2014 Wildlife Workshop

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Watch for the 2014 Spring/Summer Wildlife Workshop hosted by the WLCA board.  The date is TBD, but likely will be the weekend before Canada Day (June 28th 2014).

On July 6th in 2013 the WLCA board held the first ‘Muskoka Wildlife Day’ for Wood Lake cottagers, and it was a great success! About 60 people attended the live animal presentation from the Muskoka Wildlife Centre. The presentation included 5 wildlife species native to Ontario- a turkey vulture named "Barf", a snapping turtle named "Sam", a great horned owl named "Dr.Who", a porcupine named "Quilber", and a skunk named "Petunia".  Click here to check out the photos.

Found an Injured Turtle?

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IT'S NESTING SEASON AND TURTLES ARE EVERYWHERE!

Turtles are most frequently observed in June, during the height of their nesting season. Females are often found crossing roads to reach traditional nesting sites or laying eggs in the gravel along roads. Seven of the eight species of turtle in Ontario have been designated as “species at risk”.

Roads have been built through several of the remaining wetlands, and as a result road mortality is now a major threat to turtles. The majority of the turtles killed by cars are adult females on their way to or from nesting sites, which means that fewer eggs are laid every year and there is an even smaller chance that those killed by cars will be replaced in the future. (Except from the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre website).

Please watch for turtles attempting to cross the road, or along roadsides!

If you have found an injured turtle CALL the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre (KTTC) at 705-741-5000.

If a turtle is NOT injured, please remember:

  • DO NOT remove a turtle from their area – it reduces their chances of survival. If you find an uninjured turtle in the middle of a road simply help it across the road in the direction it is moving.

  • DO NOT dig up nests to protect the eggs – you may damage the eggs AND it is against the law. Tips on how you can help nesting turtles here.

  • KTTC is primarily volunteer-run, we do not have a pick-up service.

  • The centre accepts injured native turtles only – NOT unwanted pets.

2013 Water Quality Report for Wood Lake

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Water quality testing (clarity and temperature) was conducted between May and November, including the annual spring phosphorus test, and results were submitted to the Ministry of the Environment Dorset Centre for analysis. This information allows for the early detection of changes in the nutrient status and/or the water clarity of the lake due to the impacts of shoreline development, climate change and other stresses.

Wood Lake is an odd year lake so phosphorus tests are done in odd-numbered years, i.e. 2009, 2011, 2013 etc. A sample is taken in May because this is when the water will be most representative of the phosphorus levels in the lake from the spring turnover. Unfortunately, in 2011 we experienced a set back when Wood Lake was found to have ‘over-the-threshold’ phosphorus levels. The threshold phosphorus level for Wood Lake is 7.1 ug/L. The District Municipality of Muskoka and MOE determine this number as being the natural background level of phosphorus concentrations (e.g. if no development was present) plus 50%. If Wood Lake is below the acceptable phosphorus level for 3 consecutive test years then the lake will be removed from the ‘over-the-threshold’ list.

Luckily, the water test for 2013 came in under the threshold at approximately 6 ug/L! This is great news, and hopefully we can all keep up the responsible cottaging for the next test years (2015 and 2017) to get Wood Lake removed from the ‘over-the-threshold’ list. See the “Wood Lake Guardian” tip sheet here.

For the report see www.muskokawaterweb.ca/images/lds/Wood.pdf

Muskoka Conservancy Native Plant Sale

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While it may feel like winter will never end, spring really isn't that far off.  The best way to make it come more quickly is to start thinking about the great native species you can get planted in your garden.

This year's Native Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 10th from 9am - 12pm, with pick up locations in Bracebridge and Huntsville.

New this year, we are featuring an online order form that can be completed online.  This will reserve the plants (as the paper form has in past years) and you will be able to pay for your plants when you pick them up. 

If you prefer a paper form, you can pick one up at the Muskoka Conservancy office (47 Quebec Street, Bracebridge) or print off this PDF.  Paper forms can be dropped off at the office, sent in by fax (705-645-7888) or emailed to info@muskokaconservancy.org. 

ORDERING DEADLINE: Monday, May 5th, 2014.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order by phone, please call Christina at 705-645-7393 x200

Availability of species may change without notice.

The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the District.

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Residents in the Parry Sound - Muskoka area should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as flows within rivers and streams continue to increase in the coming days. Although flooding is not expected at this time, residents may wish to consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed condidtions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The weather forecast for the remainder of this week is for daytime high temperatures in the range of 1-13 degrees Celcius with near to below-freezing nighttime temperatures. The current forecast is calling for up to 35mm of precipitation this week through Sunday April 13th.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds is approximately 60% above normal or historical average for early April. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will continue to melt the substantial snow pack but flooding is not expected at this time. It is expected that the intact snow pack will retain much of the forecasted rainfall which will minimize the amount of snow melt and runoff into local waterbodies.

Seasonal daytime/nighttime air temperatures for the reminder of this week will allow the snow pack to continue melting at a moderate rate therefore reducing the potential or likelihood for significant flooding within local rivers and lakes. The rate of rise in water levels and flows is expected to increase by this weekend and into next week given current conditions.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Monday April 14, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

  • **WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
  • WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected
  • FLOOD WATCH: potential for floosing exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
  • FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities

Contact Information

 For more information please contact:

Steve Taylor, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509

Amanda Vincent, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at www.weather.gc.ca

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

Invasive Species Act (deadline for comments is April 14th)

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In late February 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources introduced their proposed Invasive Species Act. It is intended to provide the policy and regulatory framework to do more effective risk assessment, monitoring and science, and to effectively communicate and coordinate the response to these threats. If passed, the proposed act would:

  • Enable the passage of regulations to restrict certain species (e.g. make it illegal to possess, release, transport, sell, and propagate the species)

  • Enable the minister to take immediate action for an invasive species that poses a significant threat

  • Enable the ministry to undertake rapid response activities such as implementing control and eradication activities

Comments can be made until April 14, 2014 via the Environmental Bill of Rights, citing EBR # 012-1120.

(Except taken from the March 2014 FOCA e-blast).

 

Help Remove Milkweed from Ontario's Noxious Weed List (deadline for comments is April 14th)

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is proposing that milkweed be removed from the Schedule of Noxious Weeds and that dog-strangling vine be added. Milkweed provides an important habitat and a larval food source for the monarch butterfly, which is experiencing an alarming decline in numbers. Dog-strangling vine is an invasive plant that can be difficult to control once established. It is also a hazard to monarch butterfly populations because, though monarch butterflies are attracted to it, any eggs they lay on the plant will not survive.

The deadline for comments is April 14, 2014.

(Excerpt taken from the Ontario Nature news e-blast.)

Flood Warning for Parry Sound – Muskoka from Ministry of Natural Resouces

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The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the District.

Residents in the Parry Sound - Muskoka area should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as flows within rivers and streams increase in the coming days. Although flooding is not expected at this time, residents may wish to consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Beginning today and extending into next week, daytime high air temperatures are expected to range from 1 degree to 8 degrees with overnight lows dropping to below freezing. A total of 15-20mm of rain is expected today across local watersheds. Rainfall and forecasted temperatures for the next few days will cause some melting of the substantial snow pack in the area but flooding is not expected at this time.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack across the Parry Sound-Muskoka area is approximately 180mm which is significantly above average for this time of year. The long-range weather outlook or trend suggests that cooler than average temperatures will return late next week, following the current mild spell.

In the absence of any significant rainfall amounts through early April, it is expected that these cooler air temperatures will allow the snow pack to melt at a relatively slow rate therefore reducing the potential for significant flooding within local rivers and lakes.

Expiry Date: This message will expire March 31, 2014 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

**WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities

 

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Steve Taylor, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509

Amanda Vincent, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at www.weather.gc.ca

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

 

Conway Crescent to be reconstructed this year

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As part of the 2014 Bracebridge Budget, Conway Crescent, utilized by many members to access their homes, will be completely reconstructed this year. This work is long overdue. As part of this process there will be replacement of culverts, which are deteriorated, and trenching for adequate drainage. This was to have been accomplished when Oakley Crescent was reconstructed 2 years ago, when additional funds were not available. Other than continued replacement of road culverts and gravel no other Wood Lake road repairs are scheduled nor planned.

2013 Property Taxes

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Anyone who wishes to contest their assessment for 2013 Property Taxes must have their RFR (Request For Reconsideration) submitted to MPAC by March 31, 2014.  Any reduction by MPAC in you assessed value will be credited to your 2013 taxes. The revised assessed value will remain in effect for the remainder of the 4 year assessment period.  If you cannot get it completed by Mar 31st, you may submit after the Mar 31st for Tax Year 2014.

Draft 2014 Bracebridge Municipal Budget

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The draft Municipal Budget as presented reflects a total Budget increase of 3.43%. The growth in Bracebridge’s taxable assessment as established by the MPAC Market Change Profile Estimated Phase-In Growth Report (Roll Edition) – December, is .95%.

This means that the draft 2014 Municipal Budget as contained in Appendix “A” to Staff Report FN005-14 requires a 2014 levy increase of 2.48% (excluding growth). This impacts a residential assessment of $200,000 (using the Year 1 Phase-in 2012 assessment value for 2013 tax year) as follows:

Year                                                                      Tax impact

2014                                                                            $789.59

2013                                                                            $770.48

Town – General increase 2014 over 2013                      $19.11

Click here to see the meeting agenda and draft Municipal Budget  to be reviewed on Mar 4, 2014.

I would recommend that as many members as possible attend the March 4, 2014 Meeting. I am sure there will be additional discussions on the budget during the meeting.

High Cost of Leadership in Muskoka

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The Two Tier Government in the District of Muskoka is costing Taxpayers One Million Dollars a Year in duplication.

In the January edition of What’s Up, Mayor Bob Young of the Township of Lake of Bays advocates for increased salaries for mayors and councillors. He further suggests that the mayor’s position, due the heavy workload and important responsibilities, should be a full time position with a salary to reflect the increased time on the job.

So, how much do Muskoka taxpayers currently spend on part-time leadership across Muskoka? To help compare, it was noted in the same article that the Mayor of London Ontario receives a salary of $130,900 with population of 366,151 residents.

Let’s add together the salaries for the District chairman, mayors and the salaries they receive for their positions on District Council: Mayor Young $38,137, Mayor Doughy      $33,224, Mayor Smith $36,153, Mayor Donaldson $37,221, Mayor Murphy $36,137, Chairman Klinck $72,300. For their work on the District Council each mayor receives and additional $14,500 (X6) for a total of $87,000. (Please note the salary for Mayor Larry Braird of Township of Georgian Bay has not been included, but his district council salary has been)

Now add the direct salaries as mayor and the district council salary and the grand total is: $340,172. 

The Second Home Study conducted by the staff at the District office was released in December 2013. The study confirmed that the seasonal population is 83,203 and combined with the permanent population of 59,220, the Muskoka population is 142,423.

Are Muskokans paying too much for elected leadership?  Given the current cost of leadership here, London Ontario residents are really getting a bargain by Muskoka standards.

Or is it time to consider, one full time mayor for Muskoka? Would a salary of $300,000 be attractive enough to interest a forward thinker with both skills and knowledge to bring Muskoka in the 21st century? One who would pull Muskoka together for the benefit of all residents?

We think all Muskokans should consider One Muskoka! One Mayor!

Sincerely,

Evelyn Brown, Catherine King, Mike Provan

One Muskoka

2014 is an election year in Muskoka

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2014 is an election year in Muskoka. Bracebridge Council voted in favor of using alternative voting methods for the 2014 Elections. That means that ALL property owning members and all Oakley residents will be able to cast their vote by mail, allowing non-residents or those who have mobility restraints to vote more easily. 

Council also voted in favor of using optical scanning vote tabulators as they have the past several elections. If you have a concern as to whether you are on the voting list or not contact Lori McDonald at 705-645-6319, Ext. 243 or by email.

Bracebridge is now in 2014 Budget discussions, When the proposed budget is available it will be posted on the WLCA web site. Dates of public discussions will also be published so our members may attend.