Kushog Moves On Lake Plan

Written by Graeme Stemp Friday, 01 July 2005 00:00

Local news - It was a good day for the Kushog Lake Property Owners Association when they met for their Annual General Meeting on Saturday June 25th.

It was a good day because they had recently received word that the planned Pine Springs septage lagoon near Kushog Lake had been passed over in favour of a different location.

"Obviously Algonquin Highlands Council responded to our lake's suggestions, and we are very grateful," said Norma Goodger, president of the KLPOA.

Because Pine Springs was being considered as the site for the municipality’s septage lagoon, KLPOA’s executive began to look into a Lake Plan for Kushog Lake. "When we were fighting this septage lagoon battle, wouldn't it have been nice if we had some solid the scientific facts and public opinion behind us," said Goodger. "With a lake plan, we have those things and it could make any future issues much easier for us to overcome."

The assembled group of about 50 property owners heard Randy French of French Planning Services Inc. describe his involvement with lake plans and what a lake plan can do.

"Lake plans are all about memories and values," said French. "It is a process to find out what you value, why you come here, what you like to do, and what you want to protect."

French described how a lake plan sets out environmental and social objectives to protect, sets measurable indicators of health, and educates and communicates with not only property owners but with all parties involved (including visitors, commercial operators, and government agencies).

"This document is more than just a scientific or technical document; it's got history and memories of the area," said French. "Why do it? Because it brings the community together, it defines appropriate development standards, it makes the community a player, it protects heritage sites, and countless other reasons."

Following French, Carole Russell of Big Hawk, Little Hawk, and Halls Lake gave a presentation about their lakes’ recently completed lake plan. Russell described how they were motivated to by a desire to stop reacting and be proactive. "If we don't do it, it won't happen and no one else is going to do it," said Russell.

After hearing from the experts, the group discussed whether Kushog Lake should have a lake plan, especially since the cost of the project will be about $28,000. The overwhelming majority were for the lake plan with some members angry that it even had to be debated.

"When we were threatened with a septage lagoon there were tonnes of people here saying the executive was not being proactive; now, they are being proactive and no one is here except people who don't want to do it because of the cost. For heaven's sake, we spend more at Kawartha Dairy than this lake plan would cost each of us!"

With those harsh words of encouragement, the decision went to a vote where it was resoundingly passed, and Kushog Lake will join the growing list of lake associations writing plans to protect the land they love.

ID- 116259