Musselman's Lake Residents Association (MLRA) official website.
M.L.R.A. is dedicated to making sure that the Community of Musselman’s Lake continues to be a vibrant community where all can enjoy the lake and all the recreation associated with an enjoyable lake environment.
LIVE HEALTHY * WORK HARD * PLAY RIGHT
You Can Save A Life!
It’s In You To Give.
Please donate at the Ballantrae Community Centre Clinic
on Saturday, June 29th, 2013
from 9am to 1pm Click Here For More Information
JUN
2013
14
Watch For It!
The MLRA will be launching its new website soon.
A new more user friendly and mobile device compatible website is on the way…Watch For It!
JUN
2013
14
Residents Applaud As Illegal Dumps Are Dealt With.
An underwater dumping site and two illegal dumping operations are dealt with.
Please see below story “It Was A Great Day For Our Lake” and letter “Two Suspected Illegal Dumpsites. Charges Laid.”
JUN
2013
11
It Was A Great Day For Our Lake
Residents clean up an underwater dump site
Thanks to the efforts of a few residents, tons of garbage that included dangerous twisted metal, plastic, fiberglass and a couple of boats has been removed from the bottom of Musselman’s Lake. Residents have been complaining for many years that this private underwater dump site was a blight on our jewel of a Lake and that it should be cleaned up. On Saturday that became a reality. Under a Ministry of the Environment warning…three barge loads of debris that has been described as “something out of horror movie” was removed from the bottom of the Lake.
Passing residents applauded all those involved and thanked them for their efforts. Everyone was so happy to see the blight was finally being dealt with.
It truly was “A Great Day For The Lake”.
Blue fibreglass slide removed once before with sunken barge in 2008
Load after load of twisted metal, plastic and fiberglass were removed that include a rotten boat wreck and a gas tank
Inside wreck of boat
JUN
2013
11
Two Suspected Illegal Dumpsites. Charges Laid.
Letter from Councillor Phil Bannon in response to MLRA concerns about possible illegal dumping.
Hello MLRA,
Mr. Paul Bolender owns two properties on Highway 48 between Vandorf Road and Lakeshore Road. The Town has information suggesting that Mr. Bolender is using the properties for purposes that are not in accordance with their permitted uses. More particularly, the Town’s information is that the properties are being used as illegal dumping sites.
The Town has laid charges in Provincial Offences Court in respect of these alleged breaches of its by-laws, and is attempting to secure an early trial date for those charges.
Regards,
Councillor Phil Bannon
JUN
2013
11
Public Information Session
The session will be convened from 6:30 pm to approximately 8:30 pm with a Special Council Meeting to follow.
Please note this is a meeting regarding an application from United Soils Management and not the numbered company that has an application in for the Bloomington site. Different companies and different projects.
For more information on the meeting please click here
Please see the information and videos below from a previous post as they were about the United Soils Management – Lee Sand and Gravel Pit restoration Project.
Again, you all have done a wonderful job, providing our community with timely information…
Letter from Charlene Jones to the MLRA
Again, you all have done a wonderful job, providing our community with timely information on the application to refill the fill site on Bloomington. In addition, the letter from our neighbor on Ninth Line provides the whole area with a clear and specific sense of just how dangerous it can be over here.
As always Councillor Bannon's response is articulate, friendly and caring. Add to this his impressive list of accomplishments around road safety and we see why he was re-elected!
I hope more can be done regarding this sensitive spot around the Ninth Line, the place I wrote about as Bang Up Bend, particularly to alert cyclists who as Angela so clearly states, seem to careen around as if no one else occupies the road.
Thanks to MLRA and the great folks at Ravenshoe Group who provide the technology.
With many thanks
Charlene Jones
JUN
2013
04
Thank you for taking the time to make your residents aware of this community concern.
Letter to Rick Wigmore, president of the MLRA from Councillor Phil Bannon
Good Morning Rick:
I would like to thank you and your Association Board for the great work that you do representing your community and taking the time to attend the Council meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
The facts are very clear, precise and well presented in your report.
The proponent has the right to submit his application to the Town for the Site Alteration Permit and the residents have a right to voice their support or opposition to the application.
This was clearly an opportunity for residents to come forward and voice their concerns about the proposed Site Alteration Permit application at 5783 Bloomington Rd.
A very clear majority of the residents registered legitimate concerns in relation to the existing 5511 operation that currently exists at the western portion of the property and how that operator will impact on their property and lives if the application for 5783 is allowed to proceed.
All of the comments registered by residents who attended the meeting, sent emails, letters and phone calls will be reviewed by Staff.
A formal report will be prepared and presented to Council in September for final decision. The report and Council decision would have been available earlier, but one of the residents asked that they be given time to prepare a more detailed opposition to the application.
Any further comments registered by residents will be taken into consideration by Staff in their report to Council.
Thank you for taking the time to make your residents aware of this community concern.
Regards
Phil Bannon
JUN
2013
04
Developer Demonstrate Green, Community Awareness
Geranium Homes has a proposal before Town for Lakeshore Road
By Charlene Jones
Commercial development will be coming to Highway 48
In a perfect world, fields remain fields, stretches of road remain as you remember them and developers stay somewhere else. This is not that world and our community faces change. This is not a guess, or a maybe, but a certainty, although what kind of retail buildings might greet us in future along Highway 48 remains anyone’s guess. The Town, for example, faces increased pressure to create new, affordable housing, since so many people want what we enjoy: community based, quiet life surrounded by nature. To continue delivering top quality services to all, the Town must lean toward a greater tax base. At the same time, the Ontario Government pressures builders to squeeze more from less: more people on less land to create less urban sprawl.
Lakeshore Road Project
Geranium Homes, a leader since 1977 in high quality, uniquely designed homes has a proposal before Town outlining a plan to designate approximately 12 acres east of Highway 48 along Lakeshore Road as sites for 19 homes (1 existing home to be maintained and 18 new to be built) Yes, each home on approximately half an acre.
Draft proposal for Lakeshore project
Consider some of the options. An application for north of Ballantrae is in process to construct 5 houses per acre, the equivalent of 50 homes on 10 acres, clearly in keeping with those pressures from the provincial government.
Another possibility sees the Town approving a 50 home subdivision of affordable homes, then creating a bus route to transport those folks. Imagine the increased population with those figures.
Or picture an institution with a three or four acre parking area. That would mean paving paradise, for sure! While these three options are within the realm of reality, the idea of 19 detached homes, beautifully built, costing more than a million dollars each leads the pack as the choice to back.
Yes, that’s right, over $1,000,000 to start is the selling price targeted for these new homes. One way to consider this new community is as a buffer zone between the lake and the coming commercialization on Highway 48.
Previous Geranium Homes project in Ballantrae
MLRA Meets with Geranium Homes
As one of the most successful builders in Ontario, Geranium Homes raise unique, top quality homes, as green or energy efficient as possible. To back up this claim, Geranium invites everyone to drop by the model homes at Forest Trail Estates on the west side of 48 just south of Lakeshore Road.
The President of the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association, Rick Wigmore met on two occasions with two of Geranium’s top executives to discuss the impact of Geranium’s proposed site on our community. Mario Giampietri, the President of Geranium Homes attended the first meeting, and the second meeting was with Cheryl Shindruk, Executive Vice- President, Land Development for Geranium Homes.
Note that Geranium Homes holds the relationship with our community in such high regard that Mr. Giampietri himself attended the first meeting.
As follow-up to the discussion in which Wigmore outlined four major concerns of the residents, Shindruk returned the following:
QUESTION POSED BY RESIDENTS
1. Density-0.5-acrelots
The proposed lots range in size from 0.5 acre to 1.05 acres, with the majority in the range of 0.5 to 0.6 acres.
The site is designated “Future Residential Area II” in the Ballantrae- Musselman Lake Secondary Plan. This designation permits a minimum lot size of 0.5 acres for lots with communal septic systems.Historically, the size of estate lots was determined by the land area needed to accommodate a private septic system and provide sufficient attenuation area on site (i.e., on the individual lot). The tertiary (higher level) treatment provided by the Waterloo Biofilter System does not require as much land area for attenuation.
Provincial policy mandates more efficient use of land and the use of advanced treatment technology wherever possible, to benefit the environment and create more sustainable communities. The proposed development does this.
2. Waterloo Biofilter System. Why chosen? How safe? Proof of regular maintenance.
Why chosen?
The Waterloo Biofilter System is approved for use in Ontario by the Ontario Building Code.
The Waterloo Biofilter System treats sewage to a higher quality than conventional septic systems, resulting in cleaner effluent being discharged from the system to the tile beds.
Unlike conventional septic systems, the Waterloo Biofilter treats the wastewater before it is released into the soil, typically resulting in a 50% to 65% reduction in nitrate levels.
In addition to the benefits of reduced nitrates discharging into the environment, another important benefit of the Waterloo Biofilter System is the fact that air is able to circulate passively through the unit to maintain aerobic conditions, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical aeration (commonly used in other systems).
How Safe?
As noted, the OBC recognizes the Waterloo Biofilter System as a system approved for use in Ontario.
The Ontario Building Code requires property owners with Waterloo Biofilter systems (and similar systems) to enter into a maintenance contract with an authorized service provider.
3. Water flow across property. What assurances will we have that there will be no backup into the basements on Aurora Road
Geranium Homes is required to demonstrate that pre-development surface water flow will be unchanged in a post-development condition, to ensure there will be no negative impacts on the surrounding properties.
The hydrogeological assessment undertaken by our consulting team has been accepted and signed off on by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, who ultimately must be satisfied that the development can be implemented without impacting neighbouring properties.
The water budget analysis compares the predevelopment and post- development movement of water through the hydrologic cycle. On a site- specific basis, such parameters as runoff, infiltration and evapotranspiration are considered to assess the impacts of the development on the hydrologic characteristics of the site.
4. Traffic Flow - concern that the corner of Lakeshore and Highway 48 already back up in rush hour.
The Transportation Assessment by BA Group (Consulting transportation engineers) confirms that both Lakeshore Road and Highway 48 will function at acceptable levels. The traffic impacts on Highway 48 are even less than on Lakeshore Road. Highway 48 has more than ample capacity to handle the traffic from the 18 new lots.
The BA Group also concluded that Lakeshore Road and its intersection with Treeview Avenue can fully accommodate the traffic that will be generated with little to no impact.
It is worth noting Geranium hired BA Group Consulting to consider the influx of traffic as a result of the new development, a move that indicates true desire to fulfill all laws and to minimize impact on our community.
Geranium Homes sponsors local events
In addition to taking the MLRA questions seriously, Geranium has put dollars into community charities with donations to the Stouffville Winter Carnival, the Stouffville Fall Fair, the Ballantrae Wine and Cheese Festival. All functions are fund raising events for the various charities in this community.
Positive effect on our community
Geranium’s insistence on building only the best high quality homes will aid in increasing the value of our homes. Adding nineteen high value homes will have a positive effect on the community as a whole. These homes will not only act as a buffer between our community and the commercialization of Highway 48 but they will also help to improve our dynamic community’s image as has happened with other high value projects.
If you have an opinion for or against, or have any questions at all simply write us at mlra@musselmanslake.ca and we will make your concerns known.
We will make every effort to answer your questions in a timely manner.
MAY
2013
28
Wine & Food Festival
Come out and enjoy an evening of sampling fine wine and culinary delights from local wineries and restaurants.
MAY
2013
23
Rehabilitating the Rehabilated?
Special Council Meeting was held to discuss a fill permit for 5783 Bloomington Road
By Rick Wigmore
WOW! I attended the Special Council Meeting May 22nd to discuss a fill permit for 5783 Bloomington Road (Just West of Ninth Line on the South side of Bloomington Rd). This is the beautiful site of a previously rehabilitated gravel pit. It consists of an 83 acre grassed in valley of 30 degree slopes and 2 large ponds.
The owner of the property has made an application for a Site Alteration Permit to fill this previously rehabilitated pit with clean fill and return the property to a flat farmer’s field.
5783 Bloomington Road - 83 acres
The Town Hall meeting room was filled with concerned residents mainly from the Bloomington area and immediate vicinity. There were also environmental groups from as far away as the Kawarthas plus representation from “Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition”.
First a power point presentation was made by Fabian Papa and Partners Inc. who are Risk Management Consultants for the owner and the pit operator 1398493 Ontario Inc c/o Recycling Canadian Group. Everyone paid really close attention to the presentation being made.
After the project presentation was completed by the applicant’s consultants, the Mayor invited the public to participate and make their wishes known… and did they ever! The environmental groups were up first and mainly pointed out the fact that some of these Fill Operations operating in Ontario have gone horribly wrong. That bad soil, supposedly tested, had been used for fill and spread contamination in the area. In other words lack of proper government supervision of these fill operations has created some messes that really need to be cleaned up.
Then the local residents took over with many powerful compelling presentations against proceeding with this site alteration plan. One resident said before buying his home that backs on to this property he did his due diligence by going to the town to see if there were any more development plans or fill operations in the works for this adjacent property. He was told the pit was finished and the land had been rehabilitated so basically he was informed his beautiful view would stay intact. On the strength of these assurances he purchased the property.
There was a resident on Bloomington Road that pointed out this application was the same fill operator who managed 5511 Bloomington Road. He pointed out that before work started on filling and rehabilitating 5511 they were made the same promises that were made tonight about controlling noise dust and truck traffic. The most disconcerting fact was that this pit operator, whether blatantly or by an incredible oversight, had overfilled this site with at least 200,000 cubic metres of fill more than the license called for. The original plan had called for the property to be filled to the level of the bottom of the surrounding berms and then for the berms to be bulldozed down and thus maintaining the spectacular view of Toronto. The fill now exceeds the height of the berm which really brings into question the credibility of the fill operator. He also questioned where was the Town supervision to allow this to happen and what assurances were there that this travesty would not be repeated at 5585 Bloomington Road.
These presentations went on and on with 100 percent of the residents in attendance firmly opposed to the approval of this site alteration permit. What was most impressive was that all presenters clearly stated their objections in a very rational and professional manner.
One resident summed up the evening by saying I was worried about this site application before this evening started now…
“I am just plain scared”.
I personally think Fill Operators are no different than any other industry. There are ethical businesses and there are businesses that like to skirt the letter of the law. I think it’s incumbent on the Town and it’s officials to carefully vet these operators. They need to thoroughly check into their reputations, successes and or failures of previous projects, plus their track record for complying with the existing rules and regulations. To have a Fill Operator overfill one project and simply turn over the keys to another piece of property seems on the surface quite difficult to understand.
At the end of the day, it comes down to one simple question that needs to be answered…
Does a beautiful 83 acre grassed valley with gentle slopes and two large ponds really need to be rehabilitated again?
Road safety should be the concern of all residents. Whether you walk, cycle or drive…Share, Care And Be Aware.
The Musselman’s Lake Residents Association (MLRA) has a mandate to improve road safety. As part of this mandate we have published several articles on Road Safety. Due to popular demand we are posting a couple of them below. Also below is a letter that was sent by a concerned resident to the MLRA and Councillor Phil Bannon. We have also included Councillor’s Bannon’s reply to this concerned resident.
We hope that you find these articles and letters informative.
Please have a fun and safe summer.
Please remember to…
“SHARE, CARE AND BE AWARE”.
Road Safety Starts
With Residents. Letter from a concerned resident to the MLRA and Councillor Phil Bannon. Also Phil Bannon’s response.
Dear Councillor Bannon & MLRA Exec,
My name is Angela and I live on" bang up bend" at the South end of Musselman's Lake on Ninth Line. In the last two years I have been first on-scene to two severe accidents directly in front of my home. I am sure you are all aware of the dangers on this curve. I am wondering when other nearby residents are going to realize that people live on this corner, people walk on this road & children play here.
At 1:30 pm today I had a friend stop by with his Grandparents so they could see the lovely view of the lake we are so blessed to enjoy. When he tried to pull out of my driveway to head North, he was very nearly rear ended by a vehicle coming around the corner way to fast. This offending vehicle blasted her horn at him for several seconds, and from my window, she appeared to be making unkind gestures towards him. After he arrived at his destination he called me to say that the offending car & driver pulled into a nearby home. I was saddened and angered to learn that this person who is not respecting the safety of our community is not only a member of the community, but basically a neighbour. Someone who should know better.
What my friend experienced trying to leave my home is something I experience here every day. People honk, give me the finger, try to swerve around me nearly causing accidents with oncoming traffic. Imagine if you had to deal with all that animosity & risk of personal injury every time you tried to leave or enter your home. It is completely unnecessary, unkind, straight up dangerous and frankly I'm fed up with it.
I understand the YRP have found a similar pattern - most speeders caught here are local residents.
A couple points:
Safety on this corner is a huge huge huge issue. Because of the stunning view of the lake it seems to be a natural stopping point for pedestrians, vehicles, and children alike. People stop and sit on the guardrail watching the sunset, and then I have to go out and let them know that 2 cars have smashed into that exact spot in the past 2 years, and they may want to be extra cautious (I never tell them to leave, just to be on guard - they always choose to leave when told what has gone on though). Cars with tourists in the summer come to a dead stop on the road as it's the first view of the lake and they take pictures out their car windows until another car comes screaming around the curve and lays on the horn/swerves around them. Moms with babies in strollers pause to take in the view. All this while motorists are careening dangerously fast around the curve.
Cyclists - I fear them the most as I fear hurting someone unintentionally. They come hurtling around that corner at 40 km +, and those of us that live on the lake side of the bend cannot see them, and cannot hear them in time to react. The lake has seemed to land itself on some list of popular cycling route and the sheer amount of them in spring/summer is a constant source of fear for me. I have been trying to reach out to the cycling community to make them aware of this danger, but no responses as of yet.
My stories from my 6 years here are endless.
What I am wondering is if something can be done to improve signage & road safety. I realize that speed humps, while by far the best solution are a "no-go" due to the regional route status, but is it not possible to have large "children at play, drive slow, SLOW DOWN" signs painted on the road all the way around the lake. I envision something like Jackson's point where it is made very obvious that pedestrians and vehicles share the road and the speed limit is 25 or 30 km/h. I also think that the current flashing 20km/h sign and other caution signs at the south end on Ninth line are in the wrong place. People are not looking up and to their right when coming around the corner at Sunny's heading North. They are looking down and to the left - at the lake. This is where the flashing caution light needs to be (at hyrdo pole at corner of Restnook & Ninth) as well as just before the guardrail begins, and perhaps along the guardrail. Take a drive yourself and see where your eyes go. The last guy to smash in here told me that he did not even see the signs and thought the speed limit was 60.
I can only imagine that Ninth Line pedestrian safety is an issue that is being tossed about more and more with the impending park at Wagon Wheel. I know I wouldn't let a child walk along the Ninth the way it is now.
Would appreciate hearing thoughts on what can be done with signage, etc. I'd prefer not to wait for a tragedy before action is taken. Perhaps road safety is something that can be discussed at next weeks event?
Regards,
Angela
Good Afternoon Angela:
Thank you for your email and your concern for our community. Community Safety and the reduction of speeds in our communities has always been a priority of mine.
Our communities are never safe enough. You are correct, that a clear majority of the speeding offenders caught by York Regional Police, are residents in your community.
I drive through the community at least twice a day so I know exactly what you are speaking of.
Just a bit of history, after the very sad motor vehicle fatality on Ninth Line, I implemented a Community Safety Committee composed of members of the MLRA, Town, York Regional Police and York Regional Roads.
The Committee implemented a significant number of safety measures that would provide the community with some confidence, that prevention was our utmost priority. The speed limit has been reduced (40 km) and the posted speed limit signs for northbound traffic on Ninth line, have been moved further south, to the top of the hill. A very aggressive radar enforcement program has been implemented, as well as speed caution signs installed on Ninth Line. The installation of the flashing amber light with recommended 20km speed limit and the large caution direction signs and arrows on the guardrails have also been implemented.
We have made a concerted effort to provide as much cautionary notice for drivers that their speed should be reduced in the area.
I appreciate your concern and I will make every effort to implement safety preventative measures for you, your family and community.
Special Note: You would be surprised to hear the number of phone calls and emails that I receive from residents in your community, complaining about the radar enforcement and the fact that they were caught.
Regards,
Phil Bannon
The Lake Road is Dangerous BUT… We Are Our Own Worst Enemies
(Originally posted 11.12.12)
The road around the Lake was built as a cottage road. It was never intended to hold the volume of cars, pedestrians, runners and cyclists that now use it. Even though, through the years road safety has been improved dramatically around the lake (reduced speed limits, improved guardrails and intersection re-engineering), there is still one major problem that has always been with us and still is the greatest threat to everyone’s safety. That problem is speeding. Councillor Bannon reacting to residents’ complaints about speed arranged for the York Region Police to set up speed traps. Over 80% are local residents!
Based on this data…we are our own worst enemies.
The immediate solution, to making this road less dangerous lies with the residents, both drivers and pedestrians. The immediate solution lies with all of us putting our neighbour’s safety first rather than the fact we might be late for work or an appointment. Even though through the years the road has become safer, it is never going to be totally safe unless we all slow down. The solution lies within each of the residents as drivers respecting the safety of the pedestrians and also pedestrians respecting the drivers. Both pedestrians and drivers must play a major role in this common sense safety equation.
Common sense tells us that…
It is not safe to speed especially on narrow, multi-use, community roads.
It is not safe when pedestrians and cyclists do not dress to be seen and blend in with the scenery.
It is not safe for pedestrians to use this road in inclement weather.
It is not safe to have inadequate street lighting (certain residents have threatened to shoot out proper new lighting).
Please treat our lake road as a cottage road. It is neither a pedestrian board walk nor a typical road but serves our community as both. We have a very unique community with a very unique road, which with some effort can be shared safely by all.
Drivers need to slow down and also realize that the speed of 40kph is the suggested and posted MAXIMUM speed. That doesn’t mean you have to travel at 40kph when meeting other cars and/or pedestrians on the road. Please recognize this is not a safe speed for sharing this narrow road with other traffic and SLOW DOWN.
Pedestrians please help out the drivers for not only your safety but also theirs. Do not walk 3 and 4 abreast and around corners please be extra cautious and walk single file. Dress to be seen. Wear bright and reflective clothing in order to be readily seen by the drivers. It’s a safety statement rather than a fashion statement. At night, you should be wearing reflective clothing and carry a small flashlight. Help the drivers to see you and they will in most cases instinctively slow down and give you room going by.
Please avoid walking the dog or especially the kids on this road when it’s raining or snowing. It’s a very difficult road to share with vehicles on the best of days but, in bad weather you have the added risk of not only the vehicles have less traction/visibility but, also you are more likely to slip which could be fatal if a car happens by at the same time.
If our community as a whole takes safety seriously, both pedestrians and motorists will immediately find that this cottage road in our community becomes less dangerous. Everyone has to recognize that it will never be totally safe and that safety starts at home. Please respect the dangers of our local roads and be safety conscious for your own safety and for the safety of our whole community who walk, hike, bike and drive the roads on a daily basis.
Maybe we can all learn to share this unique road so we can enjoy it without our safety being threatened.
Share, Care and be Aware!
Bang Up Bend You have to ask yourself: what is so important you can’t slow down to prevent an accident?
By Charlene Jones
(Originally posted 11.12.12)
It happens with tragic regularity on what might be called Bang Up Bend. The abrupt curve where the Ninth Line hugs Musselman’s Lake, here on the south side has again foiled the plans this time of a Saturday night driver.
The sound, a curious steady hum followed by a resounding thud seemed to come from right outside our house but when I checked, the red lights flashed ominously off and on from just up the way, just past the bend.
2011 Accident - Photo by Kevin Wigmore
After dialing 911 where the operator told me many vehicles were already on the way, I opened a front window.
The unsettling wail of despair and remorse sounded out once, then again as someone recognized the truth of the situation.
Whether substance was involved, whether emotions running high played a part, the truth is very simple: someone tried to take the bend way beyond the posted 20K.
Today the large orange and black pylons that regularly sit on the turn are there, standing upright, but the steel highway fence beyond has been thrown out of whack and the wooden posts that fix that steel in place dangle eerily in space. A long streak of dirt toward the south, veering off in the opposite direction from the lake tells the tale of how the driver swerved to avoid meeting the water. This time the guardrail held the badly damage vehicle from going into the lake. And all of it might have been prevented with a little more caution and a little less accelerator while approaching “Bang Up Bend”.
You have to ask yourself: what is so important you can’t slow down to prevent an accident?
MAY
2013
22
Lake Watch - Water Safety
Don’t forget the lifejackets. Be Safe And Always Think Water Safety.
As part of the MLRA Lake Watch initiative, the MLRA added a “Water Safety Tips” section on the home page last year. Also as part of that same initiative we are going to be posting articles and information on water safety on the MLRA website to help educate residents and visitors to the Lake about water safety. Please make sure that you read the posting below thoroughly and pass the information along. Also please make sure that any visitors that you may have to the Lake are aware of WATER SAFETY. You may save a life!
MAY
2013
14
Ballantrae Family Fireworks & Outdoor Movie Night
Sunday, May 19th, 2013
Ballantrae Community Park
# 5592 Aurora Rd.
6:00pm:
Music & Entertainment
Food & Refreshments ( for purchase)
Dusk:
Fireworks
9:15pm:
Outdoor Family Movie “Wreck it Ralph”
Sponsored by:
The Town of Whitchurch Stouffville & United Soils Management Limited
MAY
2013
14
Back Stage Pass
United Soils Management invited members of the MLRA executive for a behind the scenes look at the Lee Sand and Gravel Pit restoration project.
By Dan Wigmore (story and photos)
Alec Cloke, the owner of United Soils Management, contacted the MLRA executive with an invitation for a behind the scenes look at the Lee Sand and Gravel Pit restoration project. This was a gracious offer and an amazing opportunity not to be missed. Who wouldn’t want to go on a tour of the site we have only had glimpses of as we drove past? After all, this site restoration project is a very unique and ambitious project. Once the restoration project is completed, a former sand and gravel pit will have been restored back to the way it was originally, back in the 1950s. Using photos and surveys from before the pit was started, United Soils Management’s mandate is to restore the site to its original elevations and also to plant woodlots where they had previously been.
Alec Cloke with property owner, Mrs. Lee and her daughter
Alec Cloke was the perfect host. He even arranged to have members of the Lee family there to greet us. Alec and his Protocol Control officer, Lori Loughlin-Pilato, gave us a complete access tour of the restoration site and was it ever educational. When you drive down the road onto the site the first thing that hits you is - ”WOW…I had no idea just how large a project this is”. The vast scope of this project suddenly becomes quite clear. Alec Cloke pointed out two gradient slopes where, until very recently, stood over 100 ft. cliffs. This is being done to make the site safe before proceeding further with the restoration project.
United Soils Management, Lee Sand & Gravel restoration project site
Protocol Control officer , Lori Loughlin-Pilato demonstrating random soil testing performed regularly on site
Lori, United Soils’ protocol control officer gave us a demo of how they test soil samples and she also pointed out the monitoring wells around the site that are used to test for even the slightest of variations in the ground water. Inside the site office they have a site plan to record exactly where the loads were placed. This is done using GPS technology.
One of seven monitoring wells strategically positioned on the site to ensure water quality is maintained
After touring the site not only do you have a greater grasp of the scope of the project but you can actually begin to picture what the site will look like once the project is complete. We should be very proud to have such a unique restoration project being carried out in our community.
Alec Cloke is to be commended for all the efforts he is making to ensure that United Soils is not only a good neighbour but also
Alec Cloke (owner of United Soils), discusses soil testing protocols with Rick Wigmore (MLRA President), Jane Grinnell (MLRA VP)
continues to contribute to the community.
For more information please see links below for photo slide show of tour, an article on the project and interview videos with Alec Cloke.
MLRA's Charlene Jones using her Whistle Radio experience, interviews owner of United Soils Management for the MLRA about Lee Sand & Gravel pit restoration project in this first of a three part interview. See video below.
MLRA's Charlene Jones using her Whistle Radio experience, interviews owner of United Soils Management for the MLRA about Lee Sand & Gravel pit restoration project in this second of a three part interview. This segment covers regulations & safeguards covering the restoration of the former Lee Sand and Gravel Pit. See video below.
MLRA's Charlene Jones using her Whistle Radio experience, interviews owner of United Soils Management for the MLRA about Lee Sand & Gravel pit restoration project in this final of a three part interview. In this segment the effects on the community are discussed. See video below.
MAY
2013
10
Musselman’s Lake Earth Day Spring Clean Event
Cold wind and blowing snow wasn’t enough to keep away this year’s crew of hearty volunteers at our annual “Community Spring Clean.”
By Gord Collins (story and photos)
Guest contributor, Gord Collins at the MLRA Earth Day Spring Clean Event
Cold wind and blowing snow wasn’t enough to keep away this year’s crew of hearty volunteers at our annual “Community Spring Clean.” This reporter isn’t from Musselman’s Lake or Ballantrae, but I enjoyed getting into the action and seeing the spirit of the event.
Some of your community members literally put their bodies into it, sliding down hills to get at paper and plastic. It was cold and wet but it didn’t dampen enthusiasm.
The cleanup went well. Over a year, a lot of garbage such as paper, bags, bottles, cans and other items clutter the shoreline and roadside. The presence of such items makes it unsafe for all residents and it detracts from the beauty of Musselman’s Lake. We didn’t get three dumpsters this time, we are down to only one and that shows people are getting the message about not littering.
Another valuable outcome for the event is enabling community members to set a good example for the younger generations. Nothing speaks louder than actions. The kids see community involvement is not only fun, but serves a valuable end goal --- a cleaner environment for us all and pride in our community.
This year, United Soils Management and Tim Horton’s sponsored the event with food and drinks. And the Town of Stouffville Leisure Services department chipped in with a free bird house building tent. They also supplied young pine and spruce saplings for volunteers to plant anywhere we liked.
The weirdest things found this year were 20 empty bottles of Polar Ice and a dead muskrat. Oh, and someone found a $20 bill, so there are benefits to volunteering.
Mike Field of Most Excellent Productions kept everyone thoroughly entertained not only with his great music and comedic commentary but also with his extensive skills in barbecuing “Timbits” and hot dogs. Quite a character…he also personalized hotdogs with impromptu decorating techniques.
The bird house building tent was a big hit with the kids. They enjoyed hammering together the precut pieces of a real bird house. Town of Stouffville Leisure Services department’s Maureen and Ashley guided all of them and myself in putting together some surprisingly nice looking birdhouses.
Cedar Beach Trailer and R.V. resort again supplied the MLRA with not only the location for this event but also tractors, hay wagons, heavy equipment and operators required to handle some of the larger/heavier debris found. Kyle Jenkin and the Cedar Beach crew are to be commended.
Phil Bannon the local councillor for Whitchurch/Stouffville attended the event too and thanked everyone for their contribution. Phil is instrumental in bringing people together and building support for events such as this one. Rick Wigmore updated everyone on the progress being made on the United Soils Management, Lee Sand & Gravel pit fill and restoration project. He then thanked everyone for coming out despite the chilly weather and also thanked all the corporate sponsors that make the event possible.
We’re looking forward to next year’s Earth Day Community Spring Clean. Come on out and enjoy the fun!
APR
2013
24
Community Unites For The Environment
The MLRA Earth Day Spring Clean Event…
where strangers become neighbours.
By Charlene Jones
Enthusiastic crew cleaning up Lake Shore Road
Every spring our community contributes to a revolution disguised as a simple ritual. In place of guns and battle, we arm ourselves with plastic bags and plastic gloves. Think about it: in a world where neighbors fight with neighbors, where wars erupt and lives end over property lines, boundaries and ownership, we gather peacefully and commit ourselves to the joint task of cleaning up. Period. No sense of who owns which part of what is being cleaned. Everyone just pitches in.
Rick Wigmore (MLRA President) along with Councillor
Phil Bannon give Jane Grinnell (MLRA VP) pine sapling rabbit ears.
The MLRA Executive put out the call and under the guidance of our intrepid leader Councillor Phil Bannon, once more people gave: time, energy, plastic garbage bags, coffee, hot dogs, chocolate trucks, music, and oh yes, bent backs and nimble steps to the task at hand.
Kelly Missen clears snow from a hay wagon
This year Ma Nature was in one of her moods. Temperatures dropped and snow fell. In spite of this, about 60 hearty souls came out; oldsters with greying hair, youngsters brought along by mom and dad, even teens gathered at Cedar Beach. Even teens? Yes, the future appears more hopeful with the sight of those smiling faces in the marvelous slide show provided by Dan Wigmore.
Kyle Jenkin hard at work
Cedar Beach! Kyle, Janet and their family have owned and operated this venue for over eighty years. Again this spring they generously opened their land as a central hub for all the activity. Their paved parking lot became the holding site for industrial bins that took the garbage. Their tractors
Janet Davies heading out with a Cleanup Crew
hauled the larger items and transported crews on their hay wagon. Their grounds provided space for the several large speakers of the lively music and inspirational DJ magic of Mike Feld’s Most Excellent Productions! Mike’s friendly voice and upbeat tunes reminded everyone there’s fun in all this work.
Our cadre of community warriors hauled, picked, pulled, dragged and bagged bottles, pop cans, and a wide assortment of miscellaneous debris.
Frozen Kevin Wigmore warms up in front of BBQ
Kevin Wigmore braves frigid water to clean up shoreline
The freezing temperatures could not keep Kevin Wigmore from his annual task of clearing the shoreline of debris using his small boat. Boy did he appreciate the warmth of the BBQ after working in the ice cold water Thank you Kevin!
The people who participated on Saturday in the clean-up provided us with a cleaner, healthier lake, a prettier, more enviable shoreline. There was another change created in their actions: strangers became neighbors, respect for neighbors grew and our community roots strengthened through minds turned to one end.
Thanks to everyone for turning out and helping out and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
See Slide Show below of the MLRA 2013 Earth Day Community Spring Clean Event.
A special thank you goes out to…
Councillor Phil Bannon and the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville for supplying bins, bags, gloves and tree saplings. Also Town of Stouffville Leisure Services’ Ashley and Maureen for adding the event with the very popular “build a birdhouse”. Councillor Phil Bannon not only organized all the Town’s efforts but he also attends the event each year.
Tim Hortons supplied the coffee, donuts, gloves and T-shirts. The owner of the local Tim Hortons even attended the event.
Most Excellent Productions once again came through with the entertainment and Mike Feld multitasked as cook. His BBQing was also entertainment.
AquaVantage Marine (Ian Feld) supplied the truck and trailer for transporting volunteers to and from clean ups sites. He also hauled the collected trash bag to the bins. Ian was also instrumental in organizing and picking up all the food and beverages.
Cedar Beach - Kyle Jenkin and Janet Davies once again supplied not only the venue but the heavy equipment and labour to operate it. Kyle and Janet also participate in the event and are not afraid of getting their hands dirty.
United Soils Management not only sponsored the BBQ lunch but they also supplied some very unique chocolate trucks from Charlinda’s Belgian Chocolates.
Gibson Printing supplied the flyers.
Ravenshoe Group supplies our website and email services.
Thank you to all the volunteers that showed up this year and in previous years. You have helped bring our community closer together and to make it a better place to live.
APR
2013
24
Watch For It!
The MLRA will be launching its new website soon.
A new more user friendly and mobile device compatible website is on the way…Watch For It!
APR
2013
16
THIS SATURDAY!
Join The Fun…Meet Your
Neighbours
The MLRA Earth Day “Spring Clean” Event
Cedar Beach Park, Musselman’s Lake
Sat. April 20th, 2013 from 9am to noon
APR
2013
16
Watch For It!
The MLRA will be launching its new website soon.
A new more user friendly and mobile device compatible website is on the way…Watch For It!
APR
2013
16
Lee Sand & Gravel Restoration Project Sets A New Standard
(final part of three part interview with the MLRA)
The MLRA interviews United Soils Management on the restoration of the former Lee Sand and Gravel Pit and the effects on our community.
Rarely do you get a large company taking time to be interviewed by a local residents association. United Soils Management is to be commended for participating in these interviews.
Alec Cloke, owner of United Soils Management along with Rick Wigmore, president of the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association (MLRA), take time to sit and chat with Charlene Jones about the Lee Sand and Gravel Restoration Project and the effects on our community.
United Soils Management with over 35 years of soil management ensures that its landfill sites are designed and operated to minimize any potential impact on both the environment and local communities.
United Soils Management is working closely with the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville, Councillor Phil Bannon and the MLRA to set a new standard for future restoration projects such as this one.
Take a few minutes to listen in and hear for yourself; share with us in discovering how working with companies and government can create a win-win-win for residents. If you come away with any questions please send them along to mlra@musselmanslake.ca
This is the final part of a three part interview. This segment covers the effects on our community.
The MLRA Earth Day “Spring Clean” Event
Cedar Beach Park, Musselman’s Lake
Sat April 20th, 2013 from 9am to noon
United Soils Management community sign announcing the MLRA Earth Day Spring Clean Event
APR
2013
09
Watch For It!
The MLRA will be launching its new website soon.
A new more user friendly and mobile device compatible website is on the way…Watch For It!
APR
2013
09
Lee Sand & Gravel Restoration Project Sets A New Standard
(part two of three parts)
Rarely do you get large companies taking time to be interviewed by a local residents association. United Soils Management and SCS Consulting Group are to be commended for participating in these interviews.
Alec Cloke, owner of United Soils Management along with Julia Risi from SCS Consulting Group take time to sit and chat with Charlene Jones from the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association (MLRA) concerning regulations & safeguards governing the Lee Sand and Gravel Restoration Project.
United Soils Management with over 35 years of soil management ensures that its landfill sites are designed and operated to minimize any potential impact on both the environment and local communities.
SCS Consulting Group provides the land development industry and municipalities with expert municipal engineering services.
Both companies are working closely with the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville and the MLRA to set a new standard for future restoration projects such as this one.
Take a few minutes to listen in and hear for yourself; share with us in discovering how working with companies and government can create a win-win-win for residents. If you come away with any questions please send them along to mlra@musselmanslake.ca
This is the second of a three part interview. The last part will be posted next week.
The MLRA Earth Day “Spring Clean” Event
Cedar Beach Park, Musselman’s Lake
Sat April 20th, 2013 from 9am to noon
APR
2013
03
A Game Changer Interview
Charlene Jones using her Whistle Radio experience, interviews owner of United Soils Management for the MLRA about Lee Sand & Gravel pit restoration project in this three part interview.
Living in a small and active community such as ours, puts pressure on the MLRA Executive to know what issues are coming down the pipe and how it will effect this community going forward. Thus when Alec Cloke owner of United Soils Management requested a meeting with Rick Wigmore as President of the Musselman’s Lake Residents’ Association concerning the Lee Sand and Gravel Restoration Project and the new proposed Fill by-law, Wigmore easily obliged.
What surprised Wigmore was the absolute transparency Cloke demanded of his own company! He invited Wigmore to sit in with all his experts on the planning stages of the Lee Sand and Gravel Pit Restoration Project on Ninth Line to make sure he was happy with all the safeguards being implemented and that the rights of the residents were properly being addressed.
Believing in having a well- informed community, Wigmore then came up with an idea to interview Alec Cloke, for residents to see and hear Mr. Alec Cloke as he discusses his company, his ethics and various aspects of the on-going rehabilitation project involving Lee Sand and Gravel.
When Rick Wigmore asked me to do this interview based on my Whistle Radio experience, I was delighted. I was even more delighted to sit with Alec Cloke and discover a genuine man of integrity, who takes pride in offering better than the best regarding every aspect of his company’s presence in our community. We are indeed fortunate to be involved in setting the “Gold Standard” of By-Laws for filling trucks province wide. More, we are indeed fortunate to have working with us Alec Cloke, an entrepreneur with old fashioned integrity.
Take a few minutes to listen in and hear for yourself; share with us in discovering how working with companies and government can create a win-win-win for residents. If you come away with any questions please send them along to mlra@musselmanslake.ca
This is the 1st of a 3 part interview. The other parts will be posted at later dates.
On Tuesday February 26th Mayor and Council voted to extend the park agreement closing date to July 18th 2013.
The Good News is that Town staff believes they have sufficient information to proceed with community consultation on design of the park.
Staff have advised Council and members of the Public that the Municipality and the James Coultice Estate require additional time to submit documents and supporting material to the Canada Revenue Agency as the Estate pursues a valuation for a charitable receipt for the dedication of the proposed neighbourhood park and environmentally sensitive lands to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. Council in Committee Report February 26, 2013.
The amended Conditional Agreement of Purchase & Sale established a February 28, 2013 date by which the James Coultice Estate was to advise the Town as to whether their discussions with Canada Revenue Agency had been successful. Staff and representatives of the Estate have been working through the fall/early winter to finalize the land acquisition. Discussions between Staff and representatives of the James Coultice Estate have occurred and as such, it is recognized that additional time is required to finalize the transaction. Staff and the Solicitor for the Estate have agreed upon a new clearance date on the Conditions for the Agreement of Purchase & Sale of July 18, 2013. This additional time will allow for the finalization of the Reference Plan to create the appropriate property description, update the land appraisal, and, to complete discussions with the Canada Revenue Agency.
We have included the full report for you to view and section 4.3 deals specifically with plans to proceed with community consultation on the design of the park.
We would like to Thank the Mayor and Town Council for granting the numerous extensions required to get this deal done. A BIG THANK-YOU! goes out to Councillor Bannon who has been the greatest supporter of this park and has lobbied very diligently to make sure plans were not de-railed. And, finally Thank-you to all residents for your patience. This has been a long time coming but definitely worth the wait.
Face Paint Photos Are Always
A Winter Carnival Favourite.
Face Painting at the Stouffville Winter Carnival is
a whole lot of fun and these photos share the fun with everyone.
Thanks to Lucie from Ravenshoe Group, we once again have some really great Face Paint Photos to share with everyone. Please click the play icon on the image below to view the slide show of Face Paint photos on Flickr. If you wish to obtain the jpeg image of your Face Paint photo, please note the image number (example – IMG_9999) and email the request for your Face Paint photo with the IMG# number to mlra@musselmanslake.ca. We will email the jpeg image to you within a few days (no charge). ENJOY!
FEB
2013
19
Unbelievable Weather.
Unbelievable Event.
Councillor Phil Bannon does it again. 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival is a big success.
By Dan Wigmore
They came from far and near to the 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival and found that the unique charm of the Stouffville Winter Carnival won their hearts. People commented on how they have been to larger winter carnivals but not to any better carnivals than the Stouffville Winter Carnival. First time visitors to the annual carnival were excited by everything the carnival had to offer and say they will now be annual visitors. Annual visitors were amazed at how Councillor Phil Bannon and the Carnival Committee somehow manage to pack more and more fun into the event each year and can’t wait to see what will be done next year.
Most Excellent Productions once again did a tremendous job staging all the entertainment that included local talent and also Doo Doo the most famous International Clown of all times. Inside activities also included local organizations/companies that had tables set up to educate and inform carnival goers about what is available in the community of Stouffville. To enhance your carnival experience you could also have your Face Painted and photo taken.
Outside the weather was perfect and the ice rink was the biggest to date due to the ideal ice conditions and the hard work of the Town’s Leisure Services staff. The rink was so big that even at times when there were over sixty skaters enjoying themselves, it was not crowded. ATV rides were a hot item at the Carnival and this year with the great ice conditions the track was larger than it had been in previous years. Other outside activities included Pony Rides, Hay Rides, Petting Zoo. Ideal weather and conditions also aided ice sculpting which was a new addition to the Carnival this year and due to its popularity, most likely will be back next year. Then of course there was the Hot Chocolate, Hot Dogs and the ever popular Beaver Tails available to add to your enjoyment of this amazing event.
What was truly UNBELIEVABLE was that everything at the 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival was FREE. Councillor Phil Bannon wanted to do something special to celebrate the Carnival’s 10th Anniversary and WOW did he deliver! Through his tireless efforts he has managed to arrange full corporate sponsorship of the Carnival this year so…the whole event was FREE. FREE Admission, FREE Food & Drink, FREE rides and FREE entertainment.
Thank you Councillor Phil Bannon and thank you sponsors!
FEB
2013
15
Thank You Carnival Sponsors and Supporters!
We couldn’t have done it without you.
10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival Sponsors
Cedar Beach and the Davies/Jenkin Family
Charlinda Belgian Chocolates
Clarkson Auctions & Movers
Country Style
ExpoSystems Canada
Fieldgate Homes
Gottardo Construction
Lafarge
Lee Sand & Gravel
Musselman’s Lake Residents Association
Ravenshoe Group
Rice Commercial Group
Savoia Developments
Stouffville Sun-Tribune
Tim Hortons
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
United Soils Management Limited
Organizations and Companies that supported the Carnival
by attending with displays
Town of Whitchurch Stouffville Leisure Services,
Town of Whitchurch Stouffville Library,
Town of Whitchurch Stouffville Museum,
Town of Whitchurch Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services,
Ballantrae Summer Tennis & Soccer Sports Camp,
Ballantrae Veterinary Clinic,
Charlinda Belgian Chocolates,
Ballantrae Scouting Group
Thank you to everyone who attended the Carnival and if you have any of your own photos that you would like to share please send them to us at mlra@musselmanslake.ca
The much anticipated Face Paint Photos will be posted next week.
FEB
2013
15
10th Annual Winter Carnival
Celebrating The Winter Carnival’s 10th
Anniversary this year, not only is admission FREE! but the food and rides are also FREE!
FEB
2013
07
You Can Save A Life Today!
It’s In You To Give.
Please donate at the Ballantrae Community Centre Clinic on Sat. Feb. 23rd
from 9am to Noon.
FEB
2013
06
Best Ice Conditions In A Decade!
Bring Your Skates to the 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival at Musselman’s Lake on Sat. Feb. 9th 1 – 4pm to enjoy the “Unbelievable” skating conditions.
Make sure you bring your skates to the 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival because, there is, as Doo Doo The Clown would say, “UNBELIEVABLE” ice conditions for skating. The Lake has over a foot of solid ice with a surface that couldn’t be any better for skating. Currently you are able to skate around the whole Lake due to the lack of snow.
Bring the whole family to this amazing event and enjoy it FREE. Everything is FREE including the food and refreshments!
Winter Carnival Music Video
FEB
2013
05
Yes Folks! It’s Winter Carnival Time Again
Celebrating The Winter Carnival’s 10th Anniversary this year, not only is admission FREEbut the food and rides are also FREE!
Councillor Phil Bannon wanted to do something special to celebrate the Carnival’s 10th Anniversary and WOW did he deliver! Through his tireless efforts he has managed to arrange full corporate sponsorship of the Carnival this year so…the whole event is FREE. FREE Admission, FREE Food & Drink, FREE rides and FREE entertainment.
Imaged supplied by and used with permission from the Stouffville Free Press
FEB
2013
01
Winter Carnival A Family Affair
10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival at Musselman’s Lake on Sat. Feb. 9th 1pm – 4pm
Beaver Tails, ATC Rides, Petting Zoo, Hayrides, Bonfire, Face Painting, Entertainment, Mascots, Skating and Doo Doo The Clown.
Bring the whole family and don’t forget your skates.
FEB
2013
01
Time To Head To The Beach
It’s February so obviously it’s time for the library to head for the beach. That’s right. I’ll be there for all the fun of Winter Carnival
By Catherine Sword
Co-ordinator of Public Services
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
It’s February so obviously it’s time for the library to head for the beach. That’s right. I’ll be there for all the fun of Winter Carnival. Don’t worry. I won’t be bringing heavy books for you to cart around, but I will have the virtual library along. That includes thousands of books, articles and some educational games.
Last year the Tumblebooks and the “Memory Game” were hot items. Just perfect for those breaks people need from skating and clowning and beaver tails and … oh, just so much happens at the Carnival. I love the energy and this year I can hardly wait to show you the neat games for kids that are connected to the Encyclopedia Britannica. These were a great success with a group of Stouffville Beavers last fall so I know they’ll be hit for everyone.
Don’t be shy. Stop by the library table and if Krista from the Museum and I are hogging the game, just call out for a turn. She and I were a bit competitive with the Memory game last year.
If you can’t wait for the day why don’t you listen to the interview(segment 1 and segment 2) on Shelf Life, a program of the WhiStle Radio. Doo Doo and his friend Bernie, and Councillor Phil Bannon were my guests.
See you soon.
FEB
2013
01
10th Anniversary Winter Carnival
Councillor Bannon makes special announcement on the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the Winter Carnival.
On January 3rd Charlene Jones interviewed Councillor Phil Bannon and Rick Wigmore, President of the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association on the plans for the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the Stouffville Winter Carnival. This interview is scheduled for broadcast on Whistle Radio on February 5th. We are grateful that Whistle Radio has agreed to let us pre-view the interview on our web site.
Charlene Jones is a resident of Musselman’s Lake, serves on the executive of the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association, is a regular contributor of articles to www.musselmanslake.com and hosts “Off the Top” radio show on Whistle Radio every other Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
From Left to Right: Rick Wigmore, Charlene Jones, Councillor Phil Bannon
Listen to the interview:
We would like to remind residents that there is a button on our web site which will link them instantaneously with the Whistle Radio web site, where they can listen to regularly scheduled programs and receive news on the area and upcoming events.
JAN
2013
25
Gold Standard For All Ontario
Proposed by-law probably the most comprehensive fill by-law which fully
protects the rights of residents
By Charlene Jones
New Proposed Fill By-Law in Whitchurch Stouffville to set the Gold Standard for All Ontario
There is a new proposed Fill By-Law before Council which will become the gold standard governing the restoration of old gravel pits back to the way the land used to be or better. This will keep the Ontario landscape from being dotted with big holes left by expired gravel pits.
The Town’s Mike Molinari, Director Of Engineering and Capital Projects has worked very hard with quality fill operators such as United Soils Management to develop probably the most comprehensive fill by-law which fully protects the rights of the residents while giving the Fill Management companies all the rules they must abide by if they are going to operate within our borders.
New landscaped front to landfill site
United Soils new landscaped front includes a community event sign
The new Fill By-Law improves upon the older version in many ways: reduced dust allowance, reduced mud, increased demands for road cleanliness, reduced noise, and increased awareness and protection of the original environmental condition of the land involved.
What does this mean? The Lee Sand and Gravel Pit has closed officially to trucks taking out aggregate. The flow has been reversed. In other words, the trucks you see will be taking fill in not aggregate out. Yes, you read that right: these trucks will be returning the site to it’s original pre 1950 pristine condition all at the expense of the owners of the land.
The new Fill By-Law amendments implement tougher standards involving dust, mud and noise control as well as cleanliness. In addition the By-Law surpasses its previous incarnation in areas of environmental protection.
Concerned about dust? Not with these By-Laws which state the owner of the company hired to rehabilitate the gravel pit bear the responsibility to keep dust at a minimum, to outfit all trucks with double mud mats (that’s twice what the previous By-Law required) to respond to noise with proper controls on trucks and to be responsible for maintaining cleanliness on the road.
That’s good news for home owners near the site as well as for those of us who travel the Ninth Line to leave from or arrive to our homes.
The By-Law additionally insists the site must proactively protect trees, shrubs, swales, watercourses, on and on even to include “overwintering wildlife.”
Another amendment involves time. The original law states access to the site runs from
5:30 am to 7pm. The new By-Law changes this in favour of the public such that trucks gain entry from 7 am only until 5pm. The original By-Law outlines a six day work week so Saturday business included trucks up and down the Ninth Line. This new By-Law restricts access to the site on Saturday and all holidays. Residents and businesses close to the site, as well as those of us commuting through the Ninth Line, win!
The improved Fill By-Law signals to owners and the companies they hire, the groundwater must be maintained at the highest levels. The fill must be clean. Noise from trucks must be minimized. Double mud mat protection to our roads falls to the overseer to provide. Strict hours of operation mean no less interruption of our weekends and holidays. Infringements on these or other conditions as set out in the new By-Law result in increased fines to the overseer.
Setting the gold standard for all of Ontario regarding municipal By-Laws on fill and hauling constitutes no small thing. Ontario’s number one industry is the Aggregate Industry. Our By-Law protects the safety, comfort and interests of our residents, but more than this. The new By-Law signals the same level of safety, of comfort and interests of citizens across Ontario! We can take part in the pride of being those who have set a Gold standard.
Really good update, Dan and Rick! You and your elves have been working overtime!!
Seriously, all the important, vital information about the lake, the exciting mystery of Phil's announcement, and the invitation for folks to write, contribute and participate all sound and look really warm, inviting and helpful.
Thanks for all you do!
Charlene
JAN
2013
16
Happy New Year!
MLRA wishes everyone the best in 2013! Think Water Safety!
There’s A Big Surprise for Everyone at the Stouffville Winter Carnival this year. Don’t Miss It!
Whitchurch-Stouffville 10th Annual Winter Carnival
Sat. Feb. 9th 2013, 1 - 4pm
Presented by Councillor Phil Bannon in association with the MLRA
Councillor Phil Bannon with Doo Doo The Clown at 2012 Stouffville Winter Carnival
Photo - Mike Feld (Most Excellent Productions)
Councillor Phil Bannon will be making a special announcement about this year’s Winter Carnival in the very near future. Make sure you plan to attend this annual event as it gets better each year.
Winter Carnival Music Video from a previous year.
JAN
2013
08
Lake Watch Initiative
As part of the Lake Watch Initiative, the MLRA website is going to be used to help educate residents and visitors about water safety.
As part of the MLRA Lake Watch initiative, the MLRA added a “Water Safety Tips” section on the home page. Please make yourself familiar with this section. Also as part of that same initiative we are going to be posting articles and information on water safety on the MLRA website to help educate residents and visitors to the Lake about water safety.
Make sure that any visitors that you may have to the Lake are aware of ICE SAFETY.
You may save a life.
Thank You,
MLRA
JAN
2013
08
Don’t Take A Chance With Your Life!
Know How Thick The Ice Is
Ice Thickness Chart from the ND Game & Fish Dep
JAN
2013
08
Ice Safety
Know The DANGERS Of Ice
This important lifesaving information is from the Canadian Red Cross and is posted on this website under Water Safety Tips on the home page for easy access.
Ice Safety Know the dangers of ice
Ice Factors
Many factors affect ice thickness including: type of water, location, the time of year and other environmental factors such as:
Water depth and size of body of water.
Currents, tides and other moving water.
Chemicals including salt.
Fluctuations in water levels.
Logs, rocks and docks absorbing heat from the sun.
Changing air temperature.
Shock waves from vehicles traveling on the ice.
Ice Colour
The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength.
Clear blue ice is strongest.
White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Opaque
ice is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice.
Grey ice is unsafe. The grayness indicates the presence of
water.
Did you know ice thickness should be:
15 cm for walking or skating alone
20 cm for skating parties or games
25 cm for snowmobiles.
Check with local authorities before heading out. Avoid going out on ice
at night.
When You Are Alone On Ice
If you get into trouble on ice and you're by yourself:
Call for help.
Resist the immediate urge to climb back out where you fell in.
The ice is weak in this area.
Use the air trapped in your clothing to get into a floating position
on your stomach.
Reach forward onto the broken ice without pushing down. Kick
your legs to push your torso on the ice.
When you are back on the ice, crawl on your stomach or roll
away from the open area with your arms and legs spread out as
far as possible to evenly distribute your body weight. Do not
stand up! Look for shore and make sure you are going in the
right direction.
When You Are With Others On Ice
Rescuing another person from ice can be dangerous. The safest
way to perform a rescue is from shore.
Call for help. Consider whether you can quickly get help from
trained professionals (police, fire fighters or ambulance) or
bystanders.
Check if you can reach the person using a long pole or branch
from shore – if so, lie down and extend the pole to the person.
If you go onto ice, wear a PFD and carry a long pole or branch to
test the ice in front of you. Bring something to reach or throw to
the person (e.g. pole, weighted rope, line or tree branch).
When near the break, lie down to distribute your weight and
slowly crawl toward the hole.
Remaining low, extend or throw your emergency rescue device
(pole, rope, line or branch) to the person.
Have the person kick while you pull them out.
Move the person to a safe position on shore or where you are sure the ice is thick. Signal for help.
The road around the Lake was built as a cottage road. It was never intended to hold the volume of cars, pedestrians, runners and cyclists that now use it. Even though, through the years road safety has been improved dramatically around the lake (reduced speed limits, improved guardrails and intersection re-engineering), there is still one major problem that has always been with us and still is the greatest threat to everyone’s safety. That problem is speeding. Councillor Bannon reacting to residents’ complaints about speed arranged for the York Region Police to set up speed traps. Over 80% are local residents! 
Pedestrians please help out the drivers for not only your safety but also theirs. Do not walk 3 and 4 abreast and around corners please be extra cautious and walk single file. Dress to be seen. Wear bright and reflective clothing in order to be readily seen by the drivers. It’s a safety statement rather than a fashion statement. At night, you should be wearing reflective clothing and carry a small flashlight. Help the drivers to see you and they will in most cases instinctively slow down and give you room going by. 
The cleanup went well. Over a year, a lot of garbage such as paper, bags, bottles, cans and other items clutter the shoreline and roadside. The presence of such items makes it unsafe for all residents and it detracts from the beauty of Musselman’s Lake. We didn’t get three dumpsters this time, we are down to only one and that shows people are getting the message about not littering. 
Mike Field of Most Excellent Productions kept everyone thoroughly entertained not only with his great music and comedic commentary but also with his extensive skills in barbecuing “Timbits” and hot dogs. Quite a character…he also personalized hotdogs with impromptu decorating techniques.
The bird house building tent was a big hit with the kids. They enjoyed hammering together the precut pieces of a real bird house. Town of Stouffville Leisure Services department’s Maureen and Ashley guided all of them and myself in putting together some surprisingly nice looking birdhouses. 
By Dan Wigmore
What was truly UNBELIEVABLE was that everything at the 10th Annual Stouffville Winter Carnival was FREE. Councillor Phil Bannon wanted to do something special to celebrate the Carnival’s 10th Anniversary and WOW did he deliver! Through his tireless efforts he has managed to arrange full corporate sponsorship of the Carnival this year so…the whole event was FREE. FREE Admission, FREE Food & Drink, FREE rides and FREE entertainment.
As part of the MLRA Lake Watch initiative, the MLRA added a “Water Safety Tips” section on the home page. Please make yourself familiar with this section. Also as part of that same initiative we are going to be posting articles and information on water safety on the MLRA website to help educate residents and visitors to the Lake about water safety. 
