Feature Article November 27, 2002
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Water Taking Decision
Charlie Stewart is President of the Greater Bobs & Crow Lakes Association, and has been summering on Bobs Lake since 1962.
Several years ago The Frontenac News faced a crisis. The North Frontenac Community Services could no longer afford to subsidize the newspaper, and sought potential buyers. Outside interests bid for the paper, but several visionary individuals convinced the community it should remain a local venture. Among those were David Brison and Sara Carpenter. Since then, that vision has been refined and reinforced. As the Frontenac News traveled throughout the area, interviewed people and reported on events, they have confirmed the unique nature of our region. Through the newspaper, they have celebrated the Land O Lakes and its people. They have begun to identify our future challenges, and they have highlighted our ability to meet those challenges while preserving the unique nature of our locality.
Today the Land OLakes is relatively unspoiled. But our region, with its beautiful lakes, is close to major metropolitan areas such as Ottawa and Kingston. We are less than four hours from Toronto and Montreal. Our land is inexpensiveespecially compared to the Muskokas north of Toronto. As a result, both individuals and developers are discovering the special nature and opportunities in our region.
Many people do not realize the fragile nature of the Canadian Shield lakes that dominate this area. Irresponsible development could destroy them. Thus, one of our greatest challenges is to balance the inevitable development with the preservation of our environment. Other economic interests are also at play. Development provides jobs, and the townships must raise funds for infrastructure and services that new residents demand.
This newspaper plays a pivotal role in focusing on our region and its issues. I have been invited to share in this vision, to celebrate the Land O Lakes, and to highlight our future challenges. Thus, we are inaugurating a new column to report further on the aspects that make our area special. We also will report on developments that affect our lakes, and the actions we can take to successfully address those. And finally, we will include special-interest items about our region.
In a large measure this will be your column. Many of the ideas and experiences will be yours. Join with me as we proceed on this new venturearound the lakes. It is a distinct honour. We truly have a special place, and together we can preserve its unique quality for generations to come.
