Spring 2026 Newsletter
Northern Lights over Buckshot Lake (RH)
Hello from Roy!
I hope everyone had a great winter season. It was only 2 weeks ago that there was still ice on the lake and now the loons are back. Spring is such a beautiful season. It is nice to see that the lake levels are back to normal. Hopefully we will get just the right amount of rain this year to maintain proper levels.
A gentle reminder that both North Frontenac and Addington Highlands have outdoor burn bans in effect every year from April 1st to October 31st, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (except for cooking or warmth). The full By Law regarding fires is available on their websites. And always remember to check the website or roadside Fire Hazard Rating signs.
The executive board met on April 11 and has planned a couple events for this year. Our AGM is scheduled for July 12th, 10am to 12pm at Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna, and our social event is August 8th.
Our membership is in a healthy state and we encourage everyone to renew for the 2026 season. The $30 membership is a small fee to pay for what the BLA does. The buoy markers alone are a great reason to pay for the membership. We ask that you talk to neighbours and friends who are not members and invite them to join.
There are 3 important items that I want to bring to your attention: the amalgamation of the Conservation Authorities, Alto high speed train proposal and the municipal election for 2026. Please see below for further information. I just want to let everyone know that I will be running again for Ward 2 Councilor in North Frontenac.
I have also added an interesting article by Meghan Ward on invasive species.
I hope everyone enjoys this spring season, even with the upcoming bugs invasion.
See you soon,
Roy
Newsletter at a glance
Membership
BLA Social
Photo Contest
MVCA
Municipal Election 2026
ALTO High Speed Train
Invasive Species
Your board members
Membership
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. Also if you are getting work done at your residence ask the contractor if they would like to advertise on our website. The fee is the same as a membership of $30.
BLA Social
Our social event has been scheduled for August 8th this year, so please mark it in your calendar. This event is always a great time to socialize with neighbours and make new friends. More information to come. The board would like to thank the Wards for hosting the event again this year.
Photo contest
BLA Photo contest
MVCA
The Province has now confirmed that the 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario will now be consolidated into 9. This will take effect Feb 1st 2027. As of this date the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority will now be part of the St Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority. This will consist of Rideau CA, South Nation CA and the Raisin Region CA. The CAO and Chair of each existing CA will be part of the transition team with one member appointed by the province to lead the transition. As the Chair of the MVCA I will be part of the transition team. I have a lot of concerns about how this will affect our area. Remember the MVCA has 9 critical dams in North Frontenac which they operate and maintain. Another important point is that the new board will not have local representation. This means that North Frontenac and Addington Highlands will not have future seats on the board. Board members will now be made up by County representatives. I will provide further updates as I learn more.
Municipal Elections 2026
Municipal elections are to be held this year electronically prior to October 26th. Visit the township websites for additional details. Remember you can vote in North Frontenac or Addington Highlands if you are a seasonal owner and in your home municipality. It is important that you exercise your right to vote, but first you must make sure you are on the Voters List. Check out the link to ensure you are on the list.
As I stated above I will be running again this year in North Frontenac but do not want to make this newsletter a political campaign. If you have any questions or concerns please email me directly or give me a call: royfhuetl@gmail.com 613 812-9462
Alto High Speed Train
I am sure many of you have heard about the High Speed Train proposal by the Federal Government. At this time the exact route from Toronto to Ottawa has not been picked. One route being considered includes passing through North Frontenac which many believe will follow the hydro corridor including parts of Road 506 and 509. This would have a negative effect on our community. There are many concerns that have been brought forward, for example, the expropriation of land and the effect on the environment. The proposed high speed train will be fenced in its entirety, isolating sections of our communities along its way. I have spoken to MP Scott Reid and he believes an announcement for the final location will be made in the fall. For more information you can call MP Reid and go to the link: https://www.altotrain.ca/en
Invasive Species
All invasive species are a concern. Please read the paper written by Meagan Ward, a PhD student at Trent University.
Guardians of the Lake: What You Need to Know About Aquatic Invasive Species in North Frontenac
By Meghan Ward
If you’ve spent time on the lakes of North Frontenac, you know how special these waters are—places of quiet beauty, clear reflection, and summer memories. But beneath the surface, some unwelcome guests are starting to take over. Aquatic invasive species—plants and animals that are not native to these ecosystems that cause harm when they are introduced—are spreading fast and causing serious problems.
These invaders, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and Phragmites (an aggressive breed), outcompete native species, choke out biodiversity, and even make swimming and boating difficult. And it’s not just an environmental issue—it’s a property and recreational one too. Dense mats of weeds and clogged shorelines can drag down property values and turn a relaxing lake day into a struggle.
How Do They Get Here?
The truth is, we often bring them in ourselves. These species hitchhike on boat propellers and trailers, sneak in through ballast water from far-off ports, or arrive when someone dumps aquarium contents or bait into the lake. In cottage country, where lake use is high and shoreline development is widespread, the risk is even greater.
Meet the Main Culprit: Eurasian Watermilfoil
One of the most pressing threats in North Frontenac is Eurasian watermilfoil. This feathery plant from Europe spreads incredibly fast. Just one small fragment of the plant can start a new infestation. It grows into thick underwater tangles that block sunlight, suffocate fish habitat, and wrap around boat propellers.
Mazinaw Lake is already seeing the impacts. A 2023 survey found about 15 hectares of milfoil infestation, and experts estimate that without intervention, this could expand to cover 65% of the lake’s habitable shallow water in less than a decade.
What Can Be Done?
There are several tools available—from manual harvesting and burlap mats to herbicides like ProcellaCOR FX. This new treatment, approved for use in Canada, is designed to target invasive milfoil while leaving most native aquatic plants unharmed. It’s applied by professionals and has already shown strong results in lakes across Ontario and the U.S., with native species bouncing back and milfoil significantly reduced.
What Can You Do?
Every landowner plays a role in the fight against invasive species. Here’s how you can help:
At the cottage: Keep your shoreline natural with native plants. Avoid lawn fertilizers, which encourage invasive growth.
On the water: Always clean, drain, and dry your boats and gear. Never dump live bait or aquarium contents into the lake.
In your community: Join monitoring groups, report sightings of suspicious species, and talk to your neighbours and renters about how to prevent the spread.
These simple actions, when taken together, can make a huge difference. By working as a community, we can protect the health and beauty of our lakes—not just for today, but for generations to come.
To learn more, contact meghanward@trentu.ca.
Your BLA Executive Member
Roy Huetl - President
Russ Brown - Past President
Paul Asselin - Treasurer
Leslie Hoyt - Secretary
Vikram Joshi - Web/Technical Support
Mary Ann Ward - Membership Director
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