Spring 2019 Newsletter

Sharbot Lake Property Owners Association

Spring Newsletter 2019

The President’s Report

Greetings everyone and welcome to the late-spring newsletter (although the weather has been more like
late winter lately). Have faith, warmer weather is definitely coming and before too long you’ll be out in
the sun and into the lake.

This issue is chock full of interesting articles and info on upcoming events.

By the time you read this, septic re-inspection will be in full swing. Check out the article and see when
you may be affected. Central Frontenac Township has made changes to the household hazardous waste
program and we have the info for you. The waste amnesty program is available again this year and
inside you’ll find the dates when you can take advantage of it.

We have lots of info on our feathered friends with several articles on loons (one of which notes a
disturbing trend but another that identifies the positive impact SLPOA is having on loon nesting areas).
There is also an article on the downy woodpecker; a bird often seen around bird feeders in the area.
Do you want to pass on your little piece of paradise to your kids/grandkids when you’re gone? There
can be serious problems awaiting you if you don’t properly plan ahead of time. Thankfully, there is an
upcoming seminar about succession planning. I’ve attended this seminar in the past and can attest to
the invaluable info it provides. As a member of SLPOA, you can attend for free. More info inside this
newsletter.

Some of you may have plans for major renovations to your cottage or permanent residence. Pillar
Financial Services, here in Sharbot Lake, has provided an interesting article on obtaining construction
financing.

Once again we are holding our Photo Contest. See inside for details. Prizes include a digital camera
plus gift certificates to Sharbot Lake Inn and Home hardware.
This year we’ll be holding the SLPOA annual general meeting plus the BBQ dinner and silent auction
on Saturday July 27th. Please read the article for details, including a change in venue, and consider
getting involved in how your association is run
So, that’s about it. Enjoy your newsletter and have a safe and enjoyable summer (if it ever arrives).

Ken Waller

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Please remember to SUPPORT your local businesses!

2019 SLPOA Annual General Meeting, Dinner and Silent Auction

The 2019 SLPOA Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday July 27th starting at 10:00 at the Sharbot
Lake Legion on Cannon Rd. There will be an update from Mayor Frances Smith (which I’m sure will include
info on the ongoing septic re-inspection program) and a presentation by Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue on
their Fire and Life Safety program. This is an election year and all positions on the executive are up for election.
I can’t stress enough the need for greater involvement from you, the members of SLPOA. While several of the
incumbents are willing to stand for re-election, we are losing our vice-president and others are getting tired.
Please consider getting involved. If you don’t want to volunteer for one of the elected positions, how about just
signing up to help? We can always use another voice at the executive meetings and, maybe, you’ll get interested
enough to stand for a position at the next election in two years.
In the evening of July 27th we’ll be again holding our annual BBQ and silent auction. This year the event will be
held at and catered by the Sharbot Lake Legion. While we are still ironing out the details, the plan is to have
BBQ’d steak, baked potato, salad and a vegetable and, maybe, dessert. Space will limit the number of attendees
to 65 so circle the date and keep an eye on the SLPOA website and Facebook page for details about advanced
tickets.
This year we will again be holding a silent auction with items available for viewing at the AGM and the dinner.
This is a major fundraiser for the SLPOA and your support is needed. If you wish to contribute an item for the
auction, please contact me at [email protected]

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An SLPOA Loon Initiative

By Barbara Fradkin, Environmental Issues Coordinator, SLPOA
There are a few strange-looking new contraptions on the lake this spring. To lake users and cottagers, they look like
chunks of floating debris made of plastic mesh and white piping, but to our resident loons, they are new five-star
condominiums built to encourage them to set up shop and stay awhile.

Pam Hickman has been monitoring Sharbot Lake’s loons for 36 years for the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey. Until
recently, the lake has been home to about thirty-five to forty adult loons, which have produced about six to eight babies in
each basin every year. Loons are very territorial and return to the same nesting site year after year. A healthy population
of breeding loons is a sign of a healthy lake, but loon numbers have been declining in recent years. This past summer
there were no babies at all in the west basin and only three babies in the east basin. Shoreline development, extreme
weather events, fluctuating water levels, declining lake health, and increased human activity near and on the lake,
especially from fast boats, all play a role.

Loon platforms provide safe nesting sites that are less affected by spring floods and low summer water levels, and by
storm and boat wave action that can wash eggs from the nest. There have been two loon platforms on the lake for years
and they’ve proven very successful.
As a result of last year’s poor numbers, members of the SLPOA exec decided to build a few platforms to see whether that
would result in more successful breedings. We consulted Pam Hickman, and with her guidance we selected four sites

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where loon pairs were already known to nest and built four platforms following a design using PVC piping, plastic
fencing, and Styrofoam covered with vegetation.
There is one site in the west basin, at the end of the southwest bay, two sites in the east basin (in McCrimmon Bay and
Hawley Bay), and one in Elbow Lake, where Pam has had a successful platform for years. Ice-out was late this year and
the loons had already arrived and were flapping around looking for a place to settle by late April, which led to a mad
scramble to get the platforms out on the lake and into place at a time when no one’s boats were out and most of our docks
were under water. One platform was towed by kayak and another two by rowboat.

Signs saying “Loon Nesting area” and “Please do not disturb” were to be anchored nearby, but that was an additional step
we had no time to complete. Hopefully signs will be in place soon.
Like most of us, loons are picky and want to size up the new digs before they make the move, so we know the loons may
not use the platforms this year. But the hope is they’ll inspect them, note their seaworthiness and durability, and maybe
make the upgrade next year. At the time of writing, the Elbow Lake platform (Pam’s) is in use, but at least two others
have not yet been used. But we hope the loons are keeping an eye on them.
It’s an exciting initiative that comes with a word of caution to others who may be interested. There are only six or eight
established loon nesting sites in each basin, and a platform can only be placed where a loon pair is already trying to nest.
Loons are territorial and will kill others who try to move in. It’s important to consult with resident loon expert Pam
Hickman, before you make plans.
Meanwhile, we look forward to the calls of the loons echoing across the lake and the site of the furry little chicks tagging
along in their parents’ wake. Loons nest at the water’s edge in protected coves and marshy areas. They lay their eggs
around mid to late May, and incubate them twenty-eight days. Once the chicks hatch, usually in mid June to early July,
they leave the nest and spend the summer on the water with their parents. Here are a few simple steps we can all take to
protect them.

 Slow down on the water! Boat wakes wash out nests, and boat collisions kill loons out on the lake with
their young.

 Stay away from loon nesting sites. Avoid fishing near known areas and do not approach nests out of
curiosity. The loons will leave their nest to draw you away, leaving their eggs exposed to predators and
cold.

 Retrieve fishing lines and tackle. Loons can get caught in the lines while diving for food. Do not use
lead in fishing tackle.

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 Leave wetlands and marshy shorelines in their natural state. Develop only as much waterfront as is
needed for swimming and boating.

 Avoid loud noises like firecrackers close to loon nests. Most animals, including dogs, are frightened
and may panic, abandon their young, etc.

Elbow Lake Loon Nesting Platform

It’s back for the 6th year! The Annual SLPOA Photo Contest

What a year it has been in Central Frontenac! Every season has been camera-worthy, and with summer just around the
corner, there will be more magical pictures. Why not enter that special photo (or three) in the SLPOA contest for a chance
to win bragging rights and a special prize? The details are on the next page.

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2018 winning entry submitted by Elizabeth Manchester

CALLING ALL AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Submit your photos to us and you could be a winner! We are working on some great prizes.
We want your photos to reflect the many faces of our lake country. Pictures can consist of nature, animals, kids, friends
and events. Email your photos to us at [email protected] and [email protected] along with the photo title and your
contact info.

Deadline for Contest entries is Thursday July 11th , 2019.

There will be prizes for first, second and third place winners.

Winner will be announced at the AGM on July 27, 2019.

Contest Rules:
1. You must be an AMATEUR photographer.
2. Photographs must be taken in Frontenac County.
3. You may enter up to three photos.
4. Submitted photos must follow the established theme “Portraits of our lake country”.
5. Photo quality, composition and exposure are important. Both color and black & white photos are permitted.
6. The size of the photo must be at least 5x7 and no larger than 8x10 at 300 dpi.
7. Submit photos as .jpg files to [email protected] and [email protected]
8. Your email submission should contain:

a) Your name, address, phone number, and/ or email address.
b) Approximate date and location of photo.
c) The name of your photo (ex: "Morning, Lakeside", or "Fun at the Rink", etc.)
9. By entering the contest, you give SLPOA permission to use your picture and name including publishing your
submission in the newsletter and on the website.

Prizes:
First place – Camera (~$175 Value)
Second - $50 Gift Certificate to the Sharbot Lake Inn
Third - $25 Gift Certificate to Sharbot Lake Home Hardware

A panel of independent judges will choose the winner. The winner will be announced on Saturday, July 27th, 2019 during
the SLPOA Annual General Meeting at the Legion in Sharbot Lake at 10:00am, along with a slideshow featuring all of
this year's entries.

Everyone is welcome. We would love to see you there!

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Central Frontenac’s Mandatory Septic Re-Inspection Program is Underway

Press Release from Twp of Central Frontenac Dated April 1, 2019

Central Frontenac will be starting its mandatory septic re-inspection program in May. This program is replacing the
voluntary inspection program in place since 2014.
The goal of this program is to help educate property owners while protecting the quality of surface and groundwater
within the township.
Central Frontenac has contracted with Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO) to provide inspection services
on behalf of the township.
The inspection roll-out will focus on systems greater than 10 years old, starting with all properties with a Class One-Five
sewage system within 30m of a sensitive lake. These lakes are Eagle, Crow, Hungry, Sharbot West Basin and Silver
Lakes. Eventually all waterfront properties will be inspected, then non-waterfront properties in the Township.
The township hopes to complete 300 inspections a year. If your property is chosen for inspection, you will receive a
package and instruction in the mail from the MRSSO. Inspections will be scheduled between May-September (longer, if
weather permits) and property owners should be present for the inspection. You will be given a copy of the report.
Those property owners who undertook a voluntary inspection will not be required to have a re-inspection until ten years
after the inspection. The cost for the re-inspection will be $100 and will be billed at the time of the re-inspection. Unpaid
fees will be added to the property owner’s tax account.
The township is working on a financial assistance plan for low income families who may require financial assistance as a
result of a failed system.
The authority to conduct these inspections is set out in the Ontario Building Code Act and its regulations. Inspections may
be completed by an independent inspector if the inspector is qualified and submits the prescribed form to MRSSO. More
information is available on our website www.centralfrontenac.com.
For general information about the inspection process, please contact:

Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office
613-253-0006 ext. 256 or [email protected]

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STOP the Invasion!

No matter the quantity of literature, the articles, the flashes, the posted signs or the communication, invasive species
remain a threat! A threat not only to Sharbot Lake but all of Ontario and beyond.
Zebra Mussels, Wild Parsnip, Eurasian Milfoil to Emerald Ash Borer, the news does not get better regarding the
unsuccessful attempt to STOP the spread of unwanted aquatic or terrestrial plants, pests, animals and pathogens. All of the
above mentioned are in Sharbot Lake area and sadly, the list is growing.
Everywhere we look, we see human activity that UNFORTUNATELY supports the invasion. It’s not just uncleaned boats
being moved from one water body to another. It’s kayaks, personal water craft, movement of restricted firewood, bringing
in new plants & tree’s from problematic areas, as just a few examples.
Everyone shares some responsibility for communicating this information, reporting suspect activity and the reporting of
an unwanted invader!
A great source of information along with tools and data is the EDDS MAPs web site. https://www.eddmaps.org/ontario/
Acronym: Early Detection & Distribution MAPping System (EDD MAPS)
Please take a look at this site to understand the threats, to understand how to identify them and how to report them.

Submitted by Guy MacLeod

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Dump Amnesty Dates for 2019

Central Frontenac Township has provided the following three weeks for receiving amnesty loads in 2019:
 Week One: Monday May 20th – Sunday May 26th
 Week Two: Monday July 15th – Sunday July 21st
 Week Three: Monday August 26th – Sunday September 1st

Amnesty loads are accepted at the Oso Waste Site and the Olden Waste Site.
Township staff have asked that residents make their best efforts to take amnesty loads to the Olden Waste Site
as the Oso site is approaching its limit..
Note that large items and construction waste will ONLY be permitted at the Olden waste site.
Any questions or inquiries can be directed to David Armstrong, Acting Public Works Manager. Phone (613)
279-2935 ext. 261, E-mail: [email protected]

Cancellation of Household Hazardous Waste Day

By Ken Waller
CF Township has decided that having an annual Household Hazardous Waste Day was just too expensive to
repeat in 2019. In a decision made at the 9 Apr 19 meeting, Council was told that the program cost the
Township over $24,000 plus an additional $4,000 in overtime.
The Township has entered into an agreement with South Frontenac and with Kingston that will allow CF
residents to take household hazardous waste to either the SF or Kingston waste sites with CF picking up the
costs. Residents, who want to dispose of household hazardous waste need to go to the Township office in
Sharbot Lake, fill out a form and take their waste to Kingston or South Frontenac.

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Forest Tent Caterpillar

2019 Lake Networking Group
Presented by Eric Boysen
New Leaf Forest Services
[email protected]

Caterpillars on Tree, in mass

Yearly trend of infestation! It’s a cycle.

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2016 –The FTC cycle begins …

2017 Defoliation Map

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Concerns and issues from Maple Syrup producers and other woodlot owners

 Sugar in sap is created by photosynthesis in healthy foliage
 Most producers carefully manage their forest health by following tapping guidelines, spacing trees to

promote full crown development, and by sustaining biodiversity –this ensures a sustainable food product
 While forest tent caterpillars are a native pest that follows a cyclical outbreak pattern, most woodlot

owners cannot remember such complete defoliation in their lifetimes, or where the caterpillars have
lingered for three or more years
 Loss of foliage = loss of sugar production = impact on forest health = increased production costs /
decreased product = impacts on businesses
 Defoliation followed by drought and heat, or by other stressors can cause mortality, especially of mature
or over-mature trees

2017 Spray program

 Some Maple syrup producers were defoliated in 2016, which led them to consider spray control options.
 Initial spray program implemented in 2017
 Zimmer Air Services was contracted to spray Foray(Bacillus thuringiensis -Bt)
 Used highly mobile helicopter mounted equipment
 Initial results from 2017 were variable
 Results ranged from very good control, through to mediocre control
 Egg mass counts continued to be high, indicating that 2018 would also be a year of high defoliation

2018 Spray program

 26 woodlot owners from Frontenac, Lanark, Leeds & Grenville and Ottawa participated
 Several maple producers also enlisted their neighbours into the program to provide buffer zones

surrounding their maple bush
 1,200 acres sprayed with Foray (Bt) by Zimmer Air Service
 Timing –in and around the May long weekend
 Cost = $40 / acre
 Results again ranged from very good, to acceptable, and most producers were pleased with the results
 Many woodlot owners reported caterpillar mortality within hours of spray

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Zimmer Air Services helicopter on transport trailer to move between spray locations

Observations

 Timing of spraying is critical
 Early morning with high humidity best time, as it allows spray droplets to reach the foliage
 Should not rain within 6 hours of spraying
 Timing of larval development is also critical –some producers suggested that there seemed to be an early

and a later hatch. This may explain the variable results in some sugar bushes
 Control in adjacent properties also critical
 Some maple syrup producers found that while the initial spray may have controlled the hatch in their

forest, that caterpillars from surrounding forests migrated in afterwards
 Some tree mortality is expected
 Trees under stress from site conditions, drought, impacts from other pests, and lingering impacts of 1998

Ice Storm
 Need assessment tools to predict defoliation for next year
 Egg mass count (tools and techniques) translated to defoliation, complete with training
 Assess population of predators (Black billed cuckoo, Friendly Fly, viruses, etc)

2019 and beyond?
 If you are thinking about controlling FTC, you need to survey your forest to identify and count FTC egg
masses
 Look for other potential problems such as gypsy moth egg masses
 Prior to contracting for control services, consider the risk to your forest, and to your business
 Are we done yet??
 Not sure ….. but we should be on the decline of the FTC population cycle

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Old FTC egg masses from previous year New FTC egg masses, ready to hatch

Ask yourself: Do I have lots of egg masses? If so, can you afford to spray? Can you afford not to?

Natural population control mechanisms

The Friendly Fly or Flesh Fly,Sarcophagaaldrichi

 Friendly flies are the most important insect parasites of forest tent caterpillars (FTC). In mid-to late-
June, adult flies deposit live maggots on FTC cocoons. The maggots move into the cocoons, bore into
the pupae and feed on them which kills the developing moth.

 Typically affects forest tent caterpillar populations in the 3rd or 4th year of an outbreak
 Friendly flies resemble house flies, but they are larger, slower and distinctly more bristly. Adult flies are

gray in color and are 6 to l2 mm long, the sides of their faces are hairy, on each end of their two
antennae is a single and branched bristle, their thoraxes have three black stripes, and their abdomens are
checkered.

The Friendly Fly helps to control Forest Tent Caterpillar infestations
Photo credits https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/35670.html

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Other control mechanisms
 Unfavorable weather in the spring (e.g. late frosts) as larvae emerge often reduces the severity of
epidemics.
 Disease organisms such as viruses, microsporidia, or fungi often are responsible for large-scale
reductions in populations.
 Birds feed on forest tent caterpillar larvae, especially the yellow-billed cuckoo and the black-billed
cuckoo

Hardwood Trees affected Defoliation Impacts
•Sugar & black maple
•Red, white and burr oak Hardwood Trees not affected
•White, black and green ash
•White birch •Beech
•Poplar –all kinds •Yellow birch
•Willows and Basswood •Red maple
•White elm, slippery elm •Sumac
•Black cherry •Buckthorn
•Hawthorne and Ironwood •Butternut
•Rock elm

- End –

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Minutes of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners’ Association
2018 General Meeting

Held at St. James Major Catholic Church
Saturday, July 28, 2018

The meeting started at 10.05 a.m.

Welcome: Ken Waller
Ken welcomed the approximately 70 people in attendance and the guest presenters: Kelly Stiles and Guy
MacLeod. Also present were Brendan Martin (MVCA) who had brought a display of invasive species, Mayor
Frances Smith, and Councillors Sherry Whan and Victor Heese.

He introduced the SLPOA Executive:

Ken Waller President

Guy MacLeod Vice President

Joyce Waller Treasurer and Membership coordinator

Absent: Barbara Fradkin Environmental Issues Coordinator

Barb McIsaac Member at Large

Fran Harkness Recording Secretary

Non-official Positions: Bill Wilson Website coordinator

Barb Wilson Food, Facebook page

Adoption of Minutes, of 2017 AGM: the minutes, as published in the SLPOA newsletter and available on line
were accepted. (Moved by Ken Waller, seconded by Bill Wilson, carried).

President’s Report - Ken Waller
The sponsors, who advertise in the SLPOA newsletters or otherwise support SLPOA, were identified on a slide
and members were encouraged to support these local businesses who, by their continued support, allow the
Association fees to remain at a very low $20.00. Ken thanked the Sharbot Lake Country Inn which provided
refreshments for the meeting.

Ken summarized the programs that SPLOA is involved in or has completed:

 Watershed Canada’s Shoreline Naturalization Project was completed last year. This year they have
created a program where people from Watershed Canada will sit down with small groups and, using
a newly developed app, help cottagers design their own shoreline plan in order to reduce erosion,
establish filtration, and provide shelter for animals.

 Participation continues with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) in their water
temperature monitoring program.

 There is continued participation in the Lake Networking Group.

 Water testing through Lake Partners, supported by FOCA. Testing on Sharbot Lake is being done by
Jocelyn Steeves (west basin) and Ed McIsaac (east basin) Reports are available on the FOCA
website: www.foca.on.ca

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 Extensive water testing in cooperation with Water Rangers is being done monthly by Guy MacLeod.

 Implementation of PayPal on the SLPOA website to pay for memberships and BBQ tickets has
proved quite successful. Members don’t have to be members of PayPal to use it.

 The SLPOA Facebook page has been going for over a year now and is managed by Barb Wilson.
Members are encouraged to make comments, provide photos and to LIKE and FOLLOW the page.

 The big project last year was The Walleye Spawning Bed Improvement Project. There were 2
locations implemented: near the channel opening to Elbow Lake on the East Basin and near the old
train bridge on the west basin. Improvement has already been noted in fish activity. Guy MacLeod
added that the best time to go to look for spawning fish is at night between 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm, in
early spring, when water temperature is 40 to 45 degrees F.

 Lake Links has a seminar on October 20. This is a day-long presentation. SLPOA will support up to
five people to attend. Interested individuals were encouraged to contact Ken Waller.

 The Central Frontenac dump amnesty program is on again until September 9, 2018. Residents (full-
time and seasonal) are allowed one carload or trailer load from their property at no charge.

Membership and Financial Report - Joyce Waller

Financial Report
Joyce noted that advertising covers the production of the newsletter and that the BBQ and silent-auction event
last year made money. Expenses included FOCA membership, directors’ insurance, donations to programs such
as the water testing kits and PayPal fees. The balance as of June 30, 2018 in the account is $11,215.54

Ken Waller moved that the report be accepted as presented. Bill Wilson seconded the motion which was then
carried.

Membership Report
Joyce praised the reps and the work that they do for maintaining membership levels. She recognized the many
years of work done by Alex MacLeod who has retired as a rep. Mary Ferguson, another longtime rep, has
moved and those in her area are asked to join via on-line application until another rep can be found.

The total membership for 2017-2018 is 219. Members are asked to promote SLPOA with their neighbours and
encourage them to join. Volunteers are needed for reps especially for the west basin.

Report from the Environmental Issues Coordinator - Barbara Fradkin

Ken presented Barbara’s written report as she was unable to attend the AGM.

Barbara noted that, thanks to several dedicated volunteers, SLPOA has been pursuing a number of
environmental initiatives again this year, some of them ongoing and some new. In cooperation with Water
Rangers, we are continuing our water quality testing again this year, testing six sites on the lake once a month

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from April to October. Last year’s results were reported in the winter newsletter, available on the website. A
huge thank-you was sent out to Guy and Martha MacLeod for doing this again this year.

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority conducted their more in-depth water testing on the lake last summer.
Because they found elevated phosphorus levels in the southwest basin, SLPOA has now added phosphorus
testing to our monthly measures.

Last year’s walleye spawning-bed restoration project appears to be a success and will be monitored each spring.

Eurasian Water Milfoil is an invasive weed that is spreading rapidly in lakes throughout eastern Canada. It is
transferred from one lake to another on boats and personal gear. This spring, with guidance from MVCA and
the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), SLPOA has been checking possible sightings on
Sharbot Lake. Barb again thanked Guy MacLeod and Barb McIsaac for their work on this issue. So far about
40 possible sightings had been investigated and found negative, but all lake users must be vigilant. Ken added
that a sample from the west basin had been positively identified that morning as Eurasian water milfoil. Several
slides of this invasive species were shown to help people identify it. Ken advised that SLPOA has ordered
warning signs to be posted at boat access points as well as educational pamphlets available for distribution at
key locations and upon request.
Ken noted that, to prevent the spread, boats and equipment should be drained then either power-washed, washed
with hot water or left to dry for at last 5 days after leaving a lake before going to a new one. Photos of how to
identify the milfoil will be uploaded to the SLPOA website. It propagates extremely easily and cannot be
eliminated once an infestation occurs. Very small pieces can generate into a new plant.

Loon Report: Ken gave Pam Hickman’s report.

This was not a good year for loons, possibly because of the high water level. She also suggested that an increase
in boat traffic, particularly personal watercraft which make noise and drive fast, may be the reason for the
decrease in loons who will move to quieter lakes when stressed.

Sharbot Lake West Basin: 12 Adults, 0 babies
Sharbot Lake East Basin: 14 Adults, 3 babies
Elbow Lake: 2 Adults, 2 babies

Pam has constructed a floating loon nest on Elbow Lake. These can encourage the loon population and
instructions on how to construct them will be placed on the website

SLPOA Election

As the executive members except for the Members at Large are only entering the second year of their two year
term, only the two member-at-large positions were up for election.
Only one nomination was received; that of incumbent Barb McIsaac (acclaimed).
The executive, in accordance with the constitution, will search out a candidate and appoint him/her to fill the
position for the balance of the year.

Secretary’s Note: Subsequent to the meeting Marie La Forest volunteered to come on the executive as a
Member at Large. Bruce Morris also volunteered to help when necessary.

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Report from the Mayor

Mayor Frances Smith brought greetings from the township and thanked the members of SLPOA for taking care
of the lake. She advised that she would be continuing as mayor by acclimation and that councillors in Oso ward,
Bill MacDonald and Sherry Whan, would also be elected by acclamation as of 4 p.m. July 30, the closing date
for application. Voters in Oso ward will therefore not vote in the upcoming elections. Those in other wards will
have the opportunity to vote for councillors’ vote.

On the subject of septic re-inspection, Mayor Smith recounted that the first motion about septic inspection
wasn’t approved by council and a second motion with adjustments was approved then rescinded until
improvements could be made. An implementation committee was set up with the Health Unit and Conservation
Authority to look at how to proceed. Council will receive the committee’s report at the August 2018 council
meeting and the mayor is optimistic about it being accepted. She said that the motion will be adjusted until the
councillors feet comfortable with it. The Province has backed off on province-wide mandatory inspections since
municipalities claimed that they would prefer to decide the question for themselves.
Mayor Smith expects the inspection will focus on one or more at-risk lakes of which Eagle Lake and the west
basin of Sharbot Lake are included. All waterfront properties will eventually be inspected but initial emphasis
will be on those properties for which no documentation exists re the installation of a septic system, followed by
properties with systems more than 30 years old, then those 10-30 years old.

It is expected that the Mississippi Rideau Septic Services Office (MRSSO) under Eric Kohlsmith will carry out
the inspections. The cost is expected to be $175 per property. It has yet to be decided who will pay for this: the
homeowners; the municipality; or both.
The expected by-law will also allow property owners to use any licensed inspector to perform the inspection.
$50,000 has been set aside that can be used to start the septic process as early as this fall once council approves.
The hamlet of Sharbot Lake is not included in the initial inspection process since the committee feels that
starting with the lake properties is the most important. The committee report to council will be available on the
Township website by Fri 10 Aug. as part of the agenda package for the Aug 14th Council meeting.

Bill Wilson asked if this will be in the Official Plan and the mayor responded that it is a separate by-law but
should go into the Plan. Bill stated that properties within 500 feet from the Lake are considered waterfront in the
official plan and suggested that the question of properties in the hamlet should be revisited.

The Mayor suggested that the next stage will be to ask the Health Unit to provide information on all the
hamlets. It is expected that 300-400 properties a year will with inspected so that the township waterfront
properties, including hamlets could be covered within four years. They will then move to inspect backlot
properties.
Ken Waller asked that SLPOA have some input in selecting properties. The mayor will get back to him about
this. A question was asked about real estate sales and what procedure would be followed in these cases. Mayo
Smith responded that usually real estate agents ask for an inspection report. Enforcement of inspections will be
in the hands of the Health Unit since it will be a mandatory program in the bi-law.

The mayor also mentioned the following items:

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 The Official Plan is up for review. It is on the website and is a guide for the next 10-20 years. One
open house to solicit public input has already been held. There will probably be another in the fall..
People can comment and recommend changes to it by e-mail or at the open house.

 The Library is a great resource and should be used.
 The township website has been recently updated and is more user-friendly.
 The Parham Fair, Aug 18-19, is the last remaining fair in the area and needs to be supported.
 The K&P trail still has a few spots that are unfinished but the township has run out of money for it

for the time being. There is a continuous ownership of it now. There will be a Trail Day in
September. (Note: date later identified as Sat, 15 Sep, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
 The possibility of a high-speed rail coming to Sharbot Lake is still being studied by the Federal
government. Any problems with this in the town apparently can be fixed by money (relocation of
existing buildings, etc.).
 The province is looking at making Hwy 7 four lanes from Ottawa to Peterborough and the mayor
will meet with the Minister of Transportation to present a white paper on the effect this might have
on communities like Sharbot Lake.
 A recent meeting with 112 businesses from the area discussed economic development, problems and
ways of promoting local businesses.

Presentation by Kelly Stiles from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority on the 2017 Integrated
Lake Monitoring Report (formerly State of the Lake Report)

Kelly Stiles is a biologist in the Planning and Regulations dept. and the supervisor of monitoring and
stewardship programs.

Monitoring of the lake has happened four times since 2002. Water samples are taken in May, July and
September checking for temperature and phosphorus in order to see how much living space the fish in the lake
have. 2017 and 2011 were similar very-wet years causing higher phosphorus levels. This may or may not be a
trend and data from lake associations will fill in the gaps with data from intervening years. Kelly thanked the
SLPOA for footing the bill on phosphorus sampling. There are gauges on the lake that take data and post to the
MVCA website.

There is also a groundwater station at the end of Shibley Road to test the water table, temperature and chemistry
of the water table.

Water clarity is also tested. Reduction in clarity can be because of wet conditions, increased algae or suspended
solids. Zebra mussels can increase the clarity of the lake. The lake trout in the West Basin are being stressed
because of reduced dissolved oxygen, which may be part of a natural cycle. Tests in July are done for invasive
species: zebra mussels are found in Sharbot Lake but spiny water fleas have not been found. For other invasive
species, the MVCA partners with the Federation of Anglers and Hunters. It is also important for individuals
who find questionable species to photograph them and notify the MVCA. There are forms on their website for
this.

Eurasian Water Milfoil is coming back into view. It is fast-growing and can clog waterways growing in 0-10
feet of water. Tiny pieces can re-sprout so it is very difficult to eradicate making it very important when
clearing the water of the plant to get ALL the pieces onto dry land. This species can be identified by the large

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number of strands (12 or more) compared to those on the native milfoil species (less than 12) and the red
flowers that appear above the water in late summer. Kelly reminded boaters to be sure to clean their boat and
trailer when leaving a lake.

A website to report invasive species sitings is available at https://www.eddmaps.org/ontario/

The Watershed Report Card is on the website: http://www.watershedcheckup.ca. Our watershed has been
given mostly an A Grade. The Fall River sub-watershed has one B Grade which refers to the fact that there is
not enough buffer zone between properties and the Riparian forest or wetland cover. An extra 7% of shoreline
should have a Riparian cover (un-disturbed vegetation) 100 feet from shore.

Stewardship is an important part of the job of the MVCA. They partnered with SLPOA last year in planting 150
trees on 43 properties. Another volunteer opportunity is City Stream Watch where volunteers inspect creeks and
streams for improvement in water quality, shoreline conditions. Other MVCA programs are the shoreline
planting program, alterations to shoreline regulations, septic inspections, monitoring water levels, an outdoor
education centre near Almonte and three Conservation areas.
A discussion of the relationship between zebra mussels and blue green algae followed the presentation and
Kelly recommended that people not swim or drink the water if there is an algae bloom. The stress level of the
East Basin has increased, but it is not in the warning-level range.

A question was raised about the recent infestation of forest tent caterpillars. Kelly advised that these occur in a
cycle; they last only a short time and do not usually destroy trees completely. No control methodology is
planned for them.

Ken Waller thanked Kelly for the presentation and presented her with a jug of locally produced maple syrup.

Presentation by Guy MacLeod: An overview of SLPOA’s Involvement with Water Rangers
There has been a good history of water testing focusing on turbidity and temperature by the SLPOA, the
MVCA, and the MNR. Guy stressed the importance of this and thanked the various volunteers and groups doing
the testing.

Water Rangers stresses citizen involvement in collecting data and information on the water in order to feed data
to the professionals. Last year for Canada 150, free test kits were offered and as a result of a paper submitted
by Kevin Browne, Sharbot Lake received a test kit worth $350.

This allows people here to help fill in gaps in the data by testing new locations as well as increasing the
frequency of tests at sites tested by the MVCA who also advised on the locations for the new sites.

This year, testing for chlorine and dissolved oxygen was added and a test for total phosphorus is coming soon
once new equipment is received. The tests are reliable, repeatable and consistent, in other words real data. A
Carleton University study of our testing has shown it to be credible. Guy showed a graph of the testing he has
done at the end of his dock every Monday at the same time for the last 35 years that gives a true picture of the
gradual warming of the lake. He stressed the need for volunteers to help with this work, a task which would
require about one hundred and twenty minutes a month. Bill Wilson praised the effort of Guy and moved to

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support the Water Rangers efforts in monitoring the lake, but Ken Waller replied that the association has
already committed to this so a motion is not needed.

Ken thanked Guy for his presentation and presented him with a jug of Conboy maple syrup.

Photo Contest

Judging was done by 5 individuals at Systematic IT Solutions who had no affiliation with SLPOA.

Results:

 First Prize: (Parrot Mambo Fly Quadcopter Drone with Camera donated by Systematix IT
solutions) Elizabeth Manchester ‘The Three Amigos’

 Second Prize: ($50 gift certificate to the Sharbot Lake Country Inn donated by SLPOA) Jim
Thomson ‘Early Morning in the fall on Sharbot Lake’

 Third Prize (Two Tim Horton’s gift certificates valued at $15 each, donated by Systematix IT
Solutions) Elisabeth Manchester ‘Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee’

 Honorable mention: Diane Thomson ‘Granddaughters Jumping for Joy at Sharbot Lake

Ken mentioned that since Kevin Browne and Carolyn Mitchell have moved out of the area, a new major
sponsor would be needed to step in to support the photo contest.. SLPOA intends to continue with the contest in
future years. Ken also said that all photos would be available soon on the SLPOA website.

Open Forum
There were no questions or comments from the floor.

Closing
Attendees were reminded of the Barbecue at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Ken declared the meeting adjourned at
1:10 p.m.

Minutes created by: Minutes approved by:

Fran Harkness Ken Waller
SLPOA Recording Secretary SLPOA President

-End-

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Frontenac Lodge open July and August
A Masonic Invitation

Frontenac Masonic Lodge has been meeting in Sharbot Lake since the early 1920s. It has a long history of brotherhood
and community service – both as an organization and by individual members. Many of our community leaders have been
members of the lodge as well as active supporters of their churches and other organizations.
For many years, the Lodge has met on the second Friday of the month from September to June. This year we have decided
to hold meetings in July (the 15th) and August (the 9th) and extend a special invitation to Masons in the cottage
community. The Lodge meeting will be preceded by a barbecue and social at 6:00 PM and lodge will open at 7:30.
“Cottage formal” (slacks and golf shirts) would be appropriate dress and if you forget your Masonic regalia, we’ll be able
to lend you some.
The Lodge building is at 14177 Road 38 in Sharbot Lake village. If you have questions, you may call or e-mail the Lodge
secretary, Bill Kennedy, at 613-541-8590 (e-mail “[email protected]”).
We look forward to having you as our guests.

TICKS (spread of LYME disease)

Picture: Blacklegged Tick (under microscope) and next to Dime

Ticks are here. They are everywhere in Ontario (and surrounding Province & United States). Be careful – take
precautions! LYME disease is a growing concern.
Blacklegged ticks are spreading because of climate change and by traveling on birds and deer. It is now possible to find an
infected tick almost anywhere in Ontario.
Ticks are most active in spring and summer, but can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above
freezing.

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How to avoid getting a tick bite
You are at risk if you live, work in, or visit a wooded area, or an area with tall grasses and bushes (including city gardens
and parks). You are at risk during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and gardening.

You may be bitten by a tick and not even know it.

Here’s what you can do to avoid getting a tick bite.

 Cover up and wear:
o light-colored clothing, so it’s easier to see ticks
o closed-toed shoes
o long-sleeved shirts
o long pants, tucked into your socks

 Use insect repellent
o Use an insect repellent, or bug spray, that says “DEET” or “icaridin” on it.
o Put it on your clothes and exposed skin.
o Always read the label for directions on how to use it.

 Put clothes in the dryer
o Kill any ticks that might be on your clothing by putting your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10
minutes before washing them.

 Check yourself and your children
o After being outdoors, check for ticks on yourself and your children. Look:
 behind your knees
 on your head
 in your belly button
 in your groin area
 in your underarm area
 on the back of your body – use a mirror, or ask someone to check for you

It’s a good idea to have a shower as soon as you can to wash off any ticks.

 Check your pets for ticks
o After being outdoors, check your pets’ skin and remove any ticks you find.
o Ask your veterinarian about options to help keep ticks off your pets.

 Maintain your property
o Keeping grass mowed short
o Trimming bushes and tree branches to let in sunlight (ticks avoid hot, dry locations)
o Creating a border of gravel or woodchips one metre or wider around your yard if you’re next to a wooded
area, or an area with tall grasses
o Removing leaf litter, brush and weeds at the edge of the lawn and from stone walls and wood piles
o Moving children’s swing sets, playground equipment and sandboxes away from wooded areas
o Consider placing equipment on a woodchip or mulch foundation
o For more information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease

Much of this article is reprinted. Submitted by Guy MacLeod

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Loon Reproduction is on the Decline in Canada

By Andrew Cruickshank

Published in Cottage Life Dockside: April 11, 2019

It isn’t summer in Canada until you’ve heard the haunting call of the iconic common loon. But according to research
from Bird Studies Canada, a national charity committed to the conservation of Canadian wild birds, the average number
of loon chicks produced each year has continued to drop over the last 30 or so years. “We’re seeing that reproductive
success is decreasing and approaching a concerning level,” says Kathy Jones, the Ontario volunteer coordinator at Bird
Studies Canada. “But we’re not there yet, so it may stabilize, it may not.”

While loon productivity is higher in Western Canada than Eastern Canada, both have experienced declines. In part, this is
due to acid and mercury levels within lakes, which are directly impacted by the lake’s temperature, in turn affecting food

availability. Not to mention, loons must navigate the ongoing threats of boating activities, water-level fluctuations, and
habitat loss due to shoreline development. “More hard surfaces, fewer naturalized shorelines, things like that have a huge
impact on the species,” Jones says.

At the moment, loon pairs must produce 0.48 chicks per year in order to maintain the population. “Half a chick per year—
it’s a really strange number,” Jones says. The presence of loon chicks is also a good indication that your lake is healthy.
“The chicks only feed off that single lake, so if the conditions are not right on that lake for your chick to survive, there’s a
problem.” If chicks survive until they’re six weeks old, then it’s considered a success by Bird Studies Canada. “It’s at that
point that they’re old enough and healthy enough that they’re going to migrate off that lake for the winter.”

In order to monitor the well being of loons across the country, Bird Studies Canada introduced the Canadian Lakes Loon
Survey in 1981. Born out of research into “dead” lakes caused by acid rain, the survey monitors the long-term health of
loons and, more broadly, the health of Canadian lakes.

Each summer, thousands of volunteers survey hundreds of lakes across Canada, documenting loon sightings. “The
minimum we need is three surveys [from each volunteer],” Jones says. But “a lot of people are up there every day in the
summer checking.” Volunteers are required to conduct one survey in June for signs of nesting, one in July for chicks, and
one in August to see whether the chicks survived long enough to migrate.

No experience is required to become a volunteer; you just need to be able to complete the three surveys. “We recommend
doing it in conjunction with your other activities on the lake,” Jones says. “If you have a cabin that’s in the middle of
nowhere that you have to get to by boat, maybe look for loons on the way there and back when you go to the cottage
every time, or in your favorite fishing spot.” The data collected by volunteers will contribute to the upcoming 40-year
Loon Survey Report, detailing the current health of loons and Canadian lakes.

You can sign up to be a volunteer on Bird Studies Canada’s website where a donation of any amount will enroll you as a
member. Along with the observation package, volunteers receive an annual update on trends in loon reproduction rates, as
well as “a lot of stewardship information.” This information can help inform lake associations and cottagers on how to
interact with water birds, particularly while out on the lake. “By providing this information to steer clear and drive slow
around a loon, if [cottagers] see another water bird, they can do the same thing. And we can impact greater stewardship of
the lake and the birds overall.”

Being aware of our impact on loons is the first step in facilitating their survival. “The biggest thing we as humans can do
for our wildlife, especially with water birds, is just decrease our disturbance,” Jones says.

- End -

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Wild Profile: Meet the Hairy Woodpecker

By Jackie Davis

(Taken from Cottage Life Dockside, 11 Apr 19 edition)

Our shaggiest woodpecker also has one of the longest, strongest wood-pecking beaks. This is why hairy woodpeckers can
chisel into the toughest of trees, either to find ants and other insects to eat, or, in spring, to excavate nest holes as deep as a
shoebox.
Hairy woodpeckers look similar to downy woodpeckers (both have a black and white colour pattern), but hairies have a
much larger bill, about the same length as their heads. In early spring, both males and females use their bills for courtship
drumming: one-second bursts of sound that contain as many as 25 rapid-fire beats or “taps.”
By April, ‘hairies’ are prepping their nurseries. Male and female pairs work together; it can take them up to three weeks to
carve a hole up to 12 inches deep into their chosen tree. They’ll only use this cavity nest for one season. Once they’ve
moved on, other species—chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, or flying squirrels—get to take advantage. They use the empty
holes for food storage or shelter. Everybody wins! Except for maybe the tree.

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How to Obtain a Construction Loan for Ontarians

Article submitted by Nat Korol, Pillar Financial Services

Buying a house is already a major life event, yet building a new home from the ground up can be even more stressful and
exciting. For those bold enough to take on the challenge, construction financing is crucial. That’s where you, the mortgage
broker, have a critical role to play.
As a mortgage expert, you can ensure that your client has a full understanding of the requirements, obligations and risks
related to construction loans before they set out to build their dream home. And once they’re ready to proceed, you can
help them secure the best deal on financing.
In this article, we break down the process for mortgage brokers helping their clients obtain a construction loan in Ontario
– because the smoother this process becomes, the better the outcomes for everyone.
Finding an experienced construction lender

Construction financing is more complex than traditional mortgage lending as the stakes are generally higher. From the
lender’s perspective, the main concern is whether the borrower has the ability to complete the project.
Fortunately, much of the risk can be mitigated by implementing a clear plan from the start and ensuring that everyone
involved in the project – including the borrower, builder, broker and lender – has the skills and commitment to make it a
success.
At Pillar, construction financing is one of our key areas of expertise. Where the big banks may balk or set highly
restrictive terms, we have the experience and flexible lending options to enable your client to build their new home in a
way that works for them. We offer:

 Up to 65% LTV funding up front on the land advance
 Client-designed draw schedule
 Better cash flow with accrued interest deducted from the following draw
 Dedicated staff to ensure project and draws are progressing as planned
 Interest rate savings upon project completion
 Financing for non-traditional projects such as log homes and student housing

Construction financing, one stepat a time

Do you have a client seeking construction financing? If so, this is an overview of the key steps you need to follow to help
your client get their project off the ground with a construction loan from Pillar:
Gain a clear understanding of your client’s plans.
Gather and compile detailed information about all key aspects of the project, including:

a) Costs: Is there a clear and realistic financial breakdown of all the costs related to the construction project?
b) Financial situation: What are the details of your client’s financial situation, including existing assets and
liabilities, sources of funding aside from the construction loan, etc.?
c) Timeline: Is there a clear and realistic plan for when each phase of the project will be carried out?

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d) Parties involved: Who is going to build the house and what is their level of experience and expertise?

Submit the deal to Pillar.
To minimize potential delays, please ensure that you submit comprehensive and detailed supporting documentation from
the start.
You can submit your deal to us directly via Filogix but it’s best to have it reviewed by a member of our business
development team prior to Filogix submission. Click here to contact our BDO’s.

Receive conditional approval.
If the deal meets our funding criteria, your client’s project will be approved upon meeting the following conditions:

a) Appraisal by a Pillar-approved appraiser
b) Tarion warranty coverage (if the new home will be sold after construction)
c) Take-out financing
d) Additional requested documentation related to costs, permits, plans and income

Finalize legal documentation.
Once all conditions are met, the file will be handed over to lawyers to prepare the construction loan contract and related
documentation.

Receive funds and start project.
On closing, we will release the first tranche of funds to your client so they can proceed with their construction project.

Outside-the-boxfinancing for new homes
In the mortgage industry, new home construction requires a special type of loan – and a special type of lender. As a
mortgage broker, you add value by pairing your client with the right lender and guiding them successfully through the
complex construction loan process.

Ultimately, you want to provide your client with the best financing solution so they can build the home of their dreams.
We’re here to help you make this possible with outside-the-box construction financing solutions.

- End -

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SLPOA Membership News

Joyce Waller (Treasurer/Membership Co-ordinator)

We currently have a membership of 200 for the current year 2018/2019. (Our Membership year runs from July
1st to June 30th of the following year.)
Membership for 2018/2019 year is due on July 1, 2019
If you are unsure of your membership status just send me a quick e-mail at [email protected] A
membership form is included in this newsletter.

Executive

Our current Executive is as follows:

Ken Waller (President) Guy MacLeod (Vice President)

Fran Harkness (Secretarial Duties) Joyce Waller (Treasurer/Membership)

Barbara Fradkin (Environmental Issues Coordinator)

Marie LaForest (Member at Large) Barb McIsaac (Member at Large)

Thanks to Bill Wilson (Website hosting and expertise and general input) and to Barb Wilson for her continued
assistance with many behind-the-scene jobs.

This year, there will be elections for all executive positions so please consider getting involved.

Area Reps

A special thank you goes out to our Area Reps who helped us with our membership drive.

They are:

Joan Hollywood Donna Lyson Frances Harkness

Rob Patten Linda MacKenzie Pam Woods

Nicole Porteous Sharon Holmes Barry Baily

Gail and Gord MacRae Marlene Wheeler Barb and Ed McIsaac

We are always looking for Area Reps (especially on the West Basin).

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Keep in mind that SLPOA is not just for waterfront properties and everyone in the area of Sharbot Lake is
encouraged to join.
E-mail Addresses
If you are receiving the newsletter by mail it means we do not have a current e-mail address for you. The ability
to e-mail our newsletters to the membership keeps our costs down Please advise me of any changes to your e-
mail info
If you have any questions, please contact me, Joyce Waller, SLPOA Treasurer/Membership Coordinator, at
279-3035 or at [email protected]

SLPOA Membership Form

Please fill out and send to: SLPOA, P.O. Box 333, Sharbot Lake, Ontario, K0H 2P0
Please print clearly and have cheques made payable to “SLPOA” Annual Fees are $20.00.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Lake Location: __________________________________________________________________

(Use your 911 designation. e.g 1077A Polar Bear Lane)

Lake Phone #: (613) 279-_______ E-mail _________________________________
Permanent Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ Prov/State: ___________________________
Postal Code/ZIP _______________ Home Phone #: (___)___________________

By becoming a member I acknowledge that the association will use my email address to provide information relative to the association and sessions of
interest.

(Note: Our membership year goes from July 1st to June 30th of the following year)

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