Welcome to winter Six Mile Lake cottagers
We are finally getting some colder temperatures and we understand the lake is mostly covered with ice. Please use extreme caution, however, when venturing out on the lake because the ice is extremely unsafe. It was just a year ago that our lake community sadly witnessed a casualty due to unsafe ice.
Volunteers needed!
We are pleased to announce that Ms. Katherine Lalonde, a professional graphic designer and artist has joined the ECHOES team and now all we need is help with writing articles. This would be a great opportunity for students interested in journalism and time spent can accrue towards volunteer hour quotas.
We are still looking for volunteers to help with some other roles we need to fill:
- Communications Officer We’re looking for someone to coordinate our communications activities.
- Promotional Products Coordinator We’re looking for someone to help with sourcing new promotional items.
- Volunteer Coordinator We need someone to keep track of and recruit volunteers, not just for the regatta, but for many of our activities.
- Bookkeeper Working with Rick Jocsak, this involves basic bookkeeping such as writing cheques, billing, bank deposits, and preparation of materials for the independent statement reviewer.
- New Cottager Outreach We have formed a new cottager visiting committee, so that new cottagers can be welcomed and brought up to speed with the many things that are going on at the lake. If you would like to help out with this function, please let us know.
Come join us. Together we can have fun building and supporting our lake community! Send inquiries to info@sixmilelake.net
The Six Mile Lake Directory
This is a directory year. Now is a good time to make sure your information in our directory is accurate. Take a moment to look at your 2022 directory and if you have any changes please let Sarah know at membership@sixmilelake.net
Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association (FOCA)
The Six Mile Lake Cottagers Association is a member of FOCA. One of the many benefits of being a FOCA member is their informative monthly newsletter called Elerts. We encourage everyone on the lake to sign up (free service), so that you can access FOCA benefits which include:
- Visibility into FOCA’s excellent projects.
- Access to FOCA’s helpline (emails or calls).
- Access to members-only material.
- Special member pricing for FOCA events.
- Access to special offers from sponsors, including Cottage First insurance, where you can
bundle insurance for your cottage, boat, and home.
To sign up, click here .
You’ll need to enter your personal email address, as well as “Six Mile Lake Cottagers Association ,” set up a password and you will be all set. You will then receive a confirmation email from FOCA.
Six Mile Lake Cottagers Association: Plan to Implement AGM Motion (#8) on Boat Noise
A small committee was struck to develop a plan to implement the motion from the October 2023 Annual General Meeting on boat noise. The board has appointed Ted MacKay, Frank Boddy, Brian Ingram and Rick Jocsak to act as facilitators in this important discussion.
The Motion read: “I move that the SMLCA undertake a dialogue with boat racers on Six Mile Lake to explore ways to reduce the frequency and volume of engine noise arising from speed boats.” It was approved 32 to 21.
We urge you to get involved in this committee to help establish a dialogue between the boat racing community and those who seek quieter alternatives. Our hope is that this initiative will go a long way toward increasing mutual understanding and relieve tension.
2023-2024 SMLCA Membership Renewal
We have now successfully implemented our new membership management system called Wild Apricot. If you have been a member with us previously, you should have received an email urging you to renew your 2023-2024 membership. If you are new to the lake. haven’t received your login instructions yet, or if you need help, contact Sarah at membership@sixmilelake.net . We count on your support to enable us to plan spending for vital community events such as the regatta and the ice cream giveaway, not to mention the many other things we do to enhance the community, safety and lake environment.
Public Safety Notice: Six Mile Lake Dam
Residents and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution around the waterway at Six Mile Lake Dam, as ice conditions may be unpredictable and unsafe.
Higher than normal water flows can be expected at Six Mile Lake Dam, while work continues on the Whites Portage Dam Reconstruction Project. Currently, the dam is partially open to regulate flows and divert water from the active construction zone.
The Whites Portage Dam is the main flood management dam for Six Mile Lake and is one of seven owned and operated by Parks Canada in the area. Originally constructed in 1918, the dam regulates the lake’s water level and outflow into Gloucester Pool.
The project will see the complete replacement of the current dam with a new one in the same location and orientation. Work began in July, 2023, with an expected end date of 2025.
For more information about the Trent-Severn Waterway, visit parks.canada.ca/
The Township of Georgian Bay is hiring
The township is seeking passionate individuals who are ready to make waves in their career and join a community where work-life balance isn’t just a dream – it’s a daily reality. Positions available include Director of Finance / Treasurer, Supervisor of Parks and Facilities, and many summer student positions.
You can apply here: https://www.gbtownship.
