Important Information for All

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

AGM Motions Update

Now that fall is here, and that nasty four-letter word is just around the corner, we encourage you to stay informed by popping in here now and then.  Some of our best efforts are put forth during the colder months.  Last winter saw the completion of the Orr Lake Report card, and this year's AGM gave us projects for this year.

There were four motions put forth, and two of these were on the agenda at the Springwater Township Council meeting on October 1st. 

We received approval for a community message board to be placed at the park on the south road.  The Association will assume the cost, and be responsible for construction and maintenance.  We are still working on a second board for the north side.  Springwater property does not offer a safe and convenient place to erect one.  Our first choice of location is beside the mailboxes, which is provincially owned land, so the permission process is a bit more lengthy.  Our goal is to have the board at the park in use next spring, with the second to follow as soon as possible.

Our motion to initiate inspection of septic systems around the lake was also carried.  A report from the Chief Building Inspector was received, and Township staff will commence developing a discretionary program.  We will keep you apprised of details as they develop.

The issue of lake level met with less success.  Our motion to initiate human monitoring during the spring thaw to prevent flooding at the east end while maintaining water level at the highest possible level was not included on the agenda.  This made the fourth motion, to record the vote on the previous motion, a moot point.  When this exclusion was questioned, we were referred to prior communications regarding dam management.  Based on this year's figures, the Township intends to keep the dam at the midway point of the RWL, so long as this level allows flow over the dam.  To see actual levels in real time, please use the link 'Water Level Monitoring' provided on this page under the heading 'Useful Links'.

We also learned that Burnside and Associates have been awarded a design contract associated with the reconstruction of North Orr Lake Road.  A report from the Director of Planning and Public Works indicates a need for this project to improve and re-direct water flow, and to re-route sections of the road that are currently on private property.  This plan is in the early stages, and we should not expect to see work begin for at least a couple of years. After dealing with the construction on Highway 93 all summer, most of us will likely be more than happy to have a break in between.  Our Lake Steward is well informed, and keeping a close eye on all these changes to the landscape.  The timing of the Report Card is beneficial in this respect, as we have an in-depth knowledge of the health and composition of the lake before construction on the surrounding lands began.

While all of this isn't good news for those of us concerned with the effect of shallow waters on the health of the lake, there are some very positive initiatives going forward.  We will continue to do our best in representing your interests to make living in Orr Lake a thing of envy.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Rubber Duckie, You're the One!

Have you ever taken part in an idle conversation on how you prefer to bathe?  Are you a quick in-an-out of the shower type, or a luxurious tub soaker?  One option that’s never offered when that question is posed is whether you like to bathe in the lake, and with good reason.  It is wishful thinking to assume that the introduction of bath products to lake water is harmless.  Even natural, biodegradable products leave behind elements that were not previously present which, over time, could affect the ecosystem.  The scents often present in the soaps, shampoos and lotions we love are also quite an attractant for bugs of all sorts. There is simply no way of knowing how lake bathing may affect the normal behaviour of wildlife and the health of vegetation.  Therefore, we ask that you refrain from this practice.  That Mother Nature lady has her hands full as it is – let’s not give her more to deal with! 

Sunday, August 12, 2012

A Productive Meeting

Thanks to all guests and property owners who attended the Annual General Meeting this afternoon. We'll post the full minutes as soon as possible.  Mayor Linda Collins and Councillor Perry Ritchie were on hand to represent Springwater Council, informing attendees of recent Council initiatives and graciously responding to comments and questions. Executive reports were delivered by officers responsible for finance, membership, the annual picnic, and lake stewardship. Dave Featherstone of the NVCA presented a slideshow summary of the contents of the Orr Lake Watershed Report Card.  Under new business, Jason Harris of Orr Lake Golf Club reported details of pesticide use on the course (copies of his report may be obtained at the club) and Susan Eccleshall shared plans to erect community bulletin boards in two locations.
There was a great deal of informative discussion regarding lake levels.  Dave Featherstone provided a web address where interested parties can view actual lake levels in real time as collected by the electronic monitor installed last year in cooperation with Springwater Township.  Please see our links below to reach this site (Dave also advised that the station is temporarily offline but should be operational again within the next week or so).
We would like to welcome three new members to the executive.  On board to help serve our community beginning with the 2012-13 season are Ryan Wicks, Gary Wicks, and Mike Conway.
Once more, our thanks to all who participated today.  With your input, we feel we have clear direction that will enable us to serve the interests of the Orr Lake community responsibly and effectively.

Sunday, August 05, 2012

Mother Nature Wins

The rain she sent our way may have dampened the picnic, but not our spirits!  Thanks to Susan's creative music choices, we were dancing, if not singing, in the rain as we packed it up for today.  We'll be set up and ready to go again tomorrow (Monday the 6th), same time, same place (noon in the park).  Meanwhile, it's a great day to watch the grass turn green again and say a word of thanks on behalf of local farmers!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

A summer of drought, and today it wants to rain?  At this moment, it's cloudy and gray, but the skies are holding back so we plan to go ahead with the picnic. Should Mother Nature decide to pour down on us later in the day, we'll move everything ahead one day and look for you all at the park tomorrow, Monday, August 6th.  If your property is on the lake, you can keep an ear open for Bill & company, who will be making the circuit with the bullhorn this morning.


Sunday, July 08, 2012

OLRA General Meeting

Sunday, August 12, 2012 1:00 pm



Be sure to attend at Orr Lake Golf Club for your chance to hear what the OLRA has done for you during the year, and to voice your concerns.  In addition to OLRA business, Jason Harris of Orr Lake Golf Club will be making a presentation.


OLRA Annual Picnic

Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 12:00 pm



Join us for an afternoon to remember as you meet or reunite with neighbours and friends. Games and races provide fun for all ages, as well as scrapbook-worthy medals and ribbons, and great prizes too.  We'll have the BBQ fired up and coolers stocked with refreshments at ridiculously reasonable prices.  All OLRA members and their families are invited.  Annual memberships will be available for the low cost of $10 per household, so if you haven't purchased yours yet don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the day, and reap all the year-long benefits too!