Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation

2014 President's Report

The long-term efforts of the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage continued during 2013-14. A number of initiatives by the Board are resulting in the permanent protection of the exceptional places and stories that make up our community. We protect the important green spaces and document the history of the people, and always make the case for the sustainable co-existence of both. We view the special qualities of Lake of Bays as a legacy to preserve for all future generations.

The Foundation is poised for more important accomplishments in 2015, our 30th year, taking our success to new heights. We could not achieve these results without the generosity of our donors, members, volunteers and community partners. Thank you to everyone.

Highlights of activity during 2013-14 include:
  • Fundraising generated over $60,000 in our 2014 fiscal year.
  • Finalization of the Harriet T. Weaver annual bursary to a student at each of the Huntsville and Bracebridge high schools, and the award of $500 to each of two students this past June. 
  • Collection of memoirs from interviews with local community residents, writing stories and creation of our web site ‘Memoir Map” at www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca
  • Appearance before Township Council supporting cell towers but recommending more negotiations to minimize visual intrusion of large unsightly towers.
  • Meeting with the Township Planner to brief him on LBHF’s conservation efforts around the Lower Oxtongue River and reiterate its ecological importance.
  • Monitoring of a property at Waddis Creek in Whitehouse Bay with a conservation easement, ensuring the easement was respected and made known to potential buyers.
  • Submitting recommendations for enhancing heritage protection in the Township’s Official Plan Review.
  • Joined American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts to offer more favourable tax treatment for donations from US resident taxpayers.
  • Sponsorship of an annual hike in a protected area with a naturalist giving a guided tour.
  • Co-sponsorship with LOBA of an educational silent boat tour of the Lower Oxtongue River.
  • A complete review of our original By-laws (1985) and development of new By-laws, passed by members at our August 16 AGM, to comply with all current and expected legislation. (Helped by founding Director Robin Cumine.)
  • Researched and developed a history of the Scott’s Boathouse Road community.
  • Contact and discussions with various property owners for possible land securement, including the very important Lower Oxtongue River area.
  • Distribution of four electronic newsletters to over 550 supporters, and building of our Facebook page to 130 followers.
  • It is a pleasure to report on our progress and we look forward to reporting more good news in 2015.

Bruce MacLellan,
President
FEATURED COMMUNITY - SCOTT'S BOATHOUSE ROAD
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