A belated Victoria Day Weekend update
In this issue
Various updates
Stink week scheduling - Do you need a septic pumpout this year?
Time to pay your dues, summer events, annual meeting etc.
Various updates
Whether you are a year-round resident or returning after a cold winter season away, the long weekend always feels like the unofficial ‘start’ of a fantastic summer ahead -even if it is cool and damp and the bugs out. Whenever you open, may it go smoothly. We look forward to seeing you this summer.
Your Lake Association has been busy over the winter on a number of subjects, both planning for the season and monitoring various files. There is a lot of news which has been covered in Councillor Cade’s newsletter and we include links to good GBA resources rather than regurgitate it all here. A key benefit of our GBA membership is having access to their political clout and resources. If we have a concern on Blackstone, there has already probably been some work done on it by the GBA.
More locally, a shout out and thank you to Anton Osfolk and Andy Metelka for installing the shoal markers in record time and very cold water. Angler’s Inn benefited from some nice early weather after ice out and has some nice dock renewal/replacement happening. The Morwald family has been busy! We also thank our councillor Darlene Cade for being very available and helpful in all our dealings. On the water access front, you may recall we’ve gotten the Township to take more ownership which included an application to Hydro to at least explore alternative or contingent access possibilities. Hydro has categorically rejected this overture, so we continue to brainstorm. We’ve had a number of cordial discussions with the Morwalds over the winter aimed at mutual understanding, possible service enhancements and generally responding to ratepayer concerns. Our thanks to June Kingston for leading this initiative and to Kevin McCarthy, Norm Reedman and of course the Morwalds.
We’ve locked in dates for the Annual Meeting and an “Explore our Shores” event (August 16 and 10 respectively) and hope to have a few more social events and learning opportunities.
More broadly – and sadly – environmental concerns seem to be out of fashion. We have protested the elimination of the Lake Partner Program and you rest assured the long history of Blackstone water quality testing will continue. Bill C5 by the Ontario government is seen as a significant concern for water based folks. Learn more here.
Phragmites continues to be concern on the bay and our volunteers are tackling an infestation on the road. (You can learn more about invasive species in the region here!)
We’ll also have more information on other things you might be able to do environmentally including dock foam, boat motors etc.
Gotta pay your dues!
An online 2025 dues payment and membership application can be found on our website 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.
SAVE THE DATE!
2025 Annual General Meeting – August 16, 2025
9:30a.m. -11:30 a.m. Location: Myrtle Island. Thank you Kevin McCarthy!
We welcome all expressions of volunteer interest and need to build out our board roster. If you would like to get more involved, please reach out. email to blackstonelakeca@gmail.com by June 30. Add it your calendar!
Septic Tank Pump-Out 2025
We are grateful to Graham Hatherley of Muskoka Septic Services for working with BLCA and Angler’s Inn to coordinate this annual activity.
If you wish to participate in the pump-out this year, please contact Erik Mathiesen at: emathiesen@rogers.com Once we establish the number of pump-outs to be completed, we will schedule with Muskoka Septic Services and confirm arrangements. The timing of the pump-out operation will depend upon the contractor’s schedule, as well as arrangements with Anglers Inn.
One essential step in maintaining an effective, properly functioning waste treatment system is to have your septic tank emptied every few years. The frequency recommended for this action depends upon the design and capacity of your system and the “load” it handles, which depends upon the number of weeks the cottage is used each year and the average number of occupants. The typical recommendation is to have the septic tank pumped out every three to five years. If you are not sure when your septic tank was last emptied, it is usually suggested that you have the system inspected by a specialist, or simply proceed with a pump-out.
Introducing Your Champions of the Bay – honouring Carolyn Rymell
GBA will be recognizing the outstanding contributions of 16 stewards nominated for their work, representing Associations from Honey Harbour in the south to the Bay of Islands in the north. Carolyn Rymell was Blackstone’s inaugural nominee and will be honoured in memoriam. See the GBA newsletter for May 29 details.
EXPLORE OUR SHORES
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve offering
August 10, tentatively 9:00 a.m. to noon with refreshments. Join us for a paddle on Blackstone Lake as we discuss water quality, fish habitat, stewardship opportunities, and more! Meet on the water in front of the Angler’s Inn. Add it to your calendar!
Calling all Kids in the Biosphere!
Are you ready for exploration and adventure? The Township of The Archipelago (TOA) continues to offer the Kids in the Biosphere program in partnership with Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere. This free program provides participating families with activities to keep them outside and learning about nature all summer long. Kids in the Biosphere began in 2013 and has reached over 600 families!
Families within the TOA register with the program at the beginning of summer and pick up an activity kit with materials and activity instructions. The self-guided activities are designed to last all summer. Beyond nature observation, the activity kits invite families to conduct science experiments, help local species, and take climate action. Families can also complete their activity scorecard and submit photos of their discoveries throughout the summer. Activities are mainly self-guided, but there are opportunities for families to interact with Biosphere staff and guest experts.
We are back for summer 2025! If you are interested in an activity kit, visit jotform.com/GBayBiosphere/kitb-kits to register and find out where to pick them up!
Have questions? Email kids@georgianbaybiosphere.com.
For more information about what the Biosphere has to offer youth, please visit georgianbaybiosphere.com/kids.
Catch up on the latest…
from the Georgian Bay Association and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers. Good information on the Lake Partner Program, Bill C5 and all kinds of other topics.
Your Board of Directors from all parts of the lake:
Kathy Watts, Barbara Metelka, Andy Metelka, Cheryl Ward, Erik Mathiesen
