FALL NEWSLETTER 2005

BREAK-INS AND VANDALISM …. ALWAYS A CONCERN

Over the past year or so there has been a rash of reported break-in and vandalism incidents in and around the Three Mile Lake community. This is naturally of great concern to the TMLCC and all its members, and is more of a worry as we head into the ‘off season’ for many cottagers. Following is just a reminder from one of our News Releases from last winter…

Fortunately, the permanent residents and all-season cottagers at Three Mile Lake are diligent in keeping an eye out for unusual activity. There are some tips for all cottagers, however, which may further deter thieves and partiers from stealing or damaging your property:

1. If possible, arrange with someone locally to plow your driveway after every heavy snowstorm. Thieves tend to watch places for a few days before they make a move…if there is activity at a property, they will see a greater risk and move on.

2. Whether you are up all year long or not, do not leave liquor at the cottage. Many break-ins are simply partiers looking for a place to crash (and trash).

3. Don’t leave anything of obvious value in plain site. Never leave firearms at the cottage.

4. Driveway gates may keep cars out, but they also provide an obvious signal that no one is at your property. Consider a motion light part way up the driveway instead, which could signal to your neighbours that someone has pulled in your driveway.

5. Install outside light timers, perhaps a spotlight which comes on at dusk and remains on for a few hours. Again, this gives the appearance of activity.

6. Alarm systems and alarm monitoring are relatively inexpensive, and will make a thief think twice. It won’t necessarily catch the thief in the act, but it will certainly ensure that you are aware of a problem much sooner.

7. Ask someone close by who comes up year-round to occasionally check your property. At least if something has happened, you can correct break-in damage before weather (and critter) damage makes it worse.

Most importantly, do NOT take the law into your own hands. Theft, vandalism and trespassing are criminal activities which must be reported to local law enforcement. We have been working with the local O.P.P. and remind everyone that they should be calling the police when they observe something suspicious or they have been the victim of a break-in or vandalism. The Almaguin Highlands detachment of the O.P.P is located in Burk’s Falls. Their phone number is 705-382-2015. We also encourage you to let the TMLCC know by emailing us at 3milelake@cogeco.ca so that we can also follow up with police.

The TMLCC has also discussed setting up an official ‘Cottage Watch’ program, under the guidelines of FOCA. We can’t do this without your help, however. Those interested in helping out should email 3milelake@cogeco.ca or contact one of the Directors.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE … and it may save your life!

At our ‘end of season’ TMLCC Directors meeting, one of our long-serving directors mentioned a simple but effective method for communicating medical conditions to those who may have to respond to a medical emergency. Since many cottagers spend a great deal of their time in outlying areas, time and access to information is critical in emergency health situations. The Huntsville district has waged a campaign whereby any important medical information (current prescription drugs in use, known medical conditions, allergies, etc) is simply kept in a plastic ‘sample’ bottle in the fridge. Local emergency personnel now, as standard practice, will check the fridge to see if one of these bottles exists. The information contained could literally be the difference between life and death.

The TMLCC is now looking into what we could do to work with the local Health Units. We will keep you posted.

PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS OUT FOR 2005…BRACE YOURSELF

Most of you will, by now, have seen your 2005 property assessment from MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). As MPAC notes in their Assessment Notice, the increases do not necessarily mean your taxes will increase. Reality tells us, however, that they are bound to increase somewhat. The average Assessed Value increase across all residential properties in Armour Township (including full-time residences, vacant land, water-front properties, etc) was 31.81%. Cottage properties tended to be mostly in the 30-50% range in terms of increase, whereas increases for vacant land were marginal (5% or so).

Property Assessment increases for cottages has been a point of contention for many years. At the heart of this is the fact that a huge portion of municipal taxes goes to education, and the vast majority of cottagers are not part of the local education system. The Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA) has advocated changes to this system. For more information, you can visit www.foca.on.ca and refer to the Property Taxation Committee under the ‘Committees and Portfolios’ tab of their web site.

There is no doubt that real estate values around Three Mile Lake have increased fairly significantly since the last assessment was done by MPAC (June of 2003). However, if you disagree with your Assessment, you are encouraged to contact MPAC. Their phone number is 1-866-296-MPAC (1-866-296-6722), and their web site is www.mpac.ca . You should have your 19-digit tax ‘Roll Number’ and your Assessment Notice when you contact them.

THREE MILE LAKE WATER QUALITY – WHAT’S IN A NAME?

We have received a number of emails-of-concern from both Three Mile Lake cottage owners and prospective property buyers recently with respect to a report of water quality issues on Three Mile Lake. Indeed, there were issues at a Three Mile Lake…but it was NOT our Three Mile Lake!

Three Mile Lake algae bloom update

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is cautioning residents and cottagers of Three Mile Lake, east of Windermere, not to drink or use the lake water following test results received September 23 showing that a blue-green algae bloom in the lake is toxin producing.

The Ministry of Environment will continue to monitor the lake and take tests, at the appropriate time, to determine when the lake is free of toxins. Results will be posted on the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit web site (www.simcoehealth.org) once the results are received from the Ministry of Environment.

In the meantime the health unit is reminding residents that boiling and other home treatment devices will not destroy the toxins and that they should consider other water sources. Residents should not use lake water for: drinking, bathing, preparing formula, cooking, dishwashing, clothes washing, and water sports. Using lake water for pets is also not recommended.

The ‘Three Mile Lake’ in question is actually Three Mile Lake outside Windermere (near Skeleton Lake), not our lake. Adding to the confusion is the fact that we have experienced our own ‘algae blooms’ in recent summers. Fortunately, our own casual testing has not revealed any water quality issues. It is felt that the more serious problems experienced at the ‘other’ Three Mile Lake may be the result of the lake being surrounded by agricultural land. The algae blooms are totally natural, but can result in more serious circumstances on occasion. For more information on this phenomena, you can check out www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/5087.pdf .

PICNIC/REGATTA/GOLF TOURNAMENT

The return of our Picnic / BBQ Day this past summer, and our continued annual Golf Tournament on the same weekend were both HUGE successes this year. Sharon Sheils and Barb Leonard and their army of volunteers did an amazing job with the Picnic and BBQ, and Lori and Jay Kyle, and Wendy Teufel gave us a great day on the golf course once again. In addition, we had a Swim Meet and also the return of a Sailing Regatta (thanks to Gord Isbister for running the Sailing Regatta and also producing the ‘Most Honest’ golf foursome the next day!!).

We can’t do these events without volunteers. Sharon has graciously volunteered to organize the Picnic and BBQ, but she’ll need help. Please email her at sasm@vianet.ca . Or to volunteer for any of these fun and worthwhile events, please email the TMLCC central email box at 3milelake@cogeco.ca .

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BOAT RAMP ARE COMING

In the past we have been a little hesitant to make too many upgrades to the boat launch on Three Mile Lake Road (southeast corner), as there was a feeling that it might ‘encourage’ too many visitors from outside the Lake. However, for those who have struggled to get boats in and out over the past 2 years, it’s clear that some improvements are necessary. Ron West has been working with the local Roads Crew to see what can be done without huge expense.

ON THE WILD(LIFE) SIDE

There have been numerous bear sightings in and around the lake this past summer and fall. Be sure to check out the ‘Bear Wise’ link on the web site for information on the ‘do’s and don’ts’ with respect to our large-pawed friends.

Several concerns have been raised with respect to recent sightings of cormorants on the Lake. These loon-like birds have been known historically to eat up large quantities of fish. There are many misconceptions about their impact, however. Check out www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/factsheets/fs_cormorants-e.html for some interesting facts and background. As they are new to the area, it is worth keeping an eye on their activities

CHAT LINE

Some of you may have already noticed that the Log Cabin Trading Post (beside Searle’s) has closed. They were most likely anticipating the loss of business due to impending changes to Highway 11 and the loss of access.

An ‘Arena Committee’ has been formed with Armour Township to investigate the cost of upgrades to the arena in Burk’s Falls. Of special note is the fact that, through fundraising, it may be viable to upgrade to year-round use of the arena. Sounds like the making of a Three Mile Lake summer hockey league?!

The Highway 11 expansion from Emsdale to Burk’s Falls is likely to kick into high gear next Spring. There will be an exit at Three Mile Lake Road (Katrine) but some of the other details are still being worked out.

The local Health Unit is now associated with North Bay, and is located at 150 Hudson Street in Burk’s Falls. Their number is 705-382-2900. Note that well water testing is free.

Please remember that most property on the lake is private property which means that you cannot ride a snowmobile or ATV on that property without the landowners’ permission. Please respect your neighbours and all others on the lake and only run your ‘toys’ where they are legally welcome.

We’ve initiated a casual ‘Photo Contest’ on our web site for those who would like to share their photographic memories from Three Mile Lake. Please see the ‘Events’ link on the site – www.3milelake.org .

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