Midwinter Update

January 25, 2006

This is a brief news update to say hello during the mid-winter season and to extend best wishes for the New Year. I take the opportunity also to provide an update of activities that your board is busy with - mainly housekeeping tasks.

The Association is in the process of being incorporated as a non-profit corporation. This should be completed in the next few weeks, paving the way for other official business such as negotiations for certain liability insurance coverage.

There is not much to report with respect to the property assessment issue. We are aware that many of our members are concerned about their respective situation. At present, the only advice the association can offer is that if you feel that your assessed value is incorrect, you have the opportunity to appeal to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation for a review by calling 1-866-296-6722. The appeal process must be initiated by the property owner and not an organization. You have until Dec. 31, 2006 to file a request for re-consideration. You can also review other information on the web site.

There is apparently some progress being made in terms of future cellular telephone coverage for our region. There is news of property having been purchased for a tower in the Eganville area. We will try to keep you informed as things develop.

The Association has applied to Environment Canada for a grant to evaluate the risk of, and establish protocols to monitor, alien invasive species to our lake and river system and forest areas. In addition to this, our water security committee has begun a project to identify shoal hazards with GPS. One outcome of this project will be to have signage erected at the boat launch areas identifying shoal locations on our waterway. Maps will be available on the web site and in hard copy by spring.

You are invited to visit the GLPOA web site at www.goldenlake.info where we have recent meetings recorded, contact information and links to a number of web sites of local concern. You can email to the executive any time at info@goldenlake.info

Sincerely,
Dave Lemkay
President

Fall 05 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As you read this, feel good about being among the 300-plus membership of the Golden Lake Property Owners Association. Congratulations and thank you for being concerned and engaged as we work to manage the common issues of waterfront living on Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River. We have formed the Association to act on the challenges facing us all, as identified by the people who formed the original steering committee in 2004.

We have made great progress since our inaugural meeting and this newsletter features many of the programs that are underway. Generally speaking, your executive is focusing on three main areas - Communication, Membership and Water Quality. Effective communication with our membership will be key to the Association making good decisions and taking action on environmental stewardship, lake safety and the social side of life.

As we move through our first year, I take this opportunity, once again, to thank you for your support. Please stay tuned via the GLPOA web site at www.goldenlake.info and get in touch if you have questions or, better yet answers.

Dave Lemkay, President

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JULY GENERAL MEETING AT GOLDEN LAKE TRAVEL PARK

- APPROXIMATELY 120 PROPERTY OWNERS PRESENT

- DISCUSSION OF WATER LEVELS -

- VICE-PRES. KEVIN O'CONNOR APPOINTED TO THE BONNECHERE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

- JOINING THE FEDERATION OF COTTAGERS' ASSOCIATION AND WHAT IT MEANS TO US

- GREAT SUPPORT FROM OUR LOCAL MAYORS AND MPP

- TOTAL PAID MEMBERS AT 287

- CONSTITUTION IS IN DRAFT FORM

- SPECIAL THANKS TO THE OWNERS OF THE GOLDEN LAKE TRAVEL PARK FOR THEIR HOSPITALITY

YOUR BOARD IS WORKING FOR YOU

- INVOLVED WITH THE INTERLAKE ASSOCIATION i.e.

Round Lake
Lake Clear
Lake Dore
Kaszuby Cottagers' Assoc
Paugh Lake

- BEING INCORPORATED

- GETTING LEGAL APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

- GOING ON-LINE WITH AN INTERACTIVE, INFORMATIVE WEB SITE

- PROVIDING INFORMATION TO LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS re: road insurance, liabilities and other areas of concern

- INSTITUTING A COTTAGE WATCH PROGRAM

- SETTING UP A PROGRAM TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY

PROPERTY ASSESSMENT

The issue of Property Assessment notices has been raised at a recent GLOPA Directors Mtg. It appears that waterfront properties are seeing an increase as much as 50%. The fair market approach to valuation reflects sales activity in real estate.

If you believe your assessment is too high you can ask the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation for a review. You have until Dec. 31, 2006 to file a request for re-consideration. Please call 1-866-296 6722. It is unfortunate that the appeal process must be initiated by the property owner and not an organization.