After another gloomy start to the day on Wednesday, the clouds cleared a bit after lunch time, and we had a few nice hours in the late afternoon. It did not last long though with clouds returning, bringing some rain in the late evening. Thursday and Friday are supposed to finally be a lot nicer with a mix of sun and clouds and no rain in the forecast until sometime Saturday.
There was a hatch of some kind of tiny fly Wednesday night. They were small enough to get in everywhere and were definitely attracted to light. Left me a mess to clean up in the cottage this morning. Fortunately, whatever they were (I am not an entomologist) they did not bite, just swarmed around the lights.
The Limerick Township fire department is holding a community preparedness day this Saturday, May 4th from 11AM to 1PM at the community center on hwy 620. Along with information on the Fire Smart program, there will also be info (and kits available) for the WASP fixed sprinkler fire prevention system. Fixed sprinklers seem to be the latest trend in rural fire preparedness as there was a session on this subject at the FOCA AGM also. Buying pumps with hoses and traditional fire equipment is no longer the preferred private firefighting method.
The multi-use trail system is now open for ATV riding. Check OFATV and EOTA websites for more information. Limerick Township maintains two parking and unloading lots. One across from the municipal building at 89 Limerick Lake Road. The other at 643 Limerick Lake Road.
The marina launch ramp is in good condition. Please be mindful of mud around the marina parking lot and try not to make a mess for the owners. (Remember when I used to complain about that in the spring?)
The northward spring migration continues. Not only is there now a pair of loons in the bay, but neighbors from the island of St. Croix are due to arrive today.
Summer fire regulations are in effect. No day burning. The municipality will not be issuing any burn permits through the summer. Nighttime fires are to be kept under 2 meters by 2 meters in size. (That is 6 X 6 to me)
July 13th is the annual fund-raising dinner for the North Hastings Community Fish Hatchery. I have attended this event many times and it is always a lot of fun and supports "non-government" stocking of fish in our local lakes. (but not Limerick as our lake supports a healthy fish population without needing any help) Attendance is limited to around 280 people, and it always sells out. More information on their website: fishhatchery.ca
Information from FOCA on the Underutilized Housing Tax:
Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Updates
As part of the federal governments Fall Economic Statement released last week, most Canadian corporations, partnerships, and trusts have become “excluded owners” for UHT purposes, and no longer need to file the tax form annually; however, American owners of Canadian seasonal properties are still implicated in the filing requirements. Additionally, on October 31st, the UHT filing deadline for the 2022 calendar year was extended to April 30, 2024. (Note that filing for calendar 2023 will also be due on that date.)
There is a new general store, St. Ola Station, at the corner of St. Ola Rd. and Highway 62. The store is located in the former "Sams Place" restaurant building on the south-east corner. It is open seven days a week with groceries, baked goods, take out prepared foods, lottery tickets, and much more. They are not a restaurant. The owners recently got their LCBO approval and now have beer, wine, and spirits. They are still working on their MTO approval to sell gasoline, but as of now they do not have fuel. Nearest fuel is the gas station in Coe Hill.
The dump is operating on summer hours now through August 31. It is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays from 11AM to 6PM. Remember, Council shortened the evening hours from 8PM to 6PM last year.
The Limerick chain of lakes is in fisheries zone 15. 2024 regulations start on page 102 of the MNRF regulations book. Bass season will open on June 22. Lake trout season opened on January 1 and will close September 30. Please remember that the Limerick chain of lakes has a "slot size" for lake trout that MUST be returned to the lake if caught. It is roughly 16 to 22 inches.
