(Posted January 27, 2009. This post is identical to the artical in the Winter 2009 Newsletter)
The BLPOA has initiated a Lake Plan process!
Recent events, such as the toxic algae blooms in neighbouring lakes, illustrate the importance of vigilance on our own lake.
A Lake Plan is a document which describes the current state of our physical community and outlines suggestions for the future stewardship of our lake. The Lake Plan may also suggest changes to the Township of Perry Official Plan and Zoning By-laws that will further protect the character and health of Bay Lake.
Perhaps the most significant feature of this plan is the process of consultation with Bay Lakers. Through meetings and questionnaires, we hope to record the wishes and preferences of Bay Lake stakeholders regarding activities that affect the character and health of Bay Lake. To start, a questionnaire will be distributed in 2009, and the results of that questionnaire will be used to draft the Plan.
This questionnaire will give everyone on our lake a chance to express their views on a wide range of issues. Where a majority of responses indicate a clear preference, that opinion will be reflected in the Lake Plan.
But first the questionnaire must be assembled. The Lake Plan Committee is anxious to address all the issues of importance to the people at Bay Lake, so we're asking for your suggestions about what topics should be covered. Our list of issues currently includes the following:
Water Quality
Water Levels
Septic Issues
Pollution (of all types – water, air, light, noise)
Fishing
Safety and Security
Wildlife (beavers, bears, geese, etc.)
Boats
Boat Ramp
Jeep in the Lake
Snowmobiles
Shoreline Naturalization
ATVs
Community Activities
Development
Roads
the Outlet.
If you have any other topics that you would like to see addressed in the questionnaire, mail them to Site 4D, Box 0, Emsdale, ON P0A 1J0, email them to lakeplan@baylakeontario.com, or give them to a member of the Executive, by March 1st. Thank you!
