A (belated) 2025 Family Day weekend update
In this issue
Township of the Archipelago new bylaws approved.
Water Access Committee update
Internet connection news for water access folks
Canvassing for summer art class program
President’s Message
This was long weekend for many of our members. And very snow covered for those in Ontario! But your association is looking ahead on many fronts. Our thanks to Kevin McCarthy who has again agreed to host our annual general meeting with a date still to be set in August – but not on a long weekend! We are even exploring the possibility of including a social component for the whole family. We are also canvassing for interest in possible events on the lake – including art classes and an eco tour event from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve team.
We also thank the Water Access Committee who have largely completed their work as we engage the Township its responsibility to ensure assured long term access for water access ratepayers and the related contingency planning.
We also lament the passing of Carolyn Rymell and Len McCurdy this past fall. Both were passionate champions of all things Blackstone.
As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions regarding this newsletter or anything else. Winter cottagers report one of the best seasons ever. May that be true for us this summer too.
Erik Mathiesen
Gotta pay your dues!
We now have online forms to apply for membership or add names to the mailing list.
Electronic contactless payment of annual dues very much appreciated. E-transfer $100.00 to blackstone.lake115@gmail.com. Your dues must be paid to have a legal vote at the AGM or other member meetings.
Township Matters
Site Alteration and Tree Preservation Bylaws Passed
After an extended consultation process, these bylaws were adopted by Council on January 17, 2025 and will become in force on April 1, 2025. If you are considering any significant changes, you should check whether they might apply to your situation. The bylaws can be found here. (https://www.thearchipelago.on.ca/p/planning)
Water Access Committee
As noted , the Water Access Committee has completed it’s work and we are grateful to all involved and thank Lisa Lucas for her leadership and helping keep things on track.
For road access, we got a great backgrounder from Todd Cleland and learned enough about the process to be able to report back to the lake regarding process, contacts and cost responsibility. Township positioned as source of advice.
For Angler's Inn liaison, we continue to have regular contact and information sharing with the Morwalds. Discussions have focused on mutual expectations, improved communications, suggestions for improvement and offers to help with same. June Kingston, Kevin McCarthy and Norm Reedman are continuing with this important work.
On the alternative access file, there was much done too. Here is the official message from Darlene Cade
Further to a BLCA request and presentation to Council in October, TOA has agreed it would itself apply to Hydro and pay the $1500 fee. This route is justified by our Official Plan which clearly confirms that water access communities must have a landing from which to reach their residences. The amount of time & effort already generated by the TOA staff towards a better understanding of the topography of your lake will be supported further by the knowledge of what lands, currently owned by Hydro, could potentially become a landing for Blackstone. The current single private marina operation does allow vulnerability to losing all access to your lake should the marina owner sell, close up, etc. The Council therefore agreed that the TOA applying to Hydro is reasonable and supports the work done to date by both the TOA, and the incredible, tireless efforts of the Blackstone Lake Cottagers Association and its committees for a solution, should access for the residents to their properties be lost. This application by the TOA to learn more from Hydro is not to be construed in any way to include any thought of planned land acquisition by the TOA. It is simply the next step in our homework efforts for a broader understanding of what opportunities exist, should a public landing be requested, or if the lake is confronted with no accessibility.
Resolution passed November 24, 2024:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby approves the expenditure of $1500 to explore the acquisition of a Hydro One Property on Blackstone Lake for water access purposes.
Bell Fibre Internet Initiative continues
As you are aware, the Provincially funded high speed internet initiative has commenced with the laying of cable throughout Blackstone Lake.
We have been contacted by Mikes Communications in Huntsville. They are the authorized installation company for properties on Blackstone for the laying of the cable to individual cottages. Please contact Mikes Communications directly to discuss the timetable for your property and for full information and details on this free initiative. They are especially interest in closing the loop with about two dozen water access properties. (#6,36,37,46-49.236,240,244, 248-250,255,260,270,295,300)
Contact
Megan Rae, Network Set-Up Liaison
519-503-7329
2 Bickley Country Drive
Huntsville ON P1H 1Y4
(705) 789-6834
Checking for Interest in Joining an Art Class
In 2024 your BLCA introduced our B, B &B dock socials that were well received and attended. For 2025, we have been looking at another local opportunity.
Jessica Vergeer is a well respected artist in Parry Sound. She holds occasional Art classes throughout the year and will also consider hosting a class for BLCA members.
Details:
Class would be held at Foley Ag centre on Rankin Lake road. While they would consider other locations, the space has to be satisfactory with tables, chairs, good lighting, etc. (Sunday August 24th, 2025)
3 hour class 9am until noon
All art supplies, etc are provided.
Class is taught/directed by Jessica Vergeer
Coffee and snacks provided
Scene to be chosen by us…ie perhaps one tree/lone pine island..or similar favourite view of Blackstone Lake (Lawsons bay..flat rock?) We just need a good photo of the subject matter.
Everyone takes their completed painting home!
It is always a ton of fun
Cost would be approximately $140 per person, with only 25 spots available.
All are welcome, but not suitable for young children.
At this stage we would like to hear from our BLCA member to 'reserve' their spots for this fun opportunity. Please email Blackstonelakeca@gmail.com to advise if you would be interested by March 1st. We will then open the opportunity up to all members of Blackstone Lake and possible Crane Lake to see if we can secure the required attendees. Further information on tickets and payment, etc. will be provided by Vergeer Studios once we confirm interest.
For more info on Jessica Vergeer:
Original Paintings by Jessica Vergeer
Catch up on the latest from the Georgian Bay Association here!
Your Board of Directors from all parts of the lake:
Kathy Watts, Barbara Metelka, Andy Metelka, Cheryl Ward, Matt Hackett, Erik Mathiesen
