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.
Haliburton storm July 21
Welcome to the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic weekend!
August 1st is a civic holiday in Canada and based on the crowds at the Haliburton Midnight Madness celebration in downtown Haliburton (photos to come) folks in cottage country are enjoying the extra day off.
So let’s get on with it, shall we?
Saturday morning will be sunny and 57 degrees F. Saturday will continue mainly sunny and 73 degrees F. Saturday evening brings cloudy periods and a temperature of 68 degrees F. Overnight on Saturday there will be variable cloudiness and a low of54 degrees F.
Long Term Forecast
On Sunday look for variable cloudiness and a high of 73 degrees F. The overnight low will be 54 degrees F. No rain is expected.
Civic Holiday Monday will again bring variable clouds but higher temperatures in the daytime of 79 degrees F. Monday’s overnight low will be 63 degrees F. There may be up to 0.1 inches of rain.
Thundershowers are coming in on Tuesday with a daytime high of 81 degrees F. Tuesday’s overnight low will be 66 degrees F. There may be up to 0.4 inches of precipitation accumulation.
Wednesday the sun returns though with some variable clouds as well. High temperatures should be about 79 degrees F. The low overnight will be 64 degrees F.
Thursday, August 5 will be a sunny day with a high temperature of 77 degrees F –which will feel like 88 degrees. The overnight low on Thursday will be 64 degrees F.
Friday brings yet more sun with a high of 75 degrees F and an overnight low of 63 degrees F. No rain is in the forecast from Wednesday through Friday.
Be sure to scroll down for the bug report and ave a great week!
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!
Ontario Harmonized Tax Info
I was planning to put up a “Happy Canada Day ” post and after quite a bit of searching google.ca I came up with very little in the Haliburton Highlands even though I know there is plenty happening. Heck, it’s enough that this is the first official long weekend of the summer, right? That is something to celebrate.*** Scroll down to check out the weather below.
Coincidentally, I was was reading today that if Americans want nationalized health care like Canada and Europe then we shall have to pay taxes as you do. Now that I’ve read through a comprehensive list of what you have been paying for sales tax and what you will as of July 1, Canada Day, for my area of the United States (Greater Chicago) there is __right now__ little difference in taxes. (Illinois’ taxing system is both incredibly complicated and incredibly corrupt. Currently some areas pay 11.50% sales tax.)
Even out here, 25 miles northwest of the City of Big Shoulders we pay 10% sales tax and that includes infant car seats and baby clothes and shoes and of course, we pay our health care out of pocket (including prescription drug taxes, taxes on eyeglasses & contact lenses, etc.) whilst paying relatively high sales taxes overall (the highest in the U.S.– Governor Terminator out in California raised their base state sales tax to 11.5%, allowing county tax to be added so they are probably paying what Ontario is and they still don’t have health care!)
So to get to the point, you really do not have it all that bad especially if you cut your own hair, give yourself your own mani and pedicures, don’t smoke, don’t take vitamins and don’t drive a petrol-fueled car. Just about across the board your so-called sin taxes are going up according to the “Harmonized Sales Tax Guide,” which I’ve pieced together and you can read at it’s full size but clicking on each page twice.
I can’t say I’m thrilled about the gasoline taxes getting higher but we kept that in mind when we needed to replace our family sedan. We aren’t in the income bracket to purchase a hybrid but still we found a decent compact car that sips petrol at about 40 mpg. The fact is we won’t change our behaviours that impact ourselves/the environment without a nudge and sometimes a kick in the derriere and so the new “harmonized” taxes reflect exactly that.
This is completely inappropriate to bring up here but it’s true (skip this paragraph if you have tender sensibilities).
The harmonized sales tax dings diaper-clad babies at the 5% GST but incontinent adults are completely exempt from all taxes. Since diapers are paper products usually, they shouldn’t be in a special category because the are deathly to the landfills so making them exempt from HST makes the “sin-tax” logic go out the window. Same argument for adult diapers and paper-based feminine hygiene products. I’m sure if I read closely I’d find other examples that go back and forth sometimes seemingly tied to logic and others not.
Anyway Happy 143 Birthday, Canada! You look wonderful and are and will remain my favourite country in the world–always.
Canada Day Weather : It is NOT going to rain!
Canada Day Weather Thursday July 1, 2010
Have a great weekend!
Happy Victoria Day and official first weekend for cottaging!
If you had a chance to see a weather forecast or read my post about the Haliburton Highlands Holiday Weekend & Long Range Weather Forecast for 5.21 – 5.28 you already do know that the weather this entire week is going to be near-perfect for year-rounders, cottagers and visitors alike.
Today (Saturday) will be nicer than yesterday and tomorrow nicer than today and it keeps going in that pattern for about 5 days straight!
I so wish I could be there!
Regardless, I’ve copied many goings-on in the Haliburton Highlands this weekend and beyond into the album below. There are some fantastically fun things going on all the time. Plus, there is community information from when and where to sign up for swimming lessons to the homeowners association. There are some charitable and community causes that need support. All you need to do is grab the family, show up and be thoroughly entertained. There is plenty more, including talent up from Toronto as well as well-known area entertainment. I encourage you to thumb through and simply click to full size if a page looks interesting. Enjoy!
Reach Harbour, Lakefield--Soon the boats will return! (?)
Many people when the weather in say, early spring behaves as if it’s is early summer wonder ‘Why?’ The answer? Blame it on Bermuda. Read on.
Bermuda Heat in Ontario
Source: The Weather Network
You can see from reading above that this spate of very warm weather shall continue throughout the Easter weekend to which we shall all shout “Yay!’
Here are the deets:
Weekend Weather April 2-3. 2010 - Haliburton Highlands
Tonight’s forecast is for mild temperatures around 64°F. Overnight Friday it will be mainly clear and a warm 55°F.
Saturday morning you’ll wake to clear skies with temperatures still quite pleasant at 55°F.
Saturday afternoon remains sunny with temperatures climbing to 73°F.
Saturday evening may bring scattered showers with a temperature decline to 55°F. The overnight low is forecast to be 39°F, which is needless to say, a heckuva drop!
Long Term Forecast April 4- 9, 2010 - Haliburton Highlands
Sunday, look for cloudy periods and a more seasonable high of 57°F. The low temp on Sunday night should be about 39°F.
There’s no precipitation in the forecast for either Sunday or Monday.
On Monday April 5, expect variable cloudiness a high of 59°F and an overnight low of 39°F.
On Tuesday expect some light rain with up to 0.5 inches accumulation. The high temperature will be 54°F and the low temp overnight will be 41°F.
For Wednesday, it will be cloudy and there will be showers. The high will be 57°F and the overnight low41°F. The precipitation accumulation should be about 0.25 in. The overnight low on Wednesday will be 41°F.
On Thursday April 6, expect a return to variable cloudiness with a seasonal high of 48°F. Overnight temperatures will be more typical for this time of year at 36°F. As the week draws to a close on Friday expect sunny skies but a comparatively low-temperature high of only 41°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge to 15°F. There is no precipitation in the forecast for Thursday or Friday.
Have a great week! Enjoy the webcam shots from around Central Ontario taken today- April 2, 2010. There are some great examples of how drastically the warm weather has affected the shape of things in just one short week (scroll a couple of posts down to check against last week’s webshots)!
Courtesy of The Weather Network
Haliburton County – Maple Lake Weather forecast 12.27.09 (above)
Weekend (above) and Long Term Weather Forecast – 12.28 – 01.02.09 (below) – Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake, Ontario
The weather forecast for West Guilford/Haliburton Highlands for Saturday overnight calls for a few flurries and a low of 27 °F.
There should be a few flurries Sunday morning with a high of 26°F. Afternoon ushers in scattered flurries and a high of 32°F. There will be variable clouds Sunday evening with temperatures about 20°F. Overnight will bring cloudy periods and a low of 22°F.
Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake Short Term Weather Forecast
Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake Long Term Weather 12.28 -01.02.09
Light snow is expected for the beginning of the traditional workweek on Monday. High temperatures of 26°F are expected. Overnight lows will be about 11°F.
Tuesday will be a sunny day with a daytime high of 6°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to be minus 2°F.
Wednesday, expect cloudy periods and a high of 20°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to only reach minus 4°F.
Thursday, expect scattered flurries and a high of 26°F. Nighttime temperatures should be about 15°F.
For Friday, the first day of the New Year, scattered snow flurries are predicted. The high temperature Friday will be 22°F. The low on Friday night is expected to be 17F°.
Day Two of the New Year will bring scattered flurries and a high of 18F°. Saturday’s low is expected to be 9°F.
Have a great week!
Haliburton Highlands – A Natural Work of Art
Tourism Information Centre
www.haliburtonholidays.ca
tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca
Tel:705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677
Upcoming Events
Free Skating – Wilberforce
Free Skating – Minden Hills
Public Skating – Haliburton
Solstice Samba
Northwood Inn
Yours Outdoors
Pinestone
Pinestone
Free Skating – Wilberforce Arena:
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Should you have any questions or concerns contact 613-339-2442.
Free Skating -
S.G.Nesbitt Memorial Arena, Minden
Tues., Dec 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Subway Development-Kenfield Enterprises Ltd.
Wed., Dec 23rd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons
Thurs., Dec 24th – closed at noon
Fri., Dec 25th – closed
Sat., Dec 26th – closed
Sun., Dec 27th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave
Mon., Dec 28th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons
Tues, Dec 29th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Floyd Hall Limited
Wed., Dec 30th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave
Thur., Dec 31st 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons
Fri., Jan 1st – closed
For more information please contact the Minden Arena at 705-286-1936
Public Skating – Dysart Arena
Monday, December 21st 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 22nd 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 23rd 11:00-12:30
Thursday, December 24th No Public Skating
Friday, December 25th No Public Skating
Saturday, December 26th No Public Skating
Sunday, December 27th 12:00- 1:30
Monday, December 28th 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 29th 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 30th 11:00-12:30
Thursday, December 31st 11:00-12:30
Friday, January 1st No Public Skating
Saturday, January 2nd No Public Skating
Sunday, January 3rd 12:00- 1:30
Price is $2.00 per person.
For further information please contact
the Dysart Arena at 457-2083
Solstice Samba
Winter Solstice (Credit: Photobucket)
December 20, 2009
Celebrate the darkest night of the year by drinking deeply of winter’s magical gifts with winter rumi’nations. Bring a couplet or quatrain of wisdom to guide us out of the dark days into the light. The words may be from Rumi, Hafez, or your own, or from your favourite mystic or poet. Also bring drums or something to beat, stomping feet, and prayers that are sweet. Gaia Centre, Sunday, Dec. 20. 7:00 pm Fire circle RSVP Carol or Paul, info@gaiacentre.org
Visit Website www.gaiacentre.org
Gaia Centre West Guilford
Contact: Carol Tel: 705-754-2427
Email: info@gaiacentre.org
Pre Game Show Live at the Northwood Inn
December 26 2009
LIVE BAND!!! Pre Game Show returns by popular request. Show starts at 10pm.
Visit Website www.northwoodinn.ca
Northwood Inn, Haliburton, Ontario
13588 Hwy 118 Haliburton
Contact: Bonnie Tel: (705) 457-1710
Email: info@northwoodinn.ca
Make Peace with Winter – One Day Sampler Adventure
December 30 2009
Try a little winter. Embrace the winter wonders of the Haliburton Highlands with a full day sampler of unique, fun, and active adventures. You will start the day with dog sledding followed by your choice of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the afternoon. Along the way we will indulge in a tasty bush lunch. This fully guided one day package is available with or without accommodation. Please book at least one week in advance.
Visit Website www.yoursoutdoors.ca
Haliburton County Haliburton
Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 705-754-3436
Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
New Year’s Eve Magical Family Gala
December 31 2009
A fun-filled evening for the entire family featuring not one, but two delectible buttets, one decked out and dazzling for Mom & Dad, and one just for the kids. There will be an interactive magician during dinner and live magic show after dinner. Complete with marshmallows and hot chocolate for all. Dinner, show and campfire: adults $59.95, kid’s $28.95, children 5 and under $9.95. To book you reservations call the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800-461-0357. Visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com
First Night Celebration Dinner
December 31 2009
Join us in Heatherwood Restaurant for an intimate dinner with friends, or just for two. Enjoy a menu planned especially for this evening. Finish the evening off by ringing in the New Year enjoying Highlanders Lounge. (There is no cover charge for the Heather Restaurant dinner guests.)
To reserve contact the Pineston Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800461-0357 or visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com
Credit:
“From all of us at the Visitor Information Centre for the County of Haliburton we would like to extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
See you in 2010.
Sincerely,
Amy Brohm, Ann Lavery, James Stewart and John Stark”
Thanks from me to the above-named staff of What’s Happening this Week in the Haliburton Highlands–the Haliburton Visitor’s Information Centre.
I believe in 2009 they have outdone themselves with the depth and breathe of their highly-informational Highlands Newsletter.
There is quite literally something for everyone with a (pleasantly) surprisingly diverse range of activities that will take you right through winter 2010 in the Haliburton Highlands–all of which you can find out about through reading the newsletter in your email–FREE. I never miss them!
Happy Christmas!
Cyn
Get ready to celebrate not only the Christmas season but to enjoy a new exhibit based on R.D. Lawrence’s private sanctuary in Gooderham called Wolf Hollow. From December 9-19 you can be a part of the experiences of Ron and Sharon Lawrence’s restoration of health and returning to the wild of wolves, bears, porcupines, skunks, owls, and other animals that took refuge at Wolf Hollow. Their stories are told in an exciting and inspiring multi-media presentation that you and your family can enjoy from December 9-19. For more information please read below.
Website: www.mindenculturalcentre.com
R.D. Lawrence Place Minden
Contact: R.D. Lawrence Place Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca
This non-paid post is written in support of the community in and around the Haliburton Highlands.
Photo: CBC
I’ve not ever really known how to celebrate Remembrance Day or Veteran’s Day, as it is called in the U.S. As a kid it meant a day off of school and as an adult it means a day off of school for my son but how does one get a real feel for what the day really means? How about listening to a personal account of Ron Lawrence’s experiences in WWII?
Details follow for this nominal-fee community event.
Wednesday November 11, 3:00PM to 5:00PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM
In honour of Remembrance Day there will be a reading from Ron Lawrence’s memoir about his experiences in WWII. Following that, Earle Gray, a writer and historian with expertise in the oil industry will give a talk. Gray has published eight books and is currently working on a book about Canadian news stories from the 1820s-1930s. The public is also invited to attend the
Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Meeting at 7 pm at R.D.L.P. where Gray will talk more about how to research old newspapers and some of the intriguing stories from old newspapers he has found. Admission is $2.
Visit Website:
www.mindenculturalcentre.com
R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre
Phone: 705-286-2298
Email:
rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca
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