North Kawartha Councillor, ward 1 (previously Chandos) John Lovatsis 1 As I am unfamiliar with this particular area I would need more information before I can offer an opinion on this potential issue 2 Yes to banning the use of chemicals to control weeds.Yes to managing boating practices to avoid the spreading of invasive speciesYes to looking at each application that can impact shoreline preservation and assessing on a case by case basisYes to exploring possible measures that address septic tank inspection programs Jim O'Shea Question #1
The Fraser Property decision regarding development within the property has already been decided by the OMB ruling that the development would not be allowed to occur. I attended the OMB presentations, and fully agreed with the final decision. With regards to Hulls Bay, development should be limited to replacing only that which already existed. Although I did tour Stone/y Lake, my impression was that the North Kawartha side of the lake is already developed and that further development could be problematic. Cottage density would be increased beyond what might be considered acceptable. Prior to accepting any further development, I would request that an environmental study and other similar studies (land and water) be completed. Question #2
Curbing pollution for Stone/y Lake is likely extremely difficult to control, as the lake is directly impacted upon by the water quality of every body of water that precedes it. Yes, older septic systems (20 years +) should be inspected and replaced/upgraded, if needed. In addition, septic systems that were built near the shore should be moved back to 100 feet+ from the shoreline, or as far back as possible. Lawns near the shoreline should be replaced with native shrubs and/or plants that are capable to surviving the climate for the area. Unfortunately, Stone/y Lake is part of the Trent Canal system, which makes it almost impossible to control the plant material that enters the lake. I feel that the most effective solution will be an education program implemented for every lake in the canal system. Perhaps boat-cleaning stations could also become a normal feature throughout the Trent River system. Again, education is the key.
Councillor, ward 2 (previously Burleigh, Anstruther) Mike Del Mastro 1
Any future development applications on and around Stony Lake or any lake in our Township, should be looked at on an individual basis. Property owners have the right to have their applications heard. As for the specific areas/properties referred to on Stony Lake, I am not familiar with them so therefore cannot say whether I am in support or not. 2 Our lakes in the North Kawartha area are of utmost importance. There are several things that need to be done to protect them. It is important that we all work collaboratively with organizations like the MNR, Crowe Valley, local cottage associations , Trent University, Ministry of the Environment, the North Kawartha Lakes Association, to gather information on the importance of, and how to keep, our lakes healthy. Information could be included in the tax notices of property owners and could include how to safely remove invasive plants, how invasive species are spread, how certain fertilizers can pollute our lakes, the advantages of having a natural shoreline, etc. To control some of the pollution in Stony Lake and other lakes in North Kawartha, I would support boat launch wash stations at main launches to help reduce the spread of invasive species. If they could be installed in a way that you could not launch your boat without using the boat wash that would make it more efficient.
Natural shorelines are not only beneficial to the quality of the lake, but also to the species who depend on it for survival. Natural shorelines will help stop or slow run off to the lake. Encouraging property owners to keep at least a portion of their shoreline in a natural state should stop some pollution from entering the lake.The septic tank inspection program should be implemented once again, concentrating on older septics first. Making sure septics are operating correctly will help prevent leakage into waterways. Joe McCauley 1) Development on Ston(e)y:
To speak directly to the areas that you pointed out, I would be in favour of developing those areas within reason. I would not like a small city, however some development I don't think would be bad. I know Fraser's property was approved once before and had a lot of support, then I'm not sure of the details but the project was halted. Hull's Bay is an area that could be slightly developed, I'm not sure of the exact size of the area that could be developed. Now for Eel's Creek area. This area will be tougher to develop because of the land being in the park. All those points aside I think some development in those areas would be a good source of jobs and may in turn open up some other housing around the township. For those reasons, like I said I am in favour of development within reason.
2) Pollution in the Lakes:
I agree with the fact we need to try to figure out the pollution problem. The invasive species portion I think as a township working with the Lake Association and Cottagers, we could look at a boat washing system like the one purchased by Chandos Lake Property Owners Association. This would be a huge help to curb the invasive species problem. To your point of septic inspection I think along the lakes they are very important. Not saying the waterfront properties are more important for inspections, but the possibility of a poor environmental impact is greatly increased. As for septic runoff, this is an issue that goes hand in hand with the septic inspections. The best way to curb it is to make sure the septic tank is working properly and has proper drainage. So in summation to this question, I am in favour at looking into a boat wash station (portable if possible to go to various launches on the lake). I am also on favour of keeping the septic system inspection to help reduce and hopefully curb the septic runoff pollution.
Colin McLellan
1. It would be inappropriate to commit to voting a specific way on any matter brought before council before receiving a specific application and/or report. All applications deserve consideration. This is a courtesy any property owner on Ston(e)y should be afforded. However, there are many specific environmental sensitivities that would need to be addressed before any significant development should occur on undeveloped land on Ston(e)y.
2. I am a champion of the environment and that would be reflected in votes, development and otherwise. Part of my platform is the distribution of "Restoring Healthy Shorelines" with each application received in the Shoreline Residential Zone. When council was initially unsupportive of a single boat cleaning station, I argued successfully that we approve the application and open a Township grant program for any interested Lake Owners Association to apply for. When concerns about the feeding of waterfowl and the pollution it added to Ston(e)y was brought to my attention I supported my ratepayers. Co-operation with the Federal Government will be necessary to address aquatic invasive species in Ston(e)y. By regulating short-term rentals the Township is given an opportunity to ensure visitors are educated on invasive species and best boating practices, important in slowing the spread of Starry Stonewort. Environmental education is crucial. Educating people on how serious vectors of transportation ATVs can be is of high importance to me. Introduction of thirsty, terrestrial invasive species such as non-native Phragmites to the Ston(e)y threatens our flora and fauna, further endangering the Blanding's Turtle in Ontario.
Councillor at Large RuthAnne Mcllmoyl
1 Future development on and around Ston(e)y LakeEach property owner deserves to have council look at any application made to council without council members making their minds up prior to the hearing sounfortunately, Icannot answer regarding development as a whole. Property owners are entitled to have their applications heard individually.Having said this, there are environmentally sensitive areas on Ston(e)y which will need protection, this must be considered prior to any type of development being allowed.
2 The control of pollution in the lake (includes chemical and invasive species - fish and weeds). North Kawartha has instituted a grant to help with the costs of installing boat washing stations at all lakes, I would like to see this grant being used by all of our lakes. There is a clear link of invasive species being transported from one water body to another if boats are not cleaned.Septic Inspections of existing septic systems occurred each summer until 2019 when my understanding was the township was unable to find staff to do the inspections and obtain paperwork to ensure compliance. I fully support re-instituting these inspections.I have naturalized shoreline myself and I won’t ever change it, that area is far too sensitive. We need to educate property owners about environmental protection. Naturalized shorelines help control runoff into our lakes and streams. Fertilizers should never be used, but there is no method to effectively stop a property owner from using same, so again – education must be a cornerstone to protecting the environment.
Roman Miszuk 1 Although I voted against the Fraser Bay development, I am a firm believer in people’s property rights. People have the right to submit planning applications and each should be studied for their merits and faults. Personally, I am not in favor of large scale developments.
2 For many years now, North Kawartha has had a septic system inspection program and continues to do so. I am in full favor of the program. Shoreline conservation is very important to the health of our lakes. Waterfront property owners should be encouraged to re naturalize their shorelines while new developments should face a cap on how much clearing is allowed. Sitting on the Environmental for Clear, Stony and White Lakes for the past eight years has taught me very much about the threats associated with invasive species. Education is the key to slow down their spread. I believe that the use of chemicals and fertilizers should not be allowed on our around our lakes if we wish to maintain their water quality. ----------------------------------------------