Skeleton Lake News

Re:  Lippa Pit and Quarry  2^nd Pre-Hearing Conference update

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of recent activity, plus important upcoming dates in our continued fight against the proposed Lippa pit and quarry.

Recent Activity:

The 2nd Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference was held on Friday July 13, 2018 in Bracebridge.  A big thank you to all of those who were able to attend - once again, the Community Centre was filled with people opposed to the Lippa operations!  During the Hearing, the Tribunal added an additional Party plus 3 additional Participants to the case, all supporting our position.  

As well, during the Hearing, SLCO Counsel asked the Township of Muskoka Lakes to clarify its position on Lambert’s Lake and Mud Lake, which are designated as Waterfront in the Township’s Official Plan.  The proposed pit and quarry would be located significantly less than two kilometres from these lakes, which is in violation of the Official Plan.  We hope to receive their response by August 31, 2018.

Upcoming Dates:

The Board has ordered that a 3rd OMB Pre-Hearing Conference be set for Monday Nov 26, 2018 and be held at the Community Centre, Port Carling.  As before, your attendance is important, as we want to continue to demonstrate to the Adjudicator that a large number of people remain strongly against the proposed pit and quarry.

The OMB Hearing itself is expected to take place sometime in 2019.  These dates will be set at the next PHC and we will notify you once they become available. 

I am looking forward to seeing you at the next Pre-Hearing Conference in November.  As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely, 

Scott May, President

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

e:   scott@skeletonlake.ca

c:   416 559 2839

SLCO Newsletter – July 15, 2018

Water Quality Update

Water quality testing was conducted on July 7, 2018 (the previous test was conducted on May 31, 2018).

There are six parameters that our water testing program monitors.  They are Total Coliform, E.Coli, Total Phosphorus, Calcium, Clarity and Temperature.  All of these have a factor in the quality of our water.

Water samples for Total Phosphorous and Calcium are done and sent to the Dorset Environmental Science Centre for testing.  We will receive results for these later this summer.  Dorset also receives our secchi (clarity) results for the season.

Secchi testing (clarity) on July 12, 2018 (a very sunny, calm day) resulted in a count of 11 meters.  This is an excellent result for clear Skeleton Lake.

8 Locations are tested May to September each year for Total Coliform and E.Coli:

Wilson’s Bay                 SK2

Newport Beach             SK4

Beaman’s Bay               SK6

Camp Ramah                SK7

Bottom of High Falls    SK8

Camp Kwasind              SK9

Long Point Bay              SK10

Long Bay                        SK11

All of these locations in the second testing (July 7, 2018) tested “good to great”.  Total Coliform counts were higher than in May.  This is common for the lake with warmer temperatures and more boating.  There has not been a lot of rain and the pollen was very high/thick this year.  Temperature of the lake is a consistent 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Our water testing so far this year indicates that the high quality of the water in Skeleton Lake continues its reputation of a crystal, clear clean lake.

Garbage

The garbage and recycling bin site located at Skeleton Lake Marina did not return this summer season.  The owner of the Marina requested that the District of Muskoka (District) remove the site due to ongoing misuse of it and the continued challenges of keeping the site clean and tidy.

Instead, for those interested, the marina has arranged a new service.  New bins are now available to use at the side of the marina in a fenced, locked area.  The current cost per month to use the bins is approximately $25/month.  The amount of the fee is based on the number of people who use the garbage service.  The marina will not be using these bins and will not be making any profits on the program.  Please note this new service is only open to the marina’s seasonal slip customers, and not open to the general public.

Septic Pump-Out

SLCO is planning to once again organize a ‘septic tank pump’ for water access properties.  This activity was done 2 years ago.  For those of you that might have missed it in 2016, now is the perfect time to get this necessary job done.  You can update your profile page by signing into your account at https://skeletonlake.ca/Sys/Profile , choose the grey tab ‘edit profile’ where you can indicate your interest in a pump out this year. Alternatively, you can email admin@skeletonlake.ca to indicate your interest in a pump out.  We will be sending out more details in a separate note.

Nesting Loons

The cry of the loon is a classic sound of life at the cottage.  As such, we need to do what we can to help protect our feathered friends.  A friendly reminder to please slow down on the water.  In particular, please be aware of the loons in the narrow channel between Rosebud Island and the mainland.  There is a sign at one end that says ‘slow no wake’, and there is a sign at the other end that says loon nesting area.  Speeding close to shore hurts our wildlife, damages boats and docks, and is dangerous!

Annual Regatta

The annual regatta will be held on Saturday August 4, 2018 starting at 12:00 noon.  Similar to before, it will be held at Newport Adventure Camp, on Camp Newport Road. 

Activities will include swimming/canoe/kayak races, plus land competitions including a 3-legged race, wheelbarrow race and tug-of-war.  There will even be a horseshoe social.   In-between the events, there will be a BBQ to keep you fueled up.  BBQ and registration will start at noon.  The event will end at approximately 3:30 PM.  In the event of rain, the Regatta will be held on Sunday, August 5.  The regatta is free to all SLCO members, their family and weekend guests.

Fishing Derby

The fishing derby will be held this year on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Skeleton Lake Marina, at Skeleton Lake Road #3 and Highway 141.  A pancake breakfast will be served, along with an award presentation after the event for those skilled anglers! 

Sailing Regatta

The 49^th running of the sailing regatta will be held on Sunday, August 5 with a start time of 1:30 pm at the east point of Wilson's Bay.  In the interim, let’s hope for fair winds!

2018 AGM

A reminder that the Annual General Meeting will be held this year on Sunday August 12.  The meeting will start at 10:00 am, and be held at Camp Ramah, 1104 Fish Hatchery Road in Utterson.  Please plan to attend in order to keep you informed of both current activities and issues on the lake.

Proposed Lippa Quarry

The 2nd Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) was held on Friday July 13.  A big thank you to all who attended!

The 3^rd OMB PHC is scheduled for Monday November 26 in the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council Chambers (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling), starting at 10:00 am.  This PHC provides an excellent opportunity for us to continue to show the OMB our level of concern and our complete commitment to defeating this quarry.  Let's fill the Community Centre Hall with concerned SLCO members and others in the community.

The SLCO is confirming that the Pre-hearing Conference ("PHC") is proceeding this Friday in Port Carling at 10:00am as scheduled.  We hope to see a big turnout.

There will be several controversial items on the agenda at the PHC, which SLCO is monitoring closely.

1. The lawyer for Frank and Elizabeth Lippa ("Lippa") will be asking the OMB  to schedule a hearing date as soon as possible.  Our lawyer will be objecting because the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests ("MNRF") has not formally referred the case under the Aggregate Resources Act for a hearing.  Our letter of objection sent to the MNRF dated July 10, 2017 has not received a response.  ThePlanning Act appeal and the ARA license should proceed together, but not until MNRF has completed its consultation and provided SLCO and the Township with its responses to our objections and any updated technical reviews.  Please note that Mr. Frank Lippa passed away recently and we are waiting to learn who will be the proponent going forward.
2. Mr. Ross Earl obtained party status and has notified the parties that he is a landowner on Lamberts Lake, just northeast of the proposed quarry.  Another lake, known locally as Mud Lake also lies close to the proposed quarry.   Both lakes are designated "Waterfront" in section "F" of the Township Official Plan.  Official Plan section E.14.2 requires new rock crushing operations shall be limited to areas "farther than two kilometres from a Waterfront designation".   Both Mr. Earle and SLCO will be making arguments on Friday that the failure to address the lack of physical separation of the quarry from these lakes requires a re-submission of the application to acknowledge these designations and to require examination of the impacts to these lakes, leading to their protection.
3. SLCO will be objecting to the draft "Issues List" provided by counsel to Lippa.  The List is too general and vague to permit the parties to ascertain what evidence, if any, needs to be called in response to the Lippa case.  It is premature to proceed to a hearing without a detailed Issues List.  We are expecting the Township to support SLCO in this objection.
4. Finally, SLCO will be seeking full disclosure of any new technical studies provided to the MNRF for review by our experts.  SLCO has been diligent in retaining experts from numerous disciplines to ensure the quarry is either not approved, or at the very least will not impact the quality of life around the lake.  Our experts have indicated in a series of preliminary peer reviews that there are serious deficiencies and omissions in the technical reports submitted to date.  In layman's terms, the facts are noise from the quarry and truck traffic will disturb our tranquil and natural environment.  Traffic safety mixed with the addition of large trucks is a significant concern as local roads are a "five out of five" for safety concerns.  Water quality could be impaired so that the lake will not persist in the same quality we now enjoy.  I expect that once our experts have made a thorough review of the updated studies, we will be providing you with a full report of their findings.  Again, we expect the Township to support our disclosure request.

The PHC will take place in the Port Carling Community Centre, starting at 10:00 sharp.  We expect the entire proceeding to last no more than 1 hour, please spare the time if you can.  Our strength is in our community and our numbers.

The Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

SLCO Newsletter – July 2018

Community Updates

Water Quality

Water quality testing was conducted on May 31, 2018.

There are six parameters that our water testing program monitors.  They are: Total Coliform,

E. Coli, Total Phosphorus, Calcium, Clarity and Temperature.  All of these have a factor in the quality of our water.  Water samples for Total Phosphorous and Calcium are done and sent to the Dorset Environmental Science Centre for testing.  We will receive the results for these samples later this summer.  Dorset also receives our secchi (clarity) results for the season.

Secchi testing on May 31, 2018 (a very sunny, calm day) resulted in a count of 11 meters.  This is an excellent result for clear Skeleton Lake.

8 locations are tested May to September each year for Total Coliform and E. Coli:

Wilson’s Bay                 SK2

Newport Beach             SK4

Beaman’s Bay               SK6

Camp Ramah                SK7

Bottom of High Falls      SK8

Camp Kwasind              SK9

Long Point Bay              SK10

Long Bay                       SK11

All of these locations in the first testing (May 31, 2018) tested very well.  There had not been a lot of rain, and not a lot of spring runoff due to our late spring and no pollen.  Our water testing so far this year indicates the high quality of the water in Skeleton Lake continues its reputation of a crystal clear clean lake.

Garbage

The garbage and recycling bin site located at Skeleton Lake Marina did not return this summer season.  The owner of the Marina requested that the District of Muskoka (District) remove the site due to ongoing misuse of it and the continued challenges of keeping the site clean and tidy.

Instead, for those interested, the marina has arranged a new service.  New bins are now available to use at the side of the marina in a fenced, locked area.  The current cost per month to use the bins is approximately $25/month.  The amount of the fee is based on the number of people who use the garbage service.  The marina will not be using these bins and will not be making any profits on the program.

Septic Pump-Out

SLCO is planning to once again organize a ‘septic tank pump’ for water access properties.  This activity was done 2 years ago.  For those of you that might have missed it in 2016, now is the perfect time to get this necessary job done.  Click here to update your profile page and sign into your account Click the grey ‘ Edit profile ’ button, scroll down and click 'yes' to indicate your interest in a pump out this year.  Alternatively, you can email admin@skeletonlake.ca to indicate your interest in a pump out.   We will be sending out more details in a separate note.

Nesting Loons

The cry of the loon is a classic sound of life at the cottage.  As such, we need to do what we can to help protect our feathered friends.  A friendly reminder to please slow down on the water.  In particular, please be aware of the loons in the narrow channel between Rosebud Island and the mainland.  There is a sign at one end that says ‘slow no wake’, and there is a sign at the other end that says loon nesting area.  Speeding close to shore hurts our wildlife, damages boats and docks, and is dangerous!

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of recent news, and its resulting impact on the legal process of the proposed quarry just north of Skeleton Lake.

I recently learned of the tragic news of the sudden passing of Mr. Frank Lippa, the quarry applicant. 

It is currently unclear how this unforeseen event may impact the timing of the second OMB Pre-Hearing Conference that was to be held in Port Carling on July 13.  The ‘Rock the Quarry Rally’ for Skeleton Lake, previously scheduled for July 13 in Port Carling, has been postponed until sometime in August.

Further updates will be issued as new information becomes available.  Until then, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lippa family during this difficult time.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Scott May, President

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

e:   scott@skeletonlake.ca

c:   416 559 2839

To:  SLCO Members

Re: Proposed Lippa Pit and Quarry – Key Dates

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of recent activity, plus important upcoming dates in our continued fight against the proposed Lippa pit and quarry.

Recent Activity:

Over the past few months, our team has been working with some of our experts to support our case.  Specifically, initial assessments have been made by water quality, acoustics and road safety experts. 

Key Dates:

The second Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) will take place on Friday July 13, 2018 at 10 am and be held at the Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling.  Your attendance is important, as we want to continue to demonstrate to the Adjudicator that a large number of people are strongly against the proposed pit and quarry.

Later that same day, Friday July 13, from 7:30 – 10:00 pm, a ‘Rock the Quarry Rally’ for Skeleton Lake will be held in the Port Carling Community Centre.  Both guest speakers and live musical entertainment will be on hand.  Admission will be free and open to the public, (however donations for SLCO’s Stop the Lippa Quarry Fund will be gladly accepted!)  This rally will be informative and entertaining so please plan to attend.  More information on the rally is available by clicking on the following link:  Rock the Quarry Rally for Skeleton Lake @ Port Carling Community Centre ( 3 Bailey St ) .

Looking further into the future, there is the possibility of a third PHC, although no date has yet been discussed.  The OMB Hearing itself will likely be scheduled for the spring of 2019.  We will notify you of further details once they are available.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the above-mentioned events.  In the interim, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Scott May, President

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

e:   scott@skeletonlake.ca

c:   416 559 2839

The 2018 Muskoka Summit on the Environment will be held on May 24 & 25 in Bracebridge. These summits, occurring every 2 years since 2010, have  become premier events featuring world-class speakers and public debate on key environmental issues.  This year's theme is "Restoring our Relationship With The Natural World".

On the second day, all speakers participate in a panel discussion moderated by Paul Kennedy, host of CBC Radio's "Ideas".  He uses the panel discussion and excerpts from the rest of the Summit to create an hour-long radio presentation that is broadcast on "Ideas".

Further information on the Summit can be found at:

https://muskokasummit.org/

Please click here to see the recent Globe and Mail article describing the current fight against the proposed Lippa pit and quarry on Skeleton Lake. 

- Tim Lutton

April 2, 2018

February 26, 2018

To:  SLCO Members

Re: Proposed Lippa Pit and Quarry:  Summary of Feb 21, 2018 Pre-Hearing Conference

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a brief summary of last Wednesday’s Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC), held in Port Carling.

The first PHC proceeded as planned.  Mr. Hugh Wilkins was the Adjudicator for the OMB.  Approximately one hundred people attended, which demonstrated to the Adjudicator this is an issue people care about.  The purpose of the PHC was for the Adjudicator and respective counsels to: identify ‘parties and participants’, note issues people wish to raise, and agree on future dates.  By the end of the PHC, the Adjudicator granted ‘Party Status’ to the SLCO, the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Mr. Ross Earl, and the Appellant Mr. Lippa.  In addition, the Adjudicator granted ‘Participant Status’ to thirteen people/groups, including the Lake Rosseau North Association, and the Lake Vernon Association.

The second OMB PHC will take place on Friday July 13, 2018 at 10 am and be held at the Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling.  As before, our legal counsel has advised that a strong turnout from residents and cottagers who are opposed to the proposed pit and quarry is important at the second PHC.  It is important to continue to demonstrate to the Adjudicator that a large number of people are strongly against the proposed pit and quarry.

Looking further into the future, there is the possibility of a third PHC; no date has been discussed for a third PHC yet.  The OMB Hearing itself will likely be scheduled for the spring of 2019.  We will notify you of these dates once they are available.

Please continue to follow us on our Skeleton Lake Cottagers’ Organization Facebook page.  In particular, please refer to the following post on the Feb 21 PHC.

As we continue to go forward, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Scott May, President

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

e:   scott@skeletonlake.ca

c:   416 559 2839

February 18, 2018

To:  SLCO Members

Re: Proposed Lippa Pit and Quarry:  Pre-Hearing Conference Reminder – Feb 21, 10:00 am

As you are aware from my previous communications on this topic, Frank Lippa is seeking an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to allow a 135.4 acre pit and quarry, in the vicinity of Butler Mill Road and Aspdin Road, less than 2 kilometers from Skeleton Lake.

The purpose of this letter is to remind you of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) to be held on Wednesday February 21, 2018 at 10 am.  The PHC will be held at the Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling.  

The primary reason for the PHC is to determine whether Mr. Lippa and his consulting team are ready to proceed to a hearing (i.e. are his studies and reports completed).  If so, the OMB Board Member may ask parties to settle on available dates for a hearing.  If Mr. Lippa is not ready to proceed, then he will ask the Board for a second PHC, likely 3 or 4 months from now.

As our legal counsel has advised, a strong turnout from residents and cottagers who are opposed to the proposed pit and quarry is important at the PHC.  It is important to demonstrate to the adjudicator(s) that a large number of people are against the proposed pit and quarry.  Thus, we encourage you to attend the PHC on Wednesday, February 21, at 10:00 am at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council Chambers in Port Carling.   

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Scott May, President

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization

e:   scott@skeletonlake.ca

c:   416 559 2839