FOX LAKE REGATTA

 

The 36^th annual Fox Lake Regatta was held on Sunday August 3, 2008 at the Watson Beach, 550 East Fox. The regatta theme was Favourite Sports Teams. The Finbow clan took top honours with their Toronto Argonaut and Maple Leaf cheerleading squad led by Ashleen Finbow. The rest of the team included: Gordon, (the Finbow patriarch) Sue, Robert, Ginny, Ewan and Jamie Finbow, Rick Skinner, Kristi and Mike Benford, and Cynthia Santos.

 

The day began with the traditional horseshoe tournament won by David and Jamie Finbow. Keith Thompson and Bradley Shaddock finished second and David Blanchard and Doug Hackbart finished third. A 3 on 3 beach volleyball tournament was also held. In the adult division Holden Sumner, Peter Szabo and Eric Valant took first, Rory Sumner, Brenden Lee, Mike Sterling, second, and Michael Shepley, Will Hepburn, and Garth Yule, third. In the family event there was a tie with the Hubbard family and the Leclerc and Stainton clan.

 

The following is the list of event winners.

Bugs Bunny Race (under 5 years) Zack Smirniw, Cailin Bentley, Andrew Haley, Madeleine Smith, Hannah Pushka, Eric Pushka, Gavin Stainton, Nathan Stainton, Chloe Kew, Ewan Finbow.

 

Swimming Races - 5-7 year swim: first Nick Ireland, second Avery Kew, third, Ashleen Finbow.

8-10 year swim: first Kristen Shepley, second Gabrielle Paupst, third Caliesha Harris.

11-13 year swim: first Jacob French, second Cynthia Sangster, third Sadie Rivoire.

Island Swim: under 30- first, Jacob French, second, Lindsay French, third Cynthia Sangster.  Masters (30 and over) Women- Shelly Hubbard first, Janet Shaw, second, Caryn Hubbard, third, Men- Garth Yule, first, Robin Yule, second, Jim Watson, third.

 

Paddle Boat Races-Mother and Son- first, Jacob French and Janet Shaw, second, Nick Ireland and Karen Beamer, third Lucas and Mary Smirniw. Father and daughter- first Caliesha and Brian Harris, second Julia and Jeff Longhurst, third, Lindsay French and Jim Watson. Ten and under- first Nick Ireland and Charlie Tunnard, second, Caliesha and Sherina Harris. 11-16 –first, Nick Ireland and Jacob French, second, Cynthia Sangster and Lindsay French.

 

Swim Relay- first, Peter Szabo, Eric Valant, Mike Sterling, Holden Sumner, second, Michael Shepley, Will Hepburn, Scott Shepley, Grant Shepley, third, Cynthia Sangster, Quinn Sangster, Lindsay French, Jacob French.

 

Kayak Races- under 10- first-Gabrelle Paupst, second, Ben Alger. Open men- Rod Fraser, Mark Alger. Open women- Shelly Hubbard, Karen Harris, Anna Morrison. 

 

Canoe Races- Mother and Son-first, Alix and Garth Yule, second, Scott and Liz Shepley, third, Barbara and Robin Yule. Father and daughter- first, Jim Watson and Lindsay French, second, Scott and Kirstin Shepley, third, Brian and Sherina Harris.

Open Doubles-first, Rod Fraser and Douglas Fraser, second, Andrea and Jim Watson, third, GarthYule and Adam Krawesky.

Gunnel Bobbing- first, Shelly Alger, second Grant Shepley, third, Jim Watson

In and Out- first, Will Hepburn and Mike Shepley, second, Eric Valant and Peter Szabo, third, Jacob and Lindsay French. War Canoe (4 paddlers)- first-Grant, Michael, Scott Shepley and Will Hepburn, second Mike Benford, Alix Yule, Robin Yule, Jen Walden, third- Jacob French, Andrea Watson, Brendon Flanagan, Siobahn Flanagan.

 

Tug of War- under 16- East side, over 16- East side

 

Sandcastle Building- There were several unique sand structures built on the beach. Here is a list of structure names and the builders: Model of Urban Planning (Gavin and Nathan Stainton), The Snail (Avery Kew), Fairytopia (Julia Longhurst, Lucas and Zach Smirniw), Fort Finbow (Ashleen and Ewan Finbow), The Stadium (Lindsay and Jacob French), The Castle (Andrew Haley), Castle Oasis (Olivia Haley), Shekey Shamrock Castle (Sherina and Caliesha Harris), Olivia Castle (Madeleine Smith)

 

A good day was had by all.

 

Jim Watson, Regatta Host

 

 

 

 

 

REPORT FROM YOUR LAKE STEWARD

 

The results of the water tests for 2007 were right in line with previous years.  Specifically the Secchi depth (a test of water clarity) averaged 2.0 metres.  The total phosphorous in May of 2007 was 12.7 micrograms/L; again in line with previous results.  Paraphrasing Bev Clark, the Coordinator for the Lake Partner Program for MoE in Dorset: Fox Lake is a dystrophic lake, meaning coloured or tea stained.  The total phosphorous concentrations at around 10-15 ug/L would make it, normally, a mesotrophic lake, with occasional algal blooms expected, but, since dystrophic lakes are not on this normal scale and because the phosphorous is tied up with the Dissolved Organic Carbon, the nutrients are mostly unavailable for algal production. Thus there is less danger of algal blooms on Fox Lake.  Concentrations are similar in Buck Lake and a bit lower in Vernon because the dystrophic water is diluted from other inflow sources.  He also added in a conversation that tea stained lakes tend to have high mercury in fish. 

 

The Lake System Health Monitoring Program Stewardship Workshop was held in Bracebridge in May.  Judi Brouse, Director of Watershed Programs for the District of Muskoka led the session.  Rebecca Willison her assistant said that in 2007 they monitored 66 lakes for spring phosphorous, did shoreline surveys on 9 lakes and biological monitoring on 20 lakes.  Fox was not one of the lakes studied.  In 2008 they plan to do 88 sites on 67 lakes.  Overall, Judy stated that the lakes in Muskoka have good water quality. The session was then turned over to Trevor Griffin, the Area Supervisor for MNR.  He gave an overview of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan.  The basic premise is to balance the needs of various users and maintain long-term ecological sustainability.  One of the ecological objectives is to maintain the spring peak longer in order to recharge wetlands and spawning areas.  Also, have a more gradual summer drawdown in order to maintain river levels and improve baseflow.  He did note that Fox and a few other lakes have concerns about shoreline erosion.

 

In a final note, MNR has just installed a lake level gauge on a crib dock on the east side of Fox Lake.   Our thanks to San & Britt Danudjaja for the use of their crib dock J as it will no longer be necessary to go to Hoodstown to read the levels.  It is hoped this will provide better reporting and thus better lake level control. 

David White, Lake Steward

 

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR LOONS ON OUR LAKE?

 

Gabrielle and Bernie Andersen at the NE end of Fox Lake are looking into constructing a loon nesting platform to be located close to shore in the north bay in a protected area in the spring of 2009.  We haven’t had a nesting pair of loons on our lake for over 5 yrs now.  Let’s all give this project a fair chance next year by avoiding the nest platform area with our boats J

 

 

BUSY BEAVERS WILL SOON BE HERE!

 

There are a lot of beavers living on Fox Lake now.  If you have trees on your property you want to protect this winter, wrap their lower trunks with chicken wire 3’ high to keep them from becoming beaver dinners.  Last year, they harvested not only many poplars, but lots of young maples, oaks and birches too within 100’ of the shoreline.   

BEARS AND BEAR BINS              

 

Did you know that hunters took out at least 12 bears in the Fox Lake and surrounding area during the fall hunt?  No wonder we had so many wandering around the cottage this past summer! 

 

Lots of garbage bear bins have been added to the landscape over the past few months.  They’re costly, but they do work!  Consider sharing the costs of a bear bin with your neighbours if you don’t have one.

 

And remember to do your part to reduce household waste and provide less human food for the bears!

Ø       Reduce the overall amount of waste coming into your household.

Ø       Reuse cleaned containers for other purposes where possible.

Ø       Follow Muskoka’s two-stream recycling program: paper & fibres in one; containers in the other.  You can use blue boxes or clear plastic bags but mixed bags will not be collected.

Ø       Do not crush your cans or bottles, but do rinse them clean before putting them in blue boxes to discourage bears and other wildlife.

Ø       Keep meat scraps and other tasty tidbits in your freezer until garbage pickup day if possible: eliminates odors, flies and pests.

Ø       Put your non-recyclable garbage out only on the morning of pickup day unless you can use a bearproof container at the roadside.

Ø       Compost what you can (no meat scraps).  It quickly turns into great garden organics!

 

INCREASE IN CANADA GEESE AT FOX LAKE

 

You’ve probably noticed more Canada Geese on our lake over the past couple of years.  If your property has grass to the shoreline, the geese may find it an attractive place to rest…and to do you know what!  Or you may have a raft or dock that got regularly “greased” this summer as the birds rested on it overnight.  In some cases, this could also have been caused by our resident duck population.

 

Whatever is “greasing” your neighbourhood or dock, if you find it necessary to clean up the mess, please protect our lake water by using an environmentally friendly cleaner that will quickly biodegrade. 

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Fox Lake community lost a long time, well known and loved member this summer with the passing of Gwen Finbow, wife of Gordon Finbow, mother to Susan, Jamie, Carol and David, sister to Barbara Yule, and grandmother, great-grandmother and Auntie to many others.  We extend our sympathies to all the families.

 

Bill Reynolds, long time Fox Lake resident, and Gerry Ellecker, newer to our community, are both facing some health challenges.   We wish them a good recovery.  Reynolds’ Fox Lake home is for sale and they are now living in Huntsville.   You’ll be missed!

 

On a happier note, Dick and Brenda Auger’s daughter, Mary Ann, was married this summer. She returned to Fox Lake via float plane from the wedding ceremony at a church in Dwight for the reception at Camp Winnebagoe.  Congratulations!

 

Fox Lakers would like to welcome newcomers, Johnny and Rachel Pellamar to the community.  They have purchased Bob & Linda Ahrens’ former home on the west side of West Fox Lake Rd.   Kim Williams and Geno Dispasquale are building a new home on Yael’s Nature Walk (north shore) on the property that was owned long ago by “the hermit”, Frank Scriver.  Welcome to the neighbourhood!

 

Drew Wright, 28, who hails from Collingwood but is a member of the Wright family who cottage at 670 East Fox  made it to the top four as a Canadian Idol contestant finalist this summer.  Does anyone know if he placed first or what the final outcome was?

 

The Thanksgiving Sunday Wine’n’Cheese party held at Barb Yule’s cottage was a fall season highlight once again.  The happy socializers enjoyed gorgeous weather and great food and wine! 

 

SUPPORT A LOCAL BOOK

 

In 1994, the author, Nathan Tidridge, set out in a canoe to explore the waters surrounding his family’s cottage on Buck Lake.  His book, Beyond Mainland uncovers the rich stories of our landscape.  Tidridge looks at the First Peoples, French, English and Canadian lives of Muskoka, while at the same time, exploring his own connections and relationships in the area.   Topics mentioned in Beyond Mainland include much of the history of the Fox Lake area. In order for his book to be published, Natural Heritage Books has asked the author to demonstrate that there is an interest in the area for such a book. If you are interested in buying a copy, please send a message to beyondmainland@gmail.com.  If Tildridge receives 100 responses, the publisher will move ahead with this project.  Tildridge will also send you details about the publication (date, cost=$20+/-, availability) as soon as he hears any news.  Please do not include any personal information in your email.

 

 

 

 

NEW RURAL MAIL DELIVERY RULES

 

Over the past year, have you been notified by Canada Post that your mail will not longer delivered to your rural mailbox?  New rules designed to better protect rural mail delivery drivers are based on road distances from which your mailbox can be seen and if your box is located on or off the road. 

 

You may have been told that mail will no longer be delivered to your rural mailbox and given a choice of accepting a community mailbox slot (currently located on a busy section of the Hoodstown Rd. east of the bridge!) or picking up your mail from a postal box in town. 

If you are not satisfied with these options and you believe you can make a good case for retaining your rural mailbox by making a few changes to its location, you can appeal the decision to Canada Post’s Customer Service.  The 800 number is on the notice you received in the mail.  If you are still frustrated, try the Canada Post website and follow the links to reach the information on appealing the decision to the C.P. Ombudsman.  It’s worth a try!

 

HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE AT FOX LAKE….sort of…

 

Bell Canada has brought DSL high speed internet service to our area.  The new hub is located at Peacock Bay, and those wishing to subscribe to the service must be within a certain distance of the hub to be able to access the service easily.  The automatic cutoff point for service requests is around 454 East Fox Lake Rd. and probably about the same distance from Hoodstown on the West Fox Lake Rd. 

 

However, if you call Bell Sympatico and are persistent in requesting reconsideration of your situation, you will eventually make your way up the chain of command to someone who may be willing to consider your case, even if you are beyond the distance limits.  Gord Jackson did, and the Jacksons are now enjoying high speed DSL service via Bell Sympatico.  If you really want high speed, don’t give up too soon!

 

CLIMATE CHANGE & TOURISM

 

The fourth lecture in the 2008 Environmental Lecture Series, sponsored by the Muskoka Watershed Council, Muskoka Heritage Foundation, Muskoka Tourism and Delta Grandview Resort.has been announced.  Admission is by donation.

 

Dr. Daniel Scott, Canada Research Chair, Global Change and Tourism, will speak on Nov. 21, 2008 at 7:00 pm at Delta Grandview Resort in Huntsville

Registration is appreciated but not necessary.  Call

705-645-7393 or visit www.muskokaheritage.org.

 

FOCA’S 2008 FALL SEMINAR

 

This fall’s seminar will be held on Sat., Nov. 22^nd at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel Suites and Conference Centre, located at 600 Hwy 7 E. in Richmond Hill.   It runs all day from 9 am to 4 pm.  This year’s theme is Protecting Our Future.  The agenda includes:

Keynote address:  Donna Cansfield, Minister of NR;

Rural Electrical Service Issues;

Boating Rules and Restrictions;

Septic System Regulation/Management;

Update on FOCA Association Insurance;

Lake Partner Program

FOCA’s Lake Planning Toolkit;

Presentation of FOCA’s Jerry Strickland Award; and

WRAFT Annual General meeting/property tax update.

 

Fox Lake Association Inc. is a member of FOCA.  A Board member normally attends FOCA seminars on our behalf.  If you are also interested in attending, the seminar is open to the public.  Fees are $40 for pre-registered attendees or $50 for non-members or to register at the door.  For more information, email info@foca.on.ca or visit www.foca.on.ca. 

 

NEW ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES

 

By now, most of you will have received your new property assessment notices.  The impact of any related increase or decrease in property tax will be reflected in the second half of your 2009 tax bill. When you open your assessment notice, you will learn what your increase is, and how it compares to the average increase for your municipality.  By going to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) website, www.mpac.ca, you can now get a detailed profile report of your property as well the assessment of your neighbours. If there are errors in your profile report or if you simply believe your assessment is too high, you may want to file a Request for Reconsideration (RFR). This must be done by March 31, 2009. The deadlines for filing both RFRs and appeals have changed. Check the website.  Also you must file an RFR if you subsequently want to file an appeal to the Assessment Review Board. If you are unsatisfied with the response to the RFR and decide to appeal this must be done within 90 days of receiving MPAC's response to your RFR.

 

How do you estimate the impact of the 2008 assessment on your 2009 taxes? It's not easy. Unfortunately, the appeal deadline occurs before you know the real tax impact of the new assessment.  If you are in a single tier municipality and your increase exceeds the average municipal increase, you will have an assessment-related tax increase. If you are in a municipality which is part of an upper tier district or region you will not have the information available to determine the impact of the new assessment on your tax bill.   Also, remember that around one-third of your tax bill covers education. The impact on the education portion of your tax depends on how your assessment increase compares with the provincial average increase.  In most cases, those on waterfront and in inner city areas, will experience an assessment-related tax increase as well as their share of the actual spending increase for their municipality. We know this because these are the areas which experienced the greatest jumps in real estate value over the past three years.

 

There is a bit of good news. Under the new provincial rules, the assessment increase you receive will be phased in over the next four years. As a result, the tax impact of the increase will, in effect, be paid in instalments over the years 2009 through 2012.  The previous two year freeze in assessments in 2006 and 2007, combined with the new four year phase-in, will save an average of in excess of $1000 for each waterfront property owner. The higher your assessment, the greater your probable saving. You will not be assessed again until 2011. This makes it essential that you make every effort to get your assessment reduced if you feel you have good cause to do so.

 

The above information was provided by CAPTR and WRAFT.   FOCA is a founding member of WRAFT and Fox Lake is a member of both organizations. 

 

You can help them in their efforts to make the Ontario Government listen: Sign their petition by visiting  www.captr.org or www.wraft.com.  They’ll take it to Queen’s Park when they have sufficient numbers.

Visit your MPP and tell him or her that the system is broken. Show your MPP your new assessment.

If you have received a major assessment hike, and you believe your taxes will be impacted, send CAPTR/WRAFT the details. They need examples of the hardship created by the present system in order to drive the message home with the present government.

 

DEBT AND TAXES L L L 

 

As both the Town of Huntsville and the District of Muskoka are currently mired in debt, we can probably all safely expect that our taxes will rise in 2009, despite the increased assessment base in Muskoka.  The Town does not usually set its mill rate until Feb.  The District is currently deciding how to extricate itself from debt that has escalated over the past several years, mainly due to insufficient development fees to cover the costs of new urban sewer and water needs during a rapid period of development in this area, plus  maintenance and replacement of existing systems.

 

Some decisions have already been made on how to reduce this debt, and all taxpayers, whether urban or rural will be contributing to retiring this debt.  Those of us on septic systems will be paying more to septic haulers to cover more fully the actual costs of maintaining the sewage lagoons.  The charge to haulers will go up by $20 for 2009 and each year thereafter until 50% of the operating expenses are covered.  You will also pay an estimated $28 extra/yr on an assessment of $200,000 on your District tax levy, so do the math.  In addition, the District is still debating how much fees to developers will be raised to further pay down the debt and avoid future infrastructure development debt.  The increased fees will apply mainly to urban development.  As these fees must balance the need to realistically cover development without discouraging economic growth, this is not an easy solution.   A final decision will be made by District Council on Oct. 29^th.