Volume 14 Issue 2 May 2022 Photo: Anne Hlebko |
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We’re back! Six great events on Kahshe This Year Now that Covid restrictions are being eased, the KLRA will be running events again this year beginning with an actual AGM AGM Saturday JUNE 25th 10am - 12:30pm Gravenhurst Opera House
Picnic Saturday July 16th 1pm - 5pm Bass Lake Park to help, contact Shawn Corbett - 705 687 4124
Regatta Sat July 30th 10am - 2pm Nagoya Beach
Kahshe Quest 3 begins Saturday July 30th entry forms at the Regatta or online ends Saturday August 13th online answers by 6pm hard copy entries to the Price cottage by 6pm
Fishing Derby Saturday August 13th measuring at the Swirla Cottage on Boyd Island from 8am - 4pm measuring at Denne's Dock from 3pm - 4pm only
5K Run for Charity Saturday August 20th 10am - 1pm from the SKLR boat ramp to Nagaya Beach Click here for more details about these events.
Please note that three of these events are NOT in the month you might expect - the AGM is in June for the first time ever, the Fishing Derby is in August and the Regatta is in July!
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Welcome Back! The cottage season is upon us and we can’t wait to get back to living the dream on Kahshe Lake. My first boat ride a few weeks ago was like opening the windows for the first time, to let in the warm, fresh breeze…sublime.
For anyone who hasn't heard, there are major changes happening around our lake regarding waste collection. Please read Marg Taylor’s update below which includes a link to the District report on Bin transition and Lakeside Drop off. It provides answers to many of our questions. We will also be posting a FAQ’s on our website, with regular updates from Marg.
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I am happy to receive emails and phone calls from our members and will do my best to reply to all. Please also consider posting your concerns and recommendations on our website to provide a dialogue for our members to share. I will be on site for the first garbage drop off Sunday May 22 at Rockhaven, as will a member of our Board at Nagaya Road.
This summer is packed with events, some which have not taken place in the last 2 years. Please see our list of events in this issue and contact the committee members if you wish to volunteer. The KLRA Board welcomes all members to our Annual AGM to be held in person at the Gravenhurst Opera House, Saturday June 25th 10am to 12pm. A representative from the District of Muskoka will be in attendance along with one or two from the Town of Gravenhurst. Please arrive early to check in, enjoy coffee and donuts and shop the new Boutique offerings.
As we head into the Long May 24 weekend and begin to open up our cottages, re-visit with friends and neighbours and take that first boat ride, please stay safe and enjoy the beauty of our Lake.
See you at the AGM.
April Drane
President
KLRA
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Bins no more!
Waste Management and Bin Removal Update
The Kahshe Lake Ratepayers Association (KLRA) Waste Management Committee includes myself and Robert Reyburn. We have been involved in meetings with the District since 2019 when the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) formally informed the District of Muskoka to remove/decommission all unlicensed bin sites by April 2023.
Updates were given at our annual AGM in 2020 and 2021, as well as in our 2021 Newsletters when new information was available.
Last summer the District monitored the bin sites and cleaned up trash dumped outside the bins. This year it was sad to see more illegal dumping at the bins, in particular household hazardous waste (ex: appliances and oil spills). This should have been taken to Beiers Transfer Station which is open 7 days a week.
This spring the bins will be removed before the May 24 long weekend.
We ask that all island cottagers or those without curbside pick up take their garbage on Sunday afternoon to Nagaya Beach Road for 1-2 pm or Rockhaven Government Dock road side area from 2:30-4:30 pm for Lakeside Waste Collection. Failing that the Beiers Road Transfer Station has now extended their Sunday hours from 9 am to 8 pm, above the normal operating hours throughout the week. They accept 2 bags of garbage, unlimited recycling and organic each week at no charge. There will also be Lakeside Waste Collection at Riley lake on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
Thanks to feedback received by the District we now have a Waste Collection, Pilot Project for this year; with additional Lakeside collection on Monday mornings June 27th to September 5th from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Rockhaven.
Please be mindful that dumping garbage before and after the Lakeside collection times is not permitted and could jeopardize future servicing.
If you are uncertain about curbside pick up please contact waste@muskoka.on.ca
KLRA will have on-going meetings with the District Solid Waste Department during this summer and fall and we will continue to evaluate and assess the situation. We know there are concerns and upset with this change. Our aim is to try to provide the best possible solution.
Earlier this month we welcomed Board Member and Water-Access cottager Henry Kowalewski to the KLRA Waste Management Committee.
To hear the latest news and to address your concerns please attend our
Annual AGM
Saurday June 25, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12 noon
Gravenhurst Opera.House.
Margaret Taylor
Past President of KLRA
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Beiers Road Hazardous Waste Collection Day
this coming Saturday, May 21st. |
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Please support our Advertisers |
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Are Algal Blooms Here To Stay? How Can You Help?
Based on the analysis of a large number of chemical and physical parameters over the past 35 years, the waters of Kahshe Lake are in reasonably good condition and have displayed no discernable trend in the levels of algal friendly nutrients – phosphorus and nitrogen. However, the Conservation Committee’s 2021 Near-Shore Water Sampling Project (NSWSP) which was funded by the Kahshe Lake Ratepayers’ Association has now shown that the evaluation of water quality via spring sampling from mid-lake sites may not be representative of nutrient levels closer to shore where algal blooms have been detected late in the season in both 2020 and 2021.
The NSWSP findings have demonstrated that more intense summer and fall rainfall events appear to be accelerating the leaching and migration of nutrients from our septic systems and from managed lawns and beaches located close to the shoreline which attract large numbers of Canada geese.
Although the District Municipality of Muskoka has not yet undertaken the planned ‘Causation Study’ on Kahshe Lake, the NSWSP findings from 2021 provide some advanced insight into the linkage between near-shore water chemistry and algal bloom development. As such, the members of the Conservation Committee have developed some actions property owners can take to mitigate the migration of algal friendly nutrients to near-shore waters. This has resulted in the development of the following recommendations: |
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Nutrient Source Reduction Examples of Specific Actions
Operating and Maintaining Your Septic System - Have your tank and leaching bed inspected by a trained septic inspector for signs of failure and plugged tiles;
- Have an effluent filter installed and cleaned annually to minimize solids entering and plugging the tiles of your leaching system;
- Have your tank pumped every 3-5 years or earlier if the depth of bottom sludge and top scum exceed 1/3 of the tank depth;
- Avoid overloading the system by spreading out washer and dishwasher loads throughout the day to give solids time to settle in the tank before moving out into the leaching bed.
- Divert roof drainage and runoff from patios, paths and other hard surfaces away from the septic tank and leaching bed.
- Keep the leaching bed vegetated with shallow-rooted grass and if possible, minimize shade from any tree canopy as much as possible to maximize evaporation.
- Make sure soaps, detergents and other cleaning materials that enter the septic system are phosphate-free.
Managing Your Waterfront Property to Minimize Soil Runoff, Erosion and Leaching
- Maintain as much tree, shrub and other vegetative cover as possible to minimize impervious surfaces and absorb rain water to reduce erosion and direct rain droplet impact on exposed soils.
- Clear native vegetation only where necessary for paths, building footprints and septic systems.
- Ensure that foot paths or driveways leading to the waterfront have lateral drainage escapes and are constructed with or covered by rough, porous surfaces such as wood chips.
- Divert roof/gutter water runoff from on-site buildings into rock-filled leaching pits to minimize direct runoff to the lake.
Managing Your Shoreline to Keep it Natural and Less Attractive to Canada Geese
- Maintain as much of your shoreline as possible in a natural condition to make it less attractive to Canada geese and to provide shade and habitat to the many native species that can be found in this zone.
- Avoid the construction of new retaining walls, as although they have been used to reduce shoreline erosion, they can have undesirable side effects of increasing back-flow action which can stir up nutrient laden sediments.
- Avoid importing sand to create or expand beach areas, as this is no longer permitted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
- If a lawn is desired, keep it well back from the waterfront to minimize its attractiveness to grazing by Canada geese.
- If your lawn does attract large numbers of geese or other grazing or roosting waterfowl, there are some measures that can be used as deterrents which do not contravene the protection provided to these birds by theMigratory Birds Convention Act, 1994:
- Barriers to impede access to grazing, block their view of hiding predators and to interfere with open flight escape routes to the water. These can include plant barriers like tall grass, shrubs or bushes, fences high enough to block their view, grids of rope/wire strung across the pathway or winding pathways to the waterfront to block direct escape routes.
- Modification of lawn management to mow less frequently to promote longer, more coarse-textured grass, to leave an area closest to the shore uncut or to start seeding with more coarse-textured grasses that are less favoured by geese.
- Scaring tactics, including the use of horns or sirens as long as they don’t negatively affect your neighbours, flagging tape, streamers, distress sounds/tapes, motion- activated water sprinklers, scarecrows and placement of effigies of predators or use of helium balloons shaped to resemble hawks and other avian predators.
- Other more permanent control options such as re-location, use of firearms and egg sterilization all require a permit from Environment Canada.
Avoiding the Use of Fertilizers for Lawn and Flower Gardens - Fertilizers contain the two main nutrients involved in algal blooms – phosphorus and nitrogen, and should not be applied to promote lawn or garden growth.
- As most soils in around Kahshe Lake are coarse textured, they have low capacity to adsorb and retain these nutrients which then migrate to the underlying rock surface or enter the ground water and in both cases, migrate to the lake.
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The KLRA has summarized these actions in a post-card format (see below) that will be distributed at KLRA-sponsored events. Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder of the main actions everyone needs to take to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the lake.
Ron Pearson,M.Sc.
Kahshe and Bass Lake Steward
Conservation Committee |
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- Divert roof drainage and runoff from paths and other hard surfaces away from your septic system and the shoreline. If necessary, direct rain water into rock-filled drainage pits.
- Keep most of your shoreline as natural as possible with a zone of trees, shrubs or tall grass between the shore and any lawn area to discourage grazing by Canada geese and to reduce soil & goose poop runoff into the lake.
- Have a licensed professional pump out and inspect your septic system for failures and deficiencies every 3-5 years and more often for aging systems installed pre-2000. The Town will be inspecting in 2022, but we don’t need to wait until then and be subject to system shutdown until failing systems are repaired.
- Don’t use phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers or cleaning agents anywhere near the shore.
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Attention Kahshe Lakers
Kahshe Lake has always been renowned for its calm, quiet, healing waters. For generations, it has provided a safe haven for paddle enthusiasts, swimmers, fishermen and nature lovers alike.
As our treasured lake gains popularity, more people are discovering its charms. Unfortunately the very safe, calm, quiet waters that drew them here are being threatened by the sheer number of motorized pleasure crafts including PWCs and ballast-dropping wake surfing boats. All cottagers on Kahshe have the right to engage in their chosen pursuits safely. The Kahshe Lake Water Safety Committee is calling out to you for help to ensure our precious waters remain safe for generations to come! We are looking for new committee members. Your commitment would involve a monthly meeting and participation in initiatives that support our mandate. Join KLWSC today! Your voice CAN make a difference.
If you are interested, please forward your name to keithonkahshe@bell.net.
We would love to hear from you! |
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Board Members
President April Drane Vice-President Michele Phillippe Past President Margaret Taylor Secretary Marlene Clune Treasurer Greig Holder Boating Safety Committee Chair Rick Glatt
COM-Committee Chair Cathy Dunphy
Conservation Committee Chair Bob Reyburn
FOCA Rep Sandra Moad
Nagaya Beach Committee Chair Alison Smithers-RyanNewsletter Editor Keith Price Rock Marker Committee Chair Marnie Cryderman Water Access Committee Chair Henry Kowalewski Members-at-Large: Jocelyne DeRomana Steve Wild
Non-Board Member Support Team
Kahshe Boutique Manager Leslie Pinard Lake Steward Ron Pearson Soc Med (FB, Instagram, Twitter) Paisley Pinard Webmaster Clare Henderson To contact any of these people, please email us at info@kahshelake.ca
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Financial Statement Reviewer(s) Needed
The KLRA needs one or two volunteers to review its annual financial statements. It's a fun way to learn more about how the KLRA works and to make an important contribution to your association.
Qualifications
KLRA by-laws state, "An annual financial statement prepared by the Treasurer shall be reviewed by either a chartered accountant or by two members of the Association."
Volunteers should have some experience with double-entry bookkeeping.
When Needed
Volunteer reviewers must be confirmed by members at the KLRA Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2022.
The records will be available for review in late January 2023.
Goal and Method
The goal is to be able to say, "Based on my review, I am not aware of any material corrections or modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to reasonably present the financial position of the KLRA as at December 31, 2022 and the results of its financial activities for the year then ended."
To be able to make that statement, you will need to:
1. Understand how the KLRA's financials work, and
2. Analyze the records with sufficient scrutiny, focusing attention where statements could be vulnerable to misstatements.
What you have to work with
You will receive these paper documents by the end of January:
- Financial statements as of December 31, along with supporting documents and accounting system reports.
- Source documents for each transaction recorded during the year.
- Treasurer's notes about significant financial events.
In addition, you can have access to our digital records, such as the accounting system.
Assistance available
The KLRA treasurer, currently Greig Holder, will help you understand the KLRA's systems and answer any questions you have during your review.
Interested?
Find out more by contacting Greig Holder at KLRA.Treasurer@outlook.com or by phone at 416-409-1274. |
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Rock Marker Heroes Each year a team of dedicated volunteers installs and removes the rock markers that make travelling through the main channels of Kahshe safer.
The KLRA would like to acknowledge the following volunteers:
Ron Roberts - Ron has managed the white spherical balls that mark the rocks in the east end of Kahshe Lake for many, many years. He is now passing the torch to neighbours, Andrew and Jonathan Sawicki, who have agreed to take on this important task.
Chris Fitzpatrick, Rob Pinard and Keith Martin - This crew, along with some help from family and friends have been making sure the spherical balls and lighted towers were installed and removed in the lake since 2018. They continue to install and remove the spherical balls in the Grants Bay area of Kahshe.
Fritz Vatter joined the team last season and installs, removes and stores over the winter, the white spherical balls in the central part of our Lake.
Finally, Jim Butler and John Thompson have taken on the task of installing, removing and winter storage of the spherical balls in the South End of Kahshe.
Thanks so much to this dedicated team, and for making the lake a safer place to boat!
And let's not forget to thank Marnie, the one who co-ordinates our awesome volunteers. Ed
The Current Status
Our goal is always to have the Rock Markers in Kahshe by the May 24th weekend.
At this point, 7 floating lighted towers have been installed. The white spherical markers are in, or will be in by Saturday May 21st. The plan is for two new permanent lighted towers to be installed at Hens and Chicks next Saturday as well.
Either a permanent tower or the previously used floating tower will be installed next weekend at Chief Island.
Permanent lighthouses will be installed on top of the square concrete towers in two locations on Kahshe.
In the South End, the tower that is partially submerged will be dealt with when the lake is a bit warmer. We will need to cut the chain, remove it and either fix it, or replace it with another tower if it is damaged beyond repair.
Funding for the Rock Markers
Special thanks to Lauren Koenig and her amazing fund-raising efforts that have made the purchase of materials for the new permanent towers possible. Last summer Allison Smithers and Tyler Ryan assembled the pieces that were cut for the permanent towers. This summer these towers will be installed around the lake.
There are a few more tasks that the Rock Marker Committee needs volunteers to complete. We need to paint some towers to spruce them up, so are looking for volunteers. We also need input as to possible locations for a few more permanent lighthouse towers, remembering that the goal of the Rock Marker Committee has always been to mark navigation in the main channels of Kahshe.
If you would like to volunteer to help or be part of the Rock Marker Committee, please email me at klrockmarkers@gmail.com.
Marnie Cryderman
Chair, Rock Marker Committee |
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The Housey's Rapids Picnic Bass Lake Park Saturday July 16 1:00pm - 5:00pm Lots of fun and games for the kids, beach volleyball and horse-shoe contest for the big kids, free BBQ, the world-famous "Choose your own prize" Raffle, and the Bucket Brigade. What more could anyone ask for? If you would like to help, call Shawn Corbett at 705 687 4124, or email him at sncorbett001@gmail.com |
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Kahshe Lake Regatta
We are pleased to announce that our annual "Kahshe Lake Regatta" will be returning this year!
The Regatta will take place at Nagaya Beachon July 30th from 10am - 2pm. It will be an exciting day of fun in the sun, filled with friendly competitions, fun activities, great music and delicious BBQ eats - perfect for the whole family.
Stay tuned to social media for further updates.
If you're interested in volunteering, please email Alison Ryan at alisonsmitherss@gmail.com or call 416-930-0865.
On behalf of the KLRA and our volunteers, we all look forward to seeing you there. |
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Kahshe Quest 3
When? Kahshe Quest 3 will take place over a two week period from July 3th to August 14th. What? Participants will be asked to visit locations on the lake identified by What3Words addresses and take selfies of the signs that they find there. The What3Words app is free and easy to use. How? Online instructions will be sent to all members by e-blast on Saturday July 30th.
If you would prefer to receive written instructions, they will be available at the Kahshe Regatta at Nagaya Beach on Saturday July 30th between 10am and 2pm.
The instructions will include a list of locations to be visited in any order over the course of 2 weeks. At each location will be a sign that must be photographed with at least one team member in the picture. The contest will end at 6pm on Sunday August 14th.
How to submit entries Online answers should be sent to keithonkahshe@bell.net no later than 6pm on August 14th
Hard copy answers can be delivered during the Fishing Derby on August 13th to the Erin Swirla / Luke Miller cottage* between 8am and 4pm, or to Denne’s Dock between 3pm and 4pm, or to the Price cottage dock* on Sunday August 14th before 6pm. * What3Word addresses for these two cottages will be included in the Instruction packages. Did you win? Announcement of the results and the distribution of prizes will be made at Nagaya Beach on Saturday August 20th at the end of the 5K Run for Charity.
Rules
1.Stay safe.
2.Have fun.
3.All pictures should be taken from the water. Do not trespass on private property.
4.Play fair. Do not steal any of the signs since this would involve breaking Rules 1 and 3.
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Kermit Long Kids' Fishing Derby Saturday August 13th 2022 8:00am - 4:00pm Open to All Ages 16 & Under |
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Rules - HAVE FUN!
- Fish must be caught during the contest period August 13th from 8:00am to 4:00pm ONLY. No entries may be submitted prior to Saturday, August 13th at 8am. All participants will receive a prize!
- Ways to enter your catch - NEW FOR 2022
- In person at the Miller/Swirla cottage located on the NE side of Boyd Island. 5th cottage on right from top of the island through the twin rocks
- OR at Denne’s Marina Government Dock from 3:00pm-4:00pm only.
There will be no virtual entries this year however pictures with a ruler/measuring tape will be accepted in person.
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5K Run for Charity
Date: August 20, 2022
Time: 10am - 1pm Entry fee: $10 per person
Location: from South End Boat Launch to Nagaya Beach
Vendors in attendance: KLRA Boutique, Dominos Pizza, Skoka Swim and more to come
Prizes: In search of prize donations!
Info: Family-friendly 5k run/walk to raise money for Gravenhurst Against Poverty! Enjoy a refreshment station on route, shopping at the finish line, prizes for all ages, lunch and a DJ! Registration will open June 1.
Instagram: kahshe_lake5k and keep an eye on community Facebook pages for updates.
Contact information Megan Davies, 289-981-7009 Kahshelake5k@gmail.com
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The Kahshe Cottage Cookbook edited by Alison Smithers-Ryan |
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Steak Lettuce Wraps @aliscreationss
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Cooking Tools: Chefs Knife Paper Towel Baking Sheet Large Non-Stick Pan |
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Ingredients: 1 head Boston lettuce 1 whole Red Bell Pepper 1 whole Orange Bell Pepper 1 whole Red Onion 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning 1 cup Monteray Jack Cheese, shredded 2-3 8oz Steak, of your choice 2 tbsp EVOO Fresh Parsley Kosher Salt Freshly Ground Pepper
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Before you start the recipe, preheat the oven to 350˚F. You can do the prep step, as the oven is warming up. Instructions:
- Prep
- Separate lettuce leaves, and gently wash and pat dry, with paper towels.
- Core, then thinly slice bell peppers
- Halve, then thinly slice red onion
- Roughly chop the parsley
- Pat steak dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Veggies
- On a baking sheet, toss together bell peppers, red onions, Italian seasoning and EVOO. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast veggies in the middle of the oven, tossing halfway through cooking, until slightly charred and softened, 14-18 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle over the cheese. Return to the oven, for the remaining cooking time, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Cook Steak
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add a drizzle of oil, then the steak. Sear until golden-brown, 4-6 min per side, until cooked to desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the heat, and set aside on a plate to rest, 5 minutes.
- Thinly slice steak, on a bias into thin pieces.
4. Assemble
- Once veggies are done, arrange lettuce cups on a serving plate. Top with the veggies, and steak. Sprinkle over parsley.
Enjoy! |
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Last summer, the Kahshe Boutique sold out of all the new T-Shirts.
This year's new merchandise will be unveiled at the Annual General Meeting Gravenhurst Opera House Saturday June 25th
Once again we have limited quantities, so get your merchandise early. 100% of the profits goes back into our KLRA Community.
I’d like to thank the Boutique team for all their hard work and look forward to seeing you all at the AGM!
Leslie Pinard Boutique Manager |
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What is FOCA? And what can FOCA do for me? by Sandra Moad, KLRA FOCA Rep
FOCA stands for the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations Members of KLRA are automatically registered as members of FOCA.
For over 50 years, FOCA has played a key role in waterfront Ontario. They are a not-for-profit organization representing thousands of volunteer associations and individual property owners across Ontario. FOCA acts as a information bridge between policy-makers and property owners on significant issues, including: ◦ Long-term environmental integrity of Ontario’s freshwater resources ◦ Fair property taxation
◦ Effective land-use planning
◦ Rural safety and emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather developments in recent years.
FOCA members can access all benefits, including the boat and cottage insurance program Cottage First.
FOCA members also enjoy either free access to or FOCA member pricing for webinars and in person events.
FOCA provides support to association members by coordinating citizen-science programming, providing educational publications and materials, and online information pages on a wide variety of subjects.
They send out E alerts usually monthly. The latest E-Alert discusses Cottage Country price escalation, property taxation updates and floating container updates as well as boat noise limits, and short-term rentals.
REMEMBER: You are a member of FOCA. Take advantage. |
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The 2022 Photo Contest
is already underway, so grab your cameras and go find that perfect Kahshe spring shot.
Remember there are 5 categories:
Kahshe Nature - Landscape
Kahshe Nature - Wild Life: Fauna and Flora
Life on Kahshe
Kids on Kahshe (pictures of kids)
Kid's Eye View (pictures BY kids 12 and under)
Each entrant can submit up to 3 photos. (One each in 3 different categories), all in one category or any 1-2 combination).
To submit photos, attach them in jpeg format to an e-mail and send them to photocontest@kahshelake.ca . Include the full name of the photographer and his or her age if 12 or under, and a telephone number for notification of special prizes. Make the category of each photo clear. Note: Photos not in jpeg format will be disqualified. To see the full contest rules click Rules.
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Bin Removal Concerns
Hi Keith,
My wife and I are extremely disappointed and very concerned about the decision to remove the large garbage bins from Rockhaven and Denne's.
1 - The fact that the pickup is limited to 2 hours on a Sunday is absurd. It will mean hundreds of boaters arriving together to drop off their garbage creating a huge mess of crowding, gas wasting and pollution in the two pick-up areas.
2 - Many cottagers leave on Sundays hours before the pickup times. For these people this will mean making a detour to the Beiers Road Transfer Station adding 45-60 minutes to the trip home, or taking the (often stinky) garbage back to the city.
3 - There seemed to be a complete lack of real security at the bin sites. There were signs advising that cameras were monitoring the sites, but we saw no cameras. Perhaps, if there had been cameras catching cottage owners and builders in the act, we would not have come to this sorry pass.
4 - Does this apply to cottagers on all lakes within the District of Muskoka? I seriously doubt that the very wealthy are subject to the same ruling.
5 - The fact that Muskoka is calling for the USE OF PLASTIC BAGS FOR RECYCLING is definitely a VERY bad move for the environment - another bad move by Muskoka.
6 - Lastly, as we ALL pay taxes to cover the district services, we feel we are being short-changed in a major way. We truly believe that there will be a big reaction to this farce with many just dumping their garbage anywhere out of sheer frustration. This is a major issue considering that cottagers pay a lot of taxes and should be able to expect a proper waste program, which this is not!
Yours in frustration,.
Chris and Sally Andrews Hi Chris and Sally, I share your concerns and fear that the inconvenience of this "solution" may lead to inappropriate disposal of garbage by a few water-access cottagers, especially if they are renters who do not have a vested interest in preserving the lake. The KLRA is in constant touch with the town and the district on this matter and looking for a better way. A representative of the District of Muskoka will be present at our AGM on June 25th at the Gravenhurst Opera House. I urge you and any other cottager who who shares these concerns to attend this meeting and make your views known. Ed.
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To the Editor of the Kahshe Krier,
As a water-access cottager, I am quite distressed by the garbage disposal situation we are now facing. The appended letter was sent to various members of the Town of Gravenhurst and The District of Muskoka. Let us hope that something might come of it.
Good morning. I am a water-access resident on Kahshe Lake. While I support any changes that improve our environment, I am quite concerned about the proposed garbage removal solution. The notice I received indicated that garage pick-up would be available for a limited time period of 1.5 hours once a week at two marinas on the lake. Unfortunately for water-access residents, this is problematic. Apart from boat congestion, lack of public dock space, inclement weather risk, availability to drop off garbage and inability to easily store garbage at our cottages, there are many, many seniors on the lake and parents with young children. Both these groups will truly struggle with this solution as they rely on being able to take small loads of garbage on a regular basis to the bins. May I suggest that as full local tax-payers with very little benefit from these taxes due to the nature of our seasonal water-access properties that the town consider some additional support such as: - minimum bi-weekly delivery of garbage bins in the morning and removal during the evening to ensure that all residents have access at least twice a week without significant dock congestion
- consideration for barge service so that water-access residents can place garbage on their docks for weekly pick- up
- bear-proof storage solutions for garbage that has to remain at the cottage for prolonged periods
- consideration for a longer term solution to keep the bins at local marinas
- tax exemption to allow residents to pay for their own garbage removal solutions
- easement exemptions to allow cottages on mainland to continue roads to their dwellings
I look forward to receiving your feedback. Thank you. Carolyn Ansley Kahshe Lake Resident
Hi Carolyn, Your letter gives a very concise summary of the many problems the proposed garbage "solution" gives rise to, and makes some practical and, to my mind, viable suggestions to improve the situation. Hopefully "they" will listen. The KLRA continues to talk to the Town and District hoping to find and facilitate a better way. Ed.
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It looks as though we might finally have a real summer this year after two years of non-events because of Covid.
Yes, indeed, six KLRA Events are back. Our four traditional ones -- the AGM, the Picnic, the Fishing Derby and the Regatta -- plus the two offsprings of Covid -- the Quest and the 5K Run for Charity.
I am happy to report that Shawn and Nancy Corbett, who have been helping with the Picnic for over 25 years, couldn't bear to see the Picnic die after 60+ years , and will be organizing this year's offering on the usual 3rd Saturday in July -- the 16th of July this year. If anyone would like to give them a helping hand, email Shawn at sncorbett001@gmail.com.
The Fishing Derby (in August this year) will again be hosted by Erin Swirla and Luke Miller, the Regatta will again be run by Alison Smithers Ryan (but this time in July) and Megan Davies has agreed to organize another 5K Run for Charity. And I will be running another Kahshe Quest. Dates and times for these events can be found on the What's On On Kahshe This Year page. And descriptions of The Quest, The Regatta, The Fishing Derby and The 5K Run can all be found in separate articles. I hope you will try to take advantage of all these outstanding events. The only cloud on the Kahshe horizon this summer is the ongoing garbage crisis. It is evident from the two Letters to the Editor I received and from talking to a number of water access cottagers that this "solution" is far from satisfactory. The KLRA continues to work with the Town and District to find ways to alleviate these difficulties. I am always happy to receive news items, stories, photos and information that might be of interest to our members. Remember that it is YOUR newsletter.
Keith Price
Editor |
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Susie Long Moerder, 1945-2022 Susie Long was born on March 3, 1945 and,for the next 20 years, spent the 2 summer months on Kahshe Lake, but seldom visited in her adult years. She was the youngest child of Kermit Long and Betty Shumway. She enjoyed close friends and family, group sing-songs, Denne's General Store, black balls and licorice. The lake was influential in her youth. She died suddenly in April. |
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Harry Whalen, 1920 - 2021
It is with sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Harry Whalen on December 3rd 2021. Dad was happiest going on adventures, attending musicals, playing euchre and telling jokes. However, he was most comfortable spending time with his wife of Brenda and his family, 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, at his beloved Kahshe Lake cottage.
My parents first came to know Kahshe Lake after vacationing at Ed Day's camp on South Kahshe Lake Road during the summer of 1948. Ten years later, they came back to buy a tent from a Mrs. Beezner, who owned a "retreat" on Kahshe Lake.
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The retreat was a one-room cabin with a bed, a table and four chairs. There was no electricity, water or an indoor toilet. She asked if they were interested in buying the retreat for $1000. My parents explained that they didn't have any money to spare with three young children and a mortgage, but Mrs. Beezner suggested that they pay her as little as $10 or $20 a month, and my parents agreed.
My mother, two brothers and sister stayed at the cottage all summer, and dad joined us on weekends. My dad, a bricklayer by trade, spent all his free time upgrading the cabin for his family. Some of his first tasks were clearing the land and installing electricity, bringing a hydro pole up to the cottage on the roof of his station wagon. Each weekend dad would make the drive up from the city to join us occasionally in our play but mainly to work on the cottage.
After he retired, dad and mom would stay at the cottage for the summer. Dad enjoyed puttering around the cabin and building new structures with recycled wood and nails. He would also pick blueberries in the forest so that mother could make one of her delicious blueberry pies. They also loved playing euchre at the Gravenhurst seniors' center and swimming in the healing waters of Kahshe Lake.
For his 98th birthday, we went to see "Come from Away," and I arranged for the cast to sing him Happy Birthday. On his 99th birthday, we took a cable car ride across the Niagara River. Sadly, on his 100th birthday, we could not have a big celebration because of the pandemic restrictions. Instead, we gathered in the seniors' home parking lot and sang happy birthday while nom and dad watched from the courtyard.
For dad's 101st birthday, we had a small party with family and friends at my cousins' place on South Kahshe Lake Road, and as dad was a Newfie, I asked each person to tell a joke. As each person read from their phone, dad responded with two puns off the top of his head. The next day our neighbour Larry, a proud Newfie, and his family came up for a drink, and we had a wonderful time sitting around and talking, telling jokes and listening to Newfie music. With the help of my brother and me, dad even ventured into Kahshe Lake. You may have seen him proudly wearing a t-shirt with 101 written on the back.
In September of 2021, dad had an operation and spent the remainder of his days in bed. I was fortunate to be holding his hand when he took his last breath. Although we will all miss his smile and kindness, we hope he is now dancing with the angels and telling jokes to a whole new crowd in heaven. |
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Dad was always up for an adventure, and for his 93rd birthday, I arranged for him to complete the CN tower edge walk, but because I fear heights, I didn't join him. Dad finished the walk with my brother, sister and her family.
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Dad said he wanted to do it again with me, and I said if he could still do it when he reached 95, I would be by his side. Sadly, the following year dad broke his femur, and I never imagined he would be able to walk again, let alone do the Edge walk. Well, dad surprised us all, and so for his 97th birthday, my husband and our two boys completed the Edge walk with him. For his 98th birthday, we went to see "Come from Away," and I arranged for the cast to sing him Happy Birthday. On his 99th birthday, we took a cable car ride across the Niagara River. Sadly, on his 100th birthday, we could not have a big celebration because of the pandemic restrictions. And so, instead, we gathered in the senior's home parking lot and sang happy birthday while Mom and Dad watched from the courtyard. For Dad's 101st birthday, we had a small party with family and friends at my cousins' place on south Kahshe lake road, and as dad was a Newfie, I asked each person to tell a joke. As each person read from their phone, dad returned with two puns off the top of his head. The next day our neighbour Larry, a proud Newfie, and his family came up for a drink, and we had a wonderful time sitting around and talking, telling jokes and listening to Newfie music. With my brother's and my help, he even ventured into Kahshe lake, and you may have seen him proudly wearing a t-shirt with 101 written on the back. In September of 2021, dad had an operation and spent the remainder of his days in bed. I was fortunate to be holding his hand when he took his last breath. Although we will all miss his smile and kindness, we hope he is now dancing with the angels and telling jokes to a whole new crowd in heaven. |
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Copyright © 2020 Kahshe Lake Ratepayers' Association 1994 Inc. All rights reserved.
Postal mail: KLRA, PO Box 1318, Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1V5
 
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