The 2026 Spring Beckons Issue
In this issue
Ice out soon!
Hydro corridor news
Fire insurance discussion
Stink week scheduling - Do you need a septic pump-out this year?
Time to pay your dues, summer events, annual meeting, etc.
Updates
As we pass mid-April and April showers, we know water/ice levels are high and it could be a tough year for ice damage. The Crane Lake dam has all logs removed, so hopefully this is improving and will resolve soon. And once the ice is out, we look forward to putting the shoal markers in!
Your Lake Association has been busy over the winter, both planning for the season and monitoring various files. Of particular note, is the potential expansion of the Hydro Corridor. Andy Metelka sounded the alarm on this last summer, and has done an incredible job alerting stakeholders and even proposing alternative solutions. Read on for consultation dates and more details. Cheryl Ward is leading a review of what fire response services are available to us and ensuring value from the related property tax surcharge we pay. Kai Deuitch is updating our emergency response processes and making sure the gear is ready. Kevin McCarthy is working on membership strategies and June Kingston seeking opportunities for environmental education. There have been a number of regulatory changes that might require action for members including CO2 monitor requirements, boat licensing and it keeps coming (just like the rain).
We continue to liaise with the Morwald family to keep up to date with any marina plans and related communications. The family hopes to complete the ramp repair once the initial rush of boat launches is complete. We also hope to have a smoother and earlier septic pump out week this year.
As always, we provide links to the GBA and FOCA newletters which have all kinds of useful information. We will also finalize a cheaper GBA membership arrangement. 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.
Gotta pay your dues!
An online 2026 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.
Hydro corridor news
Many of you will have seen updates broadcast by Ian Mead including a summary of Hydro public meeting attended by Blackstone cottager Damian Lopes. Andy Metelka has spent many hours investigating the proposal and alerting the Township and the GBA. We will be posting some of Andy’s detailed correspondence on the website. The proposal is now for only one 500HVAC line instead of 2. They may have done this for a couple of reasons. One line is easier to pass with another separate one to follow, or they only need the power for the Ring-of-fire expansion West of James Bay, and one high-capacity HVAC line is enough.
Hydro One is hosting a virtual community open house on Tuesday, April 21, from 6 to 7 p.m.
To learn more and register online, visit the project website.
Fire response assessment underway
As many of you know, properties on Blackstone Lake are currently included in a five-year Fire Protection Agreement between The Township of The Archipelago and Seguin Township. This agreement runs from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2027.
Each participating property contributes approximately $225 annually toward this service.
With the agreement entering its final year in 2026-2027, a small group of us felt it would be prudent to better understand the actual scope and value of the service prior to any renewal discussions.
At this stage, we are simply gathering information. Our goal is to ensure that the arrangement continues to represent the best structure and value for Ward 5 residents — particularly given that Blackstone includes both drive-to and water-access properties.
What we currently understand:
The agreement provides structural fire suppression services within the defined Fire Area.
Seguin Fire Department resources (including marine equipment seasonally) may respond based on availability.
The agreement does not guarantee specific response times.
Some water-access properties may still be classified as “unprotected” for insurance purposes, while drive-to properties may experience different insurance impacts.
What we will be researching over the coming months:
Number of calls responded to on Blackstone Lake since 2022
Actual response times
Frequency of marine deployment
Insurance classification impacts for different property types
Whether Council intends to formally review the agreement prior to 2027
This is not an effort to oppose fire protection services. Rather, it is an effort to understand the measurable benefit, cost structure, and potential alternatives — if any — before the agreement reaches maturity.
We will share factual findings as information becomes available and welcome respectful input from all lake residents.
If you have questions, past experiences with fire response, or insurance information that may help inform the discussion, please feel free to reach out.
Our objective is simple: informed decision-making based on data, transparency, and the best interests of our lake community.
Cheryl Ward 705-773-8077
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, but we are targeting the month of June. We are hoping to offer a BLCA member discount.
Introducing Your Champions of the Bay – honouring Andy Metelka
The Georgian Bay Association 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. Andy Metelka is Blackstone Lake’s nominee. Our Champions Ceremony will be on Thursday, May 28th at 7pm on Zoom. Check the GBA website for access details.
🗓️ Save the Date!
Biosphere environmental stewardship event - July 24
BLCA sponsored GBBR event - July 24th from 10am to 12 noon.
Katrina Krievins will speak on various topics followed by a Q&A and a short walkabout.
Nostalgia Corner
Ever wonder about Reptile Museum Road out by the highway? There was one! Saw my first Gila Monster there!
Catch up on the latest from the Georgian Bay Association and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers
Your Board of Directors from all parts of the lake: Kathy Watts, Kai Deuitch, June Kingston, Rob Moos, Kevin McCarthy, Andy Metelka, Cheryl Ward, Erik Mathiesen
