The Annual Meeting of the Golden lake Property Owners Association was held at Killaloe Public School, Saturday August 26th.  The meeting was called to order by President Dave Lemkay at 9:05 a.m.  In his opening remarks he reminded members that this was an extension of the June 3rd meeting by virtue of a motion by  John Visser.  He announced that there was a revised map of Golden Lake which illustrates the shoals and rock hazards available for pick up at this meeting.  He also reported on boat licencing courses that might be of interest to members in future.

Harold Weckworth, Mayor of North Agona-Wilberforce was introduced.  The Mayor spoke of opportunities for the municipality and GLPOA to explore ways to work together to enhance area services such as the prospect of a comfort station located at the Deacon Bridge boat launch site.  A trial project was undertaken by the Association with less than satisfactory results during the month of August.

Another guest to the meeting was introduced; Wendy Engel, president of the Round Lake Property Owners Association has been most helpful to GLPOA executive during the start up years and on an ongoing basis by sharing the experience of that long-standing organization.

Tom Green chaired a session to address the finalization of the GLPOA constitution.  He pointed out that the notice of this agenda item was in compliance with the thirty-day time period and that the draft constitution had been vetted by lawyer and member Peter Hammond.  The constitution was accepted as presented in a motion by Bill Cooke, seconded by Tom Green and unanimously carried.

Tom Green presented a list of officers proposed by the nominating committee.  Candidates for the executive positions included: 

• Dave Lemkay – President

• Kevin O’Connor – Vice-President

• Weldon McEachen – Treasurer

• Bill Clark – Secretary

No further nominations were received from the floor and there was a motion by Kate O’Hara, Seconded by Jane Yeldon that those nominated be accepted.  They were voted in by a show of hands.

The nominating committee list of Directors was presented by Mr. Green which included:

Three new nominees – Letters, Lampi and St.Jean were included to fill vacancies left by resignations of Adrian Daley, Tom Green and Bill Cooke.  No nominations were received from the floor and there was approval of the slate by a show of hands.

Treasurer Weldon McEachen gave a financial report.  He outlined that all outstanding invoices have been paid.  With the funds collected at this meeting, GLPOA has approximately $2600.00 in the treasury, leaving it in good financial shape for the winter months.  Mr. McEachen went on to report that all advertising spaces but one had been paid for.  He raised the issue of waterway buoys, asking members in close proximity to a shoal marker to assist with removal from the water by mid-September.  He reminded people to securely affix a boat bumper or white plastic jug to mark the anchor cable for springtime placing of the buoy.

Kevin O’Connor delivered a membership report in the absence of Membership Director Norm Edwards.  He introduced directors present who have responsibility for each of the zones, thanking them and their helpers for ongoing work.  Mr. O’Connor stressed that the time-honoured process of knocking on doors to canvass for membership was most effective.  He outlined that the goal in the second year was to surpass the 370 membership level of year one.  Everyone was encouraged to speak with their neighbours to promote the Association and build up the membership.

Howard Bernard presented a brief report on testing for water quality.  Testing that has been recently done by Pikwakanagan personnel shows some readings that measure up to 25ppm of E-coli bacteria.  (Measures up to 100ppm are considered acceptable).  Mr Bernard intimated that ongoing testing might be feasible with existing resources.  He also cited a study in Fisher News Magazine that reported on cormorant population data.  Indications are that Golden Lake has higher numbers of adults and chicks and associated nests than other area lakes.  There was discussion on the detrimental effects of this species to flora and fauna on Golden Lake.  The evidence of tree mortality on Gull Island cannot be ignored and might be the basis to appeal to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources take responsibility for mitigation.  ACTION: Members agreed with a show of hands that the executive should proceed with an operating plan on this basis.

Kevin O’Connor delivered a progress report on the topic of cell phone service.  He advised that contact has been made with key representatives at both Bell Mobility and Telus and that they have expressed commitment to being available for dialogue. ACTION: A committee will be established by GLPOA with the assistance of the interlake committee to build the business case promoting the urgent need and potential usage of service in the area.

Kevin O’Connor introduced Peter Boldt, Manager of Renfrew Power Generation Inc.  Mr. Boldt gave an interesting presentation on the historical aspects of hydro electric power generation in Ontario in general and on the Bonnechere River system in particular.  He outlined long-term plans that have been implemented to achieve not only the objectives of power generation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the authority for managing the watershed, but to maintain acceptable recreational living standards for the population on the system and the many difficulties encountered.  He graciously agreed to remain after the meeting to answer individual questions.

Alan Fox, Chairman of the Bonnechere River Watershed Project was introduced.  He gave a concise talk outlining a wide variety of projects undertaken by this voluntary community action group.  These include testing of water quality, nesting boxes for waterfowl, tree planting and many public workshops and school programs on related subjects all designed to attract the interest of students and adults alike.  He advised that the committee is now establishing a list of priorities for the next five years.  He invited anyone wishing to give input to this process to contact him.  Alan also agreed to remain after the meeting for discussion.

Barbara King of FOCA was introduced by Dave Lemkay.  Ms. King gave a short presentation on the “Dock Talk” program which is funded by the Trillium Foundation and administered through FOCA.  She demonstrated innovative methodologies and products that are being promoted to manage the ecological integrity of shoreline settings.  She advised that she was booking a schedule of visits in the Golden Lake area with property owners who wished to have an informal assessment of impacts on lake and river values through peoples’ waterfront management.

The business portion of the meeting returned to discussion on motorized boat licencing and the pros and cons of program delivery on the internet and through commercial courses.  ACTION: GLPOA will undertake to assemble the best information available and post details on the web site.  It will look into convening a group session with an accredited provider to be conducted in Spring of 2007.

President Lemkay thanked members for coming out on a summer Saturday morning and reminded members to patronize the bake sale that had been put on by the Killaloe Youth Project.  He also praised Director Bill Gardner who did a good job as timekeeper, which allowed the meeting to wrap up at on time at 11:00.

The meeting was adjourned with a motion by Kate O’Hara.

Submitted:  Bill Clark, Secretrary