Fraudulent Solicitation

Springwater Township / July 29, 2015 – A number of Springwater residents have recently received phone calls from an individual soliciting donations for a children’s charity and claiming to represent Springwater Fire & Emergency Services.

Springwater Fire & Emergency Services does not fundraise through door-to-door efforts or telephone solicitation. When conducting routine inspections or public outreach, representatives of Springwater Fire & Emergency Services carry proper identification and dress in uniform.

If you have been contacted by someone claiming to represent Springwater Fire & Emergency Services and been asked to donate, please report the incident to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Picnic Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our annual picnic.  Hopefully the weather reports will be as dead wrong for tomorrow as they were today.

We have a lot of fun lined up for the whole family - races, nail drive, horseshoe and hula hoop competitions. Don't miss your chance to win some great prizes in the raffle or a pocketful of cash in the 50/50 draw, Take home an Orr Lake t-shirt to commemorate the day.  To keep you fuelled up, we'll have burgers and hot dogs on the BBQ and coolers full of refreshing drinks. Finally, don't forget the boat decoration and lip sync contests - show our community how you strut your stuff!

Hope to see you all at the park (2390 South Orr Lake Road) at noon tomorrow!

Picnic and AGM

It’s almost time for another day of tradition and memory making at the OLRA Annual Picnic.  Join us Sunday, August 2, 12:00 noon at Orr Lake Park 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!

Get creative this week and enter the boat decorating contest.  The theme this year is pirate ships, so break out the Jolly Roger and give it your all.  Or perhaps your artistic talents lean more toward the musical.  Put on your dancing shoes and enter the lip sync contest instead. 

The following weekend, be sure to attend our Annual General Meeting at Orr Lake Golf Club Sunday, August at 1:00 pm.  It’s your chance to hear what the OLRA has done for you during the year, and to voice your concerns. There are several executive positions up for election this year, and we are in desperate need of reliable, conscientious people to fill those roles.  Please consider throwing your hat into the ring, or nominating someone that you believe would serve our community fairly and objectively.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can still volunteer by contacting us at olra@live.com.  We realize that we ask for help each year, but it is especially important this year. Without this kind of assistance, it is unlikely that there will be enough resources for the OLRA to continue to be active in the coming year.  We look forward to seeing you there.

We hope that you have been enjoying this beautiful summer, and spend the rest of it safely as you vacation and visit with family and friends.

Lake Monitoring

The focus of this post is lake monitoring but before we continue along that vein we’d like to take a moment to remind you of the upcoming picnic on August 2 at noon, as well as the AGM on August 9 at 1:00, Orr Lake Golf Club.  If you plan to enter the boat decoration contest, now is the time to start collecting your pirate-y embellishments!  Ditto for working on your choreography for the lip sync contest.   We would also like to offer our thanks to the Bluesteins and Moffitts for their recent donation of prizes to be awarded at the picnic.  Anyone else who wishes to donate new goods or volunteer to assist with races and competitions may contact Susan Eccleshall at 705-725-4120, or email us at olra@live.com.

Orr Lake has been subject to ongoing health monitoring since 2002 through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) Lake Partner Program.  Under this program a dedicated lake resident collects total phosphorus samples and measures water clarity using a Secchi disk to document changes in lake health over time.  The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has been measuring winter dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles in Orr Lake since 2010.  A late-winter oxygen profile can be viewed as a barometer of winter length, lake nutrient status and potential stress on lake ecosystems.

Total phosphorus (TP) is an important nutrient in water as it is often the “limiting” factor controlling the growth of plants and algae. Phosphorus levels in water can occur naturally in very low through to very high concentrations, though low to moderate levels are more common.  Problematic levels of phosphorus occur when these natural levels are enriched by human inputs which may lead to excessive plant and algae growth. This excessive growth can cause problems such as restricted recreational uses and aesthetic concerns, as well as oxygen depletion resulting in fish kills.

Orr Lake is a mesotrophic lake suggesting its nutrient levels would naturally be elevated when compared to the nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) lakes of the Canadian Shield.  Phosphorus concentrations in a densely populated lake like Orr Lake will increase from septic systems, lawn maintenance (fertilizers, pesticides), and soaps that drain into the lake.  Phosphorus levels can be reduced by plant uptake and binding to lake sediments - maintaining natural shorelines is a key tool to offset potential phosphorus impacts.  The MOECC Provincial Water Quality Objective for phosphorus in lakes is 0.02 mg/L.  Orr Lake has consistently been below the standard.  2014 results show the first occurrence where phosphorus levels exceed the Provincial standard (0.024 mg/L in one sample).  Further monitoring is needed in order to determine if this elevated level is part of a trend or merely a one-time occurrence.

Secchi depth is measured with a Secchi disk, a circular plate with a rope through the middle which is divided into quarters bearing black and white coloured sections.  The disk is lowered into water until it is no long visible and a measurement is taken at this point.  High readings indicate that the water is relatively clear and not turbid, whereas lower readings indicate turbid or coloured water.  In general, turbidity and the presence of colour (algae) are indicative of high lake productivity and clearer water is indicative of lower lake productivity.  The Secchi disk reading for 2014 was not provided by the MOECC.

Dissolved oxygen is referred to as the amount of free oxygen dissolved in the water.  It is required in water to allow fish, insects and other aquatic life to breath and survive.  Tolerant warm water game fish can live comfortably in waters with DO concentrations above 3 mg/L, becoming stressed and perishing at levels below 3 mg/L.  During the summer dissolved oxygen is created by aquatic plants releasing oxygen into the water using photosynthesis, as well as wave-action which physically mixes atmospheric oxygen into water.  As the fall and winter approach, these plants die, start to decompose and deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water column.  Persistent ice cover during the winter prevents the addition of dissolved oxygen. Monitoring late-winter oxygen levels over time is important to identify potential stresses to the lake ecosystem and associated long-term trends.

The NVCA has been measuring late-winter DO since 2010 on Orr Lake.  Despite it being one of the coldest winters on record, 2014 results mirror previous years with an oxygen sag starting around 2m depth, stressful conditions begin around 2.25m and near anoxia deeper than 2.5m.  The NVCA did not anticipate any significant fish-kill this spring.

For more info, contact Ian Ockenden of the NVCA by phone at (705) 424-1479 x234 or email iockenden@nvca.on.ca.

Welcome Summer!

Mother Nature held back the rain long enough for many Orr Lake residents to market their wares in Saturday’s community garage sale.  By all accounts, it was a successful day for all.  Even at the end of North Orr Lake Road traffic was fairly steady, and we met many interesting people throughout the day.  Thanks to all who participated.

Unfortunately, we must cancel the golf tournament previously scheduled for Saturday, July 4, due to a lack of registrations.  Thanks to Jason Harris at OLGC for his willingness to accommodate us.  If there is another sports or entertainment event that would be of more interest, please let us know. 

At the end of the school year, there are often grads who realize that they are a few hours short of fulfilling their community service hours, or those just entering high school who want to get a head start on accumulating theirs.  We can help with that!  The OLRA is in need of volunteers to assist with our membership drive.  Students need not be Orr Lake residents to obtain hours, nor are we limiting ourselves to youth volunteers.  We are glad to have assistance from anyone who is willing to share an hour or two of time.  Funds raised through membership sales are used to finance the annual picnic, as well as other events held throughout the summer.  Please contact us via email at olra@live.com, or call/text 905-716-2571.

If July flies by as quickly as June has it will be time for the picnic before we know it.  Plan to attend – call the extended family now and invite them out for a day of food, fun, and prizes.  Solicit their help in decorating your boat with a pirate theme to enter our contest.  Mark August 2 at noon on your calendar and, while you’re at it, take note of August 9 as well.  Join us that day at Orr Lake Golf Club at 1:00 pm for our annual general meeting. We have loads of guests lined up with useful information on a variety of subjects. 

Remember to keep an extra vigilant eye now that the kids are out of school, and enjoy all the fun in the fresh outdoors the season has to offer! 

Garage Sale and Golf Tourney

The gardens are in, spring cleaning is behind us, and the kids are ready to burst out the doors on the last day of school.  It’s the perfect time to gather up items you can no longer use and earn some extra cash by taking part in the Orr Lake Community Garage Sale.  On Saturday, June 27 just set up in your own driveway between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm and let the OLRA do the advertising.  At the end of your sale, if you prefer not to tote everything inside again, why not donate your unsold items to the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children for their garage sale in August?

Let us know if you plan to participate so that we can better publicize on your behalf.  Provide your address via email to orrlakeratepayers@gmail.com, text 905-716-2571, or call 705-322-7568.  To arrange pick-up of your leftover items, call or text 705-725-4120 or email the above address.

Once you’ve decided to hold your sale, follow these tips to make it successful.

Start gathering the week before the sale.  If you leave it until the last minute, you’ll be far too rushed to make sure you have the time to earn top dollar.  Ask friends and family members to join you with their things if you feel you don’t have enough items to draw customers.

To make your sale as organized and as appealing as possible, group like objects together (glassware/kitchen items in one place; toys/children's books in another; and tools/lawn equipment in still another, for example).  Hang up items for maximum visibility and so people can go through "your racks," just like they do at the store. 

Place large items near the street to grab attention and, if possible, include items that will appeal to both men and women.  Once you’ve drawn customers in, keep them interested. If you’re selling dishes, set a small table with flowers and a cloth.  Create a reading nook for browsing books.  Offer muffins and coffee, or cold drinks on a hot day. 

Make sure items are clearly priced.  Nothing turns shoppers off quicker than having to ask a price for every item they pick up. Always mark chipped or cracked items "as is" so buyers know the price is for the item, flaws and all. Whatever the condition of the items, make sure they look their best—press the linens, wash and wipe dry glasses and china, etc.

Be ready to haggle.  Your browsers aren't looking to spend a fortune at your sale. Be ready to negotiate by pricing items slightly higher to leave room for price-haggling. When you set prices, factor in price breaks of about 20 percent to 30 percent off the price you'd like to receive.  Have plenty of change on hand in a safe location, and provide boxes or bags to pack sold items.

Offer freebies.  Pick out a bunch of things that you never want to see again and place them in a box that says 'free’.  This way shoppers and browsers alike can pick out what they want from the box and everyone wins. Place this free box near the curb so passersby will be more inclined to see what else you have for sale.

Once you’ve cleared some clutter and earned some cash, why not spend it on a day of fun and prizes by reserving a spot in the upcoming OLRA Golf Tournament taking place at Orr Lake Golf Club on July 4^th?  For OLRA members the cost is just $38 for nine holes, $48 for non-members.  Enter individually or recruit a team.  Call or text Susan Eccleshall at 705-725-4120 to reserve a spot. 

We are still looking for volunteers to help with canvassing for memberships, and for the Annual Picnic in July.  Contact us using any of the options mentioned in this article to offer a bit of your time.  We do provide community hours for students, so let your kids and grandchildren know how to reach us as well. 

We hope you are all looking forward to the break from routine that the summer holidays provide and wish you a safe and happy season.

Funding Opportunity

With septic re-inspections to commence this year, we want to pass along some very promising information about funding opportunites.  If you have reason to believe that you will be required to upgrade your septic system, this will be of interest.  Representatives of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority will be sharing their knowledge of grants at this year’s OLRA  Annual General Meeting.  Meanwhile, Nick Ippolito, Springwater Township’s Manager of Building Services, has informed us of funding that may be available  through The Lake Simcoe & Georgian Bay Community Stewardship Program (LSGBCSP). This avenue also provides funding for shoreline projects which is an ongoing concern of our association.

The information below, along with a general funding chart that indicates rates and caps for various eligible projects may be found online by visiting the following link: http://springwater.ca/municipal_services/building_permits

The LSGBCSP will undertake best management oriented projects that enhance water quality, fisheries habitat, and contribute to other ecological and environmental improvements throughout the Lake Simcoe and southeast Georgian Bay programming areas.  Project development, design and implementation will be facilitated through targeted, landowner-based, stewardship workshops that utilize an environmental self-evaluation guide approach that assists participants in identifying and addressing environmental issues associated with their land use practices and properties. Project landowners will receive technical & information assistance in completing personalized stewardship plans and financial assistance, staff and partner support in implementing priority projects that clearly address the goals associated with the Lake Simcoe & southeast Georgian Bay Clean Up Fund.

Projects implemented will include replacement of failed septic systems, lakeshore and stream shoreline restorations, riparian planting, naturalization, and buffer enhancements,
in-stream fisheries and aquatic improvements, coastal and riparian wetland enhancements, and initiatives that reduce dredging activities on Georgian Bay. The program will also implement and support priority agricultural best management oriented projects within the Nottawasaga and Severn Sound watersheds including livestock exclusion initiatives, nutrient run-off diversions, and other projects that contribute to improved aquatic eco-system health. This new program represents a broad collaboration of resource agencies, non-government organizations and community partners, including the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The LSGBCSP was established in recognition of the growing pressures that Lake Simcoe & Georgian Bay watersheds are facing with respect to ecological health and water quality
issues. The program encourages landowners to engage in stewardship activities that will
improve the overall health of their watershed. Access to program support is initiated through workshop attendance and the completion of an individualized environmental action plan that is contained within a Lake Simcoe or Georgian Bay Stewardship Guide (free). Once the guide and action plan have been completed, you will be eligible to apply for funding for your shore works and potentially for other environmentally beneficial works on your property.

In order to receive LSGBCSP funding for your shoreline works, the shoreline design must be an appropriately constructed, fish habitat-friendly approach (ie. rounded granite boulders, bioengineering techniques, etc). Projects that incorporate a naturalized vegetative buffer of at least 3m (approx 10 feet) incorporating native species into their design will be eligible for higher incentive funding assistance than projects that do not include a vegetative buffer.  The buffer area could include native trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and can be designed to facilitate lake vistas and access features.

You will also be required to produce documents demonstrating that all necessary permits
have been obtained, submit a copy of the official final invoice for the shoreline works, and fill out an application form.

Your participation will help ensure that Lake Simcoe & Georgian Bay watersheds will be a sustainable resource for future generations. To find out when a workshop is scheduled to occur in your area, to obtain more information about the program or to discuss funding opportunities, please contact Carrie McIntyre, Stewardship Extension Technician, at 705-725-7523 or email LSGBCSP@ontario.ca.

Bottle Drive

Just a reminder that we are holding our bottle drive this Sunday, May 31 in support of community events planned for the duration of the season.  Beer and liquor empties may be dropped at the park entrance on South Orr Lake Rd between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon only.  Alternatively, you may leave them at the end of your driveway for pick-up if your property is within Orr Lake boundaries.

We appreciate your support, and look forward to your participation in the summer fun your contribution will help to provide.

Coming Events

We hope that everyone enjoyed the summer kick-off weekend known as May 2-4, and the Orr Lake Ratepayers have planned a season packed full of events to help keep the ball rolling.  We welcome our neighbours in Elmvale and Hillsdale to join us for any or all of the events coming up. Invite family and friends, and mark these dates on your calendar now:

Sunday, May 31, 10 AM to noon - Bottle Drive.  Drop off empties in support of community events at the park on South Orr Lake Rd or, if you live within the borders of the Orr Lake community, leave them at the end of your driveway on Saturday evening for pick-up.

Saturday, June 13, 9 to 11 AM - Perennial Exchange.  Meet us at the park on South Orr Lake Rd with whatever you have too much of and pick up something new.

Saturday, June 27, 8 AM to 2 PM - Community Garage Sale.  Just display your items in your own Orr Lake driveway and we’ll take care of the advertising at roadsides and in area papers.  Don't want to deal with leftover items?  Donate them, or your proceeds, to the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children for their garage sale in August.  Call or text 905-716-2571 or email orrlakeratepayers@gmail.com to arrange pick-up.

Saturday, July 4, 9 AM - Golf Tournament.  Come on out to beautiful Orr Lake Golf Club for fun and prizes.  Only 72 spots available. $38 per person including cart for OLRA members, $48 for non-members.

Sunday August 2, noon to 3PM - OLRA Picnic.  Admission is free to OLRA members (includes extended families), or $10/family for non-members.  This year, in addition to races & contests with prizes for all ages, and BBQ treats at low prices we invite you to decorate your boat with a movie theme and cruise by for your chance to win.  Also new this year is a lip sync contest, open to individuals or groups of all ages. Contact Susan Eccleshall at 705-725-4120 to volunteer time, or prizes for raffles & events, and don’t forget to bring your Young Naturalist booklets (see below).  

Sunday, August 9, 1 PM – Annual General Meeting.  Topics at this year’s AGM will include healthy shorelines and septic re-inspections, with presentations from many of our partners and associates.  This is your opportunity to volunteer your time, which is desperately needed, and voice your concerns.  We hope to see you all at Orr Lake Golf Club for this important meeting.

Young Naturalist Program.  Geared toward children aged 9 and under, this program provides seven booklets of fun and educational activities covering the topics of  wetlands, mammals, birds, herptiles (amphibians and reptiles), insects, plants, and fish. Collect and complete all seven, then bring all the booklets to the annual picnic to receive a Young Naturalist Certificate.  If this program is well received, we will create a Junior Naturalist program for older kids. Check the board at the park approximately every two weeks for a new booklet. On the board, we also have an "I spotted a _____" clipboard. Write down all of the animals you have seen.  In conjunction with this program, have your kids enter our photo contest.  They can snap shots in three different categories - landscape, summer fun and wildlife.  Email digital copies of photos to orrlakeratepayers@gmail.com.  A prize will be awarded to the winners of each category.

We welcome volunteers for membership drive, clean-up, and picnic.  We are also looking for a volunteer naturalist and artist, and if we are able to enlist the volunteered help of local musicians we would love to host a musical event. Contact us via phone or text to 905-716-2571, 705-725-4120 or email orrlakeratepayers@gmail.com. 

July is a busy month for our handful of volunteers but we’re trying to arrange another event or two so check this column regularly and also visit our blog at orrlakeratepayers.blogspot.ca.   If you scroll down, you’ll find a link on the right that will allow you to have interesting and important updates delivered right to your email inbox.  Meanwhile, be safe and happy as you enjoy our lake this season!

Spring Clean-up and Newsletter

Our annual Spring Clean-up will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 am to noon.  You can find us at the park on South Orr Lake Road, or at the top of North Orr Lake Road near the mailboxes.  Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.  We will also be selling 2015 memberships at both locations.

The 2015 OLRA newsletter is now available with your paid membership.  This year's edition includes an update on our attempt to change garbage collection day for lakeshore properties and a form you may need for the upcoming septic re-inspections.  Those who pay their memberships online will receive the newsletter via email.