A Message from Your LCLCA President
It was a hot, dry, sunny summer. A delightful summer (though perhaps less so if you’re a tree, thirsting for water). And from the point of view of your cottage association, I’m going to declare it a massive success.
We had a great, well attended Regatta and Corn Roast, held under sparkling blue skies and a starry, starry night. The raffle, which was full of wonderful prizes (many made by hand and with love) generated our biggest ever donation to the North Kawartha Food Bank.
The Paddle Palooza was graced with spectacular weather and a big turnout. Cottage neighbours swapping greetings and gossip over their gunwales – you have to love cottage life.
Now, the heat is gone, and so are the leaves. Our feathered friends have headed south for warmer climes. Many of us have done the same (although not that far south), where we’re re-acquainting ourselves with the rhythms of urban life.
Thanksgiving is behind us. The festive season will soon be upon us. There’s lots going on. And out there on the horizon is the promise of another long, languid summer at the lake.
Have a good winter. I look forward to seeing you all at our AGM on June 13, 2026 at the North Kawartha Community Centre.
LCLCA President,
Ian Godfrey
Governance
AGM 2026 – Saturday, June 13th 10 am
Mark your calendar see you there!
Cottage Association Fees
There’s still time to pay your 2025 fees if you have not done so already. When e-transferring your annual $40 lake fee, please add your full name and lot # in the message. to: jacquiecane@gmail.com.
Life at the Lake
Fire Pump
Our first fire pump demo at the Loon Call Lake Landing happened on Saturday, August 30th. At least 20 cottagers were in attendance and this hands-on demo was a great success.
Cottagers were able to:
- Lift the pump and learn about its parts,
- Engage and get water from the lake,
- And practice managing the hose line.
We hope to have another demonstration in the spring, when the pump comes out of hibernation. Thank you to our volunteers on the Fire Committee who helped make this happen.
Safety Reminder – Traps
The local trapper, Rory Cummings, has reminded us that traps are being put out at this time of year. For the safety of you and your pets, watch for the traps when walking in the woods and keep your pets on a leash.
Event Recap – 2025
“Fly the Flag” Paddle and Planting Palooza
The flags came out in spectacular numbers for this year’s Paddle Palooza, accented by ‘O Canada’ from the Yielding boat. It was a wonderful and gorgeous day. The cottagers’ association sponsored a plant give away as well handing out plants to promote a healthy shoreline. The foodbank gratefully received multiple bins of food generously donated by the paddlers!
Regatta and Corn Roast, and Raffle Donations
Loon Callers know now to have fun. The games were once again a hit with all ages represented. It is delightful to see so many youngsters on the lake. The burgers, hotdogs and corn were quite yummy this year. We have committed to supporting the community by buying locally for the event. The raffle raised a record (we believe) $1435 which was donated to the Food Bank.
Thanks to all of the volunteers who make this event possible and run so smoothly.
One for the Books
Is it just me, or did we all notice remarkable events this year?
The ice storm, to start the year, with many cleanups going well into the summer and beyond; the water levels; the number of lost and found items this year; and the beautifully long fall, followed by the earliest significant snow fall on November 9th. The newsletters are a celebration of the cottaging year, but also a historical record for the next generation to look back on. To that end, here are a few
Water Levels
Water levels were at a historically low level in the North Kawartha and Bancroft regions this year, with many cottagers in these areas declaring that ‘this is the lowest level ever, or at least the lowest I have ever seen’. It is one for history books, if not the record books. The Hartogs measure the water level from the bottom of their stationary dock (which aligns with the top of the concrete dam), to the water, to be 12 “. So, if in the future we are looking for a reference point, to settle any bets, we just have to remember to check out the newsletter from 2025! On the positive side, the measurement on November 20th was at 9” already, so recovery is underway.
Lost and Found
What a busy year reconnecting people with things, between docks, boats, canoes, kayaks, plates, chairs and dogs (how many times did Snoop escape? We lost count!).
A reminder that whenever possible, label items with your lot number and municipal address.
Also, per the North Kawartha by-law, licenses are required for dogs and they are to be kept on leash. Even if you have a license for your home town, it would be advisable to license in North Kawartha as well. Also, if you include a tag with your contact information it will help your pet get back to you as quickly as possible.
Fall at the Lake
Mergansers gathering for the flight south. Once their passports and tickets were all checked and everything was in order, they were ready for takeoff. See you again next year.
(for the video, click here: https://youtu.be/jt1mhEOM7mA)
Mergansers
(photo credit Ross Murray)
Even the frogs and toads are getting ready for the fall (photo credit Ross Murray)
Recommended Communications
We strongly recommend that you subscribe to a few information services that are useful and important to cottagers. It will help you to get to know the North Kawartha area, topics relevant to cottagers and to Loon Callers.
- North Kawartha: northkawartha.ca/Subscribe
- FOCA: lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/RJxeH2B/FOCAelertSignup
- Loon Call Lake: looncalllake.ca/subscribe/
Please also encourage your adult children to subscribe, and to attend the AGM
They are the future of the lake!