Earth Day 2016

Are you #Rooting4Trees this Earth Day?  This year marks the beginning of a wonderful initiative by the global network of Earth Day organizations.  Around the world, they are kicking off an ambitious campaign to plant 7.8 billion trees, one for every person on the planet, by 2020. Canada’s contribution to this worldwide goal is 35 million trees — one per person in Canada. From April 1st to April 30th, Earth Day Canada will be collecting pledges to support tree planting projects across the country.

Deforestation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for up to 15% of total emissions. Deforestation plays such an oversized role in climate change, in fact, that part of the 2015 Paris Agreement singled out both the end of deforestation and the importance of reforestation to hitting national climate goals. Planting trees – lots and lots of trees – is the best way to counteract deforestation. Take action by pledging a tree or planting a tree this Earth Day! Visit earthday.ca to learn how to participate, and to find out more about Earth Day Canada’s programs.

In the interest of achieving balance, let’s follow up all that feel-good Earth Day activity with something most of our readers are likely less than thrilled about - yet another increase to hydro rates announced last week. This one’s a doozy.  In a release, the OEB says "Ontarians consumed less electricity than expected over the recent milder winter.  As a result of lower usage, Regulated Price Plan (RPP) prices did not recover the full cost of serving RPP customers. One of the main reasons prices are increasing in May is to recover this shortfall."  Crank up the AC!  Do your laundry on a Tuesday afternoon!  Run the dishwasher on half loads!  What does it matter?  We’re charged more when we use too much and, now, when we use too little electricity.  Is it coincidence that this latest increase follows so closely on the heels of the debt retirement charge elimination and the introduction of the Ontario Electricity Support Program? It would take far more space than we have here to fully explain all the factors in the mismanagement of energy that has led to poorer families having to choose between running their fridges and having food to store in them.

We are, of course, not advocating that you disregard all of the energy conservation efforts you make.  Yet, the fact is that fixed distribution rates plus increased charges for less usage serve to undermine the energy saving measures we’ve been encouraged to implement through costly marketing and advertising strategies.  Talk about adding insult to injury.  For many, switching off the lights when you leave a room is a life-long habit, and a good one.  Our elders used to say, ‘waste not, want not’.  While rising costs for all of modern life’s necessities are making it more difficult to see that adage reflected in our bank balances, it still applies to our responsibility as humans on this planet.

Most mechanisms for generating electricity release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into Earth's atmosphere. While small quantities of carbon dioxide exist naturally in the atmosphere, the generation of electricity has greatly increased the presence of greenhouse gas.  Those gases lead to air pollution and acid rain.  The dangers of radioactive waste produced from sources like nuclear energy add to the ways in which electricity affects the environment.

Let’s not get so distracted by the frustration of being chained to the hydro giant that we forget there’s a far more important benefit to conserving energy than saving money.  Since usage is less relevant to that number on our hydro bills with every rate and policy change, start (or continue) to think of conservation in terms of caring for the planet.  All those Earth Day trees we were talking about at the beginning will bring much needed change.  Don’t make it negligible by giving up.  Keep doing your part to help all the living entities on our planet, including ourselves, to thrive.

Clean-up, Burn Permits & Waste Collection

In putting together our last post, I was caught up in the romance of early spring and chose to ignore the rocky moments of the relationship.  We were lucky to escape the damage that our neighbours to the south suffered during the recent ice storm but it did serve as a reminder.  This season that embraces us with warmth and serenades us with birdsong can be a cranky suitor with a practical side too.  Let’s get some of those matter of fact issues out of the way this time around so we can get back to the courtship.  Despite the snow on the ground as I write this morning, it won’t be long until we’re cleaning up our yards and enjoying warm summer evenings around the fire.

We’re foregoing an organized spring clean-up day this year.  Most residents tidy up areas adjacent to their own properties.  Please remember that ditches play a big part in keeping the lake healthy.  Reeds and other natural growth provide a filter for run-off that travels through them on its way to the lake so grab the garbage, but leave the leaves.  To maintain other areas, we ask that you consider taking along a bag and pair of gloves when you head out for a stroll on the warmer days to come.  If even a few of us make a habit of picking up bits of refuse along the way we’ll keep our community litter free year round.

There are a couple of changes to the acquisition of burn permits to pass along.  Effective February 1, 2016, there is a fee for Recreational Burn Permits of $15 per calendar year.  For the first time, permits may be obtained online using a major credit card.  Visit the Springwater Township website to get yours.  Under the Municipal Services menu, click on Fire & Emergency services.  On the left hand side you’ll find a link to the Burn Permits page.  You’ll need to have your property roll number (found on your tax bill) at hand and be sure to click the check boxes beside each of the conditions for recreational fires.  Permits can also be obtained at 2303 Ronald Rd, Minesing (Station 3) or 2231 Nursery Rd, Minesing (Township Administration Building) between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) or at any of the three library branches (Midhurst, Elmvale and Minesing) during regular business hours.  Rural open air burn permits also incur the $15 fee but are not available online and must be purchased at either Station 3 or the Township Administration Building.

There was a bit of confusion in our neighbourhood regarding the County’s Easter weekend waste collection when pick-up was cancelled on Good Friday due to the storm.  This temporarily created the impression for some that there was actually a scheduled one day delay due to the holiday.  By ‘some’, I mean me.  Usually the County’s waste management calendar hangs in the garage but we didn’t receive one this year.  Currently, I’m not sure whether we were simply missed or if the County has discontinued distribution of the traditional paper copy.  However, the situation did lead to all kinds of new discoveries when I checked the County website.  From the home page, I found my way to Waste Management Services through the Services tab at the top.  There, I clicked on ‘When is my collection day?’ in the sidebar menu.  On that page there are a host of options.  Viewers can download and print a copy of the calendar, which was my original intent until I saw that I could sign up for weekly reminders and notifications about changes to collection via email, phone or Twitter.  There’s also an option to add the collection schedule to your personal calendar if you use iCal, Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook.  Technology often drives me crazy, but this is one of its better uses.  For those without access to either a hard or digital copy, please note that yard waste collection will begin April 25, and continues every two weeks until the week beginning June 6.

If the weatherman has his facts straight, we’re in for a week or so of lower than average temperatures but after that we should be seeing real spring in all its glory.  It’s a time of plans and projects, so use the coming days to organize so you’re ready to get outdoors and enjoy when it arrives.

Missed Waste Collection

Waste Collection did not occur on Good Friday due to icy road conditions. There will be a double bag day for the next collection day to accommodate one extra bag. Thanks to Marilyn Husak for passing this info along.

Spring Fever

Even after a relatively mild winter like the one we’re just emerging from the early signs of spring are most welcome.  Already we’ve enjoyed a couple of days when we could open the windows for at least a few moments, take a stroll without hats and gloves.  People smile more, perhaps because the kids are outside again.  There’s a feeling in the air that’s unique to this time of year that’s wonderfully described by Mark Twain in a quote that reads “It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

Perhaps you remember, as I do, the heightened sensations of youth that attended each changing season.  Seemingly endless summer brought peace and freedom, with cool water on sun-baked skin, sand between toes and the potential for adventure right outside the front door.  Fall was melancholy with its haunting winds and leaves dropping like tears.  Winter came with a harsh, cold snap that meant business and the comfort of fires and flannel sheets.  Oh, but spring.  Old cares were swept away with months’ worth of dust and dirt.  A face upturned to the cleansing rains felt nurtured and refreshed.  Spring was a blossom scented promise borne on a gentle breeze that at once soothed the soul and filled it with excitement.

What happens to that intuitive strong bond we once forged with the environment?  We could blame the accountability that our understanding of adult life demands.  There is also much discussion about technology causing a disconnection with the world around us, but all of our responsibilities and gadgets aren’t the cause.  They’re merely symptomatic of the choices we have made.  Perhaps the same could once be said of books, toys or even schools.  Some histories of the 18th century define it as a period when the upper class view of the role of children shifted, when adults began to supervise and manipulate their growth rather than letting it happen naturally.  It’s possible that the influx of products and services directed at the youngest members of the family unit during that time planted the seeds of withdrawal from nature.

Wherever this neglect of the natural world began, we are not obligated to allow its continuance, nor should we.  Studies show that it’s not only our moods that are affected by what we experience in the individual moments of each ordinary day.  Our immune systems respond to the body’s reaction to its surroundings as well.  Pleasing atmospheres such as those found in nature heal, soothe and restore.  They help us connect to one another by stimulating the parts of the brain associated with love and empathy.  We can recapture the love affair we had with nature as children, but we have to want it.

 While I’m not immune to that nameless yearning that Mr. Twain spoke of, there are definite things that I’m sure I want.  One of those is to do what I can to give back a little of all that nature has given to me.  It’s the reason that I joined the OLRA executive board six years ago.  Another thing on my wish list as we begin the season that marks the sixtieth anniversary of the formation of our Association is to see it flourish and thrive for another sixty years.  If you’re feeling that longing to get back to a more natural life, a craving for something new when the very world around you is welcoming your involvement, why not connect with us and find out how we can help you reconnect with nature?

Fresh Start

We’re back after a bit of a holiday hiatus so the first order of business is to wish you all a happy, if somewhat belated, New Year. We hope that you enjoyed a wonderful season surrounded by family and friends.

For some, a new calendar inspires thoughts of change. Personally, I’ve never been one for resolutions since I feel that positive new beginnings are best addressed as the need for them arises. I’m also a terrible procrastinator, and prone to avoiding failure whenever possible. I do have a great deal of admiration for those with more self-discipline though, and we’d love to hear from those of you who followed through with anything that you resolved. Take a moment to comment below and be an inspiration to the rest of us.

Despite my reluctance to that particular type of committal, January does bring a yearning for a fresh start of some sort. This year I’ve been purging the household. While I decided to keep all the members of it, we do come with a ridiculous amount of unnecessary stuff. I’m certain that, if I did the research, I’d find that our family motto is ‘it may come in handy’. Room by room, I’ve been sorting, scrapping and donating. Now I just have to resist the urge to fill up the new-found space with more stuff. When it comes to tossing things to the curb, we do have a bit of Association news. Simcoe County has been doing some filing and sorting of their own, and we received an email asking about the status of our poll regarding a change to our waste collection day. You may recall that we needed a majority vote to make the change and, unfortunately, we didn’t come anywhere close to the required number of responses. Therefore, the County will consider the matter closed and pick-up will continue on Fridays. We remind everyone, especially our cottagers, that raccoon clips are available from the County for installation on green bins and that proper sorting of waste will discourage inspection and destruction by local wildlife.

Although it’s hard to imagine with the amount of snow we’ve been blessed with in recent weeks, it won’t be long before the Association executive meets to organize events for warmer weather. We received great response to last year’s line-up which included a perennial exchange, neighbourhood yard sale, and a bottle drive among other initiatives. Brainstorming new ideas is a great deal of fun for us, but we would also like to hear your thoughts. Perhaps you’ve heard of or attended an event in another community that you would like to duplicate here at home. Maybe you have fond memories of annual occasions you enjoyed in younger years. We can also be of help with communication if you would like to get an organization off the ground – perhaps a snowmobiling club, or a reading group. The possibilities are many and our mission is to offer opportunities that spark community interest so please let us know what we can do for you.

Until then, we hope you’ll find reasons to make the most of our winter wonderland. If you’re a fan of playing on the ice and in the snow, perhaps you could pass along info about conditions in our area such as thickness of ice on the lake or hazardous spots on the trails. We’d be happy to share your observations here. In the meantime, please do be safe, and remember to wear your woollies.

Happy Holidays!

Although you’d never know it by looking outside, Christmas is almost here. It’s been a great year for the OLRA. We introduced several new events this year, beginning the summer with a bottle drive that helped to fund other initiatives that followed. The perennial exchange offered residents a way to spruce up the garden. Most popular by far was the community garage sale we organized in June. Jay Jensen and Samien Bell won with their entries in the first annual OLRA pumpkin contest. Traditional events were well received too. As always, the picnic was a day of tremendous fun, and except for a mad scramble to escape rain and high winds at the very end the weather was on our side. At the AGM we had a great variety of speakers to offer insight into topics such as septic re-inspections, healthy waters, and grants for shoreline and septic projects. We look forward to increased participation during the next season.

As our thoughts turn to giving during the holidays, we’d like to offer a few more goodies and fun ideas to our friends and neighbours.

Food is an integral and much loved part of the Christmas season. We all have those traditional favourites that we enjoy only at this time of year. At our house, the festivities last until Orthodox Christmas when, in honour of my hubby’s heritage, we share traditional Ukrainian foods such as borscht, cabbage rolls, and perogies with friends and family. Why not celebrate the future with a taste of the past? Reach back to your roots and serve up a new old dish. Send us your traditional holiday recipes and, if we receive enough, we’ll put together a booklet and have copies available at next year’s events.

Looking for ways to spend the day without technology this year? Decorate a family member as a Christmas tree. If we actually see snow by then, have a snowball throwing contest. Before the big day, print off a Christmas movie trivia quiz. A few years ago, my cousin and I raced to see who could finish dessert first – without utensils. You can offer prizes, or just do it for the fun of it.

What would Christmas be without reaching out to friends and family near and far? Take advantage of our Facebook page by joining and posting your best wishes to your neighbours. And while you’re online, check out our new Pinterest account. If you’d like to be able to add pins to our boards, send us an email and we’ll set you up.

As Linus advised Charlie Brown, presents and pageantry are not what Christmas is all about. Still, it’s a time of year when we’re extra conscious of value for our dollar. OLRA membership is still just $10 for the year, and includes admission to both the annual picnic and general meeting, plus exclusive emails all year for members only. Take advantage of our holiday bonus by buying your 2016 membership via the PayPal link at the top of this page before January 1st and we’ll deliver a free OLRA t-shirt to your home or cottage door next summer. Please indicate your preferred size when you note your Orr Lake address during the enrollment process.

We are grateful to those who, in ways both large and small, have made our progress this year possible. It is in this spirit that we say thank you and best wishes for the holidays and happy New Year. To all of our Orr Lake neighbours, may you find time during this hectic season to enjoy life's simple blessings and the beauty of each quiet moment.

Contest and Creativity

Despite threats of strikes all summer, and not even a tentative deal for elementary teachers as yet, the school bell has rung and classes are back in session. Some students bounded through the doors happy to be back, and others had to be physically dragged out of bed on that first day. As a kid, I was part of that latter group. It wasn’t that I disliked learning – I just wanted to learn what I wanted, how and when I wanted to. The curriculum didn’t make concessions for my whims. Now that I’m all grown up, I still like to learn new things and I get to pick and choose now. Most adults do enjoy expanding their horizons so, in honour of the first week of school, we’ve compiled a few lesson plans of our own. Read on to find out what your fall classes have to offer.

Math – Those of you who watch Jimmy Fallon may have seen this one on The Tonight Show. We don’t get many trick or treaters in Orr Lake, but you can still get into the spirit with a pumpkin time bomb. Just get a pumpkin and some rubber bands (all bands the same size). Wrap the bands around the pumpkin and track the number of bands it takes to make it explode. You may be wondering how this is particularly pertinent to our little hamlet. Actually, it’s not but there’s a math teacher at John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham who turned it into a math lesson and even created a Google Form that will collect data from people around the globe trying the experiment. His name? Jon Orr. To learn more about this project go to tapintoteenminds.com/3act-math/pumpkin-time-bomb. For more ideas, visit his website: http://mrorr-isageek.com/3-act-problems.

Art – If blowing pumpkins up isn’t your thing, get your creative juices flowing and enter our pumpkin art contest, open to anyone who has purchased a 2015 or 2016 membership – cottagers and permanent residents alike. Carve them, paint them, stack them, arrange them to re-enact the Battle of the Plains of Abraham – whatever medium or form you like. Don’t worry if, like me, you aren’t terribly talented in the arts department. We’re offering one prize in each of two categories. The first is artistic merit and the second is creative invention (where the idea counts more than the execution). Just take a photo of your creation and email it to us by October 30th along with your name, address and preferred contact information. The winning photos and short interviews with the creative geniuses will be featured in an upcoming article right here in this column.

Phys Ed – Did you know that Orr Lake Golf Club has a 3 Hole Par 3 Course called the Orr Lake Learning Links? This initiative increases the opportunity for kids, families and beginners to try out the game of golf. The 3 holes are 51, 98 and 48 yards and, instead of the usual 4 inch putting cups, include 8 inch cups making it easier for beginners. The Learning Links costs $5 per person and includes a chipping club, putter and 3 balls.

Language – This course involves a bit of shameless self-promotion. Orr Lake is home to a member of local writing group, Wye Write. That would be yours truly. The group has just published our fourth collection of short stories and will be touring the area presenting The Stories Behind the Stories. Keep an eye out for posters around town, and be sure to read the Springwater News cover to cover so you don’t miss the next event. To order a copy of the new book, just send off a quick email to wyewrite@gmail.com. If you do attend an event, please be sure to let us know you heard about it here.

Music – Here’s one you can do when you’re outside relaxing or getting in those last few boating outings during these last warm days. Match a song to how you feel when you’re cruising the water or just sitting back watching the waves. Send us your titles and the name of the artist. If we get enough submissions, perhaps we can put together a playlist that can be burned to discs for everyone who submits a song to enjoy.

Science / Social Studies – Before old man winter gets a grip on the land, find one thing that you can do today to make the lake more sustainable or be kind to our wildlife. Clean up a patch of the road or plant a naturalized shoreline. When you fertilize or treat for weeds and pests, use natural products. Build a bat house, plant milkweed or get the suet feeder ready for the cold months. Let us know what you accomplish – you can even send us photos to post on the blog.

If you’ve considered all these possibilities, and still find yourself wanting to burrow back under the covers, take heart. If the folks from the Farmer’s Almanac know what they’re doing there are plenty of snow days in the not too distant future when you’ll be able to do just that!

New Historical Sign

A local project spearheaded by the Oro-Medonte History Association which celebrates the historic communities along Penetanguishene Road has resulted in the placement of a sign that will raise awareness of the history of Orr Lake. The history of other communities along the road is preserved in the same way, from Kempenfelt Village to Wyebridge. The project was funded by a Trillium grant and undertaken by the local Women’s Institutes with the support of the Springwater Heritage Committee and Council, and the County of Simcoe, as well as other municipalites and organizations. An experienced core committee dealt with design, research, editing and co-ordination.

Highway 93, which winds its way northward from Barrie to Georgian Bay, along the eastern end of Orr Lake, is the second oldest road in the province. It was originally the old military trail to Penetanguishene, with the old Hamilton Inn near Orr Lake Forest Headquarters being one of the many stopover points along the trail for weary travellers. The lake itself provided a measure of relaxation and cooling on hot summer days.

While Orr Lake did not evolve as a village, like Hillsdale or Waverley, the lots along the road were settled early, and a community grew in association with the mills and the road. Hence, a sign was created in recognition of Orr Lake’s contribution to the early history of the area. It has been placed on the Old Survey Penetanguishene Road (South Orr Lake Rd) inside the community park. A fitting location, since it marks the only deviation that the original surveyor, Samuel Wilmot, conceded to the terrain in 1811.

An ad hoc member of the committee, Peter McEwen, undertook the task of the Orr Lake sign on the strength of a long standing connection. His grandfather, Alfred Benham, purchased waterfront here in the 1920s and became an early cottager and builder. In addition, he spent his childhood and adolescent summers at the lake and has relatives who remain on original lots.

Be sure to stop by the park to take a look at the new sign. An official celebration of the project will take place toward the end of September. Representation from the OLRA is welcome. Details to follow.

In 1987, Elsie F. Thomas wrote a publication entitled Recollections. The focus of this little booklet was to record the story of the Orr Lake Ratepayers Association from its inception in August of 1954 up to 1986. It includes a preface that details the early history of the area, and first years of the development of the Orr Lake community. Copies were made, and many of the older cottages may still have one tucked away in a drawer or on a bookshelf. Past president Ruth Woodcock expressed interest in updating the story to the present day and the current executive would love to assist with that endeavour. While we have plenty of records from which to draw facts and events of the last thirty years, we would also like to include a section on various families with longstanding ties to Orr Lake and the Association. Please contact us with your personal stories for consideration. It’s a wonderful way to leave your mark for future generations.
S

If You Only Read One Post, Make it This One!

While there’s still lots of summer left to enjoy, the OLRA recently wrapped up the 2014-15 season with our annual picnic and general meeting.  Despite dire forecasts the entire week before the picnic, we enjoyed great weather until the very last minute when the wind threatened to wreak havoc on the raffle draw.  Thanks to all who rushed to snatch up bags and loot so the terrific selection of prizes could find their way to lucky winners.

As always, Susan Eccleshall and Jack Beyfuss did a wonderful job of organizing an event that has long been a summer tradition for many Orr Lake families.  To some of those families - the Moffitts, Bluesteins, Gibbs, and Eccleshalls - we owe our sincere thanks for donations of prizes for the raffle and races.   We are also indebted to local businesses that sponsored the event.  Please be sure to reward their generosity with your patronage.  These include Classique Dimensions Family Hair Care, Coffee Time, Darlene’s Hair Design, G&S Computers, Jacks on Queen, Pieces of Olde, Settler’s Ghost, TAG Painting, The Corner Cut Salon & Spa, The Gift Shoppe, and Dr. Logicks Ultrafast Wireless.  A special thank you to Joe and family, who live next door to the park and kindly donated the hydro required to power our sound system.

We are able to share the big-heartedness of all these great donors only with the help of a hardworking team of volunteers.  We would be well and truly lost without their contributions of time and effort.  A well-deserved pat on the back to Rita and Karen Moffitt, the extended Eccleshall family, Charlie DiGaudio, Ernest Stefaniuk, Tiffany Young, Tom Deas, and “Ms. Eccleshall’s kids”:  Delaney, Colby, Monika, Diana, Gio, and Carlee.  The success of this year’s picnic is a credit to you all!

There were two faces missing among the volunteers this year.  Although Ted and Ruth Woodcock have given up their places on the executive after many years of service, they did intend to be on hand.  As some of you may know, Ted’s ticker decided a change of this and other plans was in order and he underwent surgery earlier this summer.  We are happy to say that, although he isn’t quite up to his usual mischievous self as yet, he is well on the way to a full recovery.  Many noted their absence, and we have passed along your concern and best wishes.

If you missed this year’s picnic, just remember that it is always held on the Sunday of the August long weekend.  Residents and cottagers alike often host family and friends at this time, and the picnic is a great way to let us help you entertain.

At this year’s AGM we had a great variety of speakers to offer insight into topics such as septic re-inspections, healthy waters, and grants for shoreline and septic projects.  Springwater Township was well represented, and residents appreciated the opportunity to direct their questions to Mayor Bill French, Councillor Perry Ritchie, and Junior Building Inspector Jacob Gooch.  Thanks to Shannon Stephens of the NVCA for her workshop on the Healthy Waters Program as well as her organization of our roster of guests.  Keith Sherman represented the SSEA and also offered insight that would normally be provided by our Lake Steward, as we currently lack a volunteer for that position.  Also on hand were John Osmok and Greg Bales of the Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay Community Stewardship Program to discuss funding opportunites for property owners.  Those who have paid either the 2014-15 or 2015-16 membership fee will receive a copy of the meeting minutes.  The minutes offer details regarding Township plans and scheduling for septic re-inspections, and funding sources for work that may be subsequently necessary. This will be of value to anyone owning a lakeshore property.  If you would like to benefit from this information, you may purchase your membership online at orrlakeratepayers.blogspot.ca or arrange payment by calling/texting 905-716-2571.

One issue that we can, and indeed must, share with you regardless of membership standing involves the status of our Association.  For the last three years, we have been unable to fill executive positions.  For the last year, we have operated with only two active executive members.  Events held during the past season were only possible due to an excess of funds gleaned in previous years.  At the AGM only two of seven possible nominations were accepted to serve on the executive. Thank you to new Orr Lake residents Nick Heintz and Sonia Kadela for joining us. The most crucial role to be filled at this time is that of Membership Coordinator.  Without an increase in membership, we will not have the resources to be active in the coming season.  The primary responsibility of the coordinator is to enlist and organize volunteers who will undertake door to door canvassing.  We do have some volunteers waiting only for guidance, and will help to find more.  Secondary is the maintenance of membership records.  It does require a block of dedicated time, but only minimal part-time hours for one or two months of the year. This would be an ideal position for someone who is well organized, with a large acquaintance of folks in Orr Lake.  Many hands really do make light work.  If you would like to volunteer, either to canvass or to act as Coordinator, please contact us.

On the surface, this sounds much like the same appeal we make every year.  Please believe that the situation is serious, and the very existence of the Association is at risk.  Allow me to break away from my voice as Chair of the OLRA and speak to you as an Orr Lake resident, and as a human being with a deep-seated respect for the past that makes our present possible.  The OLRA is more than just a guardian of the lake and the voice of its members, more than just a communicator with the Township and environmental associations.  Right now, in my basement, are over sixty years of records.  There are names in those old papers of families that still own lake properties and those that have faded away.  There are reports that detail the changes and the growth of our hamlet, our home.  Most importantly, in between all the facts and figures, tucked away unseen among the statistics and particulars, are the memories.  Since joining the executive several years ago, I have been touched time and again by the stories members tell – and the only reason I hear them is because the OLRA exists.  If we let the Association wither away, we lose not only a collective voice, not only our identity as a community, but also a place to preserve our common history.  We lose a piece of ourselves.  Please help us to prevent such an unnecessary tragedy.  Contact us now, and offer to give just a little.  

Springwater Strategic Plan

Springwater Council is planning for the future by initiating a strategic review and is seeking resident input to help guide the direction of the plan.

Strategic planning is a process that involves learning, observing and dialogue. It is an exercise in self-reflection and will articulate our vision for the future. Through strategic planning the Township will determine priorities for the next four years and develop the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. The Plan will outline what the municipality intends to accomplish, contain key initiative and action plans that may focus on areas such as community development, service delivery and leadership.

Strategic plans are dynamic documents that are continually edited and updated as the Municipality changes and evolves. Springwater’s last strategic plan was developed in 2010 and updated as part of a mid-point review in 2012. The new Strategic Plan will provide Council and staff with guidance, direction and priorities, and will serve as a roadmap to success.

Community Engagement

The Township is taking a community-based strategic planning approach and will be collecting input from residents during the process to derive a sense of priorities held by the citizens as well as Council and staff. Your input will help to:

Gauge satisfaction with services, facilities and communications over time;
Identify and address priorities, needs and issues that most influence perceptions of the Township of Springwater and quality of life in the community we live in;
Provide insights to help build our strategies and plans;
To help Council and the Administration allocate resources and align service delivery option to meet community needs, and;
To help Council and the Administration establish performance baselines and targets.
A survey has been developed by the consultants to collect your feedback. Fill out the survey online here or obtain a hard copy at the Township Administration Centre or any of the three Springwater Library Branches.