Fall 2025 Newsletter
Hello from Roy!
As I write this newsletter it is still fall even though I look out my window and it definitely looks like winter. The lake is not frozen yet but should be by the end of the week.
I typically send out the fall newsletter after Thanksgiving but it has been a very busy few months for me. Town council and chairing the MVCA Board has taken up a lot of my time, although I managed a brief break for hunting season.
There are changes being made to all Conservation Authorities throughout the province which I will discuss later.
As most of you know, lake levels were really low this year. However, over the past few weeks we have seen the levels increasing. Hopefully this is a good sign for next year.
We had a very successful social event again this year and will be planning another for next year. More information to come in the new year.
Membership numbers are at 78 for the year. Slightly down from last year but hopefully we can reach a target of 80 for next year.
I wish everyone a happy holiday season and hopefully you are able to spend some time on Buckshot over the winter months.
Hope to see you soon,
Roy
Newsletter at a glance
● Membership
● BLA Social
● Photo Contest
● Septic Inspections
● MVCA
● Your board members
Membership
As of December 1, we have 78 paid members. Last year we reached 85. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Some have been long standing members yet have not renewed your membership, but there is still time to do so. Some have received a personal email reminder to renew. If you are not sure if you have paid just send an email and we can double check for you. The BLA does so much for the lake and the 30 dollars for membership is needed for expenses such as Buoy markers, Insurance premiums, membership to FOCA and NFLAA, photo contest prizes, water sampling and of course our social event. If you have neighbours that are not part of the BLA, please pass on a good word and promote our Lake association.
BLA Social
Our social event was held on August 23rd with just over 40 participants enjoying the bbq lunch and great company and converstation. It was clear from those attending that they would like this tradition to continue. We have not set a date for next year but it will most likely be held early August 2026. Thank you to all who helped with this event and a special thanks to the Wards for hosting again this year.
Photo Contest
This year we had another successful photo contest. So many entries and such high quality pictures. It was very difficult to pick winners. Entries and winning pictures can be viewed on the BLA website. Congratulations to all the winners. Many thanks to Russ Brown and Donna Crome for managing the photo contest. Looking forward to seeing the photos next year.
Here are your winners:
Young Photographer - Jacob Barnett (Nonno, Pat Lamana accepting for Jacob)
Landscapes - Karen McIlory
Nature/Wildlife - Anne Donaghy
Cottage Life - Leslie Hoyt
Septic Inspections
This year Buckshot Lake participated in the voluntary septic inspection program. This program is in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and the Township of North Frontenac. I have not seen the final report but speaking to Eric from the MVCA this was the most successful year since the program was implemented and Buckshot Lake residents participated more than any of the other lake residents in past years. Great to see so many people interested in protecting our environment.
MVCA
Many of you have heard of the recent mandate of the amalgamation of 36 Conservation Authorities to 7. The province announced this last month with very few details. As the Chair Person of the MVCA and Deputy Mayor of North Frontenac, I am very concerned as to what this means not only for our Township but our lake. When such decisions are made without proper public consultation it worries me about possible downloading of costs to the Township. The MVCA does so much for our community such as monitoring our lake quality, septic inspections, tree day programs and test well monitoring in our area, and not to mention all the dams that they take care of in North Frontenac. More meetings have been scheduled and hopefully more answers will be provided.
If you would like to comment on the ERO (Environmental Registry of Ontario) you have until December 22nd, 2025. You can also contact our MPP John Jordan.
The Township of North Frontenac passed a resolution at the last council meeting that they are not in agreement with the amalgamtion.
Your BLA Executive Members:
● Roy Huetl President
● Russ Brown Past President
● Paul Asselin Treasurer
● Leslie Hoyt Secretary
● Vikram Joshi Web Admin
● Mary Ann Ward Membership Director