May 15, 2025 - Survey says....taxpayers overwhelmingly say no to a new municipal boat launch on Steenburg Lake South Road.

Limerick Township has proposed a public boat launch on Steenburg Lake, to be located on Steenburg Lake South Road between 432 and 448. The property is at the boundary between Limerick and Tudor and Cashel Townships.

The results of a survey posted on May 6 by Limerick Township are included in the agenda for the May 21, 2025 Council meeting. Billed as a way to gauge public opinion on the proposal, the survey asked, 'Would you want a public boat launch on South Steenburg Lake Rd.?'

The results contained in the May 21 agenda are as follows:

YES - 18.6% (16 votes)

NO - 79.07% (68 votes)

Undecided - 2.33% (2 votes)

There is still time to register your vote before the May 21 Council meeting. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCB65Q5 "

Read comments from the survey participants in this PDF excerpt from the May 21 agenda..

See the entire timeline here.

The Turtles Are Coming!

Author: Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Photo by: Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Turtle sightings are starting to trickle in, a sign that spring is finally taking hold.

After months beneath frozen wetlands, Ontario’s turtles are beginning to stir. Don’t be surprised to see them sluggish—basking quietly on logs or lingering near the bottom, soaking up warmth to jumpstart their systems. Their pace will pick up as the days grow longer and temperatures rise. Mating begins, journeys to seasonal habitats get underway, and feeding resumes.

If you come across an injured, sickly, or unresponsive Turtle anywhere in Ontario, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) at 705-741-5000 when you are with the Turtle. They offer free medical care and will arrange transport through their impressive Turtle Taxi network if the finders cannot drive the Turtle themselves. OTCC's new address is 2785 Television Road, Peterborough.

Turtle Taxi Volunteers

Last year, the OTCC admitted over 2,300 injured turtles, their highest number of admissions ever.  Thanks to the kindness of volunteers across the province, many were transported to safety and received the treatment they needed. 

The OTCC’s Turtle Taxi network plays a vital role in turtle rescue. Drivers are needed across Ontario to help transport turtles and sometimes even medical supplies. If you have a vehicle and a big heart, you can help—no turtle experience necessary.

Turtles are transported in enclosed containers; drivers don’t need to handle them directly. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the OTCCs at 705-741-5000 or email volunteer@ontarioturtle.ca. 

Wildlife In Distress

Should you encounter wildlife other than turtles in Ontario that are sick, injured or abandoned please consult the Ontario Wildlife Rescue website for the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) licensed wildlife rehabilitator nearest you. An experienced rehabilitator will help you decide what the next steps should be. The Ontario Wildlife Rescue website is an excellent resource when wild animals are in need .

Source: https://thinkturtle.ca/ (April 2025 blog post)

About TTCI

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative (TTCI), founded in 2018, is an award-winning volunteer group engaged in provincial awareness initiatives and species recovery efforts in North Hastings and neighboring communities. Utilizing evidence-based information and data in support of its mission, TTCI works with community leaders, organizational representatives, and concerned citizens to drive change and build partnerships in pursuit of strategies to protect Ontario's turtles from the threat of extinction. 

Catch and release tips

Photo by Selena Bruni

Back where she belongs

Steenburg welcomed a special returning resident to the lake on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025. Welcome back to this 15-year-old female snapping turtle. She was released after spending the winter at the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre in Peterborough where she was recovering from being hit by a car and loosing her beak. The trauma centre is run by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. This turtle was originally from our lake and the volunteer was so happy she could be released back to Steenburg. If you happen to spot her you will notice that she has a bit of a smooshed in face, that is her new smile (-:

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About our lake:

Steenburg Lake is in the Trent River and Lake Ontario drainage basins in the townships of Limerick and Tudor & Cashel, Hastings County, Ontario, Canada, 28 kilometres south of the town of Bancroft. The lake is about 3.2 kilometres long and 2.8 kilometres wide and lies at an elevation of 316 metres.  

Cottage opening tips

Start the cottage season right, by following these tips:

1. Check your car’s lights, signals, tire pressure and fluids before the trip to the cottage.

2. Assemble a first-aid kit for your cottage and your car. Already got these? Review the contents of the kits and replace any missing or expired supplies.

3. Review the condition of boat(s), including fuel lines and tanks. Ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and in good repair.

4. Check your electricity meter and interior wiring, cords and plugs for any signs of gnawing or other damage before turning on your power for the season!

5. Install and maintain cottage smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

6. Remove dry leaves and debris from the cottage roof and/or eavestroughs to reduce fire risk. (Remember: use ladders with caution!)

7. Boating in spring weather? Beware of the dangers of cold-water immersion. Get more tips for boating and cold-water safety, here: https://foca.on.ca/safe-boating/

8. Talk to your insurance representative to review your cottage, car and boat coverage. Bear in mind that many property insurance policies carry exclusions related to water damage – check yours and be sure you understand what you are covered for.

9. Prepare for extreme weather events by creating a family emergency preparedness plan for the cottage. Just like at home, consider what your family would need to survive at the cottage for 72 hours in a time of emergency.

10.Talk to your neighbours, and plan for emergencies by identifying vulnerable people as well as potential community volunteers.

Source: Federation of Cottagers' Associations (FOCA). The SLCA is a member of FOCA.

TIP: Hooked an invasive water plant? Don't toss it back

Photo Credit: Invasive Species Centre