Feature Article August 12, 2004
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeContact Us
Lake Plan top priority as GBCLA changes leadership.by Martin YatesThe 31st annual meeting of the Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association was held on July 25 at the Bedford District Community hall. Seventy-five members, guests and friends attended.
The Associations most important program - a three-year project to develop a lake plan a plan that will make recommendations for management of our lakes based on their capacity for sustainable development - was launched last year and is now well under way. Peigi Wilson, the Director in charge of developing the plan, told the meeting of progress to date, and gave an outline of the work ahead.
As part of the 2004 work plan a survey was distributed to over 1200 lake residents, asking them to assess the most important aspects of lake living for them, and seeking their views on the most important issues that need to be addressed. An impressive 450 surveys have been returned so far, and these are being analysed. A public workshop was held on July 17, and additional workshops with Township and other Government stakeholders and with owners of commercial operations around the lakes will be held later this year. For the plan to be successful, all stakeholders need to contribute to and own the plan.
The work next year will be to measure the lakes current situation with regard to key aspects such as water quality, wildlife habitat, fisheries, and so on, and to make assessments of their capability for development without degradation.
Honoured guests Mayors Bill Lake and Bill MacDonald of South and Central Frontenac Townships, Reeve Keith Kerr of Tay Valley Township and Councillor David Hahn of South Frontenac gave brief addresses, in which they mentioned some of the important topics and issues in their townships.
This was the last Annual Meeting for President Charlie Stewart, who is stepping down after six years service as President. Due to a family illness, Charlie could not attend the meeting, and Vice President Joe Slater made the Presidents report on his behalf. After the address, which reflected on the work the association has accomplished during the last six years, Joe showed the members a watercolour of Charlie and Debbie Stewarts cottage, which the association will present to him in appreciation of his untiring work and inspired leadership.
Susan OBrien Mactaggart, a long term resident of Green Bay, will replace Charlie as President of the GBCLA. Susan has volunteered to return for a third term! The meeting gave her its full support as she commences her leadership of the association and carries on its important work. She gave a short address outlining her goals for the future and confirming her commitment to work for the lakes which many call Gods country.
The meeting concluded with the election of directors for the coming year and the recognition of members who have given many years of volunteer service.
