• The Township received a “clean bill of health” from its auditor for the 2004 Consolidated Financial Report. For the purposes of this annual audit, the auditors indicated that the Township does not need to change any ongoing practices or procedures. This comment was in response to their review of the recent taxpayers report.
• By-Law 2005-40 was passed to amend the definition of gross floor area to include screened porches, verandas, sunrooms and covered decks. This was to close a loop hole whereby a sleeping cabin could be built to its maximum size and then include an unlimited size for a screened porch which could be later enclosed.
• The seasonal Municipal Law Enforcement (By-Law) Officer, Jennifer Mabee, is now on board.
• Council reacted negatively to a proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources to purchase the Original Shore Road Allowance in the area of Sandy Gray Rapids (between Gray Lake and Go Home Lake) for the opportunity for waterpower generation.  If the MNR wishes to pursue the issue further, a Road Closure application needs to be filed with the Township at which time Council would make a final decision.
• Council began a review of the present Committee structure (Public Works, Planning , Recreation). The new structure would include all of Council and several members of the public.
• Cottages in North Bay, Honey Harbour and Twelve Mile Bay with septic systems that have not been inspected in the last 10 years will be inspected in 2005. This is in response to the recent issue of the 2004 Water Quality Report that identified these bays as nutrient “hot spots”.
• Some of the new requirements under Bill 124 (Building Codes) have been extended from July 1 to Jan. 1, 2006. Stakeholders had raised concerns about the ability of certain building officials and designers to meet the new requirements by July 1, 2004.

Paul M Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
pwiancko@csolve.net