Photo by Selena Bruni

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 (-:

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 simply 'Would you want a public boat launch on South Steenburg Lake Rd.?'

The results contained in the May 21 agenda are as follows, with 86 votes:

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 "

In their comments, some proponents of the boat launch lobbied for a year-round boat launch and possibly an expansion of the current public launch which is closed 3 months in the summer to allow for public swimming), two lobbied for a public launch that is free. 

Opponents of a new boat launch cited concerns about the introduction of invasive species, careless boaters, noise, pollution, congestion on the south road, road safety, excessive boat traffic, unsuitable location and the expense of installation and maintaining the new site. Many noted there are already two boat launches on the lake: one public, one private. 

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

Limerick Council will be asked to decide next steps on this proposal at their May 21 meeting. Limerick Community Centre, 7645 Highway 620, 12:30 p.m. See their full agenda here.

To keep our members informed, the SLCA will continue to update this document as next steps in the proposal occur.

May 7, 2025 – SLCA post to Steenburg Lake FB page

UPDATE -- I reached out to Limerick Township last night for further info on the boat launch survey they posted yesterday on their website https://limerick.ca/. They intend to share the results of the survey at the May 21 Council meeting and possibly have a public meeting in June. Whether you do, or do not, favour a new boat launch, you can make your feelings known by filling in the survey ASAP.

May 6, 2025 Survey posted at limerick.ca

 Screen capture of notice of survey on limerick.ca, May 7, 2025

Text of notice

"Steenburg Lake Boat Launch Proposal Survey

Every year Staff and Council are approached about a boat launch on Steenburg Lake South Road. We have created a very short survey to gauge where residents stand on this.  This survey will take less than 1 minute to complete, but will be very helpful to staff and Council moving forward.  Thank you in advance for your participation. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCB65Q5 "

 Screen capture of survey intro limerick.ca, May 7, 2025

Text of survey

"South Steenburg Lake Boat Launch Survey

The Limerick Township proposes a public boat launch on Steenburg Lake, located on South Steenburg Lake Road.

The community is divided on this decision. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to better assist Limerick in the future.

1.Would you want a public boat launch on South Steenburg Lake Rd.

2.If a public meeting is hosted would you attend in person or via Zoom?

3.Please provide a short response regarding your position on the public boat launch."

May 6, 2025 – SLCA post to Steenburg Lake FB page

Hi folks, just a quick update. At today's Tudor & Cashel Council meeting (ongoing as I type this) the Council voted to notify Limerick Township that T&C has no interest in furthering discussions on a public boat launch on the south road. During the brief discussion it was noted by Councillor Brent Taylor, a resident of the lake, that Steenburg currently has 2 viable boat launches, the proposed site would require a lot of development work, parking and traffic concerns, and the threat of the introduction of invasive species to the lake would require ongoing monitoring at the launch site. Not that I don't love a good council meeting LOL but this one is now moving into its third hour .... I'm moving on.

April 23, 2025 – SLCA post to Steenburg Lake FB page

At today’s (April 23) Limerick Council meeting the subject of a public boat launch on Steenburg Lake came up. I was there for another reason. After some discussion between councillors and staff about whether or not property owners on the lake want a public boat launch, Council directed staff to approach Tudor & Cashel to gauge their interest in exploring the installation of a launch on the South Road where the two townships meet - near the snowplow turnaround.

Staff and councillors raised some red flags during the discussion including the very steep grade at the proposed site, the need for public parking on site, the risk of invasive species entering and exiting the lake via boats, people congregating at the boat launch, and the fact the launch location would be abutting existing cottages/homes.

This is all very preliminary and I'm told any movement forward would take quite some time. Should Tudor & Cashel agree to explore the idea, there will likely be public sessions held by both Councils to gauge public interest.

The Steenburg Lake Community Association (SLCA) will be following developments and we will pass that information along to you as it comes in.

-- Your SLCA Team

• by Robert Dick, for the 2021 FOCA Lake Stewards Newsletter 

  The attractions of cottage country include green and blue vistas during the day, and the soundscapes and starry skies of late evening. But the latter attraction is quickly changing, and the culprit is a “green” lighting technology. 

  I refer to the proliferation of white-light LED fixtures. They are marketed as low energy and cheap; however, these attributes promote outdoor lighting where previously there was none. LED fixtures consume so little energy compared to the older incandescent lights that many cottagers leave them on all night and even when their cottage is vacant.  What was once a dark countryside has now become illuminated as an extension of urban lighting patterns shifts across the landscape.
  
  
  

  Something modest becomes a blight when multiplied by thousands of residences. It is ironic that a product developed to save energy and preserve the environment is having the opposite effect: LEDs are causing a 2.2% per year increase in outdoor lighting!

  Within your lifetime, the sky will be twice as bright, and we will be using twice the energy for lighting. Why does this matter? How can something as simple as a door light affect the night? 

  First, outdoor lighting fundamentally changes the aesthetics of the night. The night sky is featureless “black” when we are next to bright lights. It reduces the visibility for both people and animals. Many animals don’t want outdoor lighting. It makes foraging animals vulnerable to predators. Although moonlight illuminates the countryside for about a week each month, the rest of the time there are long periods of darkness when the animals can gather food in relative safety, and star gazers and late-night walkers can enjoy the night darkness, free from glare.

  The proliferation of light is caused by outdoor lights on buildings, along laneways and shoreline lighting. Whether used for landscaping or waterfront “enhancement”, outdoor lighting changes the night environment and disrupts the ecology of wildlife. It also undermines the enjoyment for those who may prefer the natural night they can’t get in the city.

  PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS:

  1/ Changing White to Amber White is the most impactful colour of nighttime lighting. The glare from white light appears about 5 times brighter than amber light for the same wattage of lamp. Since bugs are not attracted as much by amber light, you will also reduce the pesky bugs on your property. Simply swapping out the white lamp for an amber bug light will reduce the impact of the glare.  For LEDs, white light is the combination of blue plus amber. So, you can add a filter to block the blue light components. Inexpensive amber film can be used to line the inside of light fixtures such as coach lights. At the relatively low light levels after dark, our eyes perceive this colour as candlelight. You can buy a very inexpensive sheet of filter material by Roscolux (Deep Straw #15) online (e.g., from www.bhphotovideo.com). Line the inside of the light fixture window or diffuser with one or two layers to achieve amber light. 

  2/ Shielding Exterior Building Lights An unshielded door light can be seen for miles, yet only a fraction of the emitted light will illuminate your entrance or steps. The problem is solved by purchasing downward facing fixtures, or creating a simple DIY reflective shield. If you use the pattern found at www.csbg.ca/BLOG.HTM#22, this project is suitable for your kids or grandkids. Important notes: Use this only for florescent or LED light bulbs (not incandescent or other bulbs that get hot when lit). If the bulb uses more than 60W, the material used should be metal, not cardboard.

  3/ Modifying a Coach Light Coach lights are designed to look good in the daytime, but at night they produce a lot of glare and light trespass. Depending on the specific design, these can be modified to produce very little glare and to more uniformly light the area, which increases the visibility over the area. As an example: this fixture has the lamp in the lower half, and the light shines out through glass in the upper and lower sections. We modified it by using a screw-in plug receptacle from a local hardware store that raised the lamp into the upper section. We then cut reflective material to block the upper windows. More light is now reflected through the lower windows and onto the ground. The owner can use lower wattage lamps. During the day, the fixture did not look like it was modified but at night this modest shielding cut glare and light trespass, while increasing visibility around the entrance.

  How you can help:

  Light pollution can be easily reduced with some simple solutions:

• Shield your light fixtures so light shines where you need it, not over your neighbour’s property. Everyone will see better without the glare.
• Use amber “bug lights” – not white light. Amber will reduce the impact of glare and will also attract fewer mosquitoes.
• Use lower wattage lamps. To judge how much light you need, go for a walk at night and approach your lights after becoming dark-adapted. This will be what the animals see. If your lights are bright, dim them down or use a lower wattage bulb.
• Turn off your outdoor lights when you don’t want to have visitors, when you go to bed, and certainly when you are away. We’ve been told to use light to make our homes safer, but without an active security system, outdoor lighting won’t protect your property, it just puts it on display for thieves and vandals.

To read up on more lighting tricks, the colour of light and illumination levels, visit Robert’s blog:  www.csbg.ca/truths-myths.htm

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

Start the cottage season right with these tips from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations:

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.

Author: 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 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.

Photo by: Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

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 http://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca

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.   

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

Source: Ontario.ca / Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources e-newsletter Oct. 5, 2024 There’s nothing better than spending a day on the water and sharing a picture of your catch, big or small! When practicing catch-and-release, it’s important to handle fish with care to ensure their survival after their release. This is particularly important when taking photos, which can often lead to extended periods of air exposure.  Here are some guidelines to help you capture that perfect shot while keeping the fish’s health a priority: Prolonged air exposure can be harmful, even fatal. Keep the fish submerged as much as possible, and only lift it for a brief photo. Ensure your camera or phone is ready to go before you bring the fish out of the water. Improper handling can cause injury. Avoid touching the gills or eyes, as these are particularly sensitive areas. For larger, heavier fish, do not hold them by the jaw alone. This can dislocate the jaw, making it difficult for the fish to feed afterward. Instead, support the body horizontally, cradling the fish with both hands if necessary. Before handling the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cloth gloves. This helps to reduce the removal of the fish’s protective slime coat. The slime coat is essential for the fish’s health, as it protects against infections and helps with swimming. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the sport of fishing and share your experiences through photos without compromising the health of the fish. Learn more information about catch and release best practices such as landing techniques and recommended gear.

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

Photo Credit: Invasive Species Centre

We’ve all been fishing and reeled in a weed – that’s right – we mean an aquatic plant. That weed could be Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM), an invasive species found in Steenburg Lake. EWM spreads when fragments of the plant break loose or are cut loose by a boat propeller.  If you hook one, please do not toss aquatic plants back in the lake. Instead dispose of them on land either in the garbage or by burning. Help prevent the spread of invasive plants.

Our partnership with Cottage Life has proven to be a big hit.

Nearly 80 families on Steenburg Lake took advantage of the SLCA’s Early Bird Membership Fee offer and will receive a free 3-edition summer subscription to Cottage Life magazine, and one ticket to the spring Cottage Life Show.

Our official campaign period will begin May 1 when emailed reminders will go out, but you are encouraged to pay your $40 membership fee as soon as possibe. 

1. CLICK 'LOG IN' in the top right corner of the steenburglake.ca home page.

2.  Once logged in, CLICK your name (top right of the page) to be taken to 'Your Profile' page.

3. CLICK 'RENEW' on Your Profile page and follow the payment instructions.  You can pay online, by e-transfer, cheque or cash.

4. We encourage you to update your Profile and Privacy Settings while renewing your membership.

Questions? Email membership@steenburglake.ca

Joanne Burghardt, SLCA President
Alastair Gorman, SLCA Lake Steward

Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM) is an invasive water plant present in Steenburg Lake. We are not alone; the invasion is widespread throughout Ontario. And while it is nearly impossible to eradicate, we can minimize or halt the spread.

The SLCA Board voted at the January meeting to take the following actions aimed at halting the spread of EWM, including:

1. Continue the Clean, Drain & Dry campaign.
2. Launch an EWM education program to assist our members in identifying EWM and understanding how to remove it by hand.
3. Invite a representative from the Invasive Species Centre to present a workshop for lake members.
4. Remain vigilant to the appearance of a 'floating mat' which would require further attention.

Watch for more information on identifying and controlling EWM in our Spring newsletter. There are also reading materials in the Invasive Species section of steenburglake.ca.

BACKGROUND:

In 2018, an invasive species survey, conducted by the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA), identified EWM in several spots on Steenburg Lake.

EWM readily propagates by way of stem fragmentation and has likely fostered the subsequent spread throughout the lake.

In August 2024, several property owners reported EWM in the area of their docks. We don’t know how long it has been there, but to date we have not seen it breaking the surface and forming the dense floating mats it is known for, nor any reported evidence of flowering.

See our Invasive Species page for helpful materials

The Invasive Species Centre put us in touch with Jeff Berthelette, Invasive Species Awareness Program Outreach Liaison, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).  

Jeff’s observations:

• EWM is an aggressive invasive species. Once you have it in your lake it will be there indefinitely. Almost impossible to eradicate. It will come back. 
• EWM is widespread in the area lakes.
• EWM has bloom and fallback years. It will grow exponentially and then die off when it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs to survive. It will come and go.
• Jeff echoed what we already knew: management strategies are not easy, and they are very expensive. Lake-wide herbicide treatment can only be done by a licensed professional, under strict conditions, and it is prohibitively expensive.
• The weed can be removed manually under strict conditions but there is a high risk of spreading it if bits and pieces float away and root themselves. 
•  EWM generally grows in up to 3 metres of water but can root itself in as much as 30 feet.

Jeff’s recommendations:

1. Large crops of EWM can be roped off to keep boat traffic away, avoid chopping it up and spreading it.
2. Floating mats of EWM can be roped off to keep boat traffic away.
3. Clean, Drain & Dry boats to avoid spreading to other lakes.
4. Launch a program on the lake to educate owners on what EWM looks like and how to safely remove it by hand from their shoreline. You do not need a work permit under the Public Lands Act, if you can follow all of these rules:

• you are the waterfront property owner or conducting work on behalf of the property owner
• minimize the removal of native aquatic vegetation (e.g., wild rice)
• dispose of the plants/material you remove on dry land to prevent it from re-entering the water
• use, operate or store any wheeled or tracked machinery/equipment on dry land, or on a barge or vessel
• only use mechanical devices (e.g., rake, cutter bar) or your hands to remove plants, and do not dredge the bed of the waterbody
• do not carry out work during fish spawning season or during the time of other critical fish life stages, as set out in the In-water Work Timing Window Guidelines (May 1 – July 15 and October 1-May 1).

International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week is fast approaching – Jan. 18-25, 2025.  

Did you know?

It has been more than 70 years since the first snowmobile was made.

There’s a familiar name behind the invention of the snowmobile, you might have heard of it -- Bombardier.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, a Quebec mechanic, invented the motorized sled in 1927 using a propeller. Bombardier used the wheel and track system to further improve his invention, and in 1935, the first snowmobile was born.

Did you know?

Each winter, snowmobilers ride an estimated 150 million km on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) snowmobile trails . 

Did you know?

There’s an app for snowmobiling trails in Ontario.  The ‘Go Snowmobiling Ontario’ app displays trails, points of interest, Snow Tours and your current position. As long as it’s regularly connected to the Internet, it also provides the latest trail conditions and allows you to plan your route. You can learn more about the app and download it here: https://ofsc.evtrails.com/#

Did you know?

You can take an online snowmobile safety course. The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help you test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices. Take the course here: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safe-riders/

Tips for riding with caution, care & control on OFSC Trails

Source: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

In addition to snowmobile trail safety fundamentals like avoiding alcohol/drug impairment and excessive speeding, and to always “know before you go” on any ice, the OFSC reminds snowmobilers of best practices for recreational riding with caution, care and control on OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails, including:

• Always stay on the trail
• Only ride trails showing as Available (Green) or Limited Availability (Yellow) on the ITG
• Ride within your abilities and comfort level
• Know your sled and its capabilities, keep it well-maintained
• Always ride with a companion(s)
• Ride in single file on the trails
• Ride your side of the trail
• Leave plenty of space between you and the sled ahead
• Take responsibility for the rider behind you
• Be especially vigilant coming into corners or cresting hills
• Pass groomers and other riders cautiously
• Always stop at crossing roads and take extra caution riding trails on active logging roads
• Slow down at night or when visibility is poor, when non-motorized users are on the trail, or when passing through towns or residential areas
• Stay alert to the trail ahead and aware of your surroundings
• Stop on the trail at locations with clear sightlines in both directions
• Check area the ITG and weather conditions before your ride
• Before leaving home, notify someone where you will be riding and when you expect to return
• Always carry an emergency kit, snacks, extra fuel, a tow rope and a communication device.

Source: Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations & Cottage First Insurance

With the temperature dropping, our thoughts turn to preparing our cottages for the cold and snow to come. For some, this means closing the cottage until the spring. For others, it is a time to prepare for life on the lake during the winter. Regardless, we all do our best to prepare our properties to withstand the toughest weather Canada can throw at us. Some property owners have opted to give their waterfront structures a helping hand, through the installation of bubblers.

What Are Bubblers?

For those who are unfamiliar, ‘bubblers’ are a type of de-icing system, intended to prevent the build-up of ice at or around waterfront structures like docks and boathouses. There are several different types of systems, but generally these devices use air or propellers to create zones of agitated and warmer water to prevent ice from forming. Protecting our cottage properties is understandable and an increasing number of cottagers in Ontario are turning to these devices as part of their winter preparation.

However, if you are a regular bubbler user, or if you are considering installing one at your property, it is important to plan carefully and be sure that you are not contributing to a significant hazard on the lake.

Creating a Hole in the Water

Bubblers are often turned on and left largely unattended by property owners throughout the winter. Without careful planning, management and consideration of the nature of your waterfront area, your bubbler can de-ice a significantly larger portion of the water than is necessary to protect your property. This is especially true in shallow or sheltered areas, or when several bubblers are active near one-another, with multiple property owners inadvertently creating a massive hole in the ice, hundreds of feet in size. These holes in the ice can pose a serious safety risk to winter users of our lakes, especially at night or during storms with poor visibility.

Legal Implications

Section 263 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is very clear that those who make or cause to be made an opening in ice are under a legal duty to guard the opening in a manner adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident, and adequate to warn them that the opening exists. If you fail to perform these duties, the Code states that you may be found guilty of serious offences, up to and including manslaughter.

Risk Management Considerations

If you chose to operate a bubbler to protect your property, please make sure you are taking all steps possible to ensure the safety of all lake users and consider taking these risk management steps:

• Place and angle your devices with care to keep the impacted area as localized as possible;
• Talk to your neighbours to avoid doubling up in an area. It is possible that one bubbler will do the trick.
• Equip your system with a thermostat or timer control. Running 24/7 creates oversized openings.
• Place clear signs near the bubbling area, visible from all directions noting “Danger Open Water”.
• Run an amber light to mark the hazard at night and during storms. Do not use a red light, as this can be mistaken for the brake lights of a snowmobile and draw people towards the risk, rather than turn them away.
• Monitor your property. If you cannot be present, have someone check regularly to ensure the system is operating, the affected area is appropriate in size, and that the warning lights and markers remain in place.
• Where possible, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor should be used to configure the system.

Summer or winter, safety on the water is a top priority!

Source: Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations & Cottage First Insurance (the SLCA is a member of FOCA)

Posted November 2024