Lake Clear Property Owners Association (LCPOA)
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The Lake Clear Property Owners Association is a local organization comprised of many of the individuals owning property on Lake Clear.
What does the LCPOA do for its members? The Lake Clear Property Owners' Association endeavours to pursue and attain optimal environmental and ecological conditions for Lake Clear and its environs, in conjunction with public authorities, and to represent members of the Association on matters of concern as they relate to problems or circumstances affecting their Lake Clear properties. Current services provided include:
At the 2020 AGM, the membership voted to replace the LCPOA Constitution with By-Laws. These will be available on this page shortly. In 2019, 234 memberships were sold. Percentage in 2018 was 75% Percentage in 2017 was 74% Percentage in 2016 was 73% Percentage in 2015 was 73% Percentage for 2014 was 74% Percentage for 2013 was 73% Percentage for 2012 was 72% Highest percentage was 79% in 2011 Not a member yet?Memberships are available annually for $20.00. Please contact Lianne Pepper, liannegpepper@gmail.com, or your shore rep for membership information.
Mailing AddressLake Clear Property Owners Association
304 Merrithew St Almonte ON K0A 1A0 LCPOA Executive 2020-21President - Judy Bates - judybateson@gmail.com
Vice-President - John Earle - Jmearle@synaptic.ca Past President - Lorne Monahan - lmonahan@magma.ca Treasurer - Vacant (Please consider volunteering) Secretary - Kathleen Kearney - katieburnie@hotmail.com Membership Director - Lianne Pepper - liannegpepper@gmail.com Environment Director - John Taker - johntaker2@gmail.com Public Relations & Communication Director - colleenbeanish@gmail.com Members at Large: Carolyn Desjardins - Pcdesjardins38@gmail.com Jean Davies - daviesden229@gmail.com Herb Weckworth - hweckwerth@xplornet.com Shore RepsOur Shore Reps are instrumental in recruiting members.
Please contact your Shore Rep for area concerns and new memberships. #1 Kilby Shore Colleen Beanish colleenbeanish@gmail.com #2 Buelow Bay Liz Murphy lizmurph12@gmail.com and Heather Doyle heatherdoyle47@gmail.com #3 Big Rock 1 Lori MacDonald basementlm@gmail.com #4 Big Rock II John Taker johntaker2@gmail.com #5 Haley's Bay 1 Anne Audet - audetam@gmail.ca #6 Haley's Bay II Lianne Pepper liannegpepper@gmail.com #7 Heideman's Bay - Rep is needed #8 Klondike Road Kathy Webb kwebb20@hotmail.com #9 Wieland Shore 1 Kathleen Kearny katieburnie@hotmail.com #10 Wieland Shore II Megan Mooibroek meganmooibroek@hotmail.com #11 Wieland Shore III Jean Davies daviesden229@gmail.com #12 Plaunt Mountain 1 TBD #13 Plaunt Mountain II Lorne Monahan - lorne.monahan@icloud.com #14 French's Road Carolyn Desjardins Pcdesjardins38@gmail.com #15 Little Lake Clear and 512 TBD #16 Dome Road Jean Becker jeanobecker@yahoo.ca LCPOA OutreachAt the 2020 AGM, the membership voted to discontinue LCPOA Outreach.
2018 - Lesley Lancaster, member of the Lake Clear Property Owners Association Outreach Committee, presents Kat Klauss, owner of the Opeongo Mountain Resort with a cheque in the amount of $400 for the annual July 1st fireworks display at the Resort
Board Meeting, Sept 21, 2020 - Agenda and Minutes from Previous Board Meeting
AGM 2020 - Overview/Reports, Motions, Treasurer's Report, Draft Minutes, Draft By-Laws
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Presentation to BVT Council - Nov 2019
Also available on BVT You Tube Channel
LCPOA Survey March 2019 - Results:
Poker Run 2019The 2020 Poker Run was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another great fundraiser for the LCPOA Jacquie Lecuyer Environmental Scholarship!
What a great day for the Poker Run! Thanks to the volunteers and the entire Poker Run committee for organizing such a great event.
Here is the official list of winners. 1. Peter Langford - Straight Flush: $300. 2. John Biegel - Full House - Aces and 3s: $200. 3. Diane Hein - Flush - Ace High: Gift Card for Pride Marina Group, Eganville (value $250). 4. Bob Peltzer - Straight - Queen High: $100. 5. Josie Mason - Straight - 8 High: T-shirt from Cottage Cup. 6. Francine Cleroux - 3 Aces: Green Fees for 18 holes golf for 2 at White Tail. 7. Andrea Maillot - 3 Kings: Gift Certificate for Bonnechere Caves. 8. Warren McElligott - 3 Jacks: Rental of a 16ft. fishing boat for a day from Opeongo Mountain Resort. 9. Dan Hansen - 3 Nines: T-shirt from Cottage Cup. 10. Jen Eve - 3 Eights - Jack High: T-shirt from Cottage Cup. 11. Brady Muldoon - 3 Eights - 4 High: T-shirt from Cottage Cup. 12. Karen Prince - 3 Sevens: T-shirt from Cottage Cup. 13. Allyssa Tate - Worst Hand: $50. Thanks to all the participants for supporting the LCPOA Jacquie Lecuyer Environmental Scholarship Fund. 
Poker Run 2019 - Allyssa Tate happily receives the prize for worst hand!
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Kayla Rekowski receives the LCPOA Jacquie Lecuyer Memorial Environmental Scholarship from Committee Member Heather Doyle
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Abigail Perrault-Sanders receives her scholarship from Committee Member Jean Davies
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Heather Doyle of LCPOA with Jacey Zohr and Nicole Bourne.
The recipient of the 2018 scholarship was Olivia Gillis, daughter of Tom Gillis, cottager on Milky Way.
The 2017 scholarship winners were Nicole Bourne and Jacey Zohr.
The 2017 scholarship winners were Nicole Bourne and Jacey Zohr.
Eva Von Jagow, Heather Doyle of LCPOA, Laura Johnson
There were two scholarship recipients in 2016: Eva von Jagow and Laura Johnson.
Unfortunately, in 2015 there were no qualified applicants.
Hannah Wagner of Eganville was our 2014 LCPOA Scholarship recipient.
Unfortunately, in 2015 there were no qualified applicants.
Hannah Wagner of Eganville was our 2014 LCPOA Scholarship recipient.
Paul O'Brien and Liz Murphy of LCPOA
The 2013 winner was Paul O’Brien of Eganville, Ontario.
Mr. Eric Stroud of Douglas was the 2012 recipient.
The 2011 LCPOA scholarship winner was Will O’Brien from Eganville.
Mr. Eric Stroud of Douglas was the 2012 recipient.
The 2011 LCPOA scholarship winner was Will O’Brien from Eganville.
President's Report
Submitted by Judy Bates, 2020 AGM
This is my third year as President and it reconfirms the need to move forward with advocacy, lobbying, and partnerships; especially in the area of the environmental and water protection. We know that surrounding lakes have faced environmental and development challenges. Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Clear, Lake Dore has blue-green algae, and other invasive species (plants, insects [gypsy moths] and aquatic) are a concern and threaten the health of our water and surrounding environments. One of our primary concerns has been unregulated development and we continue to pursue a consultative and participatory approach to addressing the issue. The continuing challenge of unresponsive local government is frustrating and highlights the need for a coordinated, science-based, action-driven plan to protect our lake. The LCPOA has very limited funds to address these issues. We have many dedicated volunteers working on various committees, but not nearly enough resources to affect meaningful change. We have seen too many examples of emergency mitigation after the fact, and not enough proactive action. Please volunteer to help.
This is my third year as President and it reconfirms the need to move forward with advocacy, lobbying, and partnerships; especially in the area of the environmental and water protection. We know that surrounding lakes have faced environmental and development challenges. Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Clear, Lake Dore has blue-green algae, and other invasive species (plants, insects [gypsy moths] and aquatic) are a concern and threaten the health of our water and surrounding environments. One of our primary concerns has been unregulated development and we continue to pursue a consultative and participatory approach to addressing the issue. The continuing challenge of unresponsive local government is frustrating and highlights the need for a coordinated, science-based, action-driven plan to protect our lake. The LCPOA has very limited funds to address these issues. We have many dedicated volunteers working on various committees, but not nearly enough resources to affect meaningful change. We have seen too many examples of emergency mitigation after the fact, and not enough proactive action. Please volunteer to help.
Environment Committee
2019 Report
By Mike O'Brien
(No update available for 2020)
The Environment Committee has been focusing attention on the issue of Invasive Species. While Lake Clear has not experienced a serious problem yet, we need to do everything we can to prevent them coming into the lake. We have obtained a pamphlet from FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations) that will be distributed to all persons purchasing an LCPOA membership this year. Part of preventing the introduction of invasive species is to ensure proper boat washing. Last year we obtained signage from the Ministry of Natural Resources and placed it at the Opeongo Mountain Resort. We have asked Opeongo Mountain Resort for the contact information for any organizations holding fishing tournaments on Lake Clear as those boats launch at Opeongo. To date those organizations have not responded to our telephone calls but we will find other ways of communicating with them. Lastly, with regard to invasive species we should be having discussions about the possibility of a boat washing station at Lake Clear. While
they are expensive they can play an important role in preventing invasive species from entering Lake Clear. The introduction of an invasive species can have a serious impact on the quality of our water.
Last year the Environment Committee helped organize garbage clean up of cans and other items tossed into the lake. With the assistance of Marc Audet who does the diving we will go to a new location this summer to bring up garbage from the lake bottom.
As we all know, there are many turtles around Lake Clear. In Peterborough, the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates a hospital for injured turtles. Information has now been included on our website about the Centre. If anyone around the lake finds an injured turtle there is a phone number that can be called and volunteers will come and bring the turtle to the turtle
hospital. http://www.lakeclear.org/amphibians--reptiles.html
Last year we were represented at the Interlake association meeting. We will plan to attend again as it is a terrific opportunity to connect with other lake associations and share information and potentially develop partnerships.
By Mike O'Brien
(No update available for 2020)
The Environment Committee has been focusing attention on the issue of Invasive Species. While Lake Clear has not experienced a serious problem yet, we need to do everything we can to prevent them coming into the lake. We have obtained a pamphlet from FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations) that will be distributed to all persons purchasing an LCPOA membership this year. Part of preventing the introduction of invasive species is to ensure proper boat washing. Last year we obtained signage from the Ministry of Natural Resources and placed it at the Opeongo Mountain Resort. We have asked Opeongo Mountain Resort for the contact information for any organizations holding fishing tournaments on Lake Clear as those boats launch at Opeongo. To date those organizations have not responded to our telephone calls but we will find other ways of communicating with them. Lastly, with regard to invasive species we should be having discussions about the possibility of a boat washing station at Lake Clear. While
they are expensive they can play an important role in preventing invasive species from entering Lake Clear. The introduction of an invasive species can have a serious impact on the quality of our water.
Last year the Environment Committee helped organize garbage clean up of cans and other items tossed into the lake. With the assistance of Marc Audet who does the diving we will go to a new location this summer to bring up garbage from the lake bottom.
As we all know, there are many turtles around Lake Clear. In Peterborough, the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre operates a hospital for injured turtles. Information has now been included on our website about the Centre. If anyone around the lake finds an injured turtle there is a phone number that can be called and volunteers will come and bring the turtle to the turtle
hospital. http://www.lakeclear.org/amphibians--reptiles.html
Last year we were represented at the Interlake association meeting. We will plan to attend again as it is a terrific opportunity to connect with other lake associations and share information and potentially develop partnerships.
Land Use Committee
Submitted by John Taker, 2020 AGM
Mandate: To address concerns raised by LCPOA members regarding apparent exceptions/omission to the existing Township bylaws governing development on Lake Clear, with an emphasis on those bylaws affecting water quality.
The main issue that is being addressed by the LUC is the uncontrolled use of RV’s on Lake Clear waterfront properties.
Activities for the period August 2019 to August 2020:
This has been a relatively slow year for the Land Use Committee, given the Township’s position that it can do nothing until the revised Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and the finalized Renfrew Count Official Plan (OP) are put in place. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed activity.
In the Fall of 2019, it was decided that the next presentation to Council should be done by executive members of the LCPOA to show Council that this RV issue is not being pursued by renegade individuals but rather that it has the full support of the LCPOA.
A delegation was made to Council in November 2019 by John Earle, Vice President of LCPOA. Here are the main points made during that presentation:
Both the PPS and the Renfrew County OP provide guidance on the need for municipalities to protect, improve and restore sensitive surface water features. For Bonnechere Valley, that means Lake Clear!
LCPOA is concerned about the lack of control and enforcement for RVs being used as cottage replacements and supplements.
Their use is a definite form of ‘development’ as defined by the PPS and is considered by LCPOA as being a violation of BVT’s own by-laws and thus an unlawful use.
John Earle then asked Mayor Murphy directly if the Township had obtained its own legal opinion on this matter. The Mayor turned and asked the question of the then acting CAO, Sandra Barr, who said she did not know the answer to that question. Ironically, in the February 19, 2019 Committee meeting, the Committee had specifically instructed the then CAO, Bryan Martin, to obtain such a legal opinion and to have it in hand for the March 5, 2019 Committee meeting where the RV issue would be discussed. That topic was not brought up again at that meeting.
Bryan Martin resigned in the Fall of 2019 and was replaced by a new CAO, Annette Gilchrist in January 2020. In the period, January to May 2020, the LCPOA sent 3 letters to Ms. Gilchrist to bring her up to speed on the RV issue. In these letters we made her aware that:
o There is a plethora of background information already provided to Council on the RV matter. We trusted she has been providedwith this information by Council.
o The minutes of the March 3, 2020 Committee meeting stated, "Committee discussed the report regarding the use of recreational vehicles within Bonnechere Valley. Committee recommends that the Zoning By-law be amended to remove any ambiguities in the language surrounding the use of recreational vehicles within the LSR2, R4, OS and RU zones." The LCPOA wholeheartedly disagrees that the language is ambiguous. RVs are not a permitted use in those zones; they are only permitted in the TC zone. 9
o We pointed to a precedent legal case from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Schreiber v Figliomeni 2018 decision, “where something is not permitted, it is prohibited”.
On March 26, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) issued the final section of the Renfrew County Official Plan (OP) and stated that it was “final and not subject to appeal”. We were pleased to see that it contained language encouraging municipalities to deal with temporary use of structures. Here is exact wording:
“Temporary Uses and Structures adjacent to Inland Lakes. Temporary uses such as the seasonal use of recreational vehicles on lots adjacent to inland lakes can negatively impact lake water quality and pose a risk to public health and safety. Local municipalities are encouraged to develop measures to address temporary uses and structures (such as recreational vehicles) on lots adjacent to lakes, with the objective of protecting, improving or restoring the quality of lake water, and protecting human health."
The approved OP also provides a more complete descriptions of what ‘at capacity’ means and stronger language about development on at capacity lakes.
True to form, the County and multiple municipalities immediately appealed to the Minister for considerations arguing that the new OP should not take effect until January 2021 (because of the pandemic) and loosening of the restrictions/ burdens surrounding development applications and approvals.
The outcome of that appeal is not yet known.
Mandate: To address concerns raised by LCPOA members regarding apparent exceptions/omission to the existing Township bylaws governing development on Lake Clear, with an emphasis on those bylaws affecting water quality.
The main issue that is being addressed by the LUC is the uncontrolled use of RV’s on Lake Clear waterfront properties.
Activities for the period August 2019 to August 2020:
This has been a relatively slow year for the Land Use Committee, given the Township’s position that it can do nothing until the revised Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and the finalized Renfrew Count Official Plan (OP) are put in place. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed activity.
In the Fall of 2019, it was decided that the next presentation to Council should be done by executive members of the LCPOA to show Council that this RV issue is not being pursued by renegade individuals but rather that it has the full support of the LCPOA.
A delegation was made to Council in November 2019 by John Earle, Vice President of LCPOA. Here are the main points made during that presentation:
Both the PPS and the Renfrew County OP provide guidance on the need for municipalities to protect, improve and restore sensitive surface water features. For Bonnechere Valley, that means Lake Clear!
LCPOA is concerned about the lack of control and enforcement for RVs being used as cottage replacements and supplements.
Their use is a definite form of ‘development’ as defined by the PPS and is considered by LCPOA as being a violation of BVT’s own by-laws and thus an unlawful use.
John Earle then asked Mayor Murphy directly if the Township had obtained its own legal opinion on this matter. The Mayor turned and asked the question of the then acting CAO, Sandra Barr, who said she did not know the answer to that question. Ironically, in the February 19, 2019 Committee meeting, the Committee had specifically instructed the then CAO, Bryan Martin, to obtain such a legal opinion and to have it in hand for the March 5, 2019 Committee meeting where the RV issue would be discussed. That topic was not brought up again at that meeting.
Bryan Martin resigned in the Fall of 2019 and was replaced by a new CAO, Annette Gilchrist in January 2020. In the period, January to May 2020, the LCPOA sent 3 letters to Ms. Gilchrist to bring her up to speed on the RV issue. In these letters we made her aware that:
o There is a plethora of background information already provided to Council on the RV matter. We trusted she has been providedwith this information by Council.
o The minutes of the March 3, 2020 Committee meeting stated, "Committee discussed the report regarding the use of recreational vehicles within Bonnechere Valley. Committee recommends that the Zoning By-law be amended to remove any ambiguities in the language surrounding the use of recreational vehicles within the LSR2, R4, OS and RU zones." The LCPOA wholeheartedly disagrees that the language is ambiguous. RVs are not a permitted use in those zones; they are only permitted in the TC zone. 9
o We pointed to a precedent legal case from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Schreiber v Figliomeni 2018 decision, “where something is not permitted, it is prohibited”.
On March 26, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) issued the final section of the Renfrew County Official Plan (OP) and stated that it was “final and not subject to appeal”. We were pleased to see that it contained language encouraging municipalities to deal with temporary use of structures. Here is exact wording:
“Temporary Uses and Structures adjacent to Inland Lakes. Temporary uses such as the seasonal use of recreational vehicles on lots adjacent to inland lakes can negatively impact lake water quality and pose a risk to public health and safety. Local municipalities are encouraged to develop measures to address temporary uses and structures (such as recreational vehicles) on lots adjacent to lakes, with the objective of protecting, improving or restoring the quality of lake water, and protecting human health."
The approved OP also provides a more complete descriptions of what ‘at capacity’ means and stronger language about development on at capacity lakes.
True to form, the County and multiple municipalities immediately appealed to the Minister for considerations arguing that the new OP should not take effect until January 2021 (because of the pandemic) and loosening of the restrictions/ burdens surrounding development applications and approvals.
The outcome of that appeal is not yet known.
LCC To LCPOA Liaison
Submitted by Liz Shultis, 2020 AGM
Fundraising: Due to the current pandemic, the LCC feels that it should not hold its annual fundraising dinner this year. The LCC appreciates the continued support of the organization by those who join or renew their memberships. This year, the LCC had planned to celebrate its 20th anniversary, but that will have to be postponed until next summer.
Island Camping Update: There are an unprecedented number of people camping this summer at the designated sites on several of the Crown Islands. The IT glitch at the beginning of the season was resolved, and bookings are normal. If you are interested in camping, please check out our website, lakeclearconservancy.ca.
Seagull Project on Lornie Foran Island: An application by the Lake Clear Conservancy for a permit to take remedial action for seagulls on this island was accepted for 2020. This year, instead of being allowed to oil the eggs, the LCC was given a permit to remove eggs and destroy the nests where possible, within the parameters set out by the Canadian Wildlife Service. The LCC is pleased to report that a group of six volunteers from the LCC and the LCPOA removed about 800 eggs in mid-May. Several weeks later, two LCC volunteers made another tour of the island and removed an additional 400 eggs. The program is working well. The number of gulls on the island has dropped from approximately 1,750 in 2017 to just over 600 in 2020. Also important to note, the gulls left the island before the end of June. The LCC will submit its report and make an application to continue this action in 2021. However, it should be noted that there is no guarantee that any future application will be successful. Thanks to the volunteers who are working on this important project!
The LCC will be holding its AGM later in the fall, probably by a Zoom call. For information on joining, donating, volunteering, and island camping, please check the LCC website at: lakeclearconservancy.ca.
Fundraising: Due to the current pandemic, the LCC feels that it should not hold its annual fundraising dinner this year. The LCC appreciates the continued support of the organization by those who join or renew their memberships. This year, the LCC had planned to celebrate its 20th anniversary, but that will have to be postponed until next summer.
Island Camping Update: There are an unprecedented number of people camping this summer at the designated sites on several of the Crown Islands. The IT glitch at the beginning of the season was resolved, and bookings are normal. If you are interested in camping, please check out our website, lakeclearconservancy.ca.
Seagull Project on Lornie Foran Island: An application by the Lake Clear Conservancy for a permit to take remedial action for seagulls on this island was accepted for 2020. This year, instead of being allowed to oil the eggs, the LCC was given a permit to remove eggs and destroy the nests where possible, within the parameters set out by the Canadian Wildlife Service. The LCC is pleased to report that a group of six volunteers from the LCC and the LCPOA removed about 800 eggs in mid-May. Several weeks later, two LCC volunteers made another tour of the island and removed an additional 400 eggs. The program is working well. The number of gulls on the island has dropped from approximately 1,750 in 2017 to just over 600 in 2020. Also important to note, the gulls left the island before the end of June. The LCC will submit its report and make an application to continue this action in 2021. However, it should be noted that there is no guarantee that any future application will be successful. Thanks to the volunteers who are working on this important project!
The LCC will be holding its AGM later in the fall, probably by a Zoom call. For information on joining, donating, volunteering, and island camping, please check the LCC website at: lakeclearconservancy.ca.
Algonquin Land Claims
Letter to the Editor, Eganville Leader, March 2016 by Lorne Monaghan:
| eganville_leader_-_march_23_2016.pdf |
Algonquin Land Claim Committee
2016 Report
By G. von Jagow
Members: Michael Johnson, Lorne Monahan, Jack Rosien, Wayne Spooner
The Algonquin Land Claim is the largest land claim being negotiated in Ontario. If successful, it will be the province’s first modern-day constitutionally protected treaty. Since the last Board meeting the following events have happened:
On March 17th the Algonquin’s of Ontario announced the results of the ratification vote on their proposed Agreement-in-Principle with the Governments of Ontario and Canada.
A total of 3,575 ballots were cast out of 7,540 eligible Algonquin voters – a participation rate of 47 percent. Of those ballots cast, 3,341, or over 90 per cent voted in favour of the AIP and the continuation of negotiations towards the terms of a Final Agreement based on the AIP.
Your Committee sent a letter to the editor outlining our concerns about the lack of openness during the negotiations that was published by the Pembroke Daily Observer on March 30th, 2016. The letter was written to incite comment and raise awareness. To date, no subsequent letters to the editor have been published.
Cottage Life Magazine issued a press release about the Algonquin Land Claim titled “How will the Algonquin Land Claim affect Cottagers” at the following link: cottagelife.com/news/how-will-the-algonquin-land-claims-affect-cottagers As of May 7th, there were 0 comments.
By G. von Jagow
Members: Michael Johnson, Lorne Monahan, Jack Rosien, Wayne Spooner
The Algonquin Land Claim is the largest land claim being negotiated in Ontario. If successful, it will be the province’s first modern-day constitutionally protected treaty. Since the last Board meeting the following events have happened:
On March 17th the Algonquin’s of Ontario announced the results of the ratification vote on their proposed Agreement-in-Principle with the Governments of Ontario and Canada.
A total of 3,575 ballots were cast out of 7,540 eligible Algonquin voters – a participation rate of 47 percent. Of those ballots cast, 3,341, or over 90 per cent voted in favour of the AIP and the continuation of negotiations towards the terms of a Final Agreement based on the AIP.
Your Committee sent a letter to the editor outlining our concerns about the lack of openness during the negotiations that was published by the Pembroke Daily Observer on March 30th, 2016. The letter was written to incite comment and raise awareness. To date, no subsequent letters to the editor have been published.
Cottage Life Magazine issued a press release about the Algonquin Land Claim titled “How will the Algonquin Land Claim affect Cottagers” at the following link: cottagelife.com/news/how-will-the-algonquin-land-claims-affect-cottagers As of May 7th, there were 0 comments.
2015 Report
By G. von Jagow
On June 12th with very little fanfare a news release was issued by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Algonquins of Ontario. A Google news search conducted on June 22nd showed that not a single major Canadian newspaper, magazine or broadcaster reported on the news release. Briefly, the news release stated the following:
"Further to recent requests for an update on the status of the Algonquin land claim negotiations, we are pleased to provide the following information.
As you know, the Preliminary Draft Agreement-in-Principle was publicly released in December 2012. Thereafter, there were a number of public meetings and meetings with various groups and individuals. After careful review by legal counsel and by the negotiators, a number of changes were made to the text of the proposed Agreement-in-Principle including changes to the land selections. In 2014, persons with legal interests in the land selections were advised of the changes made to date to the land selections.
The next planned step in the process was the initialing of a proposed Agreement-in-Principle indicating agreement on the text by the negotiators for the Algonquins, Canada and Ontario. That initialing took place recently on May 29, 2015. The next anticipated step will be an Algonquin ratification vote on the proposed AIP. The Algonquins of Ontario have not yet set a date for the vote. Such decisions are now in their hands. If the vote is successful, approval of the Governments of Ontario and Canada will then be sought before the next stage of negotiations proceeds.
Final Agreement Negotiations
The final stage of negotiations is expected to take several years. Various forms of informal and formal consultation will continue throughout these negotiations, including processes related to environmental assessment of the proposed lands package and parks additions, municipal planning and fisheries planning.
If the negotiations conclude successfully, the result will be a final agreement, which will be subject to a final Algonquin ratification vote and the approval of the governments of Ontario and Canada. The land claim settlement will take the form of a modern-day treaty and will be given legal force through implementing provincial and federal legislation.”
The agreement-in-principle (AIP) proposes the transfer of $300 million in capital funding and 117,500 acres of provincial Crown lands to Algonquin ownership.
To the best of our knowledge, the lands being claimed in and around Lake Clear are as follows:
2014 Report:
By G. von Jagow
To listen to the June 21st 2014 Algonquin Land Claims Radio Interview with Michael Johnson go to www.odjradio.com/listenlive. The interview was arranged by John Winters with Host Angelo Viola of Outdoor Journal Radio and broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet “The Fan”, Toronto 590 AM radio, Ottawa 1310 AM radio, Kitchener 510 AM radio and Halifax 95.7 FM radio. Michael is a key member on the LCPOA ALC Committee, with George von Jagow as chair. Last fall, Michael was interviewed extensively by the LEADER on this same topic.
Our Algonquin Land Claim (ALC) Committee has been working in concert with other similarly minded organizations and individuals in this area of eastern Ontario to develop a joint statement of concern. Below is a copy of the document forwarded June 5 to the Prime Minister and select Federal Cabinet Ministers with copies to the Premier of Ontario, select Provincial Cabinet Ministers and select MP’s and MPP’s. Thanks are extended to our committee members, and especially to Michael Johnson.
By G. von Jagow
On June 12th with very little fanfare a news release was issued by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Algonquins of Ontario. A Google news search conducted on June 22nd showed that not a single major Canadian newspaper, magazine or broadcaster reported on the news release. Briefly, the news release stated the following:
"Further to recent requests for an update on the status of the Algonquin land claim negotiations, we are pleased to provide the following information.
As you know, the Preliminary Draft Agreement-in-Principle was publicly released in December 2012. Thereafter, there were a number of public meetings and meetings with various groups and individuals. After careful review by legal counsel and by the negotiators, a number of changes were made to the text of the proposed Agreement-in-Principle including changes to the land selections. In 2014, persons with legal interests in the land selections were advised of the changes made to date to the land selections.
The next planned step in the process was the initialing of a proposed Agreement-in-Principle indicating agreement on the text by the negotiators for the Algonquins, Canada and Ontario. That initialing took place recently on May 29, 2015. The next anticipated step will be an Algonquin ratification vote on the proposed AIP. The Algonquins of Ontario have not yet set a date for the vote. Such decisions are now in their hands. If the vote is successful, approval of the Governments of Ontario and Canada will then be sought before the next stage of negotiations proceeds.
Final Agreement Negotiations
The final stage of negotiations is expected to take several years. Various forms of informal and formal consultation will continue throughout these negotiations, including processes related to environmental assessment of the proposed lands package and parks additions, municipal planning and fisheries planning.
If the negotiations conclude successfully, the result will be a final agreement, which will be subject to a final Algonquin ratification vote and the approval of the governments of Ontario and Canada. The land claim settlement will take the form of a modern-day treaty and will be given legal force through implementing provincial and federal legislation.”
The agreement-in-principle (AIP) proposes the transfer of $300 million in capital funding and 117,500 acres of provincial Crown lands to Algonquin ownership.
To the best of our knowledge, the lands being claimed in and around Lake Clear are as follows:
2014 Report:
By G. von Jagow
To listen to the June 21st 2014 Algonquin Land Claims Radio Interview with Michael Johnson go to www.odjradio.com/listenlive. The interview was arranged by John Winters with Host Angelo Viola of Outdoor Journal Radio and broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet “The Fan”, Toronto 590 AM radio, Ottawa 1310 AM radio, Kitchener 510 AM radio and Halifax 95.7 FM radio. Michael is a key member on the LCPOA ALC Committee, with George von Jagow as chair. Last fall, Michael was interviewed extensively by the LEADER on this same topic.
Our Algonquin Land Claim (ALC) Committee has been working in concert with other similarly minded organizations and individuals in this area of eastern Ontario to develop a joint statement of concern. Below is a copy of the document forwarded June 5 to the Prime Minister and select Federal Cabinet Ministers with copies to the Premier of Ontario, select Provincial Cabinet Ministers and select MP’s and MPP’s. Thanks are extended to our committee members, and especially to Michael Johnson.
| alc_final-june_4_2014.pdf |
There has also been the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Tsilhqot'in Nation in British Columbia. Although everything is too recent for us to fully understand the implications, this recent special column from the Globe & Mail provides the insight from
Gordon Gibson, author of "A New Look at Canadian Indian Policy – Respect the Collective, Promote the Individual" http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/the-claims-are-just-but-this-means-chaos/article19377387/
The remaining thing that needs to be done is to make our politicians aware that YOUalso feel impacted by the current state of the Algonquin Land Claim and you want to be informed and provided with the opportunity to express your opinion and concerns before the Land Claim is passed. Take the time to read the letter in the June 16th update and listen to the podcast to help you formalize your own opinion, or to throw your support behind what your committee has researched on your behalf.
Gordon Gibson, author of "A New Look at Canadian Indian Policy – Respect the Collective, Promote the Individual" http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/the-claims-are-just-but-this-means-chaos/article19377387/
The remaining thing that needs to be done is to make our politicians aware that YOUalso feel impacted by the current state of the Algonquin Land Claim and you want to be informed and provided with the opportunity to express your opinion and concerns before the Land Claim is passed. Take the time to read the letter in the June 16th update and listen to the podcast to help you formalize your own opinion, or to throw your support behind what your committee has researched on your behalf.
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