The Minions have been safely tucked away for the winter thanks to our new rock marker volunteer, Richard Withey. Richard took over from Keith Fletcher in October and will be minding the minions all winter before putting them out in the spring. Many thanks to Keith Fletcher who has taken care of the marker program the last several years – we appreciate all you have done!

The winter is a fantastic time for photography.

All that clean white snow makes a great background for your subject whether it be a brave bird on your feeder, a snowman with a bright red hat, or a child making a snow angel.

We've scoured the Internet and picked up a few helpful hints to make your winter photos a success.

Lighting & Composition

Chase the Golden & Blue Hours: Shoot during the first and last hours of daylight -- the 20–30 minute blue hour -- for rich, warm-versus-cool color contrast.

Use Negative Space: Blank white snow acts as clean negative space. Isolate a single subject—like a lone tree, animal, or person—to create a minimalist look.

Look for Color Contrast: Brightly colored clothing, red berries, or dark timber stand out sharply against a monochrome background.

Arrive Early: Be first on location before footprints ruin fresh, untouched snow drifts.

Gear & Battery Care

Keep Batteries Warm: Cold temperatures drain camera batteries fast. Store spare batteries in an inner jacket pocket close to your body heat.

Prevent Condensation: Moving a freezing camera into a warm house causes moisture to condense inside. Place the camera and lenses inside a sealed Ziploc bag or camera backpack before going indoors and let them warm up slowly for two to three hours.

Clean Lenses Safely: Use a rocket blower to dust off snowflakes instead of blowing warm breath or wiping, which can melt the snow into ice.

Protect Your Tripod: Extend only the bottom section of tripod legs if setting up in snow or water to keep upper joints from freezing and snapping.

Personal Comfort & Safety

Layer Up: Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer (like fleece or down), and a wind- and water-resistant outer shell.

Protect Your Hands: Wear a thin pair of dexterity/liner gloves underneath warm mittens or bulky gloves so you can change camera settings without freezing your fingers.

Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from intense UV glare bouncing off the snow and prevent snow blindness.

Sources: artifactuprising.com, Mads Peter Iversen, Vaclav Bacovsky, Mike Wardynski

Posted: Sept. 30, 2026

Closing days are busy! Boats come out, food is packed, buildings are prepared for a long winter, and the last jobs are finished before the last drive home of the year. Whether this is your first closing or your fiftieth, creating a short, documented closing routine for your property can help make the closing process smoother and prepare your property for the off-season ahead.

Every cottage is unique and has its own special tricks to make a seasonal closing run more smoothly.

While you may have the process down to a science, creating a written plan for closing can help others fill in when necessary. Whether you are handing over some duties to the next generation or considering that special trip that has you away for closing weekend for the first time, having a written process that others can follow helps keep your property well protected for the winter! When creating your plan, start by matching the plan to the way the cottage is actually built, occupied and used. A property accessible year-round versus a remote or water-access property will require different steps and preparation.

Water and Heat

If the water and heat systems will be shut down, be sure to note the importance and steps of draining vulnerable plumbing. Find the instructions or write out steps for emptying pumps, filters, water heaters and other appliances. If heat will remain on, note the appropriate temperature to set for the building and plumbing system’s protection. If there will be no heat throughout the winter, ensuring all plumbing and appliances are fully drained and valves/faucets left open is important in preventing freezing damage. This type of damage to plumbing or appliances in an unheated dwelling is typically not covered by insurance, so ensuring a full drain is important. Shutting off one valve does not protect every line, so be sure to specifically note any outdoor taps, washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers and low points in the system which may need separate attention. Confirm electrical and heating systems are left in a safe condition. Use qualified professionals where servicing, winterization or repairs are required. If you have used a wood stove or fireplace more in the colder days leading to closing, be sure to include instructions for clearing out ash and to consider schedule a cleaning of the system next year when the cottage opens, and to ensure any damper or flue is closed securely.

Protecting the Building

Be sure to include preventative steps like inspecting the roof, flashing, eaves troughs, windows and doors with a focus on removing debris that may hold water or block drainage. Snow load can be a considerable strain on roofs and drainage issues can create pockets for ice damming. Your checklist might include scheduling a roofer inspection where required, especially on older roofs nearing the end of their lifespan. Securing outdoor furniture, barbeques, tools, ladders, docks and other seasonal equipment is another important step to prevent damage. A complete kitchen clean is important to prevent attracting unwelcome animal guests. Include steps in the checklist to remove all food and do a thorough clean of the kitchen fridge, stove, countertops, etc. Any valuable items that might create a vandalism/theft hazard should be listed to be removed. Taking photos of the interior and exterior of the property as part of the closing checklist can be helpful, especially if you’re sharing responsibilities of opening/closing with others or to help show the state of the property to an insurance adjuster if damage takes place during the off-season and a claim needs to be opened.

Important Contacts

A checklist should include a list of key contacts for assistance where necessary. Easy to access information for local roofers, plumbers, electricians, etc. where available can help handle any problem they may encounter during the closing!

Source: CottageFirst Insurance. FOCA Members benefit from access to CottageFirst Insurance, a group insurance program designed specifically to meet the needs of cottage owners. The CottageFirst team provides knowledgeable and comprehensive guidance and will create a customized insurance solution specific to you. Cottagers will also benefit from bundling coverage for their home, watercraft, automobiles and more - all with discounting and coverage enhancements unique to FOCA members. Contact our team today!  | www.cottagefirst.com | 1-844-CADE-1ST

For many waterfront and rural properties, septic systems safely manage household wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers and laundry. When they are properly maintained, they help protect groundwater, nearby wells and the lake itself.

Here are seven simple reminders for Steenburg Lake property owners:

1. Know where your system is located
Make sure you know the location of your septic tank, access lids and leaching bed. Keep any system plans, inspection reports and maintenance records somewhere easy to find.

2. Have your system checked regularly
Ontario’s SepticSmart! guidance recommends checking septic tanks periodically for sludge and scum buildup, generally every 3–5 years, and pumping when needed.

3. Check the effluent filter
If your system has an effluent filter, it should be inspected and cleaned regularly. Ontario guidance recommends checking it annually.

4. Conserve water and spread out heavy use
Too much water entering a septic system at once can affect how well it works. Fix leaking fixtures and, where possible, spread laundry and other heavy water use throughout the week.

5. Think before it goes down the drain
Avoid flushing or pouring fats, oils, food waste, wipes, pharmaceuticals and harsh chemicals into your septic system. Septic additives marketed as system enhancers are generally not necessary.

6. Protect your leaching bed
Avoid parking vehicles, placing structures, paving or directing roof and surface drainage over the leaching bed. Trees and large shrubs should also be kept away from the system where roots could cause damage.

7. Watch for signs of trouble
Slow drains, sewage odours, unusually wet or soggy ground around the leaching bed, or wastewater appearing at the surface can indicate a problem. If you notice something unusual, contact a qualified septic professional.

A *new* safety reminder for 2026

Ontario’s onsite wastewater industry is also emphasizing septic system safety this year.

Property owners should ensure that septic tank access lids and covers remain secure and in good condition, including any fasteners and secondary safety components. Damaged or unsecured access points should be addressed promptly by a qualified professional.

Why this matters

Proper septic care is one of the practical actions property owners can take to help reduce the risk of contaminants reaching groundwater and nearby lakes and rivers.

A well-maintained system can also help prevent costly repairs and extend the useful life of your septic system.

Learn more

For reliable Ontario-specific information, visit:

• Ontario Septic Systems and SepticSmart:
  https://www.ontario.ca/page/septic-systems
• Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association:
  https://www.oowa.org/
• Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations – Septic Systems:
  https://foca.on.ca/septic-systems/
• Township of Limerick – Building and Septic Information:
  https://limerick.ca/services/building-planning/

A little septic awareness goes a long way toward protecting your property — and the health of our beautiful Steenburg Lake!

We had a fantastic turnout for the 2026 Summer Photo Contest with 76 entries, up from 71 in 2025. 

It was no easy task to select the winners. Our panel of five judges each selected their top 3 in every category. Those rankings were weighted and totalled to select the winner in each category. 

The winners receive a $25 gift card to either Canadian Tire (adults) or Michaels (Under 16) - compliments of th SLCA . And, a framed copy of their winning photo donated by SLCA President Joanne Burghardt.

Under 16

Winner - Beautiful Butterfly by Sivia Corner (age 11)

This is a nicely balanced photo with vibrant colours. Well done Slvia!

Honourable Mention -  Finger Friends by Silvia Corner (age 11)

Another very nice photo, Finger Friends was a very close second. Silvia went to the effort to find an uncluttered background that is blurred to accentuate the dragonfly.

Landscape

Winner - Early Morning Mist by Diane Zylka

The transition from left to right, foggy to sunshine, really makes this photo. And the horizon line is straight which is so important in a landscape.

Honourable Mention - Steenburg Tangerine Morning by Glenda Brown

Beautiful colour - nice shot!

Life at the Lake

Winner - Go Fast by Erika Langman

Love it!  This image really captures the exhilaration of boating and water skiing. Crystal clear focus, beautiful lighting. A really great photo!

Honourable Mention - Fishing in the Sunset by Deanna McCollom

You can feel the evening heat in this photo. The sunburst creates a focal point and the rays draw your to all corners of the image. 

Nature & Wildlife

Winner -  Touchdown by Aly Miller

It’s one thing to catch a static image of wildlife, better is to catch them in action. 

Honourable Mention - Patience Young Grasshopper by Paulina Callaghan.

Nice colour palette and in focus which is not always easy to achieve.

Honourable Mention -  South Road Staredown by Frank Burghardt.

Sometimes you have to be in the right place, at the right time, with a camera at hand. 

Action

Winner - Pure Joy by Dustin Watson.

There were several good photos in this category. What makes Pure Joy stand out is the water droplet action combined with the dog in mid jump. 

Honourable Mention - Preparing for Takeoff by Aly Miller.

Sometimes you have to wait a long time before the Heron will take flight - nice job!

See you in 2027!!

The candidates have registered for the 2026 Municipal Election, and voting takes place Oct 19 – 26, 2026.

If your property is in Tudor-Cashel, the positions of Mayor and 3 of the school board trustees have been acclaimed. But there are races for Deputy Mayor,  local councillors, and Trustee for the French separate school board,

If your property is in Limerick Township – time to start doing your homework as there are races for both Mayor and local councillors.

Rural municipal governments in Ontario manage local public services, maintain vast road and bridge networks, regulate land use for farming and local growth, and support community safety (fire department, waste disposal etc.).

I’m a cottager, can I vote in more than one municipality?

Yes, you can. While you can be a resident elector in only one municipality (home), you can be a non-resident elector in any other municipality (or municipalities) where you own (cottage) or rent property. A spouse of a non-resident elector is also eligible to vote in in the municipality or municipalities other than the one where you live. Neither you nor your spouse qualify as a non-resident elector if you do not personally own or rent the property in the municipality.

To verify that you are on the Voter’s List, use the Register to Vote provincial website. 

On or after September 1, 2026, you must apply to your municipal clerk to update or add your information to the voters’ list. You have until the close of voting on October 26, 2026, to apply for any changes. If you are applying to add your name to the voters’ list, you will be asked to provide proof that you are eligible to vote.

If you require more information or have any questions or concerns, please contact the Limerick Municipal Office at (613)-474-2863 or clerk@township.limerick.on.ca; or the Tudor & Cashel Municipal office at 613-474-2583 or clerk@tudorandcashel.com .

I won’t be at the lake; can I vote online?

Yes. Internet/Telephone Voting will be used for the 2026 Municipal Election – the same method used in 2022. Between 8:30am on October 19th to 8:00pm on October 26, 2026, electors will be able to vote remotely using their own devices in the comfort of their home.

How do I vote electronically?

1. Check the Voters’ List to ensure you are on it, and your mailing address is up to date. https://vreg.registertovoteon.ca/en/home
2. Wait for your Voter Instruction Letter to arrive in the mail 3-4 business days before the voting period begins
   • Keep the Voter Instruction Letter in a safe place until voting opens on Monday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m.
   • You will have 8 Days to vote, but do not wait until the last minute in case you have difficulty logging into the voting system
3. Open your Voter Instruction Letter and find the PIN number that will let you access to the voting system.
4. Choose your method of Voting: Electronic (Telephone or Internet) or In Person at a kiosk at the Voter Help Centre.

If you did not receive your Voter Instruction Letter in the mail by October 9, you will be able to obtain one from the Limerick Municipal Office – 89 Limerick Lake Road., Gilmour, ON K0L 1W0 OR the Tudor & Cashel Municipal Office - 371 Weslemkoon Lake Road, Gilmour ON K0L 1W0.

NOTE: To help you get to know the candidates, we attempted to find websites and Facebook pages for each of the candidates. Only active Facebook pages (candidate posted in last 12 months) are included. We were unable to find Facebook pages for many, and only 2 web pages dedicated to the candidates' election platform. Links are provided below. If you know of a candidate Facebook page or website we have missed, please email inquiries@steenburglake.ca so we can update this story.

Township of Limerick List of Candidates

MAYOR (1 to be elected)

Kimberly Carson - Facebook  carsonformayor.com

Carl Stefanski 

COUNCILLOR (4 to be elected)

Selena Bruni --  Facebook selenabruni.com

Kevin Charlton - Facebook

Al Downey - 

Grace Hamm - Facebook

Glen Locke - 

Jan MacKillican - Facebook

Shawn Pack - Facebook

ENGLISH SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Peter Penlington

FRENCH SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (1 to be elected)

LOUISE DORSETT

UMWALI TWAGIRIMANA, ROSINE

ENGLISH PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Claude Robinson

FRENCH PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Pascal Dussault

Township of Tudor and Cashel List of Candidates

MAYOR (acclaimed)

David Hederson

Deputy Mayor (1 to be elected)

Robert Bridger

Roy Reeds

COUNCILLOR (3 to be elected)

Brent Taylor. Facebook

Elain Holloway

Jerry Chadwick

Doug Cook

ENGLISH SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Peter Penlington

FRENCH SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (1 to be elected)

LOUISE DORSETT

UMWALI TWAGIRIMANA, ROSINE

ENGLISH PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Claude Robinson

FRENCH PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE  (acclaimed)

Pascal Dussault

This year marks the19th annual "Have-A-Dock Jamboree" hosted by Fred and Karyn Cotie. The show, being held Saturday August 29 at 2 p.m., features a variety of talent presented to you by friends, relatives, and neighbours of Steenburg Lake.

Limerick Fire Chief Greg Maxwell will be on site grilling up hamburgers and jumbo hot dogs for $5.00 each. Boaters will have the luxury of free personal delivery of food to their boat while they are enjoying the show. Donations above the base cost are much needed and appreciated.

Cash donations will be accepted by Fred at the dock or by Greg at the BBQ station.

You can also donate directly by e-transferring to backtheredlimerick@gmail.com (please indicate "HaveADock donation" in the notes). All proceeds from the show will go to the Limerick Township Fire Department/Back The Red-Limerick Firemen Association.

Bring your lawn chair or come by boat to 727 Steenburg Lake North Road.

See you there!

Steenburg Lake’s 2025 results from the water sample collected on June 30, 2025 are in and overall reassuring!

The accepted phosphorus result is considered consistent with Steenburg Lake’s previous readings, while calcium, chloride and sulphate remain stable. Our single water-clarity reading was lower than in 2024, making clarity something we will continue to monitor over time.

2022–2025 results at a glance

Measurement	2022	2023	2024	2025
Total phosphorus	8.2 µg/L	9.6 µg/L	7.8 µg/L avg	11.0 µg/L
Water clarity	no reading	no reading	5.2 m	3.5 m
Calcium	24.4 mg/L	23.4 mg/L	23.0 mg/L avg	23.1 mg/L
Chloride	1.9 mg/L	1.8 mg/L	2.5 mg/L avg	2.5 mg/L
Sulphate	2.8 mg/L	2.7 mg/L	2.6 mg/L avg	2.82 mg/L

Where more than one result was reported in 2024, the average (avg) is shown. 2026 results will be analyzed and publicly available around the same time, next year.

Understanding the results:

Phosphorus 

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient that supports aquatic plants and algae. When too much phosphorus enters a lake, it can contribute to excessive plant and algae growth.

Phosphorus is measured in micrograms per litre, written as µg/L. One microgram is one-millionth of a gram.

The Lake Partner Program provided two phosphorus sample tubes—TP1 and TP2—as a quality-control measure. Phosphorus samples can be affected by very small amounts of accidental contamination, including touching the rim of the tube or having a small piece of organic material enter the sample.

The two 2025 results were:

• TP1: 11.0 µg/L
• *TP2: 17.9 µg/L
  *not shown in chart above but, reported in publicly available dataset

After reviewing the results and Steenburg Lake’s previous phosphorus levels, the Lake Partner Program coordinator confirmed that TP1, at 11.0 µg/L, is the result SLCA should report.

The TP2 result appears to be a contaminated outlier and has not been averaged with the valid TP1 result.

Although the accepted 2025 result is slightly higher than the results reported between 2022 and 2024, the Lake Partner Program considers it to be in line with Steenburg Lake’s past readings. Continued annual sampling (which we are doing) will help us determine whether any longer-term change is occurring.

Water clarity

Water clarity is measured using a black-and-white Secchi disk. The disk is lowered into the lake until it can no longer be seen. The depth is then recorded in metres. We take measurements (monthly) at mid-lake, deep-water monitoring location. The disk was visible to:

• 5.2 metres in 2024
• 3.5 metres in 2025

This means the water was less transparent on the day of the 2025 reading. However, one reading does not show that the lake’s overall water quality is declining.

Clarity can change depending on recent rainfall, runoff, waves, suspended sediment, natural water colour, algae and the time of year. Taking regular readings throughout the open-water season will provide a better picture than comparing two individual observations.

Calcium, chloride and sulphate

Calcium remained stable at 23.1 mg/L. Calcium occurs naturally in lake water and supports organisms such as crayfish, snails and small aquatic animals that are part of the lake’s food web.

Chloride remained stable at 2.5 mg/L, unchanged from the 2024 average. Chloride is useful to track because road salt and other salt-containing runoff can gradually increase concentrations in lakes.

Sulphate remained stable at 2.82 mg/L and remains very similar to the results recorded during the previous three years.

What can Steenburg Lake residents do to help?

Small actions around individual properties can collectively make an important difference:

• Keep or restore native trees, shrubs and plants along the shoreline.
• Maintain septic systems and have them inspected and pumped as required.
• Avoid fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides near the lake.
• Direct rainwater and runoff into vegetated areas rather than toward the shoreline.
• Stabilize bare soil and address erosion.
• Keep leaves, grass clippings, soaps and other organic material out of the lake.
• Use road and walkway salt sparingly.
• Reduce boat wakes close to shore, where waves can contribute to erosion.

What these results do—and do not—tell us

Lake Partner Program testing helps us track phosphorus, water clarity and selected minerals. It is not a bacterial water test and does not determine whether the lake is safe for swimming or whether untreated lake water is safe to drink.

SLCA will continue participating in the Lake Partner Program and sharing the results with the Steenburg Lake community.

More information:

Residents can search for Steenburg Lake and explore publicly posted results through:

• Ontario’s interactive Lake Partner Program map - we are site 15
• Ontario’s downloadable Lake Partner Program dataset

Previous Steenburg Lake information can also be found in the Water Sample Archives on the SLCA website.

The voter registration process has changed for the 2026 Municipal Election. FOCA is encouraging all eligible voters—including seasonal and non-resident property owners—to verify that they are registered on the Municipal Voters' List. You do not need to own property to vote in a municipal election. If you or your spouse rent a home, apartment or other seasonal residential property, you may be eligible to vote.

View..

The Municipal Voters' List is now managed by Elections Ontario rather than the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). As a result, all property owners should take a few minutes to confirm their information is accurate. Before August 12, 2026, please: Confirm you are registered to vote Update your voter information if necessary Add yourself to the voters' list if you are not already registered Remove outdated information To check your status, visit: www.registertovoteon.ca Select "Register Now" then choose "Check" to verify your voter information. If you are a seasonal or non-resident property owner, be sure to indicate that you own or rent a secondary property. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, and property information (usually tax roll number). If your information is correct, simply confirm it. If you are not listed, continue through the registration process. You may be required to provide identification. After August 12, 2026, any updates or additions to the voters' list must be completed directly through your municipal clerk's office. FOCA is aware that some municipalities have raised concerns regarding non-resident elector information. Elections Ontario has advised that additional work is underway to improve non-resident elector data during July. In the meantime, the best way to ensure your voting rights are protected is to verify your registration as soon as possible.

This step-by-step process is designed to prime a lake-fed, above-ground centrifugal or jet pump to ensure it has the necessary water pressure to draw from a lake or well. 

• Submerge the Foot Valve: Ensure the screened intake (foot valve) is submerged in the lake.

• Clear Debris: Clean off any silt, sand, or debris accumulated over the winter, which can block water flow.

• Check Integrity: Ensure the foot valve is securely attached and not damaged, as a faulty valve will lose prime. 

• Locate the Plug: Identify the priming plug on the top of the pump housing (the "wet end" or casing).

• Unscrew the Plug: Use a wrench to remove the square or hexagonal plug, turning it counter-clockwise. 

• Fill the Casing: Using a funnel or jug, pour clean water into the priming port.

• Fill the Intake Line: Continue filling until the water stays level with the top of the hole, ensuring both the pump casing and the entire intake line (down to the foot valve) are full.

• Tip: This can take several gallons of water, depending on the length of the intake pipe. 

• Replace the Plug: Reinstall the priming plug.

• Ensure Airtight Seal: Tighten the plug securely with a wrench, but do not overtighten, as this can crack the cast iron housing. Using Teflon tape on the threads can help prevent air leaks. 

• Open a Tap: Open a nearby cold-water tap, ideally an outdoor hose bib, to provide a release point for trapped air. 

• Start the Pump: Turn on the pump.

• Monitor Pressure: The pump should begin to operate. If it does not build pressure within 30–60 seconds, turn it off immediately to prevent damage to the seal. 

• Re-prime: If the pump fails to start, it often takes 2 or 3 tries to get all the air bubbles out of a long intake line.

• Troubleshooting: If the pump continues to fail, check the entire intake line for air leaks, which will prevent a vacuum from forming. 

Sources: Nightowl Monitoring, Ottawa Citizen, YouTube