Spring is finally about to be sprung. As we write this message the last bits of snow are slowly disappearing and the ice on the lake is starting to go. April showers bring May flowers but they can also bring flooding as we are seeing on other Muskoka lakes. Fortunately for us, we have recently had our two major lake dams rebuilt, and they seem to be handling the excess overflow.

Here are a few things you may want to know about what’s going on.

Allan Hopkirk Celebration of Life

In our last eblast, we announced the passing of Allan Hopkirk. Allan served on our board until 2021 and for over 40 years has managed our navigation safety program. His family are hosting a celebration of his life to be held at Angus Glen Golf and Country Club on Sunday April 26^th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Lynn Bradey Obituary

With sadness we announce the passing of Lynn Bradey, wife of Lee Bradey and devoted mother to her sons Allan, Michael, and Paul. She was a loving mother-in-law to Sharon Mitchell (Allan’s wife) and Wendy Brady (Michael’s wife).

After retiring, Lynn and Lee moved to the family cottage on Six Mile Lake, where she embraced a quieter pace of life surrounded by nature, family visits, and the comforts of home. Beyond her family, Lynn was a loyal and compassionate friend. Her warmth, sense of humor, and gift for conversation made people feel heard, valued, and truly cared for. She leaves behind many who will miss her deeply. Lynn is lovingly remembered by her husband Lee, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30th 2-5 p.m. at Baxter Community Center to honor Lynn’s life, her enduring love, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Water Quality Testing Volunteers Required

The Township of Georgian Bay is seeking volunteers to support our Water Quality Monitoring Program, a community-based initiative similar to the Lake Partner Program. Volunteers collect near-shore water samples to help safeguard our local waters. Training will be provided. Contact Kim Schiefer kim.schiefer@bluewaterbiosciences.com .

Positions Available At The SMLCA

We are in constant need of help to make your cottage experience even more awesome. Here are some of the ways you can chip in:

• Accountant. Calling all accountants. We are looking for a licensed accountant to perform the review of our annual statements. This is a paid position. Please contact rick.jocsak@sixmilelake.net
• Editor of ECHOES Newsletter. Being the editor of the ECHOES is an editorial and project management task, not a writing task, but rather entails:
• Creating an editorial plan with firm deadlines for publication
• Finalizing with the board the content for each issue
• Soliciting articles and nudging writers to submit on time
• Editing and proofreading the articles
• Sending final Word documents to our graphic designer
• Communications Officer. We’re looking for someone to coordinate our communications activities. We’re also looking for anyone who likes writing and would like to produce our communications for this eblast and on our social media page.
• Promotional Products Coordinator. We’re looking for someone to help with sourcing new promotional items. This also includes keeping inventory and selling items at our events.
• New Cottager Outreach. Our new cottager visiting committee is going strong and we could always use more helpers to find and visit new cottagers to welcome them to the lake.
• Regatta Coordinator. Working with Ted Mackay, you will train to be ready to take over this position for 2027.
• Fireworks Coordinator. Working with Craig Cameron, you will train to be ready to take over this position for 2027.

As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work’ and we encourage you to join us. It’s very rewarding bringing about the things and events that help make Six Mile Lake such a wonderful community!

Renew your membership for 2026-27

Our membership year runs from June 1 to May 31.  It will soon be time to renew for 2026/2027!  We will be sending out online renewal instructions by email to all current members early May.

Please make sure we have your current email address.  You can send any changes to us at membership@sixmilelake.net.

We suggest that you opt for auto-renewal: it’s a great convenience for you and a boon for the association.

For more information on the SMLCA, to learn how to become a Member, or make donations for fireworks or for improvements to the Regatta Site, please visit our membership portal: https://smlca.wildapricot.org.

If you prefer to have an invoice sent to you by mail contact Sarah by email at: membership@sixmilelake.net or by phone: 647-823-8458.

The Six Mile Lake Directory

This year, 2026, is a directory year. This is your last chance to make sure your information in our directory is accurate. Take a moment and look at your 2024 directory and if you have any changes please let Sarah know at membership@sixmilelake.net.

2026 Municipal Elections

With municipal elections planned for Oct. 26 across Ontario, voters will want to be sure they’re able to cast their ballots. Elections Ontario is now responsible for maintaining the voter’s list for the provincial and municipal elections. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), which previously managed the voter’s list for municipal elections, no longer oversees this process.

To make sure you are on the voter’s list and to register go here .

The Georgian Bay Township Newsletter

Here is a link to The Georgian Bay Times newsletter for April 2026.

The board looks forward to seeing you on the lake soon. Be careful and wear your life jacket while boating. The water is very cold and should you fall in, you will need all the help you can get.