2024 President's Report

President Judith Mills welcomed everyone to the annual general meeting of the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation for Fiscal 2024 (May 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024). 

Judith reported that it was another good year for the Foundation. We have 866 members of which 45% are permanent. There were 77 new annual members and 9 new permanent members this year, and an additional 239 subscribers to our newsletter. Our financial position continues to be strong. Other highlights include:

Communications 

We have a very effective membership database and have 1200 followers on social media, all of which are integrated so that similar messages are heard on all channels.

Governance

We are piloting Canada Land Trust standards and procedures. Our bylaws were updated to meet new government standards.

Truth and Reconciliation

We plan to connect with the Chippewas of Rama about Indigenous stories for our educational programming at Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve and explore other projects such as an archeological study at the nature reserve.

Community Engagement

We hosted the Dr Cathy Charles Bird Count in May. Two high school graduates were awarded the Harriet T. Weaver Bursaries of $1000 each. Our Butterfly Count was rained out. We had a very successful Silent Boat Rally. The two Mushroom Forays were well attended. The Garryowen community research and documentation was prepared. A Heritage Plaque was presented to St Patrick’s Church Glenmount.

Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

Our priorities continue to be environment, habitat protection, education and recreation. Families and small groups are welcome to visit. Visitors register online. They receive a colour-coded trail map, instructions on where to park and a list of permitted and prohibited activities (e.g. no dogs or pets). We had 800 registered visitors in the fiscal year. The Karn Nature Room with interactive elements for children is in the Education Centre. The winter trail camera recorded 23 species of wildlife and is available on our YouTube Channel. As per the management plan for the site we continue to remove non-native Scots Pine trees.

Volunteers

Thank you to all the volunteers who carried out several projects, grass cuttings and trail maintenance at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. 

What’s Next

Future projects include 3 potential land donations, educational materials and signage for the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve, a multi-generational nature program and support for Truth and Reconciliation.

Judith Mills, President