Season's greetings everyone!
This time of year is always very busy. At the same time, December invites us to reflect on our year that is almost over, as well as our year ahead.
This was a very good year for the health of the Upper Rideau.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) staff confirmed that, generally speaking, the water quality in the Upper Rideau continues to improve, albeit gradually. This improvement is due to many factors, not least, the efforts by individual residents to improve and maintain shorelines which support the health of our lake.
However, based on 2024, our lake water temperature is warmer than before, and it is staying warmer. The main body of the lake itself did not freeze until January, and the ice went out in late March!.
This is a very short “ice in” period by historical standards. The Upper Rideau also had a confirmed “blue green algae” bloom, this fall. Volunteers worked with residents to help strip out a localized aggressive invasive plant. These natural events are, among other things, nature’s reminders that we all need to continue to work actively to support the health of our lake.
Westport Wastewater
In 2024, the biggest single challenge for our Board – and URLA members -- was the proposal by Westport Council to embark on a process which could have seen treated wastewater effluent released into the Upper Rideau, in the coming years.
Fortunately, in July Westport Council, to its credit, reversed course. Village Council confirmed that dumping treated effluent into the Upper Rideau would not be considered as a development option, moving forward.
Many people expressed their concerns about using the lake as a respository for treated wastewater. Environmental concerns were voiced by the Township of Rideau Lakes, by the Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation, by the Review Mirror, and by our URLA past presidents and members.
Most of all, concerns were expressed by local residents, particularly those in Westport. We are most grateful to all of you who helped preserve the health of the Upper Rideau, now and into the future!
Members of the URLA volunteer Board are still fairly active, even late in the season. We have received quite a few orders for our first tree/shrub “sapling” program. These plants, along with tree bare root seedlings, will be available for pickup in the late spring.
Dave Counter [and others] removed the white “shoal marker” buoys, for their annual maintenance, prior to re-installment in the spring. Our Board thanks Karyn Standen for serving as our volunteer Secretary for several years, during which she took the lead on key issues, including our strategic plan and AGM organization.
If people have any questions on these or other items, please contact the lead member of the URLA Board.
In short, to all of you, our Members, thanks again for all of your support over these past 12 months, and best wishes for you and for our lake in the coming year. See you in the spring, if not before.
Sincerely, John McDowell,
President URLA