President's Update Spring 2025

As Spring rolls in, my thoughts turn to sunshine, warmth, and days by the lake. Our family and friends are already asking, "When will the ice be out?"—the big question for us water-access cottagers. We were lucky to spend the winter on Kahshe Lake, where the snow gave us epic sledding, and we had a blast supporting the Snowcrest Riders and their amazing trails.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was that surprise thick ice on the roof (thanks, husband, for knocking it down!), a bent chimney from sliding snow, and a bit of a leak when the melted snow dripped in. However, I know this doesn’t compare to many on the lake who had major damage due to the amount of snow we endured this past winter.

While exact record-breaking snowfall figures for Gravenhurst are not specified, the substantial snow accumulations this season have raised concerns about potential flooding in the spring. The large snowpack suggests significant melting, which could lead to increased runoff. Residents are advised to prepare for a potentially intense flooding season. ​

Like many cottagers, we’ve got a long-overdue project on our minds: fixing up the path from the lake to our 1970s cottage. After 13 years, it’s starting to feel a bit too steep, so stairs are a must! It's been on our list for years, and this time, we’re making it happen. If you are looking for hired help around the cottage this summer, don’t forget to check out our members-only Vendor list where you search for available service providers and contact them directly. 

Meanwhile, the KBLA is busy planning for the season ahead. We’re looking back at last summer, setting event dates, and getting our volunteers ready for another busy year.

See you on the water!

‍Board Members & Positions

This June, our long-time treasurer Greig Holder is resigning from the Board, although continuing to be active on the Conservation Committee. Greig has held various roles, including KBLA President (formerly KLRA) for many years. His dedication has not gone unnoticed. Greig will help transition the new treasurer when the role is filled.

If you are interested in the treasurer role or becoming a Director of the KBLA, please fill out our application form here. 

New Website & Communication Methods

During the 2024 AGM held at the Gravenhurst Opera House, we officially changed our name to the Kahshe and Bass Lakes Association (KBLA)! In July, we launched our new website. Please dive into our site as it is very informative, ever-changing, and the place to go when you have questions!

Membership Renewal

If your membership was up for renewal, you should have recently received an email reminder.

Please consider renewing or upgrading your membership to support not only the health and wellness of our lakes, but our many worthwhile initiatives, events, and activities, such as marking the rocks in navigable channels, maintaining Nagaya Beach, water testing, new communication efforts, and sponsoring events such as the Photo Contest, Fishing Derby, and Regatta.

‍Many of your memberships will be up for renewal at the end of the year. In order to prevent your membership from expiring, you can enter your credit card details so your membership automatically renews annually, or you can upgrade your membership to take advantage of our new member perks. 

KBLA Membership Tiers, Benefits & Goals

Over the next three years, our goal as an association is to reach 500 members inside our new platform. Even if your significant other or spouse has a membership, please consider getting the Premium (Family) membership and ask to be added to the plan. We want to foster a great sense of community and communication and the only way we can do this is to have as many people a part of our new online community as possible. 

There are three different tiers of membership. 

• Basic — Important for members who want to use Nagaya, our private members-only beach or have access to our events and The Krier.
• Premium — Great for families; you can gift up to two free memberships. Premium members also receive discounts from Muskoka Wifi, the Kahshe Lake boutique, and perks from thousands of Canadian retailers via our Boom platform sponsored by Cottage Septic.  
  
  • (To add someone to your plan: The plan holder must Login > Profile > Team > Copy link > Send sign up link to an additional user > additional user signs up using that special link).‍
• Business — Perfect for business owners who want to showcase their business on our Vendor page, while receiving all the additional benefits of a Premium Membership. We receive many inquiries as our members want to hire and shop locally so please consider listing your business. Businesses also receive a credit to advertise in The Krier. Visibility is high!

**We will be continuing to add additional membership benefits for our members. For example, as of today, new Muskoka Wifi customers receive $50-$150 off their installation. Simply log into your profile and show them your membership during signup!

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‍Website — Members Only Section

As members, you can access many parts of the website that the general public can not. 

To access the members-only section:

Log-In to the new website > enter the email you used when you signed up to be a Lake Association member (note the password you used on our old website will no longer work) > Select Forgot password > follow the steps to set up a new password.

As a logged-in member, you can:

• Nominate our 2025 Volunteer of the Year
• Enter our Photo Contest which has an exciting new category and prizes
• Read The Krier and informative articles
• Search and review local Businesses and Vendors

Membership — Voting & Non-Voting

Being a voting member of the Kahshe and Bass Lakes Association gives you a say in important decisions that affect our community. As a taxpayer member, you get one vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). To vote, make sure you're a member in good standing by keeping up with dues and staying involved. Your voice matters—be part of shaping the future of our lakes!

There are two different KBLA membership classes: voting and non-voting. 

Voting Membership

1. Voting Members must own property in the Kahshe area and as defined in the by-laws. They have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting. Qualifying property owners are encouraged to become Voting Members.
2. The Association has one class of voting members: Voting Members. Voting Members have the right to vote, elect directors, and are entitled to one (1) vote per Property or Residence, regardless of the number of owners.
   
   • Any Immediate Family member can exercise the voting right without a Proxy.
   • In disputes over the right to vote, the Voting Member's right to vote is suspended until resolved.
   • Voting Members may appoint a proxy holder to vote on their behalf if they cannot attend the meeting.
3. Voting Members must own property in the following areas.

Non-Voting Membership (Friends of Kahshe and Bass Lakes)

For individuals or businesses dedicated to preserving the quality of life around Kahshe and Bass Lakes who do not own qualifying property. Friends enjoy membership benefits except the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

FOCA Resources

As members of the KBLA, you are also members of FOCA, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association. Like our website, a members-only section is available. Visit the FOCA Sign-Up link to set a username (can be your email) and password, known only to you, and this will provide access to many resources on the FOCA site as well as some discounts.

Also, at the end of each month, FOCA sends an email alert, highlighting topics of interest to waterfront property owners. Make sure you select “Get FOCA Elert updates (e-news)” in your FOCA profile.

Dock By-Law

Last September the By-law to Regulate The Use of Public Docks and Launches with the Town of Gravenhurst was updated. It was then amended in November. Here is a summary:

• Boats can’t be docked, moored or anchored in excess of 10 hrs at public docks.
• Boats can’t be docked, moored or anchored overnight.
• There are exceptions if a Lease Agreement with the Town is in place.
• Enforcement will only take place after complaints by phone or email. There is no enforcement crew patrolling the docks.

Read the complete By-Law (Sept. 2024) here. 

‍Amendments (passed in Nov. 2024)

BY-LAW NO. 2024-108 - Being a By-law to amend By-law 2024-90, being a By-law to Regulate The Use of Public Docks and Launches with the Town of Gravenhurst:

1) That Section 2, Subsection 2.1, Sentence (c) be amended to read: 

         2.1 Unless otherwise permitted in this By-law, no person shall use a public dock, a public launch ramp, a public landing, or Town-owned lands: 

          (c) to dock, moor or anchor a boat in excess of 10 hrs.; 

2) That, Section 2 Subsection 2.1, Sentence (d) be amended to read:

  (d) to dock, moor or anchor a boat overnight; 

3) That Section 2 subsection 2.1, Sentence (f) be removed. 

4) AND That Section 2 be amended to include Subsection 2.6:

2.6 Unless legally permitted and subject to a permit being issued by the Town of Gravenhurst, no person shall store a boat on municipal lands.

Changes to Garbage for Curbside Collection

Last Fall, green bins were dropped off to residents in the KBLA community with curbside garbage pick-up. To extend the life of the Districts’ landfill in Bracebridge, residents are asked to keep food and organic waste out of garbage bags and divert it to their green bin. Green Bin collection occurs weekly, even through the winter. The district is also implementing a clear bag programming that began March 3rd. For more information, see the District’s website at: Garbage and Recycling - The District Municipality of Muskoka

As for water access-only pick-up, we have asked the District to confirm that this year’s schedule will be the same as last year’s — Sunday pick-up (May - October) with Wednesday pick-up during July and August. The schedule is also listed on the Kahshe & Bass Lakes Website here. 

Donations

Donating to the KBLA is essential for maintaining the health and sustainability of our cherished lakes. The KBLA relies on the support of our members to fund crucial initiatives such as water quality monitoring, invasive species management, and shoreline restoration. Donations help protect the unique ecosystems of our lakes, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy these beautiful waters. 

By contributing, members also support educational programs and community engagement efforts, promoting stewardship and environmental responsibility. Your donation directly supports the long-term vitality of both lakes and their surrounding habitats. 

As a member, you can easily donate here. 

Advertising

As a business member, it’s easier than ever to get your goods or services in front of our active members. If you are interested in advertising, please contact: marketing@kahshebasslakes.com.  

Member Calls-to-Action

1. Verify you are logged into our new website, your membership has been renewed and your profile updated. 
2. Nominate our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
3. Apply to the KBLA’s new Treasurer or a Director here.
4. Email Volunteers@kahshebasslakes.com if you are interested in joining a committee or helping with various Summer events.

2025 Event Calendar

Please find the official 2025 event calendar here. Please note, we strongly encourage active membership for families who want to attend or participate in any events.