Annual Meeting of Members – Recap
The 30th annual general meeting drew a large turnout both in-person and via Zoom. We began the meeting by celebrating current and former directors, volunteers, and community members for their contributions to building our association.
Seguin Update: Mayor MacDiarmid Mayor Anne provided a broad update on Seguin Township activities over the past year including: approval of a Dark Skies Bylaw and a Rock Crushing and Blasting Bylaw, trial of year-round ice at the Humphrey Arena, ongoing negotiations with the province on the MZO lands near Parry Sound. The Active Transportation and Trails Plan is being implemented, including bike lanes on Lake Joe Road. Councillor Terry Fellner discussed the Hydro One transmission study affecting Wards 1 and 2, the Hwy 169 Portage Lake Bridge replacement project, and presented plans from Greg Getty for an Administrative Penalty System to enforce bylaws more effectively. Terry showed photos of the progress on The Tamarack North Centre. It is scheduled to open in the fall. The $5 million capital fundraising goal has been met and an endowment campaign is underway. Terry and Anne thanked the many donors on North Lake Joe who helped make this 35 year dream a reality.
Maple Leaf Marine: Derek Lubert from Maple Leaf Marine gave an overview of improvements at the marina, including the boat “SPAW”, the plan to shift marine storage to their new property along the Lake Joseph Road. He presented on their expansion plans and addressed concerns about proposed new slips. He emphasized their focus on serving the local community rather than outside customers. Derek welcomes emails from members. He can be reached at Dlubert@mlmmarinas.com.
Lake Joe North Association AMM: The LJNA presentation is posted on our website including the president's report, update on water and benthic testing, and municipal affairs. The motions presented including the slate of directors were approved unanimously. Bruce Ballantyne, LJNA Treasurer, reported 170 members (up 12 from prior year) and a healthy financial reserve of approximately $52,000. Thank you to the membership for their support.
Muskoka Conservancy: Scott Young, Executive Director, and Cecil Hayhoe made a presentation to honour the recent donation of 135-acre, 1,250 feet of shoreline in Seeley Bay by Miles and Pat Langstaff. The northern half of Lake Joe now has over 19,600 ft of protected shoreline – keeping our lake beautiful forever. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen and especially the Langstaffs and Cecil!
West Parry Sound Health Center Foundation: Deborah Loosemore, CEO introduced the work of the foundation. They are focussed on ensuring our local health care team has the equipment and technology to provide the best possible care. Over $18M has been raised over the last 5 years of which 70% came from non-local residents. They have identified $9 million equipment that needs replacement through 2030, with the surgical suite as the current fundraising priority.
The meeting ended with a draw to choose the photo contest winner. Congratulations to Elizabeth Jennings!
Many thank for Gordon Bay Marine for hosting us! And to the volunteers who help with set-up and clean-up.
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