2023 President's Report

Welcome to the annual general meeting of the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation. It’s wonderful to see everyone again.

I’m happy to report another good year in Fiscal 2023 (May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023)

Communications

We have an effective membership data base
Quarterly newsletters are sent to members & subscribers, and archived on the website
We have a social media presence on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
Thank you for the many comments on the website content.

Governance and Outreach

We updated our strategic plan: Vision 2027
We continue to pilot the new Canada Land Trust Standards and Practices
Truth & Reconciliation
We established a committee to consider the role of the Foundation in Truth and Reconciliation
We are learning about Indigenous history of Lake of Bays (Martin Cooper, archeologist)
We explored land acknowledgements, their purpose, how to write one
Next Steps: ‘Actions are more important than words’

-Initiate a relationship with the Chippawa of Rama, contact Community Consultation Worker

-Include Indigenous stories in our education programming

-Explore assistance to youth at Rama

-Possible archeological study at Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

Community Engagement

Our Community Heritage committee carried out the research on the history of Ronville Road, identified the recipients of the Built Heritage awards, and produced the booklet and video which you will see today.
Our annual nature events well attended - Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count, Butterfly Count, Silent Boat Rally, Two Mushroom Forays.
The Harriet T Weaver $1,000 bursaries presented to 2 high school graduates. View recipients here .

Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

Overall, the primary goal is to preserve and enhance the ecological integrity of the Lower Oxtongue River ecosystem, while allowing for some passive recreational use to educate the public on this important feature within the Lake of Bays region.
Our Management Plan objectives include: Environmental Protection, Wildlife Habitat Protection, Education, Recreation/Nature Appreciation
Visitors welcomed, register before you visit. It’s quick and easy.
‘Take only Photos. Leave only Footprints’. No dogs or other pets please.
The Karn Nature Room has interactive elements for children and families.

Volunteers

The work of the Foundation is done entirely by volunteers
Thank you to everyone who helped us maintain the Education Centre and walking trails at the nature reserve.
People tell us volunteering with LBHF is interesting, fun, rewarding and a great way to meet people. We have opportunities to volunteer in many areas. Please let us know about your interests or talents.

Langmaid’s Island Development

We were disappointed with the Phase 1 approval of 32 building lots.
We participated with LOBA in Phase 2 about the Draft Plan of Subdivision. All parties settled before the hearing commenced. The Plan of Subdivision is approved by the District of Muskoka subject to the fulfillment of a number of conditions. Positive outcomes include: 4 blocks of conserved land that will have Conservation Easements to protect habitat, several measures to protect shoreline and tree canopy, character guidelines for all building structures, owners stewardship manual to be provided to all future owners at time of purchase.
It will be incumbent upon the District of Muskoka, The Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays to stand firm on each condition of approval and future development. The opportunity for variances and amendments requests always looms, and we expect our municipal planning departments to stay true to the intent of the settlement.
Over time, 32 new families will join the Lake of Bays community. We should welcome them and lead by example so that they too will be good stewards of the lake.

What’s Next