Kahshe Lake Ratepayers Association (KLRA) News

New Cafe in Town!

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:04:43 GMT

THE DEVIANT DOMESTIC CAFÉ AND BAKE HOUSE - DD’s CAFÉ’

There’s a new café in Town and it’s like no other!

Sara Ungar has taken her financial experience and love for art and cooking to open a unique business in the heart of Gravenhurst with her partner and husband, Dave Unger. Daughters Hannah and Ruthie, who also have experience in the food industry, will be joining them.

Check out their web site for more information.

Mayor's Newsletter and Web Page

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:13:35 GMT

MAYOR DONALDSON INTRODUCES MAYOR’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND WEBPAGE

Mayor Paisley Donaldson released her first monthly newsletter entitled, the Mayor’s Minute. The Mayor’s Minute is available on her new Mayor’s webpage.

“We really need to improve our levels and methods of communication and these two initiatives are only the beginning” said Mayor Donaldson, “there is more to come”. The primary purpose of the Mayor’s Minute is to keep constituents up to date on a variety of issues that have occurred during the month. “I am requesting your feedback on content and distribution to make the newsletter more widely read and distributed, “said Mayor Donaldson.

According to Town CAO Frank Miele, “The Mayor’s Minute fits into our corporate communication strategy. The objective of the communication strategy is to ensure that communication across the Town of Gravenhurst is efficiently coordinated, effectively managed and responsive to the information needs of Council, Town employees, other levels of government, the public, business community and other potential stakeholders.”

Miele added that “the strategy is a necessary component in improving transparency and accountability”.

For further information:

Frank Miele

Chief Administrative Officer

3-5 Pineridge Gate

Town of Gravenhurst ON P1P 1Z3

(705) 687-3412 ext. 245

(705) 718-6781 cell

fmiele@gravenhurst.ca

Snapping Turtle Hunt

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:16:47 GMT

Our snapping turtle population is in danger because of the legal hunt. Check out details in our Natural Environment section under "Turtle Conservation".

New E-mail Address?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:27:54 GMT

Inform us if you change your e-mail address.

This is important if you wish to receive official KLRA information from us. The results from the last e-mail sent out indicate that a good many members did not receive the message.

The KLRA policy is to send e-mails to members only if they are of significant value. As Privacy Officer, the President of the KLRA must vet the e-mails that go to all our members.

To notify us of a change in address or if you have not received any messages recently, e-mail your name and current e-mail address to email@kahshelake.ca

Widening Hwy 11

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:06:45 GMT

The widening of highway 11 from Washago north past Gravenhurst to make it limited access is controversial to say the least. You can read the study and follow the issue at this web site:http://www.highway11study.ca/

There will be public information sessions on December 13.

Tuesday December 13, 2011
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion
290 Veterans Way
Gravenhurst, Ontario

Kahshe in Muskoka: Famous Again!

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:15:03 GMT

As all of you know, National Geographic named Muskoka the Number 1 place to visit for Summer 2011... and the Muskoka Chair shot of Kahshe from our deck graced the digital pages of Nat Geo all summer long.

Well... National Geographic Traveller has just announced the Best Of The World 2012... and guess what?

This is a shot I took of my bro-in-law Doug in the back channel behind Lindhill Island on Thanksgiving 2008.

I'm thrilled that Muskoka has been chosen as one of the top 10 destinations in the world for two years in a row!

(I just need them to get the photo credit straight!!)

I've been in touch with All Canada who reps my shots and Nat Geo will hopefully make the change in the next few days.

Cheers to Muskoka! Cheers to Kahshe!

Here is the link:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2012/?source=email_places#/botw-main-gallery-muskoka_41329_600x450.jpg

Randy

Randy Craig

Director of Advertising & Marketing

Cottage Life / explore/Outdoor Canada/Canadian Home Workshop

54 St. Patrick Street

Toronto ON M5T 1V1

Mayor's Monthly Report - October 2011

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:38:13 GMT

The mayor's report is available here.

Mayor's Monthly Report - August 2011

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:51:24 GMT

Mayor Donaldson has started a new monthly communication initiative aimed at what is happening in Gravenhurst. Her report for August is available here.

KLRA Zoning By-Law Appeal Successful

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:34:56 GMT

At an Ontario Municipal Board hearing today, the OMB ordered the Town of Gravenhurst to implement Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-04, including an amendment resulting from the KLRA's appeal of a section of the by-law in May of 2010.

During the summer and fall of 2010, the KLRA partnered with the Muldrew Lakes Cottagers Association (which also had appealed) in negotiating with the Town amendment of a provision in the new zoning by-law that permitted unreasonable redevelopment of waterfront properties. By the fall of 2010, an agreement had been reached. (See past news items on this site for more information.)

Today the Town presented a motion to the OMB to accept the agreement and order that the by-law be implemented. The OMB granted the motion, ending a journey that was begun with the KLRA's Lake Plan a decade ago.

The KLRA will likely hold an information session for members during the summer of 2012 on the new zoning by-law.

Regatta Revived! Triumphed!

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:29:20 GMT

Colleen Powell couldn't accept that the 2011 Regatta was being cancelled for lack of someone to lead it, so she stepped in to make it happen!

The date was delayed until Saturday, August 20 to allow for planning.

Colleen received lots of help to pull this off. Many people volunteered to hold a successful regatta. If you would like to congratulate her, you can contact her at colleenpowell@rogers.com or e-mail your comments to regatta@kahshelake.ca

Take a look at the 2011 Regatta page for some photos that show both volunteers and participants having a good time. All of the energy on the beach held the rain off until the events were run.

Bulletin Board Stolen

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:36:42 GMT

The KLRA bulletin board at the end of Sam Cook Road has been stolen! Some time this week. That's a disappointment as money was spent on rebuilding it the winter before last.

E-mail info@kahshelake.ca if you find it.

Kahshe Makes National Geographic

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:05:47 GMT

National Geographic Traveler has picked Muskoka its best summer trip of 2011. The online article has a beautiful picture of Kahshe Lake taken by Randy Craig.

Town appoints new Chief Administrative Officer

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 06:27:20 GMT

This morning [Tuesday, April 26] two announcements were sent out about staffing changes at the senior level in the town. Here they are:

Cindy Maher (our Chief Administrative Officer), has left the employ of the Town of Gravenhurst, effective today.

On behalf of the Town, best wishes go out to Cindy in her future employment endeavours.

David Weldon has been hired as our interim Chief Administrative Officer, effective today.

Dave has extensive experience (35+ years) in Municipal Government, and 25 of these years were in the capacity of Chief Administrative Officer, in the municipalities of Richmond Hill, Chatham-Kent and Innisfil.

Dave graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. He has a certified Municipal Clerk designation, and a diploma in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario. He is a member of AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario). His extensive community involvement includes a ten year term on the Board of Trustees of York Central Hospital, including a two year term as Chair.

Please feel free to drop by the CAO's office to introduce yourself and to welcome Dave aboard.

Toronto Star Cites Kickbacks in Gravenhurst; Mayor Responds

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:16:20 GMT

Gravenhurst mayor, Paisley Donaldson, today issued the following press release related to yesterday's article in the Toronto Star that reported on evidence of kickbacks related to the construction at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre:

“Any allegations made against

Dalton of improper charges, additional charges, or inappropriate charges are currently being investigated by the Town. The Town has hired a cost consulting firm who will conduct a review of the project documents, including accounting, all bid packages, the trade submissions and trade contracts. The Town cannot comment at this time, on any specific allegations, until the investigation has been completed.

The Ontario Provincial Police has also launched an investigation.

Paisley Donaldson

Mayor, Gravenhurst”

The Star had reported that Dalton Engineering and Construction, the company acting as project manager for the Centennial Centre, solicited and received kickbacks from contractors and other trades that it hired for the project. The full article can be found here.

Gravenhurst Budget Could Trigger 10% Tax Hke

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:45:23 GMT

The Town of Gravenhurst is in the midst of setting its 2011 budget, which will be the basis for the Town's portion of our 2011 tax bill.

This article, titled "Residents decry proposed 10 percent tax hike" appeared in the Weekender after the second of two special council meetings to discuss the budget:

http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/news/cityhall/article/973528--residents-decry-proposed-10-per-cent-tax-hike

KLRA board members John Kuropatwa and Bob Reyburn each attended one of the special meetings, both to act as the eyes and ears of the KLRA and to present on specific topics.

You can find the draft budget on the Town's website . Call your councillor, either Joe Donoghue (705-689-2573) or Randy Jorgensen (705-687-9038), if you have specific concerns you would like them to know about.

Gravenhurst Budget May Affect Ryde Community Co-operative

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:32:41 GMT

By Bob Reyburn

The Ryde Community Co-operative has operated a community centre in the old Ryde Public School on Barkway Road for the past 10 years. The Gravenhurst draft budget for 2011 contains a proposal to end municipal involvement in the Ryde School and return the building to the Trillium Lakelands School Board. Projected annual savings to the Town of Gravenhurst for 2011 is approximately $3,000.

The Board of Directors of the Ryde Community Co-operative has had discussions with the Town’s Community Services Department to address this change. There is a petition available at the Summerland Store to voice your opposition to the proposal.

A special Council meeting is being held at Council Chambers in Gravenhurst on Saturday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. at which this topic will be discussed as well as other issues; and public input is welcomed. The President of the Co-operative will be making a presentation at this meeting.

You can read about this budget proposal as well as others at the Town’s web site at www.gravenhurst.ca.

John Klinck - Selected New Muskoka District Chair

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:00:33 GMT

At the Inaugural Meeting of the new Muskoka District Council held on December 13th, John Klinck was selected as the new District Chair for the 2010-2014 term of Muskoka District Council. After two tied rounds of voting, Chair John Klinck was the successful candidate winning the third round by a vote of 12 - 10 against his opponent, former District Chair Gord Adams.

More information is available at: http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/municipalelection2010/article/917438--klinck-takes-district-chair .

John Klinck Seeks Muskoka District Chair Role

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:21:31 GMT

John Klinck, former mayor of Gravenhurst and KLRA member, is seeking to be the Chairman of the District of Muskoka. This position is filled by a vote of District councillors, scheduled for December 13.

More information is in this article: http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/community/southmuskoka/article/910764 .

Gravenhurst Election Results

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:39:01 GMT

Here are the results of the October 25 municipal election, as posted on the Town of Gravenhurst website. Six of the nine council members are new.

Kahshe and Bass Lakes are in Wards 3 and 4.

The KLRA congratulates the successful candidates and looks forward to working with them over the next four years. The KLRA also thanks those members of the last council who worked hard to make Gravenhurst and the District of Muskoka a great place to be.

UNOFFICIAL Results for the 2010 Municipal Election

Mayor
Paisley Donaldson - ELECTED	3217
Mark Clairmont	1439
Terry Pilger	995
Shawn Kelly	327

District Councillor
Rosemary King - ELECTED	2892
Sandy Cairns - ELECTED	2505
Bob Colhoun - ELECTED	2169
John Graham	2011
Lou Guerriero	1863
Bryan Pilger	1379
John A. Cooper	934

Ward 1
Heidi Lorenz - ELECTED	478
Scott Young	424
Judy Terry	401
Gord Carey	196
Tracey Wilson	165

Ward 2
Lola Bratty - ELECTED	665
Glenn Irving	145

Ward 3
Joe Donoghue - ELECTED	534
Janine Wilson	348
Elaine Smith	168
J. David Ward	127

Ward 4
Randy Jorgensen - ACCLAIMED

Ward 5
Jeff Watson - ELECTED	713
Connie Micallef	359
Stephen Brunton	233

Johnette Ollman

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:50:51 GMT

Johnette Ollman passed away on Tuesday, October 12, peacefully in her sleep. Our sympathies go out to her husband Bob, who was her constant caregiver over the long period Johnette struggled with cancer.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation

Date: Monday, October 18
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm.
Place: WJ Cavill Funeral Home, 215 Bay St, Gravenhurst, phone 705-687-3242

Funeral Mass

Date: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 1:30pm
Place: St Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 231 Hotchkiss St, Gravenhurst

Donations

Johnette cared about and donated to many charities. If you would like to donate in her memory, here are some suggestions:

The Sparrow Lake Community Church Christmas Hamper Program
Cheques should be made out to Sparrow Lake Community Church - with Christmas Hamper noted on the cheque. Mail to Judy Hutchinson, 1004 Post Office Road, Kilworthy, ON P0E 1G0

CWL Christmas Basket Program
CWL St. Paul's Council (note on cheque that donation is for Christmas Basket Program)
c/o Mary Gray
PO Box 3034, RR#1
Gravenhurst, ON
P1P 1R1

Muskoka Interval House - Bracebridge
PO Box 748
Bracebridge, ON
P1L 1T9
1-800-461-1740

Habitat for Humanity Muskoka
1964 Muskoka Beach Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario
P1P 1R1
705-646-0106 ext 5

The Canadian Cancer Society
Gravenhurst Branch
P. O. Box 1301
Gravenhurst, Ontario
PIP 1V5
Att'n: Mr. Dave Trethewey
705-684-8029

Johnette was a great friend to the Kahshe community. As a longtime member of the KLRA Board of Directors, Johnette was chair of the Nagaya Beach committee. She was instrumental in reviving the KLRA Regatta and in the continuation of the Kids' Fishing Derby.

We will miss her dedication, hard work, cajolling, problem solving, stories and humour.