I had planned to address the topic of setting off fireworks every summer weekend over Maple Lake even before I saw the “Letter(s) of the Week” in the Haliburton County Voice.
These letters, written by local cottage country property owners were not only food for thought but were enlightening in their enumerations of all the ways uncontrolled personal use of fireworks in cottage country is a very bad thing.
To digress for a moment, prior to this year I, Canadian born, and raised in Connecticut from ages 6-18 by Canadians with frequent returns to my entire extended family in Canada, found the Canadians that I encountered in Canada to be…not like Americans. For starters, they confirmed the oft-repeated stereotype by being refreshingly polite–if more the “arm’s length”- formal kind of politeness.
But does this type of “politeness” extend so far for some Canadians who hold a decisive opinion about a matter such as the fireworks but chose to pretend the issue does not exist? And is it at it’s base due to fear!?! Is there a fear among Ontarians that they will be perceived as impolite to speak up when they feel a large wrong needs righting?
I don’t know. I really hope not.
I always had a sort of idealized notion of what a Canadian is/was. But growing up, I was always steered in the direction of not talking about things that might make other people uncomfortable–even if said thing needed to be addressed–so for better or worse, here goes.
About five years ago a neighbour on Maple Lake, a year-rounder I believe, began setting off fireworks every single weekend of the summer. (This is not a precise accounting. I simply know that no matter when I went to the Lake, from the last weekend in May when we opened through Labour Day when we close, it was and has been the case.)
I hoped it was a passing phase as the fireworks startled me and scared the daylights out of my dog–and they destroyed the peacefulness that used to be indigenous to our little lake which is dotted with year-round personal residences and cottages.
The setting off of fireworks phase has not passed, however. I’ve realized belatedly that it is not just a band of folks on Maple Lake that have gone ga-ga over something that I’ve always thought very American. To embrace the crassness of setting off fireworks whenever and wherever you please, for there can be no other way to describe their intrusiveness when they go off unexpectedly near your home, is to ignore the specialness of setting them off one or two nights a YEAR.
So to everyone who still insists that setting fireworks off every weekend of the summer is special–as well as your “right,” as someone who has grown up with the American traditions involving fireworks let me tell you: You are acting like a bunch of Americans.
You are Canada. You will never be the United States nor do you want to be, trust me on this. Let’s just cite one reason: preserving your national identity as Canadians. Both countries have much to laud but they are separate, distinct entities unique unto themselves.
Let me reiterate the very real ramifications of Uncontrolled Use of Fireworks on Maple Lake and other lakes in cottage county:
1. Fireworks increase the potential of fires
2. Noise pollution and the consequences (e.g. loons leaving, tourists leaving)
3. Toxicity to the air, water, and surrounding grounds***
*Let me expound a bit about the toxicity of fireworks. They get shot off mostly over the lakes. Unlike how it may appear, they do not just explode. The reality is that the exploded debris falls into the water, along with the chemical residue. Yes, this is bad for the ecosystem and even if you don’t really care about the ecosystem and shame on you if you don’t–you are poisoning your own water.
Whatever you dump on the ground near a lake seeps into the water table eventually and then it gets into your water–your swimming water and in the case of our cottage, our tap & shower water. This dovetails into #4…
4. Interfering with wildlife habitats.
First-hand story. Last year I spent about a month living on Maple Lake. Despite the rainy and seasonally cold weather of the summer of 2009 on Maple Lake, I could hear and sometimes see a pair of loons that have taken up residence on the Lake each summer for as long as I can recall. Their haunting calls are unmistakable and for me, comforting that some things don’t change (though I wouldn’t know if the specific pairs of loons changed–I would guess they’d have had to)–you can count on them. Or so I thought.
I’m soon heading up to Maple Lake and I’m going to try to find a second loon on our lake because instead of the minimum 2 that I’ve seen every year for as long as I can remember–I’ve only heard the sound of a single, solitary loon in 2010.
Did my neighbour and his regular weekend fireworks frenzy drive away one of Maple Lake’s loons and if so, are we going to lose the single remaining loon, too?
I’m not at all an expert about loons. I just know they bring me stolen moments of serenity. Loons are beautiful creatures to behold as they duck under the water and resurface 100 or more feet away in their elaborate “game” of try-to-find-me.
What I can say with confidence are the facts as I’ve observed them.
I have a neighbour across the way who every weekend of the summer at about 9:30 p.m. sets off about 20 minutes-worth of fireworks. He (I presume it’s a “he”) scares my older dog out of her senses. She quivers & shakes both during the noise assault and long after. The noise kills the atmosphere of peacefulness that Maple Lake always exuded. I’ve now read that this is a problem for other lakes in cottage country and the fallout (no pun) is remarkably similar to our own.
Naturally, the question of what have I done to try to solve this problem ? is a relevant one. I’ve worried and complained about it as I’m doing here for the first time but have I addressed this with the people setting off the fireworks? The answer is no, I have not. I was hoping the novelty would wear off but of course, it hasn’t or I wouldn’t be speaking up now. Now I do want to try and have courteous conversation with them but I cannot figure out where exactly they live. It is somewhere in here:
Area of Fireworks Activity on Maple Lake
Please click to enlarge.
As you can see by the named roads this is a densely populated area of Maple Lake and it’s going to take some sleuthing to find out “who” is shooting off fireworks on their property out over out lake every. single. weekend. Not to mention to do the sleuthing I’m going to need to either go to the site of the fireworks by canoe or trespass on “private property.”
Even here in the U.S. of A. in the great state of Illinois (absolutely no sarcasm–I love where I live) there are much stricter limits on the type of fireworks that can be bought legally. For us, it’s sparklers and poppers essentially but then, we do a very American thing. On and around Independence Day a/k/a The Fourth of July, towns and cities alike put on displays for everyone to enjoy. They have a distinct beginning and end, are controlled for safety and someone cleans up afterward. Not perfect but way more in-line with something I used to think was a standard Canadian trait: civility and respect for one another and the environment.
I do believe that both countries share in the desire to put a halt to unnecessary pollution of our precious natural surroundings. Surely banning unregulated use of fireworks in cottage country, Haliburton County specifically, is unquestionably a positive step that we, as stewards of this planet, should not hesitate to take.
Am I going to continue to be the “misdirected” polite Canadian and ignore what is being done to Maple Lake in the name of a (very) few people’s need to entertain themselves with exploding gunpowder? Nope. Can’t do it anymore. I love the Lake too much. And I’m not walking away. I’m digging in. (On a personal note, it was harder to attempt to do so this year as my youngest son was preparing for college and I was needed back here in Chicagoland.)
I’m willing to meet halfway in my suggestion for a remedy as is so often the end result of circumstances like this. If I made the law, I would allow use of fireworks on specific holidays like the July 1st Canada Day, Victoria Day on May 24 and quite possibly both the civic holiday on the 1st Monday in August and on Labour Day. The rest of the time I’d allow small “personal” fireworks like sparklers & poppers that will neither drive away our wildlife or our human residents and vacationers alike who would prefer to enjoy their evening without the punctuations of those that wish to emulate bombs exploding.
I’d love to hear any sincere comments, ideas or suggestions from you about on fireworks in Ontario’s cottage country so use the comment box or please drop me a line at maplelakeontario@gmail.com.
Hi there. Welcome to your summers-nearly-over weekend!
There will be a bit a of rain this weekend but not enough to ruin plans I would hope. Looking in-depth at Saturday:
Haliburton Highlands Short term forecast Saturday August 21
Total rain accumulation in the next 24 hours–from Saturday thru Sunday morning should only be 2-4 mm. Saturday morning will have light rain and a temp of 15°C. Afternoon will reach 21°C and be mainly cloudy and Saturday evening will be be cloudy and 19°C. Saturday overnight will have clouds and showers and a temperature of 16°C.
Long Term Forecast
Look for light rain on Sunday and a high of 68°F and up to 0.4 inches precipitation accumulation. The overnight low will be 61°F.
There will be very little rain overall this week.The temperatures during the day will run from 68 °F - 75°F and the overnight temps will vary from 54°F to 61°F so a very level-type of week-weather-wise, if not a bit on the cool side.
Have a great week!
Haliburton Midnight Madness
Midnight Madness in Haliburton was big fun. Each of my family members founds great bargains while browsing the shops, enjoying the live music, the square dancers, and the famous Beef on a Bun. If you’ve gone in years prior and haven’t been recently you must go again next year because with Highland Street closed down for cars for the duration, strolling along is very pleasant with plenty of room for the enthusiastic crowd and for you to mingle with old friends and easily chat with folks that otherwise would be strangers but with the convivial atmosphere could easily become new friends. As you can see from the photo up top things are a bit crazy which amps up the fun factor all the more.
Haliburton Highlands Sunset
Going to the Midnight Madness event in downtown Haliburton tonight Friday the 30th. There will be FREE entertainment, helium balloons, the famous Beef on a Bun (sponsored by the Dysart Firefighters), Dusk Dances in the Park, Live Entertainment, at the Bargain Shop and at Halco Plaza. I have not been to Midnight Madness for many years and I’m totally looking forward to some good times on Highland Street in Haliburton!
BTW, the weather is great, the lake is warm and there’s no better place to be!
IMAGE FILE: Clockwise from top left: Pottery Lane Studio & Gallery (clay), Red Thread Design (fashion) , Opal Wing Creations (jewellery), Box Boy (wood), Cori Lee Marvin (watercolour)
WHEN: Friday July 23 noon – 7 pm
Saturday July 24 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday July 25 10 am – 4 pm
Admission. $2, children under 12 free
Wow. So this celebration has been going on my whole life. I remember it going back to young childhood and it seems it started at the perfect age for me–when I was four.
This year we traveled back to Maryland to see my folks then took this week “off” (euphemism for madly tried to catch up) so we can leave later this weekend for Maple Lake. So again I’m missing the Art & Craft show though I know that I’ll still be able to enjoy some of the featured attractions individually during the few weeks I’m at the Lake.
And remember: Admission is good for all three days, just be sure to have your hand stamped at the gates for readmission.
Webcam shot from Southern Ontario Today:
Chapleau River, Ontario - 7.22.10
WHERE: Head Lake Park, Haliburton Village
MORE info/directions www.railsendgallery.com
705-457-2330
July 23,24,25 Haliburton Art & Craft Festival – Make it part of your Haliburton Highlands Summer
More to see and do at the 2010 Festival
There’s more to see, do, and hear this year with Buskers throughout the park, afternoon Kids Art Attack, a Lakeside Lions Club BBQ and the Rails End beer tent (a family friendly spot), Artist demos, Brigitte’s Picks of the Show and the Library in A Box. Make a day of it, or make it a weekend. Admission is good for all three days, just be sure to have your hand stamped at the gates for readmission.
Visit www.railsendgallery.com
for a list of participating artists and daily events schedules.
The Haliburton Art & Craft Festival is presented by Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre.
Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre is a registered Canadian charity devoted to bringing art to life in Haliburton and a member of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG), the Ontario Crafts Council (OCC) and Arts Council ~ Haliburton Highlands.
Info thanks to the County of Haliburton, Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing.
Lake Of Bays
Haliburton Highlands Short Term Weather
Summer has certainly reached the Haliburton Highlands and on the whole, the weather for the next 2 weeks should be NORMAL. Isn’t that fantastic?!
I had high hopes after the less-than-great summers of 2008-09 and Mother Nature seems to have come through for us.
The remainder of this weekend calls for light rain and a high temperature of 68°F. Light rain continues overnight Sunday with low temperatures a mild 63°F. There could be 0.6 inches of rain in this 24-hour period.
Monday morning is more of the same with a prediction of cloudy with showers and the day starting at about 64°F. By Monday afternoon the weather shifts to cloudy with sunny breaks and a high temperature of 75°F.
Monday evening calls for variable cloudiness and a high of 75°F. Overnight Monday, expect cloudy periods which change to mostly clear as the temperature drops to 57°F.
Links to some fun activities this week in the Haliburton Highlands:
Haliburton Highlands Long Term Weather July 20 -25
Tuesday, you can expect variable clouds with a high of 75°F and an overnight low of 57°F. There is no rain in the forecast.
Wednesday also calls for variable cloudiness. The high will be 77°F–which will feel like 88°F– and the overnight low should be about 63°F. There is no rain in the forecast.
Thursday will be a sunny day with a high temperature of 79°F–which will feel like 91°F with an overnight low of 64°F. Again, there is no rain in the forecast.
Friday, July 23 bring clouds and showers, a high of 79°F, which will feel like 93°F and a muggy overnight low of 66°F. More than 10mm of rain is possible so it looks like some significant storms are rolling in.
Saturday, there will be a chance of thunderstorms, a high of 75°F and another muggy overnight low of 68°F. There may be 0.4 inches of the wet stuff.
Finally, on Sunday expect a sunny day, a pleasant high of 75°F and an overnight low of 66°F. There is no rain in the forecast.
Have a great week! Scroll down for more webcam shots of Southern Ontario and this week’s bug report.
Bug Report July 18 - 23
Welcome t o your weekend! Have a peek at the lovely shot of Green Lake near West Guilford, which was snapped on July 3, 2010. The skies in the Haliburton Highlands are some of the most beautiful I’ve *seen in eastern north America and this shot exemplifies that gorgeously. (*Seen in person, not in webshots (lol).)
To the weather:
Saturday:
For the remainder of today–Saturday expect the sun to be prominent but the temperatures to be moderate at about 75°F. You’ll have a clear overnight with a low temperature of 57°F. Sunday morning you’ll arise to another sunny day at 68°F. As your Sunday progresses the temperature will climb to 82°F. The overnight low will be about 66°F and will remain clear.
There is no rain in the forecast for this 24-hour period.
Monday brings scattered showers in the afternoon with a high of 79°F and an overnight low of 64°F. The total precipitation should be about one-half inch.
July 12- 16, 2010 Weather Haliburton Highlands
Tuesday will be cloudy with showers. The high temperature will be about 75°F and the low overnight 64°F. Total precipitation should be about one-third of an inch.
Expect scattered showers in the afternoon on Wednesday July 14, with a high of 81°F and an overnight low of 64°F. There should be 0.1 inch precipitation accumulation.
Thursday will be mainly sunny with a high temp of 82 °F and an overnight low of 66°F. Like the day before, there should be 0.1 inch precipitation accumulation.
Friday will bring isolated showers and a high of 82°f. It will feel like 97°F though (with the day before almost at hot-feeling at a 95-degree humidex) so remember to rehydrate. The overnight low temp for Friday will be 66°F. There will be a trace of precipitation in total.
Saturday will be sunny with a beautiful high of 82°F and an overnight low of 66°F.there is no precipitation forecast for Saturday, July 17.
Have a great week! Enjoy the webcam shots form late Friday! (Click to enlarge) The BUG REPORT follows.
Lake of Bays - Muskoka
Haliburton
Lagoon City
Reach Harbour, Lakefield
Bug report through July 15
Happy Holiday Weekend to both Canada and the U.S.!
I haven’t checked elsewhere but both Maple Lake, Ontario and where I am (23 miles northwest of Chicago) are having very nice holiday weekend weather compared to last year. That makes me hopeful that Maple Lake especially will have a good summer weather-wise which of course effects lots of other aspects of life, too.
On with what to expect in the next week from the weather and the bugs:
July 1 Holiday Weekend Weather
Chances are if you look outside or are outside right now you’d see a lovely sight–perfect holiday weather at Sunny and 75°F. It will be be clear overnight with a low of 61°F. Seems like summer is here. Yay!
Sunday morning will be sunny and 66 °F, rising to 82°F by Sunday afternoon with a sunny high of 82°F.
Sunday evening will be clear and 77°F and Sunday overnight will be mainly clear with a low of 68°F.
Long Term Forecast. Southern Ontario. July 5 thru July 10. 2010 - CLICK TO ENLARGE
July 1st Holiday Weather- Click to enlarge
Looks like Deer and Horse flies are going to be most pesky. Your mileage may vary.
Scroll below for More photos from the southern Ontario area today July 3. 2010– including cottage country!
Ontario late June sunset photos
Happy week!
Sauble Beach, Ontario 6.11.10
Weekend Weather Haliburton Highlands
Welcome to your weekend! I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you had/have outside activities planned for this weekend, you just may wish to change them to inside activities–unless the rain does not impact what you’ve planned one way or another.
Overnight tonight (Friday) you can expect a few showers and a low of 55°F.
You’ll probably wake up to rain Saturday morning with a high of 55°F. By Saturday afternoon it will still be cloudy with showers with a temperature of 61°F. This 24-hour period’s precipitation outlook is 0.8 inches from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
Saturday evening is fixing up to look like you have a high temperature of 61°with showers.
Overnight Saturday the low is expected to be 57°F with more showers.
Haliburton Highlands Long Term Weather Forecast June 13-18
Sunday starts off with some sun, later in the day expect isolated showers and a high of 70°F. There may be up to 0.1 inch of rain accumulation. The low will be 57°F.
Monday will be yet another day of isolated showers. The high is expected to be 72°F and there may be a trace of rain accumulation. The low will be 52°F.
Tuesday will be a sunny day! Yes, you read that correctly. Woo-hoo! The high temperature is expected to be comfortable 70°F and the low overnight 48°F. No precipitation is in the forecast.
Wednesday expect cloudy periods. The high is expected to be 72°F and the low overnight 50°F. There may be up to 0.1 inch of rain accumulation.
Thursday calls for isolated showers and a high of 75°F. The overnight low is to be 59°F and there may be up to 0.1 inch of rain accumulation.
Friday brings a chance of thundershowers with a high of 77°F ( it will feel like 84°F) and an overnight low of 63°F. There may be up to 0.3 inch of rain accumulation.
Have a great week!
Haliburton Highlands Bug Report through June 18
Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group 20th Anniversary Party
June 12 2010
Come and celebrate on Saturday, June 12th from 1:00-4:00 pm.
FREE admission to all!
Door prizes!
Genealogy booths
Refreshments
Opening Ceremony: 1:30 pm
Keynote speaker: 2.00 pm – Melody Richardson “Memoirs-Legacy Writing for Future Genealogists”
“Melody will explore with us the technique of memoir writing, a form of legacy writing for future genealogists in your families and communities.”
Visit Website
Place: Minden Hills Community Centre Minden
Contact: Linda Heeps Tel: 705 457-2064
Email: hhggroup@gmail.com
From the website:
*Haliburton County is located in Central Ontario Canada just to the southwest of Algonquin Park. The area was settled in the latter years of immigration (mid 1850s) when lands in Southern Ontario were all taken. Children of those settlers and new immigrants were led to believe that they might be able to establish farms in an area too rugged and rocky for that purpose but valuable mainly for lumber.
I knew about the lumber but until now hadn’t realized that people were told that the Highlands were good for farming!
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