Jun 16, 2014

Where can we buy Skoot products?

Nancy Kallina has followed up, information has been posted in the SDRA 2014 Newsletter and SDRA website and more information about Skoot products will be available in the coming weeks through the SDRA website and Paul’s Pops.

Greg Castellano asked whether there are Ministry requirements to fill in unused wells. No one had heard of this. Debbie will follow up with FOCA or the MNR to find out if this is actually a requirement and will communicate this to members. Members were advised of a Well and Septic session on May 29 at the Quinte Conservation office. The following information was provided from Quinte Conservation to members:

Well Decommissioning...

The regulation (Ontario Regulation 903) states that property owners are responsible for wells on their properties. If a well is unused or not being maintained for future use then the Regulation requires property owners to have the well properly decommissioned in accordance with the Regulation. The reasons for this are:

1. Unused or forgotten about wells are safety hazards and in the case of large diameter wells people can fall into them,
2. Wells are direct pipelines into aquifers that are used by people as a source of drinking water. As a result unused or unmaintained wells can be a conduit for contaminants to enter into the aquifer and contaminate their own or a neighbours source of drinking water.  Regarding the procedure for decommissioning it is recommended that a licensed contractor be hired to complete this in accordance with the Regulation. However a property may decommission his or her own well provided they follow the requirements of the Regulation (i.e. smashing the well with a sledge hammer would not meet the Regulation). This is very important as an improperly sealed well can still result in the leaching of contaminants into the water supply.

Bill Blake asked about the poor condition of the Jacques’ Bay Road and whether the township has plans to install guard rails on the road. SDRA will contact Addington Highlands to find out when and if this will take place.

There has been significant work done on the roads around the lake. Gord McCulloch should have an update with support from Henry Hogg at the AGM on this work.

Member Bruce Cooke asked about resurfacing Jacques Bay road.

Reeve Hogg responded that the first section will be done this year, and the rest is on the slate to be completed (no date given).  

Member Gordon Birnie asked about Hydro’s possible past use of Agent Orange: were the Hydro right of ways sprayed 30 years ago?

Debbie read Hydro’s response letter to all members. Hydro One uses selective application of herbicides to control vegetation growth, but only with permission from landowners. Different techniques are used in different areas. According to Hydro, Garlon is the predominant erbicide used and is registered by PMRA and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment. They maintain that for decades they have used approved herbicides. Use of 245T Herbicide several decades ago was investigated recently and report is available on Hydro One website and www.wsib.on.ca. Members can contact Debbie for additional information.

SDRA Board Member Sandra Clarke wondered if friends who visit the lake could join the association even if they don’t own property here.

Possible non-voting membership could be created. Guidelines will be released in January on this and will be discussed on next board meeting. This was not discussed as it is linked to the update of our bylaws in response to the updates to ONCA. UPDATE from FOCA: May 2014 -Since the call of the June 12 Provincial Election, Bill 85 and the technical amendments required to bring ONCA (the Ontario Non-Profit Corporations Act) into force is now dead in the water. This means ONCA will not likely be proclaimed until after 2015. FOCA and our partners at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) will remain focused on the progress of this change in the law, which will affect all Ontario non-profit organizations. BLG and FOCA will be releasing further information about how to be prepared in the FOCA Summer Newsletter in July.

Member Gordon Birnie asked about MNR maintaining a proper Lake Level.

Quinte Conservation rep responded, noting that Q.C. has been monitoring lake levels which have been 15cm higher than target levels. A log was pulled from the Skoot dam at beginning of July but will be replaced this week to maintain the target lake levels. Q. C. explained that

last year’s low lake levels were a result of drying up along the Moira river watershed. Rep encouraged cottagers to contact Q.C. if there are issues regarding water levels on the lake.  Q.C.’s climate change monitoring program is studying its effect on water levels, dams and lakes and streams. Malcolm discussed the positive relationship the SDRA has established with Quinte Conservation. A page will be added to the website to allow members to read about what’s happening with the water levels on the lake. Malcolm urged members to be flexible with their approach to being on the lake (ie. adjust dock placement as necessary).  Staff gauges will be put in place by the SDRA in two locations on the upper lake and lower lake to help monitor lake levels. Malcolm to speak about this at the AGM as part of his Lake Steward update.  SDRA Website has published water levels.

Ron Nowell commended the SDRA on the Boat Parade.

Proposal to adjust the pace next year (slower). Ron gave a reminder that the parade missed the Oborne Point shoreline. Sandra suggested the route be mapped out and possibly have a different starting point. Reminder was sent out via Paul’s Pops and will be sent again this year with a map for the route.  Ron Nowell wondered about lot maintenance at Trail’s End. Nancy Kallina will speak to this at the 2014 AGM.

Ron Nowell wondered about lot maintenance at Trail’s End.

Nancy Kallina will speak to this at the 2014 AGM.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Archive