Anstruther now has a new business on the lake, Wilderness Wear Sewing Co (WWSC).  WWSC has moved into the 'lower level' (basement) of the marina.  Robin Miszuk, owner and operator of WWSC has set up her sewing machines and cutting tables.  As  you pass through the marina, stop by to welcome Robin to the lake.

WWSC sews quality custom made boat tops from a rainbow of colour options using the best outdoor fabric/canvas available, Sunbrella.  WWSC can also do repairs to existing tops.  In addition to boat tops, Robin is skilled in replacing seat upholstery in boats with worn or damaged seating.  Have a snowmobile?  Are the seats in disrepair?  Robin can replace sled seats as well.  Book your sled before the season begins.

Though we have had a great summer, fall is coming so now is the time to book your boat for a new top if needed.  Don't wait until spring ---  there is always a backlog.  As usual, when you leave your boat for winter storage, Mark will talk to you about any 'maintenance' issues you may want addressed during the boat's 'down' time (fall/winter) so that it is fresh and ready for spring use.  This will include asking if there are any upholstery or boat top replacement you may need.

A caution to all on Anstruther that the water level will likely be dropped much earlier than last year, possibly in the coming weeks.  

Take precautions when leaving each weekend to ensure that your boat and docks are tied up in a position such that the boat bottom and motor are not at risk of hitting the bottom of the lake should it be dropped mid-week after you have left.

This was a problem last year because it caught all of us by surprise - we had no notice that it was to be suddenly dropped and left one cottager with a boat that was damaged beyond repair, the water level dropped and the boat rubbed on a rock on the lake bottom all week during the boat owner's absence.  The boat became submerged because of the fresh new hole in the hull and we all know a sunk motor is a dead motor.

Once the water level drops, we will all also be reminded how valuable long ramps are on Anstruther - a point many of us have tried to communicate to Town Council during the dock bylaw discussions.

So the silver lining to all the rain is that the fire ban has been lifted in the Township of North Kawartha see the Town's website;

​http://www.northkawartha.on.ca/en/News/index.aspx?newsId=bf42b347-b711-4e5c-9db7-20ed00330969).  

The fire ban has also been lifted in the Park for people camping.

Very strong winds on Anstruther tonight. Rain fell throughout the day, often heavy, providing our dry ground with much needed water.  Yes - that's the upside of the rain.  The downside is the problems caused by rain and wind.  We checked on boats through the day and several were in trouble.  

If you do not have a bilge, please consider getting one, if you do have a bilge but it isn't working, please talk to us about replacing it.  If you don't have a boat cover, please consider getting one.  If you have a cover, please remember to use it.  These are some reasons that some of the troubled boats were troubled.  

The wind is blowing toward us, not the typical direction and often a sign of problems for our docks.  We heard a boat on the water a short while ago, though it's almost a full moon it was covered by cloud leaving the lake very very dark.  Not sure if the boat had a light or if it was just far away, this is a rough night to be crossing, we had whitecaps at the shore whipping up a foam at the shore's edge.  

We are grateful that we still have power - typically we lose hydro through heavy winds.  

Some folks on Anstruther may have noticed and spoken of planes flying over Anstruther, and rather low at that.  This happened in mid July at around 9pm when an exceptionally loud plane flew very low over the lake, so low it looked like it would land in the water and was immediately followed by another.  

It happened again last week.  Noticing the army green colour of the plane, it was clear that it was  a military plane.  Anstruther is apparently under the airspace of a military training zone.

Just over a week ago, after leaning on the deck railing and feeling that there was something there, not just the flat surface of the rail, then a very sharp pinch and a needle jabbing skin.  Nope, not a needle, just felt like it, it was a wasp.  Ouch.  Get ice I was told.  Ok.  Find Benadryl in case of a reaction.  Ok.  Get advil if it hurts.  Ok.  Try vinegar, it will suppress the sting and the heat.  Ok.  All of the above done and it still hurt.  A lot says the 'wuss' in me.  The red spot grew and it throbbed all night long.  No sleep.  The next day it didn't hurt but looked like there was a burn the size of an orange.  

Stings take a few days to go away, well, so the internet said.  Not wanting to be a 'wuss', I held off till a week had passed and called the town's doctor's office.  The sting area was very big I explained, warm and inflamed.  Not an official patient and never been there before and they still offered me an afternoon appointment.  Relief - no need for a further trek.  

Dr Reyes explained it was a bacterial infection and there was no issue with the sting. Why didn't you come sooner he asked.  Hmmm...shouldn't have held back the 'wuss'.  He promised 50% improvement after a day with the meds and asked for a call the next day if this was not the case.  

Not exactly a reason to travel to either the Bancroft or Ptbo hospital and a very long distance to visit our family doctor that we did not give up from the city so very thankful Dr Reyes was willing to offer the appointment.

Raid Wasp and Hornet spray is now about to be emptied.

As of yesterday, August 3rd, Burn Ban in North Kawartha.

​

Window stickers are back!  Many have asked for the window stickers that have the lake logo that can be seen in the rear windows of vehicles parked at the marina.  

Stickers are $10, ask for one in the store.

Just realized it's been a few weeks since the last post.  It has been an exceptionally busy summer but time for an update.  

The Anstruther Lake Cottager's Association held the 54th Annual Regatta this past weekend and it was a great success.  Weather was great, it was cool and overcast in the morning, perfect for the runners and the sun appeared later in the day, good for the swimmers.  

The ALCA Annual General Meeting was held yesterday and the Mayor of North Kawartha, Rick Woodcock attended as well as the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park Superintendent Paul Smith.  

​The 'elephant in the room' was the infamous Dock issue that continues to haunt North Kawartha.  

The Dock issue has become even muddier for waterfront property owners inside Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.  We were of the impression that, being residents inside the Park, we were exempt from the Bylaw.  However, we found out today, for the first time that this may not be the case.  The Mayor was asked if the bylaw applies to Anstruther at all and he said he could not answer that question.  He deferred to Paul Smith who advised that a Park Permit would apply to only the portion of dock that is in the water over the lakebed.  Paul Smith deferred back to the Mayor, clarifying that whatever touches shore is in the Township's jurisdiction.   The Mayor would not comment further.  It would appear that we are not entirely exempt from the Town's bylaw though I'm not sure we got an answer.  Perhaps we all inferred the answer - in the 'non answer'.  When asked for a show of hands of how many others were confused, almost all in attendance raised their hands.  There was no clarification.  

A further surprise was the announcement that a fee of $1,500 could be applicable for new docks if a site specific zone amendment were required.  This was a shocking figure to hear.  As Council did not approve a fee for docks at a previous Council meeting, instead electing to defer the matter, by default, the Township would view docks as a building and the fee for a building is $1,500.  

The Marina has followed this issue with great concern on behalf of clients since the beginning.  We advised that we had appealed the bylaw to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).  A total of six appeals have been submitted we were told.  Also in attendance at the Annual General Meeting was former Mayor Jim Whalen, who advised that he is one of the six appeals and his appeal is based on thirty points of concern.

In conversation with Paul Smith, Park Superintendent, we were advised that the source of authority for regulation of the Park is the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park Act.  We asked if that regulation was carved in stone in a way that it could never be changed or was it possible that the Provincial Government could at a future date, change the Act, and therefore, we would be stuck with the Town's bylaws.  Yes, this is possible.

This bylaw is a continued concern for all of North Kawartha - including Anstruther now.  Anstruther had previously been of the impression that we were not affected because of the exemption.

Back in February, local dockbuilders (including us) became frustrated that their concerns were not being heard by Council so the issue was exposed to clients so they would speak on their own behalf.  And -- they did!  Our message to clients included 'sound the alarm - our sanctuary is about to be regulated'.  Some said -- no -- we are in the Park - we are exempt.

 It would appear that we really are not in a bubble and not exempt as we previously understood.  Or are we?!  After today, it is clear that it is very unclear.  It would be a relief if the Mayor and Council would clarify and not wait out the year we have been advised that it could take for the OMB to address the matter.

This has been a very difficult issue for Council to finalize.  Residents of North Kawartha had much to say.  Many were upset about red tape, fees, forms etc.  What is unfolding is everything residents do not want.  It is yet to be understood why Council so badly wants what the residents do not want.   Residents want it simplified.  It is anything but. 

As noted previously, docks will be the legacy of this Council.