April 29th, 2025
Buzz Around the Point
Dear Fellow Long Pointers,
In this edition of Buzz Around The Point we have a few important messages and some due date reminders:
Registry and Member Voting Reminder
Defibrillator Relocation
Annual Dues Reminder
Logo Shop Reminder
Long Point Facebook Group Link
Registry and Member Voting Reminder
As a reminder, you should have received an email from Linda Crawford requesting a confirmation of your cottage ownership and your designated voting member. This is required as part of the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. If you have not done so already, please send your completed information to Linda as soon as possible. The due date to return your information is May 1st.
If you have any questions, please contact Linda at crawford3018@rogers.com.
Defibrillator Relocation
The Long Point defibrillator will be moved to its outdoor location at the Courts later this week.
If you would like to be added to the GPS tracking list, please send me a message at heatherkenney16@gmail.com.
Annual Dues Reminder
Your contribution to the caring and upkeep of Long Point and its lands and facilities is greatly appreciated and makes Long Point unique among cottager associations in Ontario. When your dues are paid on time, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the ongoing use of our communal facilities and benefit from security patrols in the winter season. We thank you for your continued support of Long Point and its many assets.
As a reminder, the Annual Dues of $250 per cottage lot are due on or before June 1st, 2025. Before is better! Dues received after June 1st are $275.
Important note: Members are required to pay the assessed annual dues, for each cottage lot, no later than June 1st in each calendar year. For example, if you own two lots (two green 911 address signs) you would pay $500 (two lots = two dues). This also allows for two votes at the AGM.
Dues can be paid via cheque or e-transfer to longpointra@gmail.com. Please see the Dues Notice attached here or visit the website for more details. To be eligible to vote at the AGM, you need to be a Member in good standing and that requires your dues to be paid.
Logo Shop Reminder
Don't forget to check out the 2025 Long Point Logo Shop!
This year, you'll find your favourite classics in our tried-and-true basics plus a brand-new Feature Colour—Red (that’s proudly Canadian)!
Here’s what you need to know:
Checkout the Shop on the website
Order Deadline: Get your orders in by Monday, May 19th
Pick-Up Date: Everything will be ready for pick-up on Saturday, June 21st
As always, all proceeds go straight back to the Association to help fund all the fun events and activities we’ve got planned for the summer.
If you have any questions about the ordering process, please contact Anne Borschneck at aborsch100@gmail.com or Hailey Wilkinson at hailey.m.wilkinson@gmail.com.
Long Point Facebook Group
If you haven't already joined the new Long Point Balsam Lake Facebook group, why not do it now?
Our Facebook group is a place to connect with the Long Point community and share anything that might be of interest to other residents. Let's grow our community online—join today!
You can find the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/555263373823507 or by searching for "Long Point Balsam Lake" on Facebook. As it is a private group, you will be asked two questions—your cottage surname and cottage address. Feel free to share the link with family members who may not get this Buzz email.
If you have any questions about joining the Facebook group, email me at heatherkenney16@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Heather Kenney
April 20th, 2025
Buzz Around the Point - Storm Update - Next Steps
As a follow-up to our Storm Updates, the Board felt it prudent to provide an update to the Members on the current status of Long Point and next steps in the recovery process.
The Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on April 17th, 2025, to align on a recommended plan of action to address the post-storm situation.
The purpose of this meeting was the following:
Confirm the LPRA’s responsibility vs. the responsibility of property owners
Review and discuss a cleanup plan
Identify areas of priority
Consider external guidance for forest management
Determine timelines and consider funding options for the work that is necessary
City of Kawartha Lakes Update
Now that power has been restored, COKL has lifted the State of Emergency. We are now heading into the cleanup phase, which will take some time.
Unlimited debris drop-off at landfills is free of charge until May 4th
A full curbside collection schedule will be provided soon
Rural area cleanup will begin the week of April 28th or May 5th, to be announced shortly
Branches and debris, too big for regular leaf and yard waste collection, should be stacked at the curb
Tree branches, limbs, logs, etc. should not exceed 8 inches in diameter
Place storm debris in small piles at the edge of the roadside, ensuring the material does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
Place cut or broken ends facing out towards the street. Please ensure debris doesn’t stick out into the street
Only storm-related brush will be accepted. Leaf and yard bags and regular debris will be left behind
The Fenelon landfill opens on May 1st, so the only day debris can be dropped there for free is Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, as the free drop-off period ends May 4th, and it is closed on Sundays
Fire Ban
There is a complete and total fire ban at this time—there are no fires permitted in any way—not in a bin nor outside of a bin, nor in a controlled environment. Fires are not permitted until the ban is lifted.
Information from Hydro One
I spoke with Hydro One on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, and was informed that its mandate is to restore power. Hydro One has no plans to clear power lines that might have trees on them. This might be a good time for individual property owners to bury lines or repair poles on their property, but this is at the owner’s expense.
Responsibility for Cleanup and Advice to Members
It was agreed at our Board meeting that LPRA will be responsible for cleaning up common areas while individual property owners are responsible for cleanup of their own properties.
At this time, the Brush Pit remains closed for two reasons:
It is currently full and the COKL total fire ban prevents us from burning the material
It will be reserved for debris from the common areas only
We are hopeful that we will be in a position to reopen the Brush Pit for general use in June.
As a reminder, no debris, including wood chips, is to be dragged or blown into the centre lands.
Bin Rental
Some members have expressed an interest in renting bins that can be filled and then removed. Should you be interested in doing so, you can find information here: https://tinyurl.com/669u49xx
Cleanup Plan: Common Areas of Priority
Your Board concurred that safety for ongoing use is the driving force in our cleanup plan to clear debris and provide unrestricted access to our common areas. The Board agreed to this prioritized list of eight common areas to be addressed:
Entry gate at Bona Vista
Garden area
All trails in centre lands
Sports field
Courts and sheds
Tennis court access area
Road into the brush pit
Crossings through centre lands from Maple to Ridge (2)
We want to inform Members that we may have to close some of the above areas until they are safe for use.
External Guidance
Mike Stamper will check with the consultant experts used in the creation of our Managed Forest Plan, as well as other tree service providers for further advice and external guidance on the approach we need to take with respect to cleanup.
We believe that the current strategy we have employed for the past number of years will continue. The strategy directs us to leave our centre lands in their most natural state. This means that, other than clearing debris from trails and possibly visible perimeters of centre lands, all other debris will remain. The Board consented to this general plan to leave downed trees and limbs in other areas not accessible as part of our trail system or common areas.
Based on the above strategy and the availability of contracted tree services, volunteers may be authorized to engage in small debris chipping along the perimeter of centre lands, if a suitable place for the chips can be found. This option will be revisited when we have quotes and timelines from contractors.
Determining Cost of Cleanup in Common Areas
Mike Stamper will work with Thom Sloley and other Board members to obtain quotes for cost and timelines for clearing debris from common areas on our prioritized list. We will obtain several quotes from the list of previously used contractors: Outram Tree Services, Living Legacy, Epics, MC Tree Service, and Joss. Mike has cautioned that we can expect higher prices than previously quoted.
Once quotes have been received, the Board will consider implementation in terms of timing and funding.
Cleanup Funding
Two options are being considered for funding the cleanup of our common areas:
A special assessment of Members*
Use of cash reserves
The Board agreed to consider a combination of special assessment of Members along with use of a portion of our reserves. However, the final decision will be based on actual costs and the length of time it will take for this cleanup effort. No decision is possible until we have further information.
Note:
* According to By-law No. 3 (Section 4.03(b),special assessments proposed by the Board to be levied against each Lot must be approved by Special Resolution of the Members at a duly called meeting of the Members. Once approved, the Charge must be paid by each Member when due, failing which the Member shall be deemed to be in default of its Membership Obligations.
Furthermore,“Special Resolution” means a resolution that is (i) submitted to a meeting of the Members duly called for the purpose of considering the special resolution and passed at the meeting, with or without amendment, by at least two-thirds (2/3) (i.e. greater than 66.66%) of the votes cast, in person or by proxy at such meeting; or (ii) consented to in writing by each Member (or the Member’s duly authorized personal representative) entitled to vote at a meeting of the Members.
We will be developing a plan and associated costing and will present this plan, and the funding requirements, to all Members as a Special Resolution at our Annual Meeting scheduled for Sunday, June 29th, 2025.
Supporting Each Other
This is a challenging time for all Members. The Board’s hope is that neighbours will remember that part of the Point’s mission is cooperation amongst members. Patience is encouraged as owners/neighbours may choose different methods to clean up their properties. Let’s continue to support each other as we navigate this process together.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me atchrisstamper54@gmail.comor connect with any of the other Directors.
Thank you,
Chris Stamper
Chair
April 12th, 2025
Spring Newsletter
Welcome back, fellow Long Pointers!
Another winter has come and gone, and none too soon. Looking forward to the warmth of the new summer season, it is with mixed emotions that we greet one another this year. For many, Long Point is not just a summer retreat—it’s a cherished home away from home—a place where we gather with family, friends, and nature itself to relax, unwind, and reconnect.
This year, however, things look a little different. The ice storm that swept through the Kawarthas last month left its mark, reminding us of nature’s powerful force and unpredictability. Many have commented that the devastation is worse than either of the tornadoes in ’75 and ‘95. All properties were severely impacted, with trees downed, torn power lines, flooded basements, and damaged structures. For some, the ice storm has already meant weeks of recovery, and full cleanup on the Point will take months. It’s a reminder that the serenity we enjoy here comes with challenges that can strike without warning.
It is important to remember that recovery is a process—one that takes time, effort, and, perhaps most importantly, community. While the storm may have shaken our surroundings, it hasn’t broken our collective love for this special place.
This summer, we have the opportunity to turn the page from the devastation of winter and look ahead to the promise of new beginnings. The felled trees will be cleared, and the land will be restored. New growth will push through the soil, and the air will once again be filled with the sounds of life: birds chirping, water lapping at the shore, and the laughter of friends and family gathering to celebrate the season. What we lost to the storm will slowly give way to a summer of renewal, where we can continue the traditions that bring us joy and keep the spirit of Long Point alive.
As we have said before, what makes Long Point special is that it is a community—a community that spans generations. Whether it’s helping with a brush pit burn (and there will be a lot of those this summer), clearing a trail, or simply spending time by the lake, we’ll do it as a community, just as we always have.
This update contains important information that every Member needs to know and understand. Please take a few minutes to read in detail. Many thanks.
2025 Board of Directors
Below are your 2025 Directors, who will continue to serve until the AGM. At the 2025 AGM, we will elect the slate of Directors to serve from June 30th, 2025 until the next AGM in June 2026.
We would like to again thank Gary Crawford and Heather Kenney for their service on the Board.
2024 - 2025 Directors:
David Barrons – Director and Tennis Liaison
Cory Lamonthe – Director and Website Coordinator
Gerry Lynch – Director and City of Kawartha Lakes Liaison
Wendy Parke – Director and Communications Liaison
Joanne Poulin – Vice Chair and Regatta Liaison
Thom Sloley – Director and Grounds Liaison
Chris Stamper – Chair
Mike Stamper – Past Chair and Managed Forests Lead
Hailey Wilkinson – Director and Merchandise Liaison
Officers
Linda Crawford – Secretary
Sue Reid – Treasurer
Role Succession
The Board is powered by volunteers. We need Members to get involved and give back. This year, we are looking for two people to take on a role with the Board. This does not mean that you must be a Board Director.
Website Coordinator: Cory will be ending his term this year and we are looking for someone to take over this important role.
Treasurer: Sue Reid, our esteemed and dedicated Treasurer, has indicated her desire to step down from this role. She has given us ample notice, and we would like to have her successor join as an Officer this year, to learn from Sue and assume the role in 2026. If you have an accounting background and are looking for a way to leverage your experience, give back and stay active, please reach out to me at chrisstamper54@gmail.com if you're interested.
Directors: We also continue looking for additional Directors. Please email me at the above email if you are interested.
Website – New and Improved
Special thanks to Cory for making a series of updates to the website over the winter. There are new sections: a Buzz archive in case you miss an email, Long Point history, a calendar of events and much more. Make sure to check it out.
Facebook Group
It was great to see everyone using our Facebook group during the ice storm to provide updates and share photos. We want to continue using this platform to stay current with what’s happening on Long Point.
If you want to share a photo or a story and/or haven't joined the Facebook group yet, the link is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/555263373823507.
The Summer Ahead – The Buzz
Heather Kenney has graciously agreed to stay on and lead the Buzz!! Thanks Heather. Wendy Parke will work closely with Heather. Thank you, Wendy. The Buzz will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of the summer. All activities and events will be shared via the Buzz. Feel free to add other members of your family to the distribution list to ensure that everyone has all the latest information. To do so, please email Heather at heatherkenney16@gmail.com. The Buzz usually comes out weekly so make sure you check your inbox.
Annual Dues
Your contribution to the caring and upkeep of Long Point and its lands and facilities is greatly appreciated and makes Long Point unique among cottager associations in Ontario. When your dues are paid on time, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the ongoing use of our communal facilities and benefit from security patrols in the winter season. We thank you for your continued support of Long Point and its many assets.
As a reminder, the Annual Dues of $250 per cottage lot are due on or before June 1st, 2025. Dues received after June 1st are $275.
Important note: Members are required to pay the assessed annual dues, for each cottage lot, no later than June 1st in each calendar year. For example, if you own two lots (two green 911 address signs) you would pay $500 (two lots = two dues). This also allows for two votes at the AGM.
Dues can be paid via cheque or e-transfer to longpointra@gmail.com. Please see the Dues Notice for more details. As a reminder, to be eligible to vote at the AGM you need to be a Member in good standing and that requires your dues to be paid.
Registry and Member Voting
You should have received an email from Linda Crawford looking to confirm your cottage ownership and your designated voting member. This is required as part of the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. If you have any questions, please contact Linda at crawford3018@rogers.com.
The due date to return your information is May 1st.
Long Point Logo Shop - Gear Up for Summer 2025!
Thank you to Anne Borschneck and Hailey Wilkinson who will be leading the charge on our 2025 clothing sale.
We’re back! After the huge success of last year’s gear, the Long Point Logo Shop is officially open for summer 2025
This year, we’re bringing back your favourite classics in our tried-and-true basics plus a brand-new Feature Colour—Red, that’s proudly Canadian
Here’s what you need to know:
Visit the Shop on the website
Order Deadline: Get your orders in by Monday, May 19th
Pick-Up Date: Everything will be ready for pick-up on Saturday, June 21st
As always, all proceeds go straight back to the Association to help fund all the fun events and activities we’ve got planned for the summer. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to show off your Long Point spirit.
If you have any questions about the ordering process, please contact Anne at aborsch100@gmail.com or Hailey at hailey.m.wilkinson@gmail.com.
Storm Update
With power now restored, the focus shifts to cleanup efforts. Gerry Lynch, our COKL liaison, has been in contact with the City. They are aware of the conditions on the Point and the need for additional cleanup on our roads. As you can imagine, other areas are facing the same issues. While the City is prioritizing all cleanup requirements, we do not yet have an exact timeline. We will remain active in our engagement with the City and continue to advocate for Long Point. Thank you, Gerry, for your work on this.
In addition, the Grounds team, led by Thom Sloley, will be assessing what is required to clean up the Centre Lands, including the common areas. We will be developing a plan, with an associated budget, to tackle the cleanup, and we will work through it over the next few months.
Brush Pit and Leaf Pit
At this time, the Brush Pit continues to be closed, but will be opened soon. With the expected volume of material this summer, we anticipate a number of additional burns will be required. When you see the email from Graham Tough, please consider participating.
We once again want to take a moment to remind everyone that the BRUSH PIT is strictly for BRUSH. Do not dump items like pressure treated or painted wood, metal, mulch, large logs, or stumps.
If you have leaves you would like to remove from your property, please use the dedicated Leaf Pit. We want to remind cottagers that blowing leaves and limbs across their properties and into the Centre Lands is not appropriate. Doing so, can block walking trails, and potentially threaten our Managed Forest program.
Please also respect the Brush Pit signage. If the pit is full or closed, the team is either waiting on a burn permit or appropriate weather for a burn and the facility can not handle additional items at that time. Please check before you go, to make sure the pit is available as we have had situations where brush was left at the side of our path as access was blocked. If you have a garden service helping with your property, remind them that all materials must be removed from the Point.
Long Point Events and Activities
Check out the website for all of the key events this summer and please make note of the following events and dates:
Annual General Meeting - Sunday, June 29th from 10 am to 12 pm
Yoga at the sports court - every Wednesday at 9:30 am in July and August
Golf Tournament - Saturday, July 5th
Regatta - Saturday, August 2nd
Youth Tennis Camp - August 4th to 8th
Youth Tennis Tournament - Saturday, August 9th
Long Point Ladies Luncheon - Monday, August 11th at Western Trent Golf Course, organized by Marilyn Aunger
Corn Roast - Saturday, August 30th
Wine Survivor 2025 - Cory Lamothe will once again be organizing this great fundraiser
Pickleball Round Robin - TBC
Balsam Lake Tennis Tournament - TBC
Men's Hit and Grunt – TBC
Long Point Monday Golf – TBC
Bridge – If you are interested in joining the Long Point Bridge Club to play “easy going” bridge, to have some fun and get to know more Long Pointers, please contact Tim Anevich at anevichtimothy@gmail.com or Marsha Anevich at marsha.anevich@gmail.com.
These dates and times are also available on the website calendar.
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations – FOCA
FOCA is a not-for-profit membership organization that has been the voice of the waterfront for over 60 years. The LPRA is a member of FOCA and Wendy Parke is our Association representative. Each member of our Association can login to access member benefits on the FOCA website.
Any time you see a prompt to login for members-only materials – for recordings of past FOCA events, benefits access codes, or FOCA print publications, reports, fact sheets or video resources – you will be able to use your personal login to access them.
If you need any technical assistance, please reach back to FOCA directly.
Membership Directory
As a reminder, you can access the Membership Directory on our website.
Updates or changes to your directory information can be emailed to Heather Kenney at heatherkenney16@gmail.com.
Get Involved
If you have any questions or are looking to get involved in the community, please reach out to me at chrisstamper54@gmail.com. Extra hands are always welcome.
We look forward to seeing you all this summer at the Lake!
As we settle into this new season, let’s raise a glass to the memories we’ve made, to the challenges we’ve overcome, and to the future that awaits. The storm may have taken its toll, but the summer ahead is full of promise, and we’re here to enjoy every bit of it.
Welcome back to the cottage and let’s make our 101st summer unforgettable!
Sincerely,
Chris Stamper and your amazing Board of Directors and volunteers