Hello everyone,
As this year’s winter newsletter is coming out in February, I am reminded of the late Rick Robertson’s idea of making February “Love the Lake” month for the Pemichangan community. Why not? Love is already a constant theme in February. Most of us don’t spend much time at the lake in winter but that doesn’t mean the lake is not on our minds. It’s a perfect time to think of ways of showing your love for Pemichangan, apart from joining the FLP of course. Our Facebook page now has more than 1000 followers so there are clearly many Pemi lovers out there!
Loving the Lake. If time is an issue or if joining the Board is not your thing, here are simple ways of contributing to the preservation of lac Pemichangan’s health and beauty:
1. Be a FLP Ambassador: Visit any new lake neighbours to tell them about the FLP or let a Board member know you have a new neighbour so that someone can stop by and drop off a copy of the Code of Ethics. The FLP has no way to keep track of new arrivals.
2. Lend Your Expertise: Both the FLP and the Regroupement pour la protection de l’eau de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau are looking for IT/social media/Mailchimp help. Many regional volunteer lake associations are run by retirees who may not be as tech savvy as younger generations. Please let FLP know if you have environmental science knowledge or fundraising experience.
3. Make Everyday Earth Day: Few of us are at the lake to take part in April 22 Earth Day type cleanups such as the one organised by Lac-Sainte-Marie but Earth Day can be anytime. Take a bag along with you on your walks and pick up any litter you see along the way.
4. Engage Locally: Get involved in the 2025 November Municipal Elections in Gracefield or Lac-Sainte-Marie. It’s a good way to connect with municipal staff. Help to install the FLP buoys on the lake in the spring or to remove them in the fall. Take part in the FLP’s Adopt-a-Site program. Come to the FLP’s July AGM in Point-Comfort to show the Board your support (especially if you are from the under-represented south end of the lake).
5. Check your Septic System: Plan now to have your septic system checked in the spring.
6. Preserve Natural Spaces: Let your shoreline grow wild to preserve natural habitats and promote biodiversity.
7. Invest in an Eco-Friendly Boat: Consider purchasing a kayak, canoe or paddleboard to use instead of your motorboat to cover short distances in the summer and to minimize noise and other pollution or disturbances to aquatic habitats.
8. Respect Wildlife, Flora and Neighbours: Get into the habit of turning off as many inside and outside lights as possible at night for both the lake neighbours across from you and fireflies, bats and other wildlife that light can disorient – and enjoy the starry night. Avoid using fireworks for the same reason.
Another Opportunity to Love the Lake. If you plan to visit the Ottawa Boat & Outdoor Show (https://www.ottawabos.ca/), the region’s largest boating and watersport exhibition, at the EY Centre from February 20 – 23, and you have time to spare, read on. The Regroupement pour la protection de l’eau de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau needs volunteers to help set up and staff its information booth. The Regroupement will be there to promote good environmental practices such as proper boat washing and other ways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Vallée-de-la Gatineau lakes and waterways, including lac Pemichangan. If this one time way of showing your love for the lake works for you, please contact Francis LeBlanc (613-697-8864) or Christine Ouellet (514-224-3473).
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Lac Pemichangan is located on the ancestral lands of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. If you know the Blue Sea Lake rest stop along the beautiful Véloroute des Draveurs bike path, you have no doubt read about the history of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, whose reserve borders Maniwaki along the 105. The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Community is Canada’s largest Algonquin Community. Plan to honour the community this year by going to its yearly June Pow Wow, a traditional celebration featuring song, dance and other performances. You can also visit the Kitigan Zibi Cultural and Educational Exhibition Centre to learn about the history and culture of the Algonquin people or the Mawadoseg Algonquin village nature museum.
Outreach. The FLP Board continues to engage with various water protection organisations to keep abreast of provincial and federal water protection initiatives and to find experts who can guide us in this area. In February, an FLP Board member will attend the Annual General Meeting of the Regroupement des conseils régionaux de l’environnement, in Sherbrooke, Quebec. After its successful fall meeting with the Gracefield Mayor and team, the Board now plans to meet with LSM Mayor Cheryl Sage and new DG Céline Gauthier in the spring to discuss such issues as watershed protection.
Camping Corner. A reminder that the camping site map is now available only in the Members’ section of the FLP website. Please contact Wanda Taylor for the password.
Membership. Beginning in April 2025, the FLP is moving to a single due date for Membership Fees. It will take a full year to move everyone to an April 1 due date, but it will simplify things for both members and bookkeeping. You will receive a separate notice by email at the beginning of the month in which your fees are now due. It will have instructions on how much to pay at the beginning of the month THIS YEAR (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026). After that, yearly fees will be due April 1 of every year, except for people who join midyear – and they will be prorated in the first year of membership. For example, if your membership this year renews in July, you will receive an invoice prior to July 1 for $37.50 (nine months @ $50/year).
The FLP currently has a record 175 members out of a possible 300 or so. If you have not yet joined, you can become a member here. Renewals occur automatically unless your email or credit card changes. Please contact Wanda Taylor to update your information. Gatineau Fish and Game Club members can pay their membership at the same time as their Club membership.
Have a general concern? Please contact Jeff Stanier. The FLP wants to hear from you!
Sincerely,
FLP President,
Jeff Stanier
