway provided the Campers’ Special from Winnipeg. The train schedule dictated life at the cottage and challenged cottagers’ boating skills.

“Once you were plunked down on the platform in any and all kinds of weather, the boat trip was what it was.”

Well-honed boating skills were a necessity.

35

You don’t have to be born into the water access only cottage life to appreciate that particular point of the experience.

When Jennifer O’Connor and her husband Patrick of Winnipeg bought their place on Hay Island 20 years ago, they were new to island living. The lower price of their Hay Island property gave them more land and waterfront for less investment, but the price was secondary. Privacy was their number one requirement. It was a happy consequence that privacy came at a discount. The couple even gave up their plans for a log home when they bought the adjacent property to protect their privacy.

“We look out onto nothing but wilderness and there is a lot of land between us and our island neighbours.” As well, there is less traffic and fewer visitors. “You have to really want to be here to make the effort to come out to where we are.”

For the past four summers, Jon Wilder, his wife Kylie, and their sons Ross and Max, have enjoyed watching sunsets from their cottage on Channel Island. Unlike the Boltons or the O’Connors, the Wilders were not looking for privacy and solitude when they bought their cottage—quite the opposite.

They were looking for a cottage experience that was close to Kenora's services and close to friends in the area.

Road Not Required

by Elsie Neufeld

36 Opting for an island property, they could have these at an affordable price. Both of them had previous Lake of the Woods experience, so boating was not a deterrent. Jon grew up at Winnipeg Beach but his best friend’s family cottage, near Ptarmigan Bay, included a 30-minute boat ride. Plus, he spent his teenage summers at the B’nai Brith summer camp on Town Island. Kylie’s lake experience came at her family cottage on Storm Bay. “Getting into the boat every Friday evening never did deter us and we feel that the lake weekend starts once we arrive at the marina, as opposed to camp,” Wilder explained. “We have found over the past four summers that keeping things simple makes the weekend go smooth and fun.”

While solitude and nature were not the Wilders priorities when they decided to buy their island property, they seem to have found their appreciation for these qualities.

“The ultimate pleasure, however, is a feeling of being in nature and truly experiencing the beauty of Lake of the Woods. We all feel it just feels right being on the water. It removes you just a little bit further from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

For the O’Connors on Hay Island, their first years involved adapting and learning. Getting used to cottage life without road access takes time and an ability to adapt, which the O’Connors seem to find rewarding. In the beginning, when they didn’t know the area and weren’t experienced boaters, everything took a lot of forethought and planning. If they forgot something, the boat ride to town intimidated them.

Their lack of experience made them feel isolated.

On the O'Connor dock

While the cottagers on Hay Island respect each other’s privacy, they are also a community that comes together to help each other. “Being surrounded by islanders, we share some basic values. You pitch in and help your neighbours.”

O’Connor described building projects where neighbours shared their materials, time, food and labour. With the inconvenience of going to town for that missing piece, they get inventive to solve problems.

“You can be creative. We love it.”

HAULING, GOOD GRIEF, MORE HAULING Each of these families find the challenges and rewards a wee bit different, but one disadvantage they all mentioned is hauling gear and supplies.

“As our boating skills and knowledge of the lake have increased, our feeling of isolation has decreased,” said O’Connor. Now they don’t think twice about boating 25 minutes to Kenora.

Everything needed for a weekend, week or month must be carried from the car to the boat and loaded, transported, then carried again from the boat to the cottage in all kinds of weather. Then there is the return trip.

“Honestly, most of the challenges are joys,” she stated.

While hauling groceries and other provisions for a weekend is bad enough, the greatest challenge is when it comes to getting larger deliveries.

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“My number one challenge is getting large supplies to the cottage, like lumber,” said Wilder. This challenge is further complicated because of the current that flows around Channel Island making an ice road impossible.

The O’Connors, on the other hand, have an ice road during the winter. With planning, they can help defer the costs and awkwardness of transporting building supplies by accomplishing these tasks during the winter.

37

WITH THE REWARDS COME THE CHALLENGES Hauling stuff is one disadvantage to no roads but there are others including the lack of emergency services, the dictates of weather and seasons, the cost of construction and maintenance, and the lack of internet, phone, and power.

Emergency services—fire, ambulance and police—are far away and hindered by weather. Both Boltons and O’Connors witnessed fires on their islands. “Cottages burn down on the mainland, too,” rationalized O’Connor.

For Bolton, his most frightening experience related to the cottage wasn’t a dark and stormy night in a boat, but one day in August in the 1960s. A neighbour’s cottage caught fire and the flames were fanned by a strong south wind towards his family’s cottage. They had ten minutes to evacuate to safety. The speed at which everything happened and the quick decisions about what to take and leave left a strong impression.

the supplies you need,” said Wilder. Over time water access only cottagers become very proficient lake boaters.

Weather and seasons dictate when you can or can’t get to your cottage. Bolton flipped this into an advantage, noting the benefits of becoming an amateur meteorologist.

While some properties have ice roads during the winter, all properties are essentially inaccessible during freeze up and ice out, unless you have access to a hovercraft.

There may be no electricity, cell phone or internet signal.

The O’Connors dug a trench to bring power to their camp. Boltons have high speed internet, a landline and cell service. Wilders have no TV or Internet, but the cell phone service is good enough that they sometimes use the cell phone as a hot spot to watch Netflix. The O’Connors installed a cellular booster at their cottage, with the help of a handy neighbour, and now have good cell service in their screen porch, not in the cottage. They have no TV and so do not stream anything but the cellular service lets Jennifer work from the cottage.

The cost of building, renovating and maintaining water access only property is higher because of the cost of transporting materials and qualified workers to the property. This disadvantage helped these cottagers keep things simple and develop skills as they tackled projects themselves.

Roadless cottagers seem to have a special attitude to the challenges. They see how the disadvantages or challenges improve their cottage experience. They have learned new skills, found confidence in self-sufficiency, developed community and kept their cottage experience simple and quiet.

None of them are longing to find a place with a road anytime soon. Bolton is committed to the family property. Despite the inconvenience of getting building supplies, the Wilders are planning to build a bunkhouse so their boys have more space as they grow. The O’Connors are expecting their island cottage lifestyle to keep them young as they age.

“This is our happy place,” O’Connor said. AN

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The O’Connors ended up keeping their property more rustic with outhouses and composting toilet instead of the involved installation of a septic field.

“We are so happy now that we did not end up building that big log home, as the simple way that we live out here is a huge part of why this is our happiest place.”

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

38 Basin News

Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation Watershed Forum RECORD ATTENDANCE OF 170 WITH PARTICIPATION FROM 73 ORGANIZATIONS Lake of the Woods and its watershed went under the microscope at the 2018 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum, March 7-8 in International Falls, Minnesota. The auditorium was jam-packed with 170 researchers, resource managers and policy makers—a record attendance! Participants reflected a broad range of interests and involvement in the watershed, representing 73 organizations, including local governments, soil and water conservation districts, provincial and state governments, federal governments, U.S. Tribes, Canadian First Nations, the International Joint Commission, industry, non-governmental organizations, universities, undergraduate and graduate students, and citizens interested in the future health of our watershed.

Dr. Brenda Hann, U. Manitoba, presents to a near-capacity crowd, providing details on hotspots of the invasive spiny water flea in Lake of the Woods and the threat they may pose to our lakes.

Research topics included studies on blue-green algae blooms, flora and fauna, fish and fisheries management binationally, remote sensing, beaver ecology and invasive species research and monitoring.

A session was dedicated to presentations on the $5.5 million science program underway on Lake of the Woods by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Of note were: • Dr. Reza Valipour, who presented progress on developing linked computer models of the watershed and the lake and its response to various nutrient management scenarios. When completed, this can be used to propose nutrient management objectives and targets in the future.

• Dr. Caren Binding, who detailed her work to develop satellite remote sensing systems to monitor the extent, severity and type of algae blooms, which will be used to develop indicators and tools to assess the lake’s health, to develop ecosystem objectives, and to measure the lake’s response to nutrient reduction efforts.

Dr. Reza Valipour (ECCC) presents preliminary results of a water circulation model for Lake of the Woods that can be used to propose nutrient objectives in the future.

FORUM PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON CANADIAN AND AMERICAN RESEARCH This year’s forum featured a two-day symposium and an evening poster session, together totalling 35 presentations.

Unfortunately, the planned panel discussion on policy needs, “Moving from Science to Action”, did not take place as several panelists were snowed-in at the Minneapolis airport.

Nevertheless, the schedule was full and there was far too much presented to cover in a brief Area News article—but for those interested in more detail, the Proceedings Report is available at lowwsf.com/forum-proceedings.

Dr. Caren Binding (ECCC) shows progression of algae blooms in 2017 from satellite tracking system under development.

• Dr. Arthur Zastepa, who presented details of work underway to assess the factors driving algae blooms and algae toxin production on Lake of the Woods, including assessing the distribution of algae and toxins across the lakes, the contribution of legacy phosphorus from the lake bottom vs. current sources, as well as determining the contributions of deep-living algae to seasonal surface blooms.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency presented its draft target reduction numbers for sources of phosphorus pollution to the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Basin News 39 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. The Watershed Forum is a key part of delivering our vision.

This is the result of Minnesota declaring the U.S. portion of Lake of the Woods as an “impaired water” which kicked off a multi-year project to reduce phosphorus loads so that Lake of the Woods comes back within Minnesota’s water quality standards for phosphorus and algae.

Clare Nelligan, Queens University PhD candidate, delivered the Deborah Battigelli Memorial presentation on her research using historical cores of the lake bottom sediments and monitoring data to identify how and why conditions and habitat for lake trout have changed over time in Lake of the Woods and other Ontario lakes. Clare was the recipient of the 2018 Deborah Battigelli Memorial Award, a fund at the foundation established by the family of the late Deborah Battigelli, which supports post-graduate students to present their research at the forum.

There was also a major session featuring current research and joint fishery management initiatives between Ontario and Minnesota, including highlights from the recently released Ontario-Minnesota Boundary Waters Fisheries Atlas. Presentations provided a deep-dive into the status of fish stocks and fisheries in Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake by several presenters from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Hon. Bob Nault, MP for Kenora (centre) spoke at the forum about the need to develop strategy and policy to “go to the next level”—from science to actions, along with Minnesota. Pictured with Michael Paterson, IISD-ELA (left) and Jeff Polakoff, Nature Conservancy of Canada. Photo: Ryan Young, office of MP Bob Nault

MP BOB NAULT SPEAKS TO POLICY NEEDS FOR ACTION In his remarks at the forum, the Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, spoke to the importance of the International Joint Commission (IJC) and its Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board to our lake and to us all. He thanked attending Commissioner Richard Moy (IJC U.S. Section) for his years of dedication to our watershed. MP Nault emphasized the importance of Lake of the Woods water quality and affirmed his commitment to working with the Ministers in Ottawa to develop the strategy and policy and next steps to take action with the science that is being completed.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

40 Basin News Foundation Honours Scientists at Forum The foundation presented Kat Rühland, Kevin Peterson and Gail Faveri each with the Kallemeyn Award, recognizing their outstanding professional achievements and contributions to research and resource management in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods basin.

Kevin Peterson, Gail Faveri and Kat Rühland were honoured with the Kallemeyn Award at the Forum, recognizing outstanding professional achievement in research and resource management. Thanks to Bev Clark, a previous award recipient, for yet again carving the fishy awards!

Photo: Ryan Young, Office of MP Bob Nault

For the first time, the selection committee decided to make more than one award this year, recognizing excellence in different aspects of the Kallemeyn Award criteria. The committee decided that a “shoot out” like the end of the Canada-USA Women’s Hockey Olympic Goal medal game was not the way to settle a tie!

The 2018 Kallemeyn Award recognized: • Kat Rühland, of Queens’s University, for over a decade of scientific excellence and collaboration on studies that have significantly advanced our understating of how recent warming has shaped the type of algae blooms that plague Lake of the Woods. Kat has also had an important role as an academic supervisor and mentor of the next generation of graduate student scientists working on Lake of the Woods.

• Kevin Peterson, of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, for excellence in managing and restoring the fish and fisheries of some of the major lakes in our watershed, including Rainy Lake, Namakan Lake and Kabetogama Lake to name just a few. Kevin was also recognized for his leadership in major habitat restoration projects, key roles in fostering inter-agency collaboration and coordination between Minnesota, Ontario, the U.S. National Parks Service and the IJC and for his effectiveness in outreach and engagement with the public in natural resource management.

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• Gail Faveri for her outstanding contributions as an engineer to the water management of the Rainy-Namakan Lakes reservoir system and Lake of the Woods. The selection committed noted among other things, her efforts during the 2014 flood, to meet with affected stakeholders and to incorporate their concerns in decision making to balance extreme conditions and conflicting values across the upstream and downstream waters in the watershed.

With the Kallemeyn Award, the foundation and the international research community at the forum thank Kat, Kevin and Gail for their outstanding professional contributions 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 and natural resources of the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed.

A resounding congratulations and thanks from all of us to Kat, Kevin and Gail! More information on the Kallemeyn Award is available at lowwsf.com/kallemeyn-award.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Basin News 41 Foundation Honours Lake Stewards with Award at Forum The foundation presented the Gerry Wilson Stewardship Award to the White Iron Chain of Lakes Association (WICOLA) for their leadership in civic engagement, outreach, research and partnerships.

WICOLA has fostered strong working partnerships and built trusted relationships between residents, resource users and government agencies that is a model for us all for protecting and managing our shared resources. More information on the Wilson Award is available at lowwsf.com/wilson-award.

Workshop Highlights Public Actions to Protect our Waters

Teresa Sagen, WICOLA president, accepted the award on behalf of the Association On the day prior to the forum, the and all its members who have worked foundation’s Watershed Coordinator for over 25 years to develop and convened a civic engagement workshop for conduct programs in partnership with local organizations from Minnesota and Minnesota’s natural resource agencies Ontario, as part of its ongoing cross-border to fill gaps in monitoring and science communication initiative supported by and engage hundreds of volunteers in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The work to protect the headwaters in the workshop provided a networking opportunity Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed. for those involved in outreach and public Teresa Sagen, President of WICOLA developed and runs an extensive engagement on aquatic invasive species, the White Iron Chain of Lakes Association, accepted the Wilson citizen water quality monitoring water quality protection and monitoring and Stewardship Award on behalf of network and invasive species awareness conservation efforts. Six presentations were WICOLA and its members. and prevention program. They have made, including: participated in septic system inspections • The engagement programs of the Lake of the Woods and developed and distributed water quality testing kits District Property Owners Association, including its and educational materials to engage citizens, the tourism LakeSmart education, tree-seedling planting, metal waste industry and governments to work together towards clean collection, and storm drain stencilling. water and ecological protection goals. Through the years,

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42 Basin News • The Resort Ambassador Program of the North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District, whereby resort owners take an active role in inspecting watercraft for invasive species.

• Importance of partnerships in rehabilitation and remediation projects, presented by Diana McGhee of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Others who joined the workshop included staff of Minnesota county Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Rainy River Stewardship Council, Heart of the Continent Partnership, Voyageurs National Park Association, White Iron Chain of Lakes Association and, the opening guest speaker, Barb Radke, retired Associate Extension Professor with the University of Minnesota, with a primer on civic engagement.

At the end of the session, the group agreed that there is huge value in sessions such as this and that next year, at the 2019 forum, it should be longer and bigger! To get involved or for more information, please contact the International Watershed Coordinator, Kelli Saunders, at ksaunders@lowwsf.com.

Thanks to Our Supporters

A big "thank you" to all who have invested in the future of Lake of the Woods by donating to the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation or by helping us at public meetings. Your gifts and support are helping to develop a sustainability plan for our lake. A key element will be standards and reduction targets for phosphorus, responsible for the algae blooms.

Support of lake families and firms has been instrumental to success for Lake of the Woods—it has really made a difference. Lake of the Woods is now an international priority and the building blocks of a sustainability plan are being put in place with: • An international water quality board established through the International Joint Commission

Volunteers install vertical willow bundles as bioengineered streambank protection on Maryjane Creek, Manitoba. “Read the Stream” event was a partnership of Pembina Valley Conservation District, Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Plant Materials Centre. (Photo credit: D. McGhee)

As science nears completion, it is time to put a plan in place to move from science to action. Over the coming year, we will continue efforts to ensure that scientific knowledge leads to bi-nationally coordinated policy and management actions, including international water quality objectives and nutrient targets and an ongoing oversight role for the International Joint Commission.

How You Can Help

• Research nearing completion required to solve the phosphorus and algae problems

Your continued help will ensure that we maintain the momentum for our lake. Sign up at the foundation’s website to show your support and receive our email updates.

• An action plan to address phosphorus loading to combat algae blooms coming this spring from Minnesota.

Please consider making a donation to the foundation.

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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 2018

44 Wildlife & Wilderness

Brewed Awakenings Save Our Birds

by Dave Schwartz There are few pleasures equal to drinking in the incredible beauty of our natural world. Nowhere is that beauty more enjoyable than at the lake, especially when you are savouring the view of the lake and forest with a delicious cup of coffee in your hand. The background music that adds to the magic of this delightful experience is provided by nature herself. The air is filled with the beautiful sound of birdsong… or at least it should be. Sadly, with every year that goes by, that birdsong is diminished from the year before. Your choice of coffee can make a difference. Wake up and help to save our birds.

Many of the birds whose songs and beauty so enhance that wonderful summer experience are neotropical migratories. They come here in breeding season but the remainder of their year is spent in the tropics or in transit.

Their continued survival is dependent on the existence of quality habitat here, in the tropics, and at sufficient locations in between where they can rest and refuel during their long migration.

These avian seasonal residents are an essential component of our ecosystem, therefore ensuring their survival is a critical part of stewardship of our environment. That means we must try to ensure that bird habitat is protected in the faraway tropical wintering areas of Central and South America, just as here at home.

As more and more land in those tropical areas is converted from forest to agriculture, there is less and less winter habitat for forest-dwelling migratory birds. Traditional coffee farms provide much of the remaining habitat for migratory birds.

A tour guide poses in a sun coffee plantation near Da Lat, Vietnam. Virgin forest had been recently cleared to make way for this ecological desert.

Traditional coffee farms consist of an understory of coffee bushes, a middle layer of fruit trees, and a canopy of tall hardwoods. These plantations provide excellent bird habitat for wintering songbirds, as well as local non-migratory bird species. Coffee grown in this type of plantation is rightly

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Wildlife & Wilderness 45

Shade coffee in Reserva Silvestre Privada El Jaguar, Nicaragua

Shade coffee near Finca Esparanza Verde (Green Hope Farm), Nicaragua

referred to as shade-grown, or simply shade coffee.

may qualify as a brewed awakening.

A few decades ago, the only known coffee was arabica, which could only be grown in a shaded environment.

Since then, strains of arabica that will grow in full sun have been developed. Also, another species of coffee, robusta, which requires full sun, was discovered. Because of these recent changes in coffee production, shade coffee plantations are a threatened habitat. A lot of coffee is now grown with no shade canopy at all. These modernized or “sun” coffee plantations result in a drastic decline in the diversity and number of birds that the plantation will support. Demand for shade coffee helps to ensure the survival of shade coffee farms and the habitat they provide. When the coffee in your cup comes from this type of coffee farm you are helping to preserve our wonderful natural world even as you are drinking it all in. The discovery that the right choice of your morning wake-up can help protect such a valuable part of nature

You will pay a premium for your shade coffee but will be rewarded by the great flavour and the feeling that you are doing the right thing. However, you will want to make sure that it really is beneficial to birds. It’s difficult as a consumer to ensure that you are not being ripped off as there is no established set of standards, nor an established certification body for shade, or bird-friendly coffee. That makes it tricky to make sure your coffee purchases support our feathered friends. One possibility is to locate coffee from trustworthy coffee roasters who buy raw coffee beans that are grown in a bird-friendly manner. You need to be sure that they are as diligent as possible in sourcing coffee from farms that really do preserve good bird habitat.

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There are different classifications of coffee that relate to their stewardship of songbird habitat. These include “birdfriendly”, “shade-grown” and “organic”. Buying the right coffee might require some research to determine which

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

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46 Wildlife & Wilderness available coffees will benefit migratory songbirds.

I have toured a number of coffee farms as an ecotourist and am totally sold on the shade concept. Shade-grown coffee plantations can, and usually do, provide habitat for all types of wildlife, especially birds.

However, the quality of a shade-coffee environment can fall in the range from nearly indistinguishable from natural tropical forest to rather poor habitat with only a token amount of overstory. When choosing coffee it can be difficult to know where the green stops and the greenwashing begins. There are no easy answers but the search for a good answer, and a good coffee, can be rewarding in itself. The Audubon Society and the Smithsonian Institute have a wealth of useful information on their websites.

In choosing your coffee, it’s also worth noting that organic coffee is usually shade coffee. It is difficult to grow coffee organically without shade trees. Shade trees protect the understory coffee plants from rain and sun, help maintain soil quality, reduce the need for weeding, and aid in pest control by providing habitat for birds. Organic matter from the shade trees also provides natural mulch, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, reduces erosion, and contributes nutrients to the soil.

Drinking the right coffee can be part of living greener and leave a good taste in your mouth.

Keep our feathered friends coming back and keep our environment healthy. Make sure your coffee is for the birds! AN

A (too) young worker washing a coffee bag in a pristine stream within a shade coffee plantation in Nicaragua.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

48 Wildlife & Wilderness

Ducks and Birds say “Thank you for not feeding us bread!”

by Marianne Nuttall When I came across this sign on social media, it caused me to stop and think. While I knew in the back of my mind that feeding bread to ducks, other birds and animals probably wasn’t good, I hadn’t given it much thought. In the past we have fed bread, crackers, chips to ducks and other birds and thought it was kind of cute to watch them.

I know I am not alone. How many of you have fed ducks, birds and animals and/or watched your children do the same?

So I did a bit of digging on the topic.

Why is bread bad for birds?

Bread and similar products such as crackers, chips, donuts, cereal and popcorn are essentially just junk food. It fills birds up, but it doesn't carry much nutritional value. Just like we humans would suffer from a diet of nothing but candy, too much bread can lead ducks to gain excessive weight yet be malnourished, as well as many other problems.

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In very small amounts, bread might not be immediately harmful to ducks or birds, but consider how many other people might be feeding the same ducks as you. While one family may only feed the ducks once every few months, if there are many others who are feeding the ducks bread far more frequently, the ducks’ diet could be based almost solely on unhealthy bread products.

Some of the problems with feeding ducks and other wildlife…

Grown-up birds that gorge on carbs are more likely to get fat and sick. It makes it harder for them to fly and otherwise evade predators. Bread products, in particular, can ferment or swell in birds’ digestive tracts, causing serious harm. It can also lead to other serious problems.

A high-calorie, low-nutrient diet can cause waterfowl to develop a condition known as "angel wing", an incurable wing deformity that usually renders birds flightless.

Ducklings and other young birds require a varied diet and plenty of natural plants and insect proteins to mature properly. If ducklings are regularly fed bread, they will not receive the right nutrition for proper growth and development. That means pretty much the same thing it means for humans: baby birds are more likely to end up malnourished, without the plant nutrients they need to grow properly. Also, because ducks will eagerly seek out an easy food source, ducklings fed bread will not learn to

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Wildlife & Wilderness 49 forage for natural foods as easily or independently of human hand-outs. When birds become accustomed to handouts, they lose their natural fear of humans and may become aggressive in order to get more food.

Their loss of fear can also cause other dangers, such as a willingness to cross busy roads in order to reach picnickers and other likely sources of food.

Uneaten bread can actually be a concentrated point source of pollution in the water, too. When too much bread is offered to ducks, not all of it will be eaten.

Soggy, uneaten bread is unsightly and rotting bread can create noxious odours as well as lead to greater algae growth that can clog waterways and crowd out more desirable plants. This concentrated source of pollution fuels the growth of algae and bacteria that can eventually harm fish, amphibians, crustaceans and other life in the vicinity, making good food sources even scarcer.

Feeding bread to ducks can also increase the spread of diseases in two ways. First, a carbohydrate-rich diet leads to greater defecation, and bird feces easily harbour bacteria responsible for numerous diseases, including avian botulism. Second, mouldy bread can cause aspergillosis, a fatal lung infection that can decimate entire duck and waterfowl flocks.

So can I feed ducks at all?

In a perfect world wild ducks and other birds and animals can live longer, healthier lives by eating natural foods such as aquatic plants, seeds, grasses and insects rather than taking handouts from humans.

If you still want to feed the ducks on occasion—which can be fun— there are plenty of leftovers that you can feed the ducks and other birds. Good foods to feed ducks include: • Grapes (cut in half to prevent choking) • Lettuce, cabbage and other greens (broccoli, beans) • Cracked corn, barley, oats, birdseed or other grains • Frozen peas or corn kernels (defrosted first, but no need to cook) • Seeds, oats, and rice • Duck feed pellets available from farm supply stores • Dry cat food or dog food In addition to breads and obvious junk foods, the only things to avoid at all costs are avocados, onions, citrus, nuts, chocolate and popcorn—all of which are toxic or hazardous to birds.

Instead of feeding stale bread to the ducks, save it for yourself and make bread pudding or croutons! AN

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

50 Wildlife & Wilderness

Big Bad Wolf: Myth or Reality?

by Henry & Anita Rasmussen

Recently we came upon a rather gruesome sight down at Razberry Lane. A deer had been killed and the evidence pointed to the usual suspect, a wolf (Canis lupis). As subsequent trail-camera footage would show, the deer had been taken down by a pair of wolves who spent most of the night feasting on their prey. By morning, all that was left was the hide.

There is something atavistic about wolf lore, no doubt coloured by the stories we were reared on as children.

Who will ever forget the travails of Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs, and other staples of our generation’s bedtime rituals? These tales were added to and embellished over the years by a number of hair-raising tales wherein the wolf was usually the villain. Along with a healthy respect for wildlife in general, a life-long fear of wolves was instilled and ingrained in our very hearts and souls. To this day, a surprising number of people still attribute gratuitous cruelty and horrible traits to the entire species.

It wasn’t until we viewed Never Cry Wolf, a film loosely based on the writings and adventures of Canadian author Farley Mowat, that we began to see the creature in a different light. The wolf pack captured by the film crew’s cameras was shown living a communal existence in family groups that cared for the young. Every member of the pack had its role to play and a well-ordered pecking order ensured that discipline was maintained. Could this be the big bad wolf of countless fairy tales? We were left with the impression of a wild and noble creature, living harmoniously with nature. Far from inherently evil, it seemed to fill a specific role, intent on the survival and preservation of its own kind.

True, the wolf, like many others in the wild, is a major predator. Rabbits, deer, mice, moose, caribou and antelopes—all are fair game. This in itself is not unusual.

Other carnivorous animals like the fox, coyote, cougar, bear, lynx, weasel, badger and wolverine live by hunting others.

But few are regarded as negatively as Canis lupus.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

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Wildlife & Wilderness 51 The wolf’s bad press goes back a long way. One enduring Russian legend tells of severe winters when wolves pursued travelers over the deep snow of the frozen steppes.

Apparently, the weakest and most expendable passenger was sometimes tossed out to keep the pack occupied while the horse-drawn sleigh made its escape.

We’ve all known experienced hunters who admit to being spooked by a wolf pack following them in the forest at a distance. And the sound of a wolf’s howl in the night has the power to strike a chill in the boldest of us. Yet biologists maintain that there are few, if any, credible documented instances of wolves actually attacking human beings. Which begs the question: how much wolf lore is based on reality and how much on mythology?

Like other carnivorous animals, the wolf will hunt easier prey like cattle and sheep whenever the opportunity presents itself. This has proved disastrous to its species as humans encroached into wolf territory. Settlers, ranchers and farmers began to wage war on the wolf early on, with a view to eliminating the entire species if possible. The result very nearly wiped out the entire wolf population in North America as shooting, poisoning, and trapping them was encouraged and even legislated.

Seen as a threat to wild herds as well as to domesticated stock, a bounty was often paid for every wolf killed.

By 1935 there were only two wolves left in Yellowstone Park. It would take seven decades for this situation to be addressed, and controversy continues to rage unabated between wolf haters and conservationist groups to this day.

When left undisturbed in the wild, the wolf’s presence is crucial in maintaining a proper balance in the animal world. As packs follow the caribou, for instance, they pick off the old, diseased and weak, thus ensuring the general health of the herd. Whenever humans, the greatest of all predators, arrive on the scene however, things change drastically. Over the years, successive waves of human habitation overran and destroyed the wolf’s natural habitat in much of North America. Wolf packs were decimated often with unintended results, like overgrazing from growing herds of ungulates.

Gradually, the wolf’s importance to the balance of nature was recognized and efforts to re-introduce the wolf to the American West began. In 1995, 14 wolves were transported successfully from Alberta to Yellowstone National Park in the states of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Since then, the willow and aspen growth that had

been decimated by uncontrolled elk herds in the absence of predators, has recovered to some degree. Overgrazing had also contributed to the decline of both beavers and the marshes that support small animals, birds and plants.

Since the return of the wolf, beaver, fox and songbird numbers have risen in Yellowstone. Not all of the scientific community credits this recovery to the re-introduction of the wolf. Some argue that a real balance has been restored; others see it as a more complex issue influenced by human management, climate and other factors. On both sides of the argument, there is general agreement that wolves generate much emotional reaction. While environmental conservationists continue to fight for the survival of the wolf, many ranchers remain steadfast in opposition to their re-introduction. Managing ecosystems thus remains a real challenge for the future.

Our own encounters with the wolf have been rare and at a cautious distance. The recent deer kill on our property has brought home the fact that an urban deer population is certain to attract predators within city limits. As long as there is an abundant food supply, wolves will be a fact of life here. The sight of a deer kill leaves us torn. While not a pleasant thing to observe, it is a stark fact of nature.

Predators do what they are born and programmed to do in order to survive. They cannot be blamed for that.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

52 Wildlife & Wilderness If the wolf is allowed to survive, it will probably always be a subject of fascination, both as the ancestor of our domesticated pets and the subject of enduring cautionary tales. As residents of this part of northwestern Ontario, most of us will experience a wolf call echoing through the stillness some winter night. This can be both thrilling and frightening at the same time. We have a family member who delights in “calling up” wolves. His howls are so realistic that wolf packs have been known to answer him on more

than one occasion. Venturing out in the forest with this individual can be a little nerve-racking for the rest of us who continue to view wolves with a deep respect, tinged with a dash of good old-fashioned fear.

The myth of “The Big Bad Wolf” remains alive and well. AN

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Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World

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The Wolf: The Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species

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SPRING 2018

54 Wildlife & Wilderness

A Truly Pleasant Misery

by Dave Schwartz Every once in a while I just have to get away from it all. I grow weary of the constant comfort and convenience of modern life and crave relief from soft beds, central heating and cooling, elevators, hot showers, mud-free, flat and level sidewalks, and delicious food served at a real table while I’m seated on a real chair.

I can escape the cloying comfort of modern existence by going camping. Camping provides a truly fine and pleasant misery while I reconnect with the natural world and experience the hardships of my forebears.

Camping comes in varying levels of deprivation and discomfort. At the entry level is the recreational vehicle (RV) or travel trailer in which all the comforts and conveniences of home accompany the “campers” as they are powered along from campground to campground by releasing the energy of stored sunshine. The level of sacrifice is minuscule in these contrivances and has no legitimate claim to association with true camping misery. In my view, anything that requires a gas generator isn’t camping.

These motorized comfy-campers may not have to endure the rigours of camping but they do manage to ruin the experience of camping purists and nature lovers with the semi-muffled chugs of their gas generators drowning out the sounds of nature and with the flickering light of their large screen TVs ruining the view of the night sky. It causes me to wonder if they are watching nature shows to complete their reconnection with nature at the national park.

To experience misery worthy of the title, my wife, Trish, and I camp in a tent. At the beginner level of tenting discomfort, we would travel to a campground by car. Unfortunately,

the vehicle begs for the inclusion of creature comforts, preventing a credible degree of misery. For example, a camp stove would cheat us out the experience of cooking over an open fire, pungent smoke wafting into ours eyes and noses causing stinging tear-filled eyes and violent fits of coughing. Similarly, taking along an airbed would cause us to miss the therapeutic pain of Mother Earth, unhampered by an adequate mattress, jabbing at us viciously with roots and rocks as we’re being kept awake all night by the sounds of our surroundings. These night noises, undiminished by rigid walls and windows include, but are certainly not limited to, the inane ravings of drunken revelry in the neighbouring campsites or the ominous snuffling of bears. To bears, humans in sleeping bags are Mother Nature’s own soft tacos.

Rising at dawn, usually because I can’t stand lying awake any longer, I emerge from the tent to savour the glory of the breaking day. This is popularly known as getting up to take a leak and is usually accompanied by a furious onslaught of biting insects waiting in ambush to exsanguinate me. Of course, whatever the level of tenting discomfort, there’s also the possibility of having to emerge from the tent in a driving rainstorm to answer nature's call. From the comfort perspective, the deluge usually keeps the mosquitoes at bay.

Having opted for a tent, it’s possible to raise the misery index by backpacking or paddling into the backcountry where no Winnebago or Airstream dares to tread. Of these, paddling is the lesser intrusion on comfort and sanity because adventurers only have to carry the mountain of gear on the back-breaking portages between lakes or around rapids. The rest of the time it floats blissfully along in the canoe as we flail ourselves to exhaustion on the paddles.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Wildlife & Wilderness 55 Opting instead for a multi-day backpacking trip packs a double whammy on the misery index. Because I have to fit everything in a pack on my back, the mattress gets thinner, the tent more cramped, and the food less palatable. The seemingly interminable daily trudge is broken only by the need to set up camp again and eat some disgusting dried food. Despite my best efforts to restrict the volume and weight of my pack, it will grind me down until the only sign of my passage is that of my butt dragging along the trail.

Of course, the tribulation index can be enhanced by opting for wilderness camping by canoe or backpack. Fortunately, this wards off any phone zombies who might want to tag along, enabled by cell phone service and the possibility of a timely helicopter rescue.

At the pinnacle of discomfort and misery is winter camping.

Tents may be forsaken in favour of snow huts called quinzees. Making and sleeping in one of these winter hovels definitely takes misery to a level that is beyond the scope of this article. One of the special delights of winter camping is a blazing fire around which campers attempt to warm themselves. Around this inferno, one can have the unique discomfort of being too hot and too cold simultaneously.

Only one side at a time can face the fire and will be heated nearly to ignition temperature while the other side freezes.

There’s one comforting aspect of winter camping, though.

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The pinnacle of discomfort and misery: winter camping.

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SPRING 2018

Cottage How-To 57 It’s been a long cold winter and if you’re like most, the anticipation of opening your place for the season is getting stronger by the day. If you’re not a winter camper or cottager and haven't been around since last fall, here is a short list of things to consider when you begin those spring chores on the opening weekend.

Harry the Handyman

by Harry Salmijarvi

Winter arrived pretty early last fall—October 26 to be exact— so if you haven't been to the lake since then you should arrive with a chainsaw or brush axe as you may have to cut or clear trees to get into your place! Many people lost power lines around their places and had damage to the main power stack on their building.

Depending on what tools you leave at your place over winter you’ll also need to have some basic tools to get started.

On arrival, it’s normal to check the exterior of your buildings to see if there’s any obvious damage or if there is anything unusual that could make it dangerous to enter. Once inside you may want to open a few windows to freshen things up.

It can get pretty stale in a closed up cabin over the winter! If you’ve set out rodent baits anywhere on your property make sure to pick them up sooner rather than later. You wouldn't want any curious little people or your pets to find them and accidentally ingest the residual poisons.

Starting up the Water System The first and most important request from my wife was always to get the water running. If your household is like mine here are a few steps to follow to get that precious H2O flowing into your place.

• Turn your main power breaker on if it’s been off for the winter, first ensuring your hot water tank breaker is off. (If it’s on and the element burns out, it’s an easy fix, but a pain when you don't have a replacement with you.)

• Prior to doing anything, inspect all visible lines for signs of damage.

• Check and clean your foot valve.

• If you use a simple filter system, install a new filter.

• Prime your pump.

• Open a cold water tap and close the cold water supply to the hot water heater.

• Again, make sure the hot water heater is off!

• Turn on the pump. It may need to be primed more than once.

• Once the water is flowing, open all cold water taps to purge air out of the system. Don’t be surprised if there is some spitting and noises coming from the pipes.

• Close all your taps and inspect again for possible leaks.

Now it’s time to fill the hot water tank!

• Check the drain on the tank, and if it is open, remember to close it.

• Open a hot water tap somewhere in the house.

• Open the cold water intake to fill the tank. Air will escape from the open hot water tap until the tank is filled.

• Once water is flowing from the open hot water tap the tank is full.

• Now it is safe to turn the power on to the tank and begin heating your water.

• Once again, check everything for leaks.

I’m sure this will just be one of many chores on the opening weekend and I hope it all goes without problems. If you have questions about household problems or issues, please send them in and I’ll try to provide a solution. AN

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

58 Boating

Licensing or Registering Your Boat

by Marianne & Rod Nutall There have recently been changes to some processes for licensing or registering a boat in Canada. Here, we review how to license or register your Canadian pleasure boat.

Licensing your boat The majority of our boats are licensed since it is the simplest option. There have been a few changes to the application process and expiry dates so you may want to see if the changes apply to you. Note: This articles covers recreational boats only. There are different rules for commercial boats (those used for work).

Who needs to license their boat?

• If you operate or keep your boat mostly in Canada, and it is powered by one or more motors adding up to 7.5 KW (10 HP) or more, you must get it licensed— unless you register it.

• You must also license dinghies or tenders you carry aboard or tow behind a larger boat.

• If your boat does not need a pleasure craft license according to regulations (i.e., less than 10 HP engine), you can still choose to get one for safety and security reasons.

What is it?

• A pleasure craft license is a document giving your boat a unique license number that is valid for ten years.

(If you licensed your boat prior to 2011 you may be grandfathered on the expiry date—keep reading).

Why is it needed?

The Pleasure Craft Licensing System allows search and rescue and law enforcement personnel to access information about your boat 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the event of an emergency.

This could mean the difference between life and death!

For example, if a boat is found floating on a lake the enforcement agency will not start a search unless they can determine if a person was in it. If they can contact the owners, they may be able to determine if a person fell out or it may just be that the boat floated away from a dock.

In case of stolen or recovered boats, enforcement personnel can use the system to track down current owners and return the boats to them.

How exactly does a Pleasure Craft License number look like?

• You must display the Pleasure Craft License number on your boat, on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as practical, and where it is easy to see.

• The characters must be block letters, at least 7.5 cm (3”) high and of a colour that contrasts with the background.

• Once you get your pleasure craft license, keep a copy of the document on board.

• The number issued must be shown on the boat.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Boating 59

Is a license a proof of ownership?

The application process and forms can be used to:

• A pleasure craft license does not prove ownership.

• Apply for a new license

• When entering another country, be sure to have proof of ownership for your boat along with its Pleasure Craft License, including documents for dinghies or tenders aboard or towed behind a larger boat.

• Transfer an existing license (when you buy a used boat, it is your responsibility to transfer the Pleasure Craft License)

• Not having the proper documents on board can result in delays or trouble clearing customs, or even a fine.

• Update your license information • Obtain a duplicate license

How can you apply for, or change, a Pleasure Craft License for your boat?

You have three ways to apply for and/or change a Pleasure Craft License, and detailed instructions are available online.

1. Many boat dealers can apply for a new license on your behalf when you purchase a new boat from them. You must sign the necessary approval forms for them to apply on your behalf.

2. You can do an electronic online request. Search on the internet for the “Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System (PCELS)” 3. By mail: Download and print the PDF Application form. Search online for “Pleasure Craft License”. Once completed, it can be mailed to the address on the form.

• Cancel a license You will need some supporting documents to include with your submission, whether you upload the application electronically or mail in a hard copy. These include: • Proof of ownership of the pleasure craft, or a completed declaration under oath. You may use the sample declaration form available online.

• A signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification from each owner whose name is to appear on the pleasure craft license • A current full side-view colour photograph of the pleasure craft.

Cost Currently there is no charge for a pleasure craft license.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

60 Boating

License renewal program (new)

Why should you register your boat?

In past (before 2011) you did not have to renew your boat licence. Transport Canada has provided this update:

Registration gives you some important benefits, including:

• If you were licensed under the old system prior to 2011, you will not have an expiry date on your Pleasure Craft License document. This license will never expire.

• The only time you will have to "update" it is if you've had a change of address, name, changes to the vessel etc. In that case the Pleasure Craft License must be updated.

• Once the license is updated, you will have to renew every 10 years. If there never is a need to update the license because there are no changes to any of the above mentioned factors, then the license remains without an expiry for as long as you own the boat. Once the boat is sold, the new owner’s Pleasure Craft License will come under the 10 year system.”

Remember—keeping your license information current is a good thing! If things go wrong, whether it be someone falling overboard or your boat is stolen, recovered etc., the right people can contact you.

Vessel Registration You may wonder why some larger boats out on the lake that do not have license numbers. They may be registered rather than licenced. While not required by law, pleasure craft owners can choose to register their vessels.

Registration is a title system for vessel ownership. It is similar to land title registry. Registration allows for name approval and mortgage registration except in the case of a vessel registered in the Small Vessel Register.

What does a Vessel Registration look like?

• The exterior markings on a registered pleasure craft are the name of the vessel and port of registry, e.g.

Your Boat Name, Port of Kenora, ON • In the interior there will be official markings: on a registered pleasure craft, these include the official number and registered tonnage, e.g. O.N. 123456, N.R.T. 4.52

• Proof of ownership (legal title) for your boat; • The right to fly the Canadian flag; • A unique name and official number for your boat; and • The right to use your boat as security for a marine mortgage.

Is a Vessel Registration a proof of ownership?

Yes. It is a good idea to register any boat you plan to operate outside of Canada since you will have to prove ownership at international borders. To learn more about registering your boat and the costs associated with it, visit Transport Canada’s Vessel Registration Office online.

Cost There are fees to register your pleasure craft and they can be significant.

For more information on registering your boat, contact Transport Canada and/or do an online search on Canadian Register of Vessels. 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 18,500 boaters to date. They can be contacted in Winnipeg at 204-889-3000 or Toll Free at 1-877-783-3368. E-mail: info@ nuttallboatingsafety.com or www.nuttallboatingsafety.com

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62

ALL

ABOUT

BATS

by Hayley Anderson Bats were once synonymous with all things scary.

In the past, they received a bad reputation as the mascot for Halloween and as Count Dracula’s alter ego. Now, the myths about bats have been dispelled, and according to researchers, people are becoming more excited about bats than scared of them.

I must admit that despite appreciating the idea of bats and what they do for us, I still carried some of the negative feelings associated with their reputation. My fear came from an incident in the middle of the night when I was a child, involving my father having to catch one in a fishing net after it got in to the house, and another where one buzzed my hair at a campfire. (I learned during research for this article that it was likely eating one of the mosquitoes that had also been circling me). However, I had a chance to speak to Kaleigh Norquay, a bat researcher who works at the Craig Willis Bat Lab at the University of Winnipeg. Through her enthusiasm and admiration for these little creatures. I gained a better perspective on the bats that call our area home.

The theory that all bats are rabid has been dispelled.

Nevertheless, Kaleigh says, they can contract rabies just like any other mammal. If you notice any animal acting strangely or overly friendly, it should be

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Little brown bat

approached with extreme caution. In the unlikely event that you are bitten, a bit of due diligence in getting a rabies vaccination immediately afterward can give peace of mind. Also, if a bat happens to get in to your house, just like with a bird, if you open a window they will find their way out, or you can help them out gently using a towel and gardening gloves.

Bats are an incredibly important part of our ecosystems. There are more than 950 species in the world, each adapted to a certain area or a niche. Most bats provide pest control by eating mosquitoes and other insects. Others pollinate flowers and crops.

Contrary to the rumours that have been floating around for years, bats are not flying rodents. They are in their own group called Chiroptera. Apparently, bats are actually more closely related to monkeys and lemurs than mice. They have similar bones in their arms to humans, and a light-hearted quote on the internet states that they fly through the power of “jazz hands” because their arms and “fingers” are fully extended when they fly. Their fingers are not seen individually, as they provide the support for their wing membrane (called the patagium). They are also not blind, and actually have quite good eyesight, however because they are nocturnal they use echolocation when they hunt at night.

Cluster of little brown bats with white-nose syndrome

Recently, bats have made the news for a grim situation, as a disease called white-nose syndrome has decimated their populations. White-nose syndrome is caused by a fungus called Pseudogymnoascus destructans. It was introduced in 2006 from Europe to a cave in New York State and is thought to have been introduced by cave explorers who carried dirt (and the fungus) over on their gear.

In Europe, the fungus does not kill the bats. Rather, the belief is that it does not harm them because they have co-evolved with it for thousands of years and have developed immunity to it. However, the bats in North America have no immunity. Despite some bats surviving the initial infestation, since they are slow to reproduce, it will be many generations before their populations can recover, if at all. Since the introduction of white-nose syndrome, it has swept through bat colonies in Canada and the USA, causing huge population declines (with up to 100 per cent mortality in some areas) and threatening many bat species.

So far, the fungus has killed about six million bats in North America, and it is still spreading westward.

The reason that it is called white-nose syndrome is that the fungus grows as a white fuzzy looking growth on the bats noses, wings, and bare skin. As the fungus grows on their soft tissue, the bats are irritated by it and constantly wake up to groom during their hibernation. This raises their metabolic rate and they use up their fat stores more quickly.

This constant fluctuation leads to their fat reserves running out before the winter is over and essentially starving them to death. The fungus also affects their wing membranes. In bats, wing membranes regulate water balance. When their wing membranes are irritated by the fungus, the bats may get thirsty and leave their caves in search of water, even during the day in the winter, which can lead to them freezing or using too much of their energy reserves to stay warm.

During my conversation with Kaleigh, I learned that there are six species of bats that call Northwestern Ontario home, and eight species of bats in Ontario in total. Of the six that are present here, there are three species that hibernate.

These are the little brown bat, the big brown bat, and the northern long eared bat. The other three species migrate as far as Mexico in the winter and spend their summers

Kaleigh Norquay at her processing table

roosting in trees in the forest. These species may spread the white nose fungus but are not as affected by it due to the difference in their habits. The species that hibernate group together during the winter in colonies in mine shafts or caves, called hibernacula. These bats are the most affected by the white-nose fungus because it grows best in the cold humid environments of their hibernacula. It just so happens that the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome grows best at five degrees Celsius, which also happens to be the average temperature in the hibernacula.

Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) are small, only 8-10 cm in length, and weigh between 5 and 14 grams. They have a wingspan of 20-27 cm, and can vary in colour from light brown to almost black. Little brown bats used to be the most common and wide-ranging bat in Canada, but as a direct result of white-nose syndrome, little brown bats are now listed as an endangered species in Ontario and in Canada. Little brown bats mate in the fall, between August and October, just prior to moving in to their hibernacula for the winter. Once they begin to hibernate, they slow down their metabolism, heart rate, and breathing, in order to “sleep” through the winter. This means that for 8 months of

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the year, they are in energy conservation mode. They will still wake occasionally to drink water. However, they do not eat in the winter, and instead rely on their fat reserves to sustain them until the spring.

Typically, females come out of hibernation in early May. This is when they ovulate and the egg fertilization from the fall’s mating occurs. Once the egg is fertilized, the female gives birth to a single baby in June after a 40-50 day gestation period. The females raise their young in areas called maternity colonies, which are dark and warm places to roost during the day. This can be in the attic or walls of a building, in bat boxes, or in tree cavities. They huddle together in these colonies to conserve heat and energy to help the babies grow more rapidly. At night, they leave the colony in search of food. These maternity colonies can contain up to one thousand female bats. The non-breeding females and male bats roost elsewhere in cooler locations.

In order to gain their needed fat for the winter, bats go on eating sprees during the summer, consuming up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour in order to gain weight.

This is a substantial weight gain in a short amount of time. According to Kaleigh, it would be the equivalent of a human trying to gain 100 pounds in a few months. Pregnant females can consume half of their body weight in insects in a night. In the eastern areas of the US, where white-nose syndrome has already passed through and reduced the bat population severely, it is estimated that there is an extra $3.7 million dollars spent annually on insect pest control for crops, directly attributed to the decline in bats that used to provide the same service.

Sleeping Giant Bat house (Photo: Kaleigh Norquay)

The little brown bat is also the species that Kaleigh and the team study in our area. The University of Winnipeg’s bat lab chose the little brown bat because it has higher population numbers, and will readily move in to man-made structures.

This means that people can provide information on the bats that they see on their properties, which helps researchers to identify existing colonies. One of their project sites just so happens to be on a LOWDPOA member’s property, which is how I learned about this incredible project. There is a website called batwatch.ca which is a partnership between

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66 Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec where citizen scientists can count and track the bats on their property, and provide this information for others. This is how Kaleigh and the rest of the team connected with the property owners for the study areas.

This year is the third year of the study. The lab is researching a way to use heated bat boxes to help the bats that survive the white-nose fungus, in order to help reduce their mortality, especially for pregnant females. This project is based on helping bats to conserve energy by providing good habitat during the summer months so that they can go in to their hibernation with the best possible fat stores. The average little brown bat only weighs around 10 grams, so the addition of even a few milligrams may help to make the difference in their survival. Even though the fungus kills most bats, the ones that survive and recover can be re-infected the next year when they return to their winter hibernacula, so a good habitat in the summer may help them to better survive it the next year. In the little brown bat, the mortality rate is around 90 per cent, so Kaleigh and the others want to focus on how to help that remaining 10 per cent.

In 2016, Kaleigh set up heated bat houses on five properties, and unheated bat houses on five properties. As the bats came out of hibernation she hoped that the bats would find and use these bat houses as maternity colonies during the summer months to recover from their white nose fungus and raise their young. This way she and the other researchers could study their habits to see if providing heated bat houses is a way to help bats recuperate and conserve their energy for their winter hibernation.

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Similar to the microchips used for cats and dogs, researchers catch the bats prior to entering their winter hibernacula and insert tags in between their shoulder blades. Then, when the bats enter or leave their hibernacula or their bat houses, there are sensors set up at the entrances to collect the information. This can tell her how often the bat houses are being used, when the bats are leaving and entering, and how early in the year they are being used. In 2016, during the first year of the study, a few bats had found the boxes just prior to hibernation. In 2017, there was evidence that of the five heated boxes they had set up, four were being used.

For this summer, she has received funding from the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFW) and Ontario Species at Risk Stewardship Fund (SARSF) to continue the study, so she will be installing five additional heated houses and five additional unheated houses. The hope is that these heated bat houses, which have not been used prior to this study, will provide higher quality habitat and could be recommended in the future as one of the measures that can help bats, especially pregnant females, survive white nose syndrome. Also, by proving that providing good quality habitat can help little brown bats, the same thought process might extend to summer habitat protection for other bat species.

In the meantime, if you want to help the bats, there are a few things you can do: • Set up a bat box. Heated bat boxes are still in the trial phase and not recommended for citizens to use yet, but even a passive solar bat box painted black will help to provide quality habitat.

• Learn about bats. See how you can manage your property to provide the highest quality habitat possible.

• If you have to remove a bat colony from your house or attic, talk to a qualified expert who can help to relocate the bats safely.

• Be a citizen scientist. Join batwatch.ca and report any bat colonies on your property.

• Stay out of caves and old mines, to avoid disturbing hibernating bats and spreading the white nose fungus. AN

Bat Watch has now expanded into Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Citizens can report bat sightings along with bat colonies via the bat watch website, batwatch.ca.

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

68 Food & Drink E AT ING WELL AT THE L AKE :

Spinach Salad & Roast Duck

by Mort Goss Spinach salad is a favourite to pair with roast duck, or just to enjoy on its own as a refreshing spring side dish. Here’s my favourite recipe for a sweet, tangy, robust version of this nutritious and delicious salad, coupled with my best recipe for a lovely roast duck.

Outstanding Spinach Salad with Apple Cider/Maple Dressing The dressing is tangy, minty, hot, and a bit sweet, packed with flavour big enough to counterpoint the spinach, fruit, the nuts and the cheese. It’s a longtime favourite in my kitchen. As always, quality ingredients up the flavour exponentially, so choose the best you can get at the time.

1/3 cup

apple cider vinegar

1 cup

grapeseed oil

2 tbsp

1 clove 3 tbsp

Spinach: Organic baby spinach is the ideal choice, unless you can get some fresh from the garden. Trimming the stems is a good idea but is not necessary for a rustic salad.

Feta cheese: Goat feta packed in water; sheep is a good choice if you prefer a milder flavour.

Nuts: Toasted pine nuts are the best—they add a creamy, toasted note to the salad. Toast them in a pan on low heat in the oven or a stovetop. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown and scorch quickly; allow them to cool before using.

You can substitute pecans or other mildly flavoured nuts.

maple syrup

garlic, more if you’re up for bold flavour

dried crushed spearmint or a full handful of fresh leaves, some stems

Red onion: Nothing fancy here, just pick for a firm texture by avoiding the soft stem ends we often see in winter.

1 1/2 tsp. mustard powder (to emulsify the dressing) pinch salt ½ tsp.

Fruit: My all-time favourite is a strongly flavoured orange like the minneola (tangelo) for its deep, tart juiciness, but these are only available for a short while in late winter/ early spring. A sweeter orange will work, but try for one with bold flavour. In summer, when orange supplies become more limited, I will opt for strawberries.

fresh pepper

I like to use an immersion blender to process my dressing— but a conventional blender will work in a pinch. This recipe fits easily into a 500 ml jar and leftover dressing will last several days in the fridge. Cover the jar with your hand to avoid splash and pulse the mixture until it froths up. This process delivers a dressing thick enough to spoon.

Salad oil: Grapeseed oil or another mildly flavoured oil that will not compete with the other ingredients.

Toss the washed, dried spinach with a bit of the dressing, and add to individual salad bowls. Top with some toasted pine nuts, about half of a sliced orange per serving, red onion slices, and plenty of crumbled feta cheese. Spoon a bit more dressing and serve.

SHEWCHUK, ORMISTON, RICHARDT & JOHNSON

Apple cider vinegar: This is a key ingredient! I only use organic apple cider vinegar, unfiltered and unpasteurized.

It’s a bit cloudy, very flavourful and not at all like the more common filtered product. It’s well worth tracking it down and if your grocer doesn’t carry it, try a health food store. Shake well before using—you want those cloudy bits included.

LLP

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Maple syrup: No cheating, use the real stuff; it’s not hard to find.

Mint: My favourite is spearmint. We grow and dry several batches every fall and use it through the winter. I like to use it dried, but if you have fresh, use more.

Garlic: Watch for green centres in older garlic, and if that’s all you have, split the clove and remove the bitter green shoot.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Food & Drink 69

Crispy Skin Duck Breast Duck is a great, flavourful protein. You really don’t need a lot of this dense, dark meat per serving. The frozen duck breasts I buy locally weigh about 450-500 grams, enough for a large single serving; two breasts could feed three. At around five bucks each, this dish is not really that expensive at all. If using the larger (and preferred) breasts, adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Unpack and pat dry the duck breasts with paper towels.

Lightly score the skin with a sharp knife with a series of diagonal cuts to make a diamond pattern, sprinkle with salt and pepper, rub into the skin and return to the fridge for a few hours. You want the meat to be cold and dry when you begin cooking.

Slice the breast diagonally, (thicker slices are recommended so the meat doesn’t cool too quickly) and serve with your choice of sides.

As for that duck fat: save it in your fridge to use with potatoes or braised cabbage. You won’t be disappointed.

That stuff is gold! There is almost always duck fat in the Gossienda freezer. AN

Preheat the oven to 375°F. If you don’t have a pan that will go in the oven, put a baking sheet in the oven to preheat it.

Remove duck from the fridge and place it skin side down on a cold oven-proof skillet.

Weight it down with a plate and something heavy like a large tin of tomatoes to press the meat into the cold pan; this ensures extra crispiness.

On your stove, turn the heat to medium high and sear the meat for about 4-6 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip to skin side up for another minute to sear that side and drain any excess fat from the pan.

Turn the breast back to skin-side down and put the pan (or pre-heated sheet pan) into the oven and leave for about 5-7 more minutes, until you get an internal temperature around 125-130°F for medium rare. Remove to rest the meat for about five minutes before carving.

Evolution of the Screen Room

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

70 Food & Drink

Steelhead Trout by the Gurney/Hicks Family, Granite Lake This steelhead trout recipe is pretty much fail safe. My late husband and I discovered the original and with a few modifications, it’s not only quick to make, but has proven to be much enjoyed by family and friends.

I use steelhead trout rather than salmon, although both work. Steelhead is more resilient on the barbecue and won’t dry out like salmon can if you happen to get distracted watching the sunset or gazing at the moon while barbecuing (be sure to have a good flashlight at hand because if you’re like us, we try to squeeze every minute of daylight before heading to the BBQ). The fish is nicely accompanied with jasmine rice, roasted Brussels sprouts and an arugula salad.

Would kids dare eat fish covered in a green lime sauce?

One of the pickiest young eaters I know took one look at the green trout on the table and refused to even try a bite.

Once the battle of the wills between him and his mom was settled, he reluctantly took a tiny nibble. I still recall the shock on his face when he proclaimed, “It’s good - I like it!” I knew that if he liked it, we had a winning recipe!

We treasure our memories of when we were a family of four and an extended family of many more, sharing this meal in our screened porch dining room. Fish are pretty elusive on Granite Lake so we often keep a trout or two in the freezer in the event that my kids come home empty-handed from a day of fishing. The memories we have made in the past 25-plus years at Granite Lake are priceless and best shared around the table.

We look forward to creating many more years of memories eating fish, sharing wine, and feeling so grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.

Remember to pair the recipe with a good wine and good friends. Cheers—enjoy!

BBQ Honey-Lime-Dijon Steelhead Trout Zest of one lime

Juice of one lime 2 tbsp

Honey

¼ tsp

salt

1 tbsp ¼ tsp

Dijon mustard fresh ground pepper

1 large trout fillet (skin on)

Zest lime. Add honey mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well and place in freezer to thicken sauce.

Marinate fish with the lime juice for 20 minutes.

Preheat BBQ to medium heat. Place trout fillets skin side down, on an ungreased sheet of tinfoil on the BBQ. Spread thickened sauce over fish. Fold up edges of foil to keep sauce from running off. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, until fish is flaky, but not overdone.

Using two large spatulas, lift fish—leaving skin on the foil.

Serves 4. Double sauce if cooking two fillets. Variation: Add crushed cashews or toasted pine nuts on top of sauce before cooking.

Evening fishing with a friend on Granite Lake

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

72 LOWDKids!

lowdkids.ca

FUN WITH AMPHIBIANS

With the arrival of spring, wetlands will soon come alive with the calls of countless frogs and toads. This annual spectacle provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with nature. Here are two activities adapted from "The Big Book of Nature Activities."

by Drew Monkman & Jacob Rodenburg

Amphibian Orchestra You'll learn: The songs of our local frogs and toads.

You’ll need: Frog song descriptions, ideally eight or more participants, internet access.

Background: One of the wonders of spring is to listen to the melodious strains of an amphibian orchestra, courtesy of our local frogs and toads. Frogs sing for the same reason birds do.

The males are trying to attract a mate, and many species are fighting for territory. Species like the wood and chorus frogs call in late April, while bullfrogs and green frogs don't start until late May or early June.

Procedure: Explain to the children that you are the conductor, and they are the various frog and toad species found in your area. Each child will imitate the song of one species. If necessary, more than one child can perform the same song. To begin, have the children listen to recordings of the songs by going to naturewatch.ca/frogwatch. In the how-to-guide menu, click on "identifying frogs". You can also listen to the calls by downloading the free Ontario Reptile and Amphibians Atlas app to your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. After listening to each song, ask the children to imitate it as best they can.

Suggestions on how to do the imitation are given below. Decide who will perform each species, maybe based on who mimics each song best.

As a conductor, you need to give clear signals to your orchestra. When you point to a frog species, they begin to sing. When you cross your hands and swipe them outwards (like a referee), they stop singing. When you raise both hands simultaneously upwards, it's a signal to sing louder. When you lower your hands, the singing should become quieter.

Drew Monkman's granddaughter, Juni, holding a spring peeper (Photo: Drew Monkman)

Begin with the wood frog, which is usually the first species to sing in the northland, and add the other frog and toads songs until all the species are singing in joyous chorus. Come to a dramatic crescendo and then fade out. You will have conducted a rendition of a wetland symphony brought to you by your local frogs and toads!

1. Wood frog

2. Spring peeper

3. Boreal chorus frog

4. Leopard frog

5. American toad

6. Grey treefrog

7. Mink frog

8. Green frog

Sounds similar to a quacking duck

A sustained trill (at least 10 seconds) from lips or throat

Green Frog (Photo: Drew Monkman)

A high-pitched "peep-peep-peep"

A slow, musical, bird-like trill lasting 2 to 3 seconds.

Use your lips or tongue.

A fast "tick-tick-ticktick-tick" like the teeth of a comb

Like tapping a hammer or knuckles on wood. Often in bursts of 3 to 4

Well-camouflaged spring peeper (Photo: Drew Monkman)

A throaty "ahhhhhhhhh..." with a few snoring sounds thrown in

"Gulp-gulp" deep from the throat

American Toad (Photo: Peter Armstrong)

lowdkids.ca

L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

LOWDKids! 73

Amphibian-Watching You’ll learn: How to observe frogs, toads and salamanders as they prepare to breed.

Remember that many species such as chorus frogs are only the size of bumblebees and drably coloured. They are often easiest to find by looking for the shiny throat sac moving in and out with every call. Some species such as wood frogs might be floating on the water itself. Their vocal sacs are actually on the sides of the body. If you are close enough, take some pictures, either with a flash or by having another person shine the flashlight on the frog.

You’ll need: Rubber boots, flashlights, camera, sound recorder (optional), and amphibian guide such as the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas app.

Background: The frogs of early spring usually begin calling when nighttime air temperatures have warmed to at least 8°C. Calls are usually loudest at dusk and the first few hours after dark. The best weather conditions for hearing a full chorus are mild, damp, windless nights after a period of rain. Evenings when a light rain is falling can also be excellent. These are the conditions when many are salamanders moving.

There is also a chance that salamanders will be on the move. They are most easily seen by driving slowly through low, swampy woodlands or where there are flooded ditches adjacent to the woods. By watching carefully, you may be able to see the salamanders on the road. Take time to photograph some of these beautiful animals. Shine the flashlight on some of the roadside pools, as well. If you are lucky, you may see salamanders mating in a sort of underwater dance.

Procedure: Grab a pair of rubber boots, a strong flashlight and a camera (your smartphone will do) and try to arrive at the wetland before it gets dark. Take a few minutes to make a sound recording or video of the wetland and chorus.

Try to identify the various species calling. Then slowly walk in the direction of the calls. When you first approach the area, you can expect all of the frogs and toads to stop calling. However, all you need to do is pick a promising spot and wait. Eventually the calling will start again.

Softly rubbing two stones together or whistling an imitation of a call will sometimes jump-start the chorus. Try to pinpoint the calls of one individual and shine your flashlight in that direction. Scan the water, the floating plant debris and the lower stems of the vegetation.

If you come across frog or toad eggs or tadpoles, you may wish to scoop a dozen into a container and bring them home to raise. You will find instructions in The Big Book of Nature Activities or by going online. This can be a wonderful activity for the entire family as you watch the different stages of metamorphosis from egg to tadpole to adult. AN

www.ndsandblasting.com ndsandblasting@hotmail.ca (204) 871-7463

g n i t s la

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ndb a S me

Perfect for families, educators, and youth leaders, The Big Book of Nature Activities is packed with crafts, stories, information and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun!

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tin n i a P

S N Oat Houses I T A TOR s • Bo

S ock D E & E R • Decks

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The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman & Jacob Rodenburg is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate and connect with the natural world.

On Land & Offshore

L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

74 LOWDKids!

lowdkids.ca

The

Funniest Library

PICTURE BOOKS

in the



by Erika Olson

I think that it is of vital importance that we model contentment and love of silliness for the children around us, because these are life skills that need to be learned.

As Victor Hugo observes in Les Misérables, “Laughter is sunshine; it drives winter from the human face.”

 Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great written and illustrated

by Bob Shea. The poor goat works so hard to achieve a state of coolness and to develop interesting skills, but then along comes a show-stopping unicorn for whom everything just seems to flow in an effortless river of rainbow sparkle awesomeness. We all know that feeling. Appearances, however, can be deceiving. It doesn’t take long for the two to become friends and crime-fighting partners. This book delivers one of the most excellent action montage lines of all time: “Taste my cloven justice!”  Dragons Love Tacos written by Adam Rubin and illustrated

by Daniel Salmieri. I love the very idea of this book: dragons love tacos, but can’t eat spicy salsa or else they will breathe fire and burn the place down. And they do eat it, and they do burn the place down. If hilarious dragon faces are your thing, you'll love this book. The sequel is also pretty great.  Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth written and illustrated by Jarvis.

For me, this book is all about Alan the Alligator’s hilariously expressive slitty gator eyes. Alan enjoys terrorizing other jungle denizens with his big, scary teeth. His campaign of terror quickly gives way to a spiral of shame and social ostracism when his dentures are confiscated by a jungledwelling beaver (wait – what? I am willing to overlook this

 ecological misinformation because Alan’s slitty eyes put me in such a good mood). Limp with dejection, Alan eventually finds redemption through humility. His past transgressions are forgiven and he finds other more socially acceptable ways of putting his snappers to work. There is a good moral here about channelling your passions into works of positive social value without totally renouncing your rascally ways.  The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak and illustrated by nobody because this is literally a book with no pictures, as billed. This work is a dirty rotten trick perpetrated upon unsuspecting adults by the kids in their lives. The deal with this book (and books in general, I suppose) is that the person reading it has to say whatever is written – no exceptions - and they end up saying some pretty ridiculous stuff. Always a crowd pleaser. I suppose in the sense that there are no pictures, this book actually doesn’t belong on this list. And yet… it is too good to omit.  Falling for Rapunzel written by Leah Wilcox, illustrated

by Lydia Monks. When we used this book for story time at the library, the kids actually rolled around on the floor laughing. Several ingredients combine to make this book a winning recipe for kid comedy. Chief among them are the rhyming text and the ridiculous modification of a familiar

lowdkids.ca



L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

LOWDKids! 75









story: this fairy tale is made silly in a way that is obvious and accessible to kids. The main premise of this story is that a passing prince misinterprets Rapunzel’s loud lament, and assumes that she needs rescuing. She doesn’t. Each time he calls to her to let down her hair so that he can climb up, she hears him incorrectly and tosses down a cascading assortment of rhyming objects: underwear, dirty socks, a blue ribbon swine. It is comedy gold.

for a war horse of her very own, but her parents don’t quite get it right. Her new pony is short and rotund, and has a penchant for eating curtains and passing wind. I am informed by some tween girls of my acquaintance that The Princess and the Pony is “the derpiest book ever written”, which I take to mean: awkwardly silly and cute. If the kids in your life are connoisseurs of flatulence, this is the literature they are seeking.

 Professional Crocodile created by Giovanna Zoboli and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. This wordless Italian picture book describes Mr. Crocodile’s morning routine as he heads to his job in the city. Wordless books are not my usual preferred genre, but this one truly is outstanding— the sequence of events is easy to follow and there are myriad witty visual subplots. Mr. Crocodile’s challenges are deeply relatable. He is a consummate professional who perseveres in a world that is clearly not set up for a person of his reptilitude. Despite the obvious challenges (riding the bus when you have a very long snout, for example), he accomplishes his tasks with crocodilian panache.

 Claymates written by Dev Petty and illustrated (in clay) by Lauren Eldridge. You will want to play with plasticine after reading this book. The wonderfully expressive characters are excited to become “something”, but then find the prolonged process of being sculpted into elaborate animals (a wolf and an owl) to be somewhat underwhelming. Left to their own devices, they quickly turn to self-modification with increasingly outrageous results.

 The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton, illustrated by Kate Beaton. More Viking comedy: What warrior girl wants fuzzy sweaters for her birthday? Princess Pinecone is ready

 Great, Now We’ve Got BARBARIANS! written by Jason Carter Easton, illustrated by Mark Fearing. Kids should not eat in bed because the crumbs will attract roving hordes of barbarians. I am a fan of Viking-related humour, so this book really works for me.



L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

76 LOWDKids!

lowdkids.ca

Kat the Nature Dog ADVENTURES AT THE POND Hello again. This is Kat the Dog. In the last issue, we talked about winter, snow, short days, sleeping and migrating.

But it is spring now.

My friend Norm is a dog who lives nearby and he knows a lot about nature. He told me that his human brother and sister, Patty and Patrick, were taking him on a walk to a pond in the bush behind their house and he invited me to come along.

Norm said that this pond is a low spot in the bedrock and is filled by melted snow and heavy rains. If I walked on the muddy bottom, my head would still be above water and the pond is big enough to fit a medium-sized house. It is surrounded by trees, shrubs (small bushy trees), and other plants.

Reeds that look something like tall, thick grass grow around the edges, and other plants with larger leaves float on the surface. This is called a temporary pond because it usually dries up in late summer.

Patty and Patrick each carried a net and a backpack full of things to help them study pond life. The nets they had were small, about the size of a dinner plate. They also had a strainer like people use in a kitchen. They had plastic jars with screw tops and some of the plastic tops had holes drilled in them. Also, they each had a magnifying glass every nature scientist needs one of these.

When they were finished after a few hours, we went back to their house. They transferred their pond critters to observation tanks and ‘bug catchers’. The clear plastic containers that are used to hold cakes, ice cream and all kinds of foods that are sold in stores make great wildlife observation tanks.

Tools for junior naturalists: magnifying glass, binoculars, bug catchers, net, strainer, empty jars, plastic containers.

The kids put the frogs into a large container with pond water, some plants and a few rocks. Tadpoles (or pollywogs as they are also called) were put into a large jar that was used to hold pickles at one time. Smaller clear plastic containers were used to hold the pond water plants and bugs.

The pond area was filled with wildlife. When we arrived, a duck flew into the air. Maybe it had a nest nearby. Birds sang in the trees, frogs and toads croaked, dragonflies buzzed, and insects swam on the surface.

As Norm and I watched, Patty and Patrick caught a few frogs with their nets. They used a plastic scoop to get some of the mud from the pond bottom and poured it through the strainer and then saved what was left to study at home.

Photos by Phil Burke

lowdkids.ca

L.O.W. AREA NEWS Spring 2018

LOWDKids! 77

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

I could have stayed all day staring at the containers with all the plants and wildlife.

There were bugs that were so small that you couldn’t see them without the magnifying glass. The children’s mom said they would look for books about pond life. And at school they learned that the computer also has a lot of good nature sites that they planned to visit.

Pond Word Search This puzzle contains the names of 9 plants or animals you might find in or near a pond. How many can you find? cattail, duck, frog, minnow, mosquito, snake, snapper, tadpole, water lily

Can you find the mallard duck

L H C Y D F R O G V

nesting beside this pond?

Of course the water had to be changed frequently because the plants and animals would use all the oxygen. And after a few days the kids took the animals (frogs and insects and others) and plants and let them go in the pond. They kept some tadpoles so they could watch them change into adult frogs. That was amazing. AN

Now how can I hit the apostrophe sign without touching the keys on either side?

Frog Jokes What did the bus driver

say to the frog? Hop on!

Why are frogs so happy?

They eat whatever bugs them!

Whose email address is this? natacq2010@gmail.com Why, it’s Kat the Nature Dog and that’s no joke. She would love to hear from you.

Y L I L R E T A W F

J B C K Z I S H E Q

H H C K U N C C I V

N U R Q A W A R O H

D Q S P G A T S E L

X O P O X K T K E E

M E L O P D A T Y U

R B W O N N I M R U

Y I T C S D L S U R

How to Make a Bottom-Looker To make a ‘bottom-looker’, cut the top and bottom off a large can such as a coffee can. Cover one end with plastic wrap and put an elastic band on to keep the plastic wrap in place. Then wrap duct tape around the edge of the plastic to make it waterproof. Now, hold the can in the water and look through the top. You will be able to get clear view of the bottom of a pond, stream or in the shallow water at a beach. Have fun studying nature.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

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L.O.W. AREA NEWS

Classified ads are a free service for LOWDPOA members.

SPRING 2018

Classifieds 79

All classified ads are posted online at lowdpoa.com.

Note that they are posted within a couple days of submission and not subject to magazine deadlines.

How to Submit Classifieds Email: diane@lowdpoa.com Mail: LOWDPOA, Box 1160, Kenora, ON P9N 3X7 Next submission deadline: May 18, 2018 Please try to keep your listing to 35 words or less.

For Rent 2.5 acre private island in the Hades between Middle & Hay Islands; 20 minutes from Devil’s Gap Marina. Main cabin: 2 double beds & 2 singles, plus futon. Large screened-in porch & large deck. Remote services with composting toilet and solar power supplemented by generator. 1-room bunkie with gorgeous view to the east, separate from main cabin. Sheltered docking facilities. Good fishing nearby. Boats not included. $1500/week with 15% discount for rental of 4 weeks or more. Minimum rental one week. Contact Bonnie migizi.bonnie@gmail.com.

Road access lakefront cottage on Lake of the Woods, near Kenora (south down McKenzie Portage Road).

Cottage is fully modern—septic system, washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc.—with two bedrooms, screened porch.

Only one week left during the 2018 summer season: Aug 17 to Aug 24. $825 for the week. For detailed info and photos, contact lowcottage@hotmail.com.

LOW Storm Bay Rd. 9. Large house with 9 bedrooms, hot tub, multi level decks, granite kitchen, boathouse, sauna, WiFi, fireplace, washer and dryer, dishwasher.

Kayak and boat are a possibility. $2500-$3800 weekly.

Available now and discounts available in the fall.

Email mail@markmcgregor.ch.

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

Available January through December. Minimum 2 week stay. $2800/week Email inquiries to hklapman@mwgapparel.com.

Lakefront Island Property Brule Point. Boat access only, 16 miles from Kenora. Sand beach, dual docking facilities (with plugs), fully equipped and has full service hydro and water. 3 bedrooms—ideal for families and in ideal fishing area. Weekly rental rate: $1160. Contact Donna Bell by phone 204-736-4555 or email taketwo@taketwoinc.com.

Exceptional location on Coney Island… minutes from Kenora/Keewatin with western exposure. Newer, open concept cottage with 4 large bdrms and three bathrooms. Separate master suite with bathroom and private deck. Amenities include full kitchen with all appliances, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer, large island, separate dining area, wood burning fireplace and satellite TV. Screened porch with large wrap around decks overlook the lake, outdoor shower and built-in gas barbecue. Large main dock with two floaters that provide deep water docking and great swimming. Minimum 2 week stay. Email enquiries to bill.ralph@shaw.ca.

Welcome Channel, LOTW. Suite in family cottage with private access & bathroom and access to main cottage. Beautiful rooms, right on water, beach, boathouse roof top deck, all the amenities. Daily rates available mid-May until mid-September. Email John if you have questions or want to secure a spot: bemidji@telus.net 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, canoeing, paddle-boarding, 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. Contact (204) 941-0475 or LakeforU@mymts.net.

Lakefront Cabin on Trout Lake 20km north of Kenora.

2 or 3 bedroom cabin available for rent weekends or weekly in May and June. Full kitchen & bathroom, TV/ DVD player, BBQ. Comes with a canoe, kayaks & 12ft aluminum boat. Chairs on deck off front of cabin & on private deck at the water’s edge with your own sand beach. Trout Lake is a spring fed lake with crystal clear water and beautiful natural sand beaches. For more details email huffgear@hotmail.com.

Beautiful lakefront cottage on LOTW. Rush Bay Rd off main highway, west of Kenora. Large 2 storey cottage—4 bedrooms, 3 baths, plus bunk room that sleeps 6. Full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, microwave. Laundry, full washer and dryer, second refrigerator. Dining room, living room, enclosed sun porch. No A/C but has attic fan. Furnished outside deck with grill overlooking lake. Great for fishing, swimming, water sports. Available June, early July, August. $2500/wk. Contact Alan: 214-629-6006 or alanhull@sbcglobal.net.

Lakefront Cottage on Lake of the Woods, near Kenora, road access. Includes 3 bedrooms, full kitchen, bath.

Two acres, private bay, sandy beach, floating dock and good fishing! Available June, July, August. $5,000/mo.

Call (204) 951-5812.

Lakefront 2 bedroom cottage. 45 km E. of Kenora. All modern with satellite T.V., dishwasher, washer/dryer.

Large deck and screened-in porch. Nice sand beach, dock on crystal clear lake. $1,000 /week, pictures available. 715-835-4903 or tsolberg1@gmail.com.

Island rental, Storm Bay Rd near the rollers, two log homes, new mattresses, one king, a double and a single. Two kayaks, and a boat can be included. $200$250 /night, email kaitlyn.mcgregor@gmail.com.

For Sale Superior location, south side Coney Island. Custom built by Ernie Whiting, clear cedar walls and hardwood maple flooring throughout. Totally winterized cottage plus 3 cabins—7 bedrooms. Large three season veranda, extensive docking with sauna, dock house and a 4-person lift from dock to cottage. Approx. 400ft lake frontage on 4 acres. Very well maintained by original owners. Contact gerrywilson@kmts.ca.

1375 sq. ft. year-round home on Black Sturgeon.

3 bdrms, 2 baths. Finished basement: 2 bdrms and rec room. Large docking area. Built 1992. For info phone or text 204-872-5950.

2 pre-owned, gently used, floating docks on Lake of the Woods, Kenora area (Safety Bay). Wired for electricity; 12ft x 40ft each, with 4ft x 20ft arched wooden access bridge. Also a steel turning plate, which allows the bridge to move on the dock to accommodate for fluctuating water conditions. Docks ready to be towed on the water to your location on Lake of the Woods. Will consider selling components separately or as a complete floating dock package.

Contact Peter Z. peterzaj@mymts.net for more info & prices.

Shore Master Cantilever Boat Lift 1600 lb. capacity; 8’w x 10’l. Fully reconditioned; looks like new.

Available in Laclu. $3000 OBO. 807-543-2843 or jdwill@kmts.ca.

Want to Hire Looking for a part-time Nanny for summer 2018 for care of up to 3 children ages 2-7. Must have own boat and Lake access. Please contact Shereese at squally@ tmlawyers.com if you are interested.

Want to Buy 2-person sailboat with jib sail. Needs to be in great shape. Call or text 306-807-1437 or email househ57@gmail.com.

Retired couple looking for building lot on LOTW. Contact Richard at kaletzke@mymts.net.

Boats & Motors For Sale 1956 Lyman 19ft, with 100 H.P. Gray Marine inboard.

Boathouse/garage kept. Original condition, runs great. Call 807-466-2578 or for pictures email burchwell@sympatico.ca. $15,500.

C&C 24 1978, sails main, jib 100 150, Honda 7.5 4 cycle, galley (sink, alcohol, stove, folding table), head, VHF radio, depth finder, compass, diaphragm bilge pump.

Well maintained. 807 543-2018 or gjwise10@gmail.com.

Asking price $6500 22 foot 1954 Chris Craft Sedan - The Athendune.

Built in last year of production. Lovingly preserved, engine upgraded to 12v system. Family owned since new, recently serviced and painted. Call 807-468-3629 or 204-453-7412.

Spindrift 13 sailboat. Centreboard dinghy built by Vandestadt & McGruer. Fully equipped with mast, boom, centreboard, rudder, tiller, mainsail and jib.

Needs some fibreglass patching. Great fun for just $350.00. Call Bob at 204-474-0976.

Miscellaneous LOVE DOGS? It's A Dog's Life needs foster and forever homes for their rescue dogs. Cottagers can help with short or long term fostering or adopting. Website: adogslife.cc or call 807-467-3647.

As we do each year in December, all classified ads were pulled unless resubmitted for 2018. We did reach out to remind everyone, but if we missed you and you would like your ad reinstated please email info@lowdpoa.com or call 807-468-8715.

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

80 Real Estate Listings

Essex Road, Black Sturgeon

Laurenson Lake – Access to LOTW

$79,900 ($62,210 US)

$109,900 ($85,568 US)

Black Sturgeon waterfront property comprised of 3 parts, approximately 2+ acres with an estimated 450+ ft. of south facing frontage.

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

Approx. 219' frtg 1.5 acres, water main hook up on property & driveway in place. Affordable access to LOTW. New price.

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

Winnipeg River & Middle Lake

Approx. 14 acres offering a sheltered bay as well as frontage on both Darlington Bay as well as Middle Lake. A perfect location for building your dream cottage. Boat access only.

$139,900 ($107,675 US)

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

Lougheed Drive – Winnipeg River 2 - 5.52 acres road access and hydro to each lot line. Seller willing to discuss possible clearing of building sites & septic fields.

$139,000 - $219,000 + HST ($107,675 - $168,554 + HST USD)

Coker Road, Black Sturgeon

Approximately 4 acres and 600 ft. of west-facing frontage on Black Sturgeon. Build here and enjoy breathtaking sunsets and great fishing.

New price.

$159,900 ($123,816 US)

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty

Winnipeg River

Coward Road, Sandy Lake

807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

40+ acres with 265' of pristine water frontage.

$249,000 + HST ($192,336 US) Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

Long Bay, LOTW

Eight vacant waterfront lots ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 acres. Road access.

Starting at $175,000

Greg Kirby, Century 21 Reynard Real Estate 807-547-5555 / kenoracottagecountry.com

807-547-4020 / kenora-realestate.com

A hidden gem. Two lots with 240 feet of frontage. 2 Bedroom, 1 bath main cottage as well as a guest cottage with a small woodstove.

$349,000

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

Johnson’s Landing, Winnipeg River Amazing 3 bdrm waterfront home on Winnipeg River with the most amazing views and gorgeous sunsets! Great waterfront with launch, docking, ample parking & good water depths.

$419,900

Century 21 Reynard Real Estate Ltd Brokerage (807) 468-0101 / winnipegriverhome.com

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Real Estate Listings 81

War Eagle Lake

49 acres with only Crown land as a neighbour on War Eagle lake just west of Kenora. Residential access permit off Highway 17 west. Owned by an Ontario licensed Realtor.

$450,000 + HST

REMAX First Choice Realty Ltd.

Belle Ave - LOTW

4 beds, 2 bath home/cottage. 2,000+ square feet of living space. 17’ vaulted ceilings. Minutes to town by boat or car.

$499,900 ($384,749 USD)

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

(807) 464-1221

Andrew Bay, LOTW

$695,000

$1,450,000 ($1,115,993 US)

Greg Kirby, Century 21 Reynard Real Estate 807-547-5555 / kenoracottagecountry.com

Offering 3 beds and 2 baths over 1,783 sq ft of well-maintained and updated living space. This location is very close to Kenora, just minutes off of Highway 17 West

$599,000

Cabin Country Realty

807-468-3541 / cabincountry.com

Storm Bay, Lake of the Woods

Three bedroom 1,638 s/f 1.5 story lake home on 2.75 acres. Road access.

McKenzie Portage Road, LOTW

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

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

Private Island, LOTW

4.5-acre private island near crowrock channel.

1,000 sq/f modernized cottage, guest cottage, 2-stall boathouse (electric lifts), 2 gazebos, pipe docks, solar system with auto generator backup.

$795,000

Century 21 Reynard Real Estate Ltd Brokerage (807) 468-1167 / century21kenora.com

Whitefish Bay, LOTW

Lake of the Woods

Private Island, LOTW

$1,800,000

$2,800,000

$2,900,000

Immaculate 3,000 sq. ft. all-season log home just south of Sioux Narrows. Large new solar system provides year-round power. Sheltered bay, sand beach, and over a mile of shoreline.

Northwoods Realty

807-226-1024 / northwoodsrealtyltd.com

4-season cottage with 6,000+ sq/ft. 4 bd & 4 baths; pine finished boathouse; double detached garage with guest quarters; detached double toy garage; deluxe woodshed. 1.56 acres & 120 ft of frontage.

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

25.68 acre private island with fabulous cottage and services. Central kitchen and dining area, propane fireplace, 3 BR & 3 baths; double garage; sand beach & fixed/floating dock system.

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

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

82 Advertisers' Directory Arts

Contractors & Construction

Electrical

36 HAF Art Studio & Gallery 215 Second Street South, Kenora 807-407-7852 hollyannfriesen.com

2 Black Fox Construction Lot 19, Williams Road, Kenora 807-407-9983 blackfoxconstruction.com

78 Bob’s Electric 225 Main Street North, Kenora 807-468-5915 rbrignall@yahoo.ca

65 Melissa Jean Art melissajeanart.com

34 Custom Woodworking Kenora 807-464-0007 customwoodworkingco.com

67 Northern Energy 1870 Highway 17 East, Kenora 844-548-7297

Building Materials 58 Kenora Home Hardware Building Centre 1105 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-468-8975 homehardware.ca 69 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 83 Penta Protective Coatings 39 Merit Crescent, West St. Paul 204-992-2603 penta.ca 56 Star Building Materials 16 Speers Road, Winnipeg 204-233-8687 starbuilding.ca/winnipeg

Community & Philanthropy Inside 00 City of Kenora Back 1 Main Street South, Kenora Cover 807-467-2000 kenora.ca 18 Lake of the Woods District & 56 Hospital Foundation 21 Sylvan Street West, Kenora 807-468-9861 lwdhf.com 52 Sioux Narrows Nestor Falls Highway 71 807-226-5241 snnf.ca

71 DTL Carpentry 204-979-4055 dtlcarpentry.ca 67 Haney Construction Kenora 807-466-7610 46 Legacy Originals 431 Turenne Street, Winnipeg 204-233-4219 legacyoriginals.com 50 Linwood Custom Homes Ted Finlay 204-261-5359 linwoodhomes.com 78 Middle Lake Enterprises Keewatin 807-466-8202 40 Oakwood Roofing 1350B Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-467-8824 oakwoodroofing.com 78 Postech Screw Piles 57-075 Symington Rd E, Winnipeg 1-855-4-PILING manitobascrewpiles.ca 49 Westman Steel 2976 Day Street, Winnipeg 204-777-5345 westmansteel.ca

Docks 7 Docks & Lifts Ltd. 1940 Highway 17 East, Kenora 807-547-4444 docksandlifts.ca 60 Frank Hickling Sales 15 Chimo Place, Springfield 204-222-3301 fhsales.ca

70 S&H Electric 70 Highway 641, Keewatin 807-221-9418 sandh.electrical@gmail.com

Environment 24 Government of Manitoba manitoba.ca

Financial Planning 78 Investors Group, Kimberley Pries 421 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-8844 Investorsgroup.com 27 The Darcy Zaporzan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 3100-201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204-982-2635 dzwmg.com 8 Richardson GMP Limited 1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg 204-943-5263 richardsongmp.com

Fireplaces 10 Flame & Comfort 318 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg 204-943-5263 flameandcomfort.com

Home & Cottage Furnishings 45 Image One Designs 1060 Railway Street, Kenora 807-468-3641 imageonedesigns.com 48 Luxe Furniture 120 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg 204-779-2900 luxefurniture.ca 51 Verti-Shade Harbourfront, Kenora 807-468-3980 verti-shade.com

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

Advertisers’ Directory 83 Home & Cottage Maintenance 78 Denver’s Window Cleaning Services 30 Deerfield Trail, Steinbach 204-320-1935 denverswindowcleaning.com 78 Keystone Security Solutions 1221 Highway 17 W, Keewatin 807-468-7878 keystonelock.ca 54 LOW Septic Barge / Bell's Septic 807-468-7251 bellskenora.com 26 Morgan Fuels Kenora 800-661-3635 morganfuels.ca 73 Notre Dame Sandblasting 74 Grea Street East, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes 204-871-7463 ndsandblasting.com 78 Spiders & More 204-205-0035 spidersandmore.com 66 United Tree Service Kenora 807-464-3602

Insurance 78 Garriock Insurance 390 York Avenue, Winnipeg 800-773-7157 garriock.ca 25 The Standard Insurance Brokers 319 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-3333 thestandardonline.com

68 Shewchuk, Ormiston, Richardt & Johnson LLP 214 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-5559 kenoralaw.com

Marine Back Woodlake Marine Cover 1956 Highway 17 West, Kenora 807-468-2628 woodlakemarine.com 43 WSL Sport & Leisure 832 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-468-5253 lotwsport.com

Personal Services 39 Lisa Reid Audiology 412 Marion Street, Winnipeg 204-977-6867

Real Estate Inside Cabin Country Realty Front 138 Main Street South, Kenora Cover 807-468-3541 cabincountry.com 28 Century 21 Reynard Real Estate Ltd & 41 213 First Street South, Kenora 807-468-3747 century21kenora.com 23 Duncan Carmichael Real Estate 625 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-467-2323 lakeofthewoods.net 47 Greg Kirby, Century 21 Reynard Real Estate 807-547-5555 kenoracottagecountry.com

37 Northwoods Realty 5701A Highway 71, Sioux Narrows 807-226-1024 northwoodsrealtyltd.com 64 Remax First Choice Realty Ltd Harold Warkentin 807-464-1221 62 Royal Lepage Landry’s Real Estate 231 First Street South, Kenora 807-468-9871 royallepagekenora.ca 4 Shelley Torrie Home & Cottage Realty 721 Beach Road, Kenora 807-547-4020 kenora-realestate.com

Restaurant & Brewery 32 LOW Brewing Company 350 Second Street South, Kenora 807-468-2337 lowbrewco.com

Retail 61 Donny B 39 Main Street South, Kenora 807-468-3084 donnyb.ca

Sunrooms 53 Suncoast Enclosures 1106 Buchanan Boulevard, Winnipeg 204-292-2173 suncoastenclosures.com

Water Treatment 44 Wolframe's World of Water 710 Lakeview Drive, Kenora 807-468-4338

Legal 59 Booth Dennehy LLP, Raymond Oakes 387 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg 204-957-1717 boothdennehy.com 55 Brown & Associates 71 Main Street South, Carman 204-745-2028 brownlawoffice.org 42 Hook Seller Lundin LLP 203-301 First Avenue South, Kenora 807-468-9831 hsllawyers.com

SPRAY

FOAM

L.O.W. AREA NEWS

SPRING 2018

84 History

The Cossey Boatbuilders

by Lori Nelson The Cossey boys were boat builders. Family tradition holds that it was a contract to build a 120-foot stern-wheeler that brought the family from the east coast of England to northern Saskatchewan in 1903. The boat, built for the Hudson’s Bay Company for use on Lake Athabasca, was the first of many Canadian-built Cossey boats.

The head of the family, Herbert Thomas (Tom), his wife Rose and their four children lived in Prince Albert for a couple of years before moving east to settle in Keewatin in 1905. Given Tom’s profession it was not surprising that the family would establish themselves on one of the country’s largest freshwater lakes.

The Raven

The Nahmeoka

Tom had learned his trade from his father, a builder who ran a shipyard in Great Ormsby, Norfolk. His older sons recalled spending their Saturdays and summer vacations at their grandfather’s boatyard, watching and learning, and so it was that a family of boatbuilders came to be.

The first boat building firm to be established by Tom in this area was known as Cossey & Lake. His wife’s maiden name was Lake and other family members had moved to Canada with them, so it’s likely that Tom was working with a brother-in-law in those initial years. In an ad posted in a July 1905 edition of the Rat Portage Miner, they boasted over 20 years’ experience in England and the States. Launches, racing boats and canoes “built or repaired by practical men”, with work guaranteed and competitive prices was the pitch to potential boat-buyers.

In the years following World War I, Tom Cossey purchased a Keewatin business, the Lake of the Woods Boat Company, started by Pete DeGagné. It eventually became known as the Keewatin Boat Works or the Cossey Boat Works. Located where Two Bears Marina is now situated, the business produced launches, skiffs and sailboats, which included the

impressive Nahmeoka, which is still on Lake of the Woods.

Others included the Calypso, Raven, Ramona and Ariel.

Tom’s eldest son, Herbert Hylton (known as Hylton, Bert or Tom) worked for the family business in his youth, spending any spare time at the yard. He operated their boat taxi in the summer and was active in the sailing community. Boating was in his blood, so when he enlisted for service in World War I, he joined the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve.

After the war he returned to Keewatin with his wife and worked as a draughtsman in the family company, eventually leaving to settle in Windsor, Ontario and then Detroit where he continued his work at various boat companies.

The Argyle II

Tom Sr., Rose and two of their children moved to Gravenhurst, another boatbuilding mecca, in 1927 where Tom took up employment with Greavette Boats Limited.

Two sons, Stan and Claude, stayed in Keewatin and like their grandfather, father and brother, they too, lived and breathed boats. In the 1930s Stan designed and oversaw the construction of the Argyle II. Claude was captain of the well-known ferry boat until the late 1960s. He also served as the chief engineer and manager of the Grace Anne II. Stan eventually moved on to join the rest of the family in the Muskokas, where he was employed in designing boats for the Ditchburn and Greavette boat companies.

The Cossey name is linked to some of the most significant boats and boat lore of Lake of the Woods. Small skiffs, sleek sailboats, elegant launches and passenger vessels—all testify that the Cossey boys were boat builders. AN

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kenora.ca

May 7, 2018

KENORA - LAKE OF THE WOODS

$

2017

20,495

$

2016

23,995

165 Escape CS Mercury 50 CT Eagle Trailer

$

2016

17,995

$

2016

62,995

2016

33,495

2015 DEMO

82,995

620FS Fisherman Merc Verado 250XL Pro Ranger Trailer

$

2016

43,995

165 Classic Sport Mercury 90L Eagle Trailer

$

2015

25,995

185 Edge Sport Mercury 115XL CT Eagle Trailer

$

2017

49,995

1825 Trio / SC Mercury 90L EZ Loader Trailer

150 Montauk Fish Mercury 60 CT Karavan Trailer

$

1850 Reata LS Mercury 150XL Ranger Trailer

2016

27,695

165 Classic T Mercury 60 CT Eagle Trailer

130 Super Sport Mercury 40 ELPT Karavan Trailer

$

$

$

2017

39,995

190 SPXO Merc 115XL Pro XS Karavan Trailer

2025 Discovery Mercury 150XL EZ Loader Trailer

$

2017

79,995

220 Sundeck Mercruiser 4.5L MPI BR3 Shorelander Trailer

POWERED BY MERCURY Non-Current Inventory Blow Out Parts • Service • Sales On-Site Financing

www.woodlakemarine.com

1-866-460-2628 TOLL FREE

1-807-468-2628 LOCAL

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