SPRING 2011 PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER

by Brian Markham

As I look out our front window, I am reminded that at this time last year, we were watching the last of the ice depart and were enjoying warm spring days.  What a difference a year makes!  It was -14C this morning and there are still 28 inches of ice on the lake.  The ice fishermen are still busy but the days are getting longer.

Things should be a little quieter in our area this summer after a very successful G8 summit last year.  I don’t think we were terribly inconvenienced and the added infrastructure will give us benefit for years to come.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the new Summit Centre, please make the time.  It’s a beautiful facility.

Have a wonderful summer at our lakes.

BRCA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, July 2, 2011

10:00 am

Billy Bear Lodge Hall

·        AGM is preceded by the Mabel Hart Brook & Marian Hill Memorial Foundation meeting, 9 am

·        Thanks to Mary Harding for the use of Billy Bear and the ice cream social after the meeting

·        Thanks to Larry Greenwood for coffee & pastries (Please bring your coffee mug)

Bella-Rebecca Executive:                                                   

President: Brian Markham       This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

V. P.  Rebecca:  Ann Fenton     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

V. P.  Bella:  Peter Ham             This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it          

Secretary:  Ron Barry                This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                                    

Treasurer:  Rita Bloem              This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it               

Lake Reps:                                                                 

Bella:  

Blake Hutcheson          This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it       

John Paterson                This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rebecca:

Cathy Greven                  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                  

Janet McLean                  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it               

Foundation President:  Larry Greenwood     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you to our committees for all your hard work on our behalf.

2010 Directory:

The Directory was mailed to paid members.  There will be extra copies available at the AGM.

Membership:                                              

Membership dues remain at $40.

We encourage multiple families using a single cottage to utilize separate memberships.

We would like to reward those who submit their dues prior to May 1^st.

Four lucky people will win restaurant gift certificates in a draw at the AGM.

2011 Stewardship Awards:

Please nominate someone for the Stewardship Award on the form you received with your dues notice or visit the website www.brca.on.ca .           
 Our executive will also be taking a more active role in these nominations.

Pleasure Craft Operator Card:

As of September 15, 2009, everyone must have a card to operate a pleasure craft.   

If you need to take the test, visit: http://www.boatsmartexam.com/

Regatta:  Please join us for the Regatta.  Shelly and Bob Greer are looking forward to another successful weekend.  They are actively looking for another family to mentor in the role as chair.  Let them know if you are interested.

For a list of events, refer to our website www.brca.on.ca .

Bring your trophy to the AGM or return it to the Jany cottage, 1472 Fieldale Rd. Bella Lake by July 3^rd.

Trophies MUST BE RETURNED prior to the Regatta to allow for repairs, polishing & engraving.

 Corn Roast:  Come and enjoy corn, hotdogs and lots of friendship.  Thanks to our Vice Presidents Ann and Peter.

 Township of Lake of Bays News:

After a municipal election last year, our new council was installed in January.  Ginny Burgess is returning as our councillor.  We are very pleased with this news as Ginny has been a tireless worker on our behalf.  I will continue to sit on her advisory council which keeps me apprised of local developments.  Shane Baker was elected as our District Councillor and Bob Young is our new mayor.  I am pleased with our new council.

There was some disturbing news from our township this past year.  A deficit of $580,000 was discovered.    Without placing blame, suffice it to say that the issue has been addressed and a plan devised.   There will be some staff cuts and a salary freeze.  $100,000 was raised through the sale of assets and $5000 removed from the library budget.  Road expenditures will be reduced.

Despite these measures there will still be over $300,000 outstanding.  That’s where a tax increase comes in.  Council has decided to eliminate the deficit in one year.  Therefore there will be a tax increase of 9.3% this year.  Part of this is a one- time charge to cover the deficit.

After a few phone calls, our concerns regarding vehicles parking along the causeway on Fieldale Road between Bella and Rebecca Lakes, is being addressed.  The no-parking zone is being expanded and new signage placed this spring.  In addition, there will be no overnight parking allowed.  This should help control some of the ice-fishing problem.  There will be no ticketing, all offenders will be towed.

ARTISTS OF LIMBERLOST STUDIO TOUR, 2011

August 13 & 14th

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 Several Artists from Bella & Rebecca

will be participating

Pamphlets available at the AGM

& Bulletin Boards

MUSKOKA AUTUMN STUDIO TOUR, 2011 

September 24^th & 25th

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Susan Higgins, Cathy O’Mara &

Brian Markham will have open studios.