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.
Raven, Obi & Roger (L to R) in Maple Lake - August 2, 2010
Obi at Kawartha Dairy, Minden Ontario
We adopted Obi about 2 months ago. His caretaker did not know what breed he is. We are pretty sure that Obi is mixed and there have been many guesses with Boston terrier coming up frequently along with Schipperke, a much more rare breed that interestingly, his purebred “step-sister” Raven is. We adopted Raven 10 years ago after she’d been abandoned, we guess because her hip dysplasia rendered her worthless for breeding. Their loss, our gain. 
Raven & Obi at Kawartha Dairy, Minden Ontario
Raven, Obi & Roger at Kawartha Dairy
Kawartha Dairy ice cream is the best in cottage country. Fresh (versus grocery store bought) is best. There’s a Karwartha Dairy ice cream stand and store just outside of Minden Ontario on Hwy 35.
The Dorset Recreation Centre has announced a new day for it’s FREE Moms & Tots Playgroup.
The Moms and Tots Playgroup is now meeting on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm.
All infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children and their caregivers are welcome to to participate in this free weekly program.
Playgroup is a time for some fun and socializing with other kids & adults. Toys, books, crafts and more are provided free of charge by the Dorset Recreation Centre. The Moms and Tots Playgroup is self run so please bring your own beverages and snacks.
For more information, call Cheryl at 705-766-0874.
Dorset Recreation Centre
1051 Main Street, Box 99 Dorset
Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca
This is a non-sponsored post done as a community service for the Haliburton Highlands.
Special thanks to the fine folks who author the What’s Happening This Week! newsletter.
Wolf Hollow
Ron Lawrence was well known for his work rehabilitating wild wolves. In this new exhibition, Wolf Hollow, named after the private wildlife sanctuary in Gooderham that Lawrence established with wife Sharon in Gooderham, ON, 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, discovering dramatic true stories of trauma, recovery and freedom.
This exhibition will be on display from January 14 through August 28.
For more info:
R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Sheryl Loucks
Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca
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
The newly-renovated & revamped Beaver Theatre in Minden, Ontario
Once monthly, the Beaver Theatre is proud to bring award winning and thought provoking documentaries to the big screen. Come and join us for a lively or heated (depending on the content) discussion after the films at the Dominion Hotel in downtown Minden. 7:00pm
Venue: The Beaver Theatre
Address: Water St, Minden
Website:
www.beavertheatre.ca
As you know, the Beaver Theatre is a landmark in Minden–in the Haliburton Highlands for that matter. If you have not visited recently you may be surprised by the photo above. Doesn’t it look fantastic? It’s been revovated and
you can find out about that, (there are many photos of the renovation process–my goodness, what an endeavour!)
current and planned events and more by clicking the links and navigating at the website highlighted above.
I’ve seen many films at The Beaver over the 40-something years I’ve visited the Highlands. It’s always been a fun break from the Lake or respite when we’ve had a spate of cold and/or rainy weather. There’s a brand new format and focus that sounds innovative and fun no matter what the weather–so check it out!
Cheers!
Cyn
In my ongoing effort to boost exposure for local businesses in the Haliburton Highlands I’m going to share with you something that I would love to take part in (but cannot, due to geographic obstacles).
One of the benefits it seems of growing older is that we grow more reflective. We are not in such a hurry and with any luck we’ve have grown wiser as well. From my observations it is generally mature folks who, lacking a number of specifics about the roots of their family tree, set out in search of knowledge that answers sometimes questions that they didn’t even think to ask. I’ve heard that the process of uncovering and discovering your heritage can be quite enjoyable. Certainly it must be rewarding after investing time and energy to finally come upon the answers that you sought and often information that you did not know was “out there” yet there it is.
Historical Reflections – The Wonderful World of Genealogy
June 10-11 Tammy Tipler-Priolo from North Bay’s www.ancestorinvestigator.com gives us three incredible talks. Wednesday night: “Where Can My Ancestors Be in Ontario? Birth, Marriage & Death Records” Thursday morning “Basics of Starting Genealogical Research” and Thursday afternoon “You Were Told You Have a Native Ancestor, What Now?” Pre-registration advised. Wednesday’s talk is FREE. One discussion on Thursday is $20 with both talks on Thursday $35. Free tip card for HHGG members. Door prize. For more information- Visit Website: www.mindenculturalcentre.com Minden Hills Cultural Centre Minden Contact: Minden Hills Museum Tel: 705-286-3154 Email: museum@mindenhills.ca
March break or “spring break” as we call it here in the Chicago area, will be soon be upon us and so it’s time to make plans for you and your family. Side note: Much like Thanksgiving in Canada being held at the time the settlers would have had it–at the end of harvest season, “March break” I think is a much more apt description. We call it “spring break” but it is in no way spring yet!
The Minden Cultural Centre has geared up for March break by offering both day and week-long classes for kids from age 6 and up. You can read more below about what they offer and what to do to take part.
Minden Cultural Centre – March Break and Culture
A variety of activities for children ages 6 and up. Choose to attend one day or the entire week. Classes include Art Worth Framing, Block Print Making, Rug Hooking, Earthsong, and Get the Scoop on Nature. Pre-register for each workshop by calling 705-286-3763 or visit the Agnes Jamieson Gallery or R.D. Lawrence Place. Visit them online at www.mindenculturalcentre.com.
The Cultural Centre as an inclusive tourist destination is a local jewel attracting thousands of visitors and school children annually. We invite you to take advantage of the beautiful grounds’ easy access to walking trails and an on-site Peace Labyrinth.
Note: This POST is an unsponsored community service in support of the Minden area.
XO, Cyn
Above: Click to enlarge- Weathercast below
Happy Winter Solstice!
Long Weathercast and Road Conditions in Southern Ontario, Cottage County December 19-20, 2008.
The current and upcoming weather for the Haliburton Highlands and nearby counties for the next week is not too bad, though earlier tonight roads in the Orillia area are reported as “Partly Covered” up through Haliburton county where it is reported as “Snow Covered.”
There will be a real mix of weather in terms of light snow days and bright, sunny ones. Tuesday and Wednesday warm up a bit with light snow/flurries and a high of 24F. on Weds. which is the warmest it is forecasted to get this week. The remaining days are quite nippy.
Click graphic for detail.
Weather Saturday 12.19-20.08 Haliburton, others, Click to enlarge.
Weather Southern Ontario 12.20 through Boxing Day
Enjoy stimulating the economy by spending as much of the Christmas money you got as you possibly can shopping on Boxing Day.
The Minden Branch of the Haliburton County Library has announced that construction will soon start on a new 5,000 sq ft library. The Minden Branch will still be open during construction though it’s important that patrons obey all fencing and signs around the Cultural Centre.
If you are curious about what to look forward to when the project is complete you can do so now as the plans for the new addition are available to the public at the library.
I’ll keep tabs as the project progresses so you can know exactly what happening, when.
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