Finally, a nice day to write about. Actually, the warmest day so far this spring. The mercury climbed to 74F, not a cloud in the sky, and the lake remained pretty much calm all day. Tuesday should be similar, however clouds are forecast to move in later in the day with rain beginning overnight into Wednesday. The next three days are forecast to have lots of clouds and rain possible each day. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon.
The black flies are awake. They were a nasty swarm at the marina again Monday afternoon. They are biting now too. Time for a hiatus on yard work except for very windy days.
An 8 X 8 swim platform with an "owl" on it has floated up to 112 South Shore. It is tied up there now for safe keeping until claimed.
The multi-use trail system is 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.
Word trickled in that another cottager who tried living on the lake year-round has thrown in the towel after about 5 years and listed their cottage for sale. He did better than most who try and give up after just one or two winters. Between power outages, slush on the lake, snow and ice on the roads, and damn cold mornings, it is not for the faint of heart. Even those who are retired or can work remotely find trying to live here daunting.
Transport Canada is seriously looking at making the wearing of PFDs while boating mandatory. The issue was discussed at the FOCA AGM in March. There was a "sort of" public input period back around Christmas that is now closed to comments. There will be another public comment period in the near future. The interesting statistic is that the vast majority of boating fatalities are among men, 65 to 80 yrs. old while in a boat under 18 feet long. It is not kids or teens. A further breakdown of the fatalities is that the person falls out (or is thrown out) of the boat, not that the boat sinks.
Limerick Lake cottagers Alex and Cheryl, in addition to owning Jack Tuckers Bar in Quinte West, now also own the 19th Hole fine dining restaurant at the Bay of Quinte Country Club. After a bit of research, the restaurant already has a totally revamped menu that looks quite good. To use a favorite family quote, "Way better than it used to be."
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.)
The dump is operating on summer hours 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.
