Spring 2015 Newsletter Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners Association KENNISIS BREEZE Dates to Remember KLCOA Spring Meeting: After the Coldest Winter On Record….. Ice Out: April 30th..It Is About Time!!! May 16 2015, 8:30am coffee 9:00am meeting Haliburton Forest Mtg Room Haliburton Home and Cottage Show May 29, 30 Haliburton Curling Club Ladies Pot Luck Lunch July 4th KLCOA Fireworks July 4th, Rain date July 5th 9:30pm or later Rock Bass Fishing Derby Sat. July 11th Blue Berry Islands Land use Workshop Haliburton Forest July 11th 9:00am—10:30am Art on the Dock July 11th and 12th Regatta Sat. Aug 1st 2015 Membership Reminders Fireworks Aug 1st at dusk Family Digital Scavenger Hunt Aug 22nd, 11:00am Aug. 23rd, 11:00am (raindate) KLCOA General Meeting Sat Sept 5th 2015 membership renewal is ready online. If you have not already done so, you can renew through our website www.klcoa.org. If you do not have access to the internet, a form will be mailed to you with your newsletter or you can pick one up at the Marina Store after the May long weekend. Annual stickers and membership cards will first be available at the Spring General Meeting and after that, at the Marina Store . KENNISIS BREEZE Blueberry Islands Ownership Transferred to KLCOA We are very fortunate to have completed the ownership transfer of the Blueberry Islands to the KLCOA over the last year. The two islands are located in the North West basin of the lake and are well known to most cottagers. The land transfer includes a covenant on the deed which directs that the islands are retained in their natural state and cannot be developed. You can find the islands on the lake map at http://klcoa.org/lakeplan/maps.html. One of our ongoing Stewardship Initiatives is to establish land use principles for KLCOA land holdings. Land use principles have been developed for Norah’s Island and Two Loon Island in previous workshops and community consultations. Now that the KLCOA owns the islands, it is important to establish guidelines for the use of the islands in order to protect them for future generations, allow the public to enjoy the use of the islands and to respect the Blueberry Island’s neighbours. For additional information or if you are interested in participating, please contact Jim Prince at [email protected] or at M-416.528.1739 Blueberry Islands - Land Use Workshop Blueberry Islands – Establishing Principles for Land Use Workshop –Saturday, July 11, 9:00-10:30AM Haliburton Forest, Seminar Room As we worked toward having the Blueberry Islands included in the KLCOA land holdings, we are committed to developing a set of guiding principles for the Blueberry Island’s land use. The intention is to develop these principles at this workshop and through additional public consultation. The land use principles will be shared at the 2015 Fall AGM and posted on the KLCOA website. Contact- [email protected] Mobile 416.528.1739 Cottage 705.754.1065 Page 2 Swimming Lessons Swimming lessons will be available again this summer. Please watch your e-blasts for details. Forms will be available for signup at the Marina Store as of the May long weekend. Kennisis Lake Dam Replacement Update as of April 10, 2015 by Chris Riddle Parks Canada remains on schedule to replace the Kennisis Dam starting in late August 2015 as detailed in their November 30, 2014 communication to the KLCOA which is available at: http://klcoa.org/stewardship-box/dam-update.html As of mid-April 2015, Parks Canada has completed the detailed environmental impact assessment for the project and is in the process of finalizing the drawings and specifications for the new dam. An agreement has been reached with the Municipality of Dysart et al for the use of property on the north side of the dam to facilitate construction. The KLCOA has been advised that the construction should be substantially complete within 6 months, with treeplanting and other seasonal activities deferred until spring of 2016. During construction a temporary portage route will be maintained around the dam: the roller ramp will not be accessible but will be reinstalled after construction. Road access and use of the vehicle ramp/boat launch will be maintained until November 17, 2015 for those heading down the Kennisis River to Red Pine Lake. Thereafter it will be closed until ice-out in 2016. Construction activities are not expected to affect the normal seasonal water level fluctuation. Parks Canada has committed to proving KLCOA with regular updates as the project progresses but notes that all, as with any construction project, dates are subject to change depending on circumstances . Page 3 KENNISIS BREEZE Art on the Dock - July 11 & 12, 2015 Art on the Dock - a unique community event to showcase artists and artisans who reside or cottage on Kennisis Lake and Little Kennisis Lake - will debut on Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12.th. Over 30 artists and artisans - a number of them renowned professionals - will exhibit at twenty locations around the lake, making this our own "studio tour". Media include water-based, oil and acrylic painting; sculpture, photography, pottery, quilting, woodworking, signmaking, birdhouses and hand-made soap and candles. Some exhibitors will be demonstrating during the weekend. This initiative adds a cultural dimension to the environmental, social, recreational and economic activities which the KLCOA offers to its members. As the summer approaches, we will make available a brochure detailing the artists and their locations and we are planning to organize a pontoon shuttle service for those who do not have their own boats and/or prefer not to drive. (We'll be looking for volunteers to help!) Please mark your calendars for this weekend and watch the KLCOA eblasts for more information. (Thank you to Shelley Beach for her help in organizing this event and to Janis Parker and Marianne Davis of Parker Pad & Printing for their help with the promotional materials). Page 4 Promoting Ontario Tourism...by Rick Torch We filmed your lake, we filmed your cottage… www.ecottagefilms.com We at www.ecottagefilms.com vacation shoreline and cottage website wish to help promote Ontario tourism and jobs. Therefore you are welcome to link up your website to our www.ecottagefilms.com website and film clips or use our vacation shoreline and cottage film clips on your own website for the purposes of promoting tourism and generating local employment. Our films are being made available to municipalities, chambers of commerce, schools, cottage associations and select local businesses at no charge. All we ask is if you do use our film clips, please insure that the ecottagefilms.com watermark is in the bottom right hand corner of the running film footage and remains visible at all times. A mention on your website that these films are the courtesy of ecottagefilms.com would also be appreciated. If you have any other questions, please email me at [email protected] Page 5 Helping to make a stronger Ontario. Thank you Rick Torch Sincerely, ecottagefilms.com P.O Box 1656 Belleville, ON K8N 0A5 Canada Email.:[email protected] KENNISIS BREEZE Our Environmental Quality Is Precious To Us "Spills" are releases of pollutants into the natural environment from a structure, vehicle or other container that is an Abnormal spill. Even a small spill could negatively impact our environmental quality, our drinking water (particularly since so many people draw their water from our lakes), flora and fauna, our quality of life and our property values. As a precautionary measure, KLCOA reminds everyone to be careful in everything they do and to be knowledgeable of what to do in the event of an incident like this. Some examples of spills include: gasoline, diesel, oil, jet fuel, kerosene and all light and heavy petroleum oils chemicals acids, bases, solvents or pesticides gases and particulates, nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, methane gas, smoke or dust wastes liquid industrial, liquid hazardous, sewage, agricultural and other wastes It is important that we all take the necessary steps to prevent spills: use proper containers, proper material handling techniques, etc. Ensure that any contractors we use are properly trained and have the proper equipment to handle any incidents. Keep our septics in proper working order and keep an eye out when they're being pumped. In the event that a spill happens, by law, you must immediately report the spill if you cause or permit the release and had control of the substance just before the spill occurred. The spill must be reported immediately to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Centre (416-325-3000, 1-800-268-6060 (toll-free), or 1-855-889-5775 (TTY), to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit Toll-Free: 1-866888-HKPR (4577) Haliburton Office: Tel: (705) 457-1391 and to the person in control of the substance if they're not already aware. When you report a spill, you'll need to provide the following information: your name and phone number (which may be kept confidential if you are not responsible for the spill) name of the company or individual responsible for the spill. time and location of the spill type and quantity of material spilled (if you know) status of the spill, including actions being taken to control the spill Further information is available at: Report a spill Page 6 Page 7 KENNISIS BREEZE KLCOA "Ladies of the Lake" Get-Acquainted Luncheon Mark your calendars and plan to attend the "Ladies of the Lake Get-Acquainted Luncheon" on Saturday, July 4, 2015 from 11:30 to 1:30 at 1975 Watts Rd (near the far east end of Little Kennisis Lake), hosted by the female members of the KLCOA Board of Directors - Tina Fagg, Janis Parker, Tayce Wakefield and Deb Wratschko. Many members of the KLCOA have told us that they'd like an informal opportunity to meet other women on the lake whether their neighbours, other full-time residents, people with similar interests and/or with kids of a similar age. For many people, the highlight of last year's "Shop 118" event was the opportunity to get together with other women from the lake for lunch at Rhubarb. So this year, we've decided to bring the luncheon event closer to the lake to give more women the opportunity to participate. This will be an informal "pot-luck" type of luncheon - as we get closer, watch for the KLCOA eblasts for information on how to sign up and let us know what you plan to bring. Page 8 We'll have a "Toonie Jar" where we'll encourage you to make a contribution of a toonie to help cover the costs of soda, coffee, water, etc. We'll try to have representatives of the various activities on the lake on-hand so you can learn more about the initiatives. And we're planning to colour code the name tags by area of the lake so that you can easily spot people who have places near you. This will be an activity for members only, so make sure you have paid your membership - or we'll be able to accept your membership payment at the event. You're welcome to bring your friends and family, if you have people visiting - but they must come with a member. We hope that this will be a fun opportunity to build our community and make new friends! We look forward to seeing you there! (Thank you to Liz Austin for her help in organizing this event!) Kennisis Lake Snowmobile Club - Spring update Over the past 4 years since it was resurrected, the Kennisis Lake Snowmobile Club has gathered much interest around the Kennisis Lake area. The purpose of the "club" which is casual, is to support efforts of our 2 local OFSC clubs... ie; Tall Pines SC and Haliburton County Snowmobile Assoc. We offer support in measuring ice thickness prior to staking once safe and have dedicated volunteers who install, remove and store the lake marking stakes. We also lend support to improve access and safety on the marked lake trail which helps considerably with safe travel for all snowmobilers locally and those who travel through our area. Snowmobiling is the largest single contributor to winter tourism in Haliburton County. Another major task which we tackle is the trail maintenance work on Tall Pines Trail 62 which leaves the Kennisis Dam heading north. We have done much work over the past 4 years to widen, improve sight lines and overgrowth through considerable brushing and trimming. We have also most recently tackled the restructuring of the Buckhorn Creek Shelter. This was done through excellent volunteer help and fantastic fundraising efforts. We host a yearly BBQ on the ice in mid March where a potluck lunch is enjoyed by all, fundraising through prize draws occurs and where we meet new people. To date in 4 years we have raised approx $10,000 to support all our initiatives to improve snowmobiling in the Kennisis Lake area. I encourage all snowmobilers to become involved and to stay informed of all activities. I send out emails keeping everyone informed. If you wish to become part of my email list please simply contact me..... Graham Beach at [email protected] M: 905 806 5591 Page 9 KENNISIS BREEZE Page 10 Proposed 40m Monopine Telecommunication Tower and Facility by Rogers Communication Inc. At their April 27th meeting, Dysart et al passed a resolution to support the proposal by Summit Telecom Services. President of KLCOA, Tony Lepine, spoke to council on behalf of their members, saying they were satisfied with the proposal and ready to move ahead. Page 11 KENNISIS BREEZE KLCOA Propane Group Buy & Home Heating Oil Offers Last summer, KLCOA initiated group purchase initiatives for propane with Superior Propane and for home heating oil with Youngdale Fuels. In summary, for propane consumers who consume more than 1500 litres annually with year-round delivery access, Superior offered KLCOA members a fixed price for the year of .639/litre, with a five year contract covering a number of issues including swapping out of tanks, tank rental, monitors, etc. Youngdale Fuels offered KLCOA members a 6 cent per litre reduction off their normal price at the time of delivery. Both these programs are ongoing. Over the course of the summer months, we will negotiate a new fixed-price cost with Superior for propane for the coming year Page 12 and review the other elements of the program and advise participating members of the new terms. We anticipate that Superior will allow members who did not participate in the first year to also join and will communicate the relevant information to KLCOA members. We will also review the home heating oil program with Youngdale Fuels and make this information available to members. We think these programs offer the suppliers some advantages in terms of economies of scale in delivering to the lake and to our members in terms of favourable group pricing. It also enhanced competition in the local fuel market, reducing prices for consumers of competitors' products. If you have any comments, please contact [email protected] Haliburton Highlands Chicken and Rib Dinner Join us for Chicken & Ribs Dinner on Sat July 11th to support the Haliburton HIghlands Outdoors Association and the Fish Hatchery. Call Dee at 705-457-9664 at the Hatchery on Tues and Thurs between 9am and 3pm if you want to put it on your credit card. Be sure to reserve a table so that you can sit with your friends or visit the following website for more details: http://www.hhoa.on.ca/ events.html Triclosan Did you know that “triclosan” is a chemical found in antibacterial soaps, health care products and cleaning products? Recent research findings indicate that triclosan has shown effects on the thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone hormones in laboratory animals and has also been found in pregnant women as well as breat milk. AND there is no evidence to support the fact that antibacterial soap is any more effective than just simple soap and water. FOCA is calling on the Canadian Government to declare triclosan as “toxic”. Page 13 KENNISIS BREEZE 12th ANNUAL STANHOPE HERITAGE DAY Saturday July 18th, 2015 Take a stroll through the past in the Stanhope Museum! This day highlights terrific demonstrations and displays of heritage arts, crafts and trades. Come and see local folks demonstrate beekeeping, soap making, tinsmithing, tatting, mandolin making, hand woodworking, dye making, and much more. See antique cameras, chainsaws, cars and snowmobiles while enjoying the music of the Custom Blend band, and the Celtic Slow Jam. Kids can play traditional games, have their faces painted, and meet farm animals. Don't miss the Speaking of Wildlife live animals at 11 am. Think you have the best butter tarts around? Page 14 Enter our butter tart competition and see if you can bring home the grand prize. One dozen butter tarts per entrant. Enjoy the bake sale, barbecue lunch, and the museum's famous citron marmalade. Lots of stuff to touch, see, do & buy. Something for everyone in the family! Looking for more details, or want to be a part of this event? Email [email protected] or download the event guide and poster at www.stanhopemuseum.on.ca/ Page 15 KENNISIS BREEZE Practical Lake ProtectorTips We all care about the health of our lakes but who is looking after lake health? Governments of all stripes are cutting back on the people and programs that used to protect our lakes and give us up to date data on lake health indicators. Lake associations can help fill this void but only if all of us step up individually and become Lake Protectors.What can wedo to make a difference? The C.H.A. has some of the most knowledgeable lake health scientists in Canadaas scientific advisors and we asked them that the question. Based on their advice here are the most powerful steps you can take to protect your lake. Keep your septic system healthy – septics are the # 1 contributor of phosphorous to our lakes in Haliburton County – the more phosphorous the greater the chance of an algae blooms – take 20 minutes and watch “Poop Talk “ at https://vimeo.com/channels/ lakeprotectors/63522168and then take action by Keeping anything that can kill bacteria out of your septic system Minimize and spread out the use of water Have your system inspected by an inspector who will take the lid off and do a proper physical inspection Have your tank pumped every 3-5 years Renaturalize your shoreline – natural shorelines deliver incredible benefits Filtering out pollutants such as phosphorous before it gets into the lake Providing habitat for all sorts of life that supports healthy loons, frogs, fish etc. Remember 80-90% of all life in your lake depends on natural shorelines Learn about the importance of Natural Shorelines by watching the Ribbon of Life at https://vimeo.com/channels/ lakeprotectors/90929405 Keep in mind even a small area with native plants will help. If you have grass to the lake – simply stop cutting all or part of it and nature will re naturalize the area over time. Vote for people who care about and will act to protect our lakes - Municipally, Provincially and Federally. The last few years have seen major cutbacks at organizations that are responsible for lake health such as The MNR, Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and many more. The C.H.A. has the opportunity to work with many of these organizations and know that the people left are passionate about their jobs and work very hard. They need our support. Let the politicians know that the health of your lake is very important to you. Support your lake association – the volunteers who hold positions with our local lake associations are fabulous people who give up much of their personal time to be Lake Protectors. They need your support. Volunteer for as little as 1-2 hours a year and help out. Stop them on the street or at your AGM and say – thank you – trust me it will mean a lot If each of us becomes a Lake Protectorour children will be able to enjoy some of our favourite things The call of the loon Frogs by the shore Swimming in a clear, clean lake Author Paul MacInnes, Chair of the C.H.A., is a passionate Lake Protector Page 16 Did you know that calcium levels in our Haliburton Lakes is decreasing which creates conditions allowing a rise in population of creatures known as Holopedium. Holopedium are about 1 mm in length and are part of the freshwater crustacean family. They can be a nuisance by clogging water systems and filters. Holopedium from a lake in the Muskoka-Haliburton region of Ontario. Did you know that the Shoreline Naturalization Demo site – in Dysart will be located at the MNR &F office in Haliburton so that shoreline property owners can visit these sites and see firsthand the answers to their questions re renaturalizing their own properties. Typical questions include: What will it look like? Can I still get my boat to the lake? Where will my kids play? Will I still be able to see the lake? What does Sweet Gale look like? Will it really bring back frogs & fish? C.H.A. exec member Jim McHardy is heading up this project and we hope to get this demonstration site re naturalized before summers end. Page 17 KENNISIS BREEZE Page 18 Page 19 KENNISIS BREEZE Page 20 Page 21 Kennisis Lakes - Drinking Water Safety V1.0 April 22 2015 Produced by the KLCOA Stewardship Committee Recently we received a question regarding what to do if there is a problem identified by a water quality test at your cottage. This article reviews a few of the most likely issues with drinking water at the KENNISIS Lakes, but given the number of treatment options (UV, Reverse Osmosis, Chlorination etc.) and differences in water sources (surface, well) you will need to seek professional help with any specific concerns you may have. This article is not a definitive reference manual for safe drinking water but is intended to direct you to the proper authority. Common issues and approaches are discussed. To learn more about drinking water safety, contact the HKPR Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577 and speak with the Public Health Inspector. Further general information: http://www.hkpr.on.ca/InfoSet/ Environments.aspx First, you should only be testing ‘treated’ water intended for drinking. Water taken directly from any lake (surface source) without using an approved ‘treatment process’ is not considered potable (safe to drink). Testing untreated lake water will not be conclusive - if it passes one day it may fail the next, as the water quality changes (such as from passing geese, dogs near the beach, and water currents/levels, etc.) A 2012 study1 asked a simple question “Why do Canadians get sick from drinking water?” They found that people did not: • understand their water supply system • recognize warning signs of issues, internal or external to the system • considered changes in their system or those around their cottage • seek help if they had concerns • put resources towards addressing water supply issues It’s important for you to understand your cottage water system and its potential weaknesses. C O M M O N %I S S U E S % At Kennisis, the most common water born health concerns are either caused by bacteria or pathogens (in our cottage environment, the most likely pathogens are fecal matter/ excrement). W E L L S % Water from a well should be tested quarterly. Periodically, chlorination is required to purify the source well and the cottage plumbing system. Drain this water to the outside (not the septic) and where it will not flow directly into the lake. 1 *Allen, M., Edberg, S., Clancy J., & Hrudey, S. (2012). Drinking Water Microbial Myths A Primer for Utility Managers, En- gineers, & Non- Microbiologists. Canadian Water and Wastewater Association National Conference, Kelowna, British Columbia, October 21-24, 2012. pagep page p pp ! Kennisis Lakes - Drinking Water Safety V1.0 April 22 2015 Produced by the KLCOA Stewardship Committee The following link provides a step by step process for decontaminating a well: http://www.eohu.ca/_files/resources/resource1310.pdf Wells must be protected from surface water runoff and a properly working system will not contain any pathogens (fecal count = 0). What should you do if your well water is not safe to drink: http://www.hkpr.on.ca/InfoSet/Environments/WellWater/DrinkingWaterSafety.aspx S U R FAC E %W AT E R 0%I S S U E S % Bacteria/%Virus%% Bacteria and viruses in lake water are often treated with Ultra Violet (UV) light. Water moving past the UV light is rendered safe to drink. Turbidity (silt or algae) can make the UV treatment system less effective, therefore a physical filter is first used to remove silt/algae (experts recommend a five-micron sediment filter). A common problem with using UV is that it does not protect against bacterial growth between the UV treatment chamber and the tap. It is therefore necessary to ‘decontaminate’ the plumbing system from time to time. Chlorination (or Hydrogen Peroxide) may be added to purify the plumbing system. On completion of the purifying process, purge the chlorine or peroxide containing water to the outside (not the septic) and not directly into the lake. !2 Kennisis Lakes - Drinking Water Safety V1.0 April 22 2015 Produced by the KLCOA Stewardship Committee Pathogens% Giardia or Cryptosporidium are gut wrenching protozoan cysts that can be best removed with either a 1 micron (or less) filter, UV system or reverse osmosis. No amounts of Pathogens are considered safe to drink so if your water test from the tap comes back with a fecal count, you have a serious problem. Question Answer What are the most We face three common pathogens: common risks to Bacteria - micro-organisms (E. coli think drinking lake water? Walkerton). Protozoa - only survive outside the body in the form of a cyst or oocyst, which act like a cocoon protecting the Protozoa from water treatment. Prevalent in water are Giardia (beaver fever) Comments/Treatment Chemical contamination is not considered a significant risk at Kennisis. Turbidity, Skunky Taste - and Chemical Improvements can be made with filters such as Activated Carbon, however these devices do not disinfect. See below for treatment options Viruses are the smallest water-borne pathogens. Rotavirus and Hepatitis-A are examples. What should I do to treat the water? Any solution needs to consider all three risks: Bacteria, Protozoa and Viruses: There are a variety of commercial water purification systems, common solutions include: Bacteria Chlorination and Ultraviolet Irradiation (UV) are a common method of handling Bacteria Protozoa Ceramic Filters Ultraviolet Irradiation (UV) No treatment required for properly working well. Viruses Ultraviolet Irradiation (UV) and some very fine filters. Chlorination ! Kennisis Lakes - Drinking Water Safety V1.0 April 22 2015 Produced by the KLCOA Stewardship Committee Water related illness Symptoms of water-borne illness often include cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle - what are the aches, weight loss, fever and chills. symptoms? Infants, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are the most severely affected. Skin rashes/vomiting/diarrhea after swimming can be a warning sign of an issue with a nearby septic. What are common Issues to Watch for with UV Fecal matter from Geese may be an issue near lawns as they attract geese. Common swimmers itch (not a potable water issue) can be a swimming issue. Power outages disable UV systems. Using the water when the power is out (such as flushing a toilet) can contaminate pipes (see plumbing decontamination) Short power outages of less than one second may disable recent models of UV controllers (they stay off and require manual restart). A small UPS (uninterruptable power supply) solves this problem. The tank that stores the treated water may become contaminated over time. Follow manufactures cleaning instructions Surface water draining into the well from above or fractures in the rock (and after flooding) Landscape to divert water and prevent drainage into the well. Treatment? What are common Issues with Severe cases can result in kidney failure, long-term illness and even death. Reverse Osmosis Treatment? What are common issues with wells? Insufficient testing How well is your well article Are leaky septic tanks a problem for drinking water All septic tanks need to be in working order. Since we assume the surface water may contain pathogens, you must treat lake water appropriately as already described. Are leaky septic tanks a problem for swimming All septic tanks need to be in working order. If your septic system is not in perfect order or if it has not been pumped within the last 3-5 years, get it attended to. I suspect my neighbours septic is not in good condition - what do I do? All septic tanks need to be in working order. If your suspect your neighbor’s septic system is not in perfect order or if it has not been pumped within the last 3-5 years, talk to them about getting it attended to noting that our lake water and drinking water health depends on regular septic maintenance. If that does not resolve the problem you may wish to contact the Municipality of Dysart. KENNISIS BREEZE 2015 BOOM Sailing Program - July 27th to July 31st 2015 THE ONTARIO SAILING ASSOCIATION BOOM PROGRAM IS RETURNING TO KENNISIS LAKE. The KLCOA will be hosting the Ontario Sailing Association BOOM Sailing Program during the second last week of July this summer. This is a unique opportunity for children 8 15 years old to learn to sail. The program will run for one week, Monday to Friday - July 27 to 31, 2015. The OSA provides the fleet of boats and qualified instructors and Windermere Lodge has graciously provided the use of their shoreline for boat launching again this year. Evening adult lessons should be available during the week. For additional information please contact Jim Prince at [email protected] or at 416.528.1739. Page 26 . Volume 1, Issue 1 A Little Risk Management Can Go A Long Way To Protect Your Cottage Owning property and especially cottages is a great enjoyment. In Canada, we have the benefit of experiencing the weather of four beautiful seasons, each of which provide us with wonderful experiences from warm July days, to cold January nights. The seasons also dictate risk management for each of the four seasons. A large investment has been made in your property; finding was to reduce risks to your investment, such as reducing the likelihood of fire, windstorm or snow load, is risk management. Risk management applies to everyone, from an individual owning a small cottage to a corporation owning a multi-million dollar cottage. Although winter seems a long way off, it will be here before we know it. Being prepared in advance will reduce these risks, as heavy snow falls can happen suddenly; a roof already heavily laden with snow may be unable to withstand the weight of any additional snow, ice or rain. In summer, examining one's roof and internal structure is imperative. The roof exterior should be in good condition. Missing shingles can result in water damage to the interior of the cottage. Also consider the location of the cottage; it may be in a region which experiences much heavier snow falls than the region in which your home is located. Is the roof structure built to withstand the weight of a normal winter's snowfall in that particular Region? Review your own insurance policy, before winter comes, and speak to your insurance broker. Make sure you are aware of the type of coverage being provided by your insurance policy. Not all property policies are the same. Some insurance companies provide snow load coverage for your home; however, may not provide this coverage for your cottage. One of the insurance companies we represent is, Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company (Lindsay). Their claims experience; with respect to insured losses as the result of collapse due to the weight of ice or snow from 2007 to 2009, have amounted to over $700,000 in incurred claims. Do you have a plan in place for winter, to remove snow from the roof? Not all of us are as able bodied as we used to be and it may be difficult for us to shovel the snow off the roof; as a result, one may look at hiring a contractor to shovel the snow from the cottage roof. In hiring a contractor, one important aspect is to make sure the contractor has adequate insurance. Ask your contractor for a certificate of liability insurance. The certificate of liability insurance, provided by the contractor's insurance company, provides written documentation that an insurance policy exists, and the limit of coverage for liability under that policy. Commercial General Liability (CGL) is the type of liability coverage, for commercial operations such as a roofing contractor. The CGL provides coverage in the event the contractor, while conducting snow removal from the roof of your cottage, negligently caused property damage or bodily injury, for which they are legally liable. In the process of removing snow from a cottage roof, it is possible shingles may be damaged, torn off or the roof structure could be punctured. If the damage is not repaired, this could lead to water damage to the interior of the cottage. If the contractor you hired has caused the damage; however, has no insurance, you may find yourself with a very large expense in repairing the roof and the resulting water damage to the interior of the cottage. The risk management process is an important process for all of us, being aware of the risks before they happen, and being prepared, will mean enjoyment of your cottage for years to come. Article by www.floydhallinsurance.com/ Article provided by Page 27 KENNISIS BREEZE Respecting Our Paradise Last fall, while on a walk along Minnow Drive around Paddy’s Bay one of our KLCOA members spotted a disturbing scene. Household garbage, furniture and electronics dumped at the end of a trail just off the road. This is clearly unacceptable as it is not simply an aesthetic issue it's an issue that can have many other effects, on the environment and all of us as Kennisis Lake residents. Illegal dumping is a serious problem in our Municipality and left unchecked, the problem could get worse . Page 28 Volume 1, Issue 1 ……..How to Report Illegal Dumping To report illegal dumping, call the Municipality of Dysart at 705-457-9318. Or Visit the Dysart Administrative Offices are located at 135 Maple Avenue in the Village of Haliburton, Ontario. KLCOA Volunteers will be cleaning the area this spring when the snow clears and the area is accessible. If you would like to help out, contact us at: [email protected] Please Respect our Beautiful Paradise at Kennisis Lake A message from your KLCOA Board Page 29 KENNISIS BREEZE A Reminder of Dysart et al Bylaw: “Every person being the owner of a dog, shall keep the dog leashed and under the control of some person while on the lands owned by the Municipality, where dogs are permitted, or while on any publicly maintained road. (By-law No. 2002-78) Page 30 Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 31 KENNISIS BREEZE Helping Hands – Reliable Help For You & Benefits to Our Community George and Audrey were so excited! George was retiring and finally they could move full time to their cottage in the Highlands. There was a lot of work that needed to turn their vacation spot into a year ‘round home, and both were eager to get started. They were happily moved and full into renovations when disaster struck. George fell, seriously hurting his back. With help from a neighbor Audrey got George home from hospital but it was clear that he would not be doing anything strenuous for a few months. George gritted his teeth as he thought about all the work to be done: insulation added, the floors redone, windows replaced, not to mention the outside work! Of immediate concern was how to get the couch and sofa bed from the garage to the house by the time their daughter came on Saturday with Andrea, their 3 year old grandchild! Heads were spinning. They had no idea who to call, but then chance intervened. That afternoon, Audrey was walking their dog, Bailey, past a house and it was sporting a lovely new porch. A woman was outside and a conversation ensued. Audrey asked who had built that lovely porch. “Oh, I hired Need a Hand,” the woman replied, “They did an amazing job and to my delight they had great rates! And I was really pleased that Need a Hand is a social enterprise of SIRCH Community Services, so my money also goes to support other programs needed in the community.” George called that same afternoon and two workers from the SIRCH Need a Hand program came the next day to move the furniture. They also helped tidy up outside so it would be safe for their granddaughter. Over the next few months, Need a Hand workers helped put their docks in and finished the renovations. Audrey supervised clearing out the garage, and was delighted when they took a load of items to the Thrift Warehouse (keeping them out of the landfill). “I call them for all sorts of things,” George confided to his neighbor, “They cleaned out my eaves last week and cut some trees. We always get quality work done by friendly people at a reasonable cost. I’ve booked them to come and check on our house when we’re away next winter – having Need a Hand available has given us peace of mind.” George’s back improved and then, after a few months, he was back in fighting form once again, As time went by, George and Audrey found that having Need a Hand took the load off of the “job jar” and left them more time to do the things they love to do. Today they are enjoying retirement to the fullest, and as George likes to say “when I need a hand, they’re as close as my phone.” All workers are WSIB covered and have had a police check. If you “Need a Hand” call: 705-457-1742. Or email [email protected] www.sirch.on.ca Page 32 Volume 1, Issue 1 The KLCOA “needs a hand” to offer the community events for all of our cottage members! We appreciate the help that Doug Mahood at Kennisis Marina has offered to us. Without the use of the Marina property, we could not provide you with the fireworks, the regatta, and other upcoming social events. Thank you Doug! We appreciate your “helping hands”. KLCOA also appreciates the “helping hands” of many members who quietly come forward and offer their assistance behind the scenes for the betterment of the entire cottage community. Thank to all who have supported our goals by offering time, effort or dollars to assist KLCOA….. a volunteer organization in itself. Reflecting on the whole concept of volunteerism, I am reminded of the outcomes that benefit myself and the community. It reinforces some very important intrinsic values: Volunteerism helps you learn a lot Volunteerism strengthens community and brings people together Volunteerism saves resources and saves money Volunteerism makes a difference for one person or the entire community THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!! Page 33 KENNISIS BREEZE Looking for hiking trails? Each fall, wwwexperiencehaliburton.com plans a hiking festival for all! Here is a map of the 2014 hiking guide. Plans are underway for 2015, but this map may be a useful resource for cottagers who are looking for hiking trails during the summer. Page 34 Volume 1, Issue 1 Did You Know? Ruby Throated Hummingbirds The under part of the male hummingbird’s body is grayish green while the under part of the female hummingbird’s body is white. Because hummingbirds are territorial and aggressively protect the feeder from other hummingbirds, it is recommended that three or more feeders are available in different parts of your property . Page 35 KENNISIS BREEZE Kennisis Cottage Rentals handle a wide spectrum of lakefront accommodations. We have been matching guests with just the right cottage since 2006. We know what vacationers want, and as fellow cottagers we understand your pride of ownership and attachment to the lake. Feel free to contact us for an on-site evaluation of your rental potential: 705 754-4678 or www.kennisiscottagerentals.com [email protected]
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