So far, the webcams continue to function and have provided some stunning views of the lake as fall moves into winter.
I attended the November Council meeting on the 18th. There was a presentation by the new library CEO, Kate Harris outlining the services provided by the existing library, and covering the proposed new library. Most were surprised that the #1 service provided is technology. Public WiFi and computers with printers that the public can use to access various government and NGO websites to perform needed tasks. They have logged some 15,000 books lent so far this year. Near the end of the meeting I asked if there was any public information they could release about Limerick Estates, and I was told there would be a major public announcement at the December meeting. Mayor Carson did say that the plan proposed in November 2023 is being carried out as scheduled. That sort of answered my question without saying anything.
The municipality is planning a public information session on Invasive Species in April. Probably April 21st.
They are making progress at St. Ola Station on the installation of gas pumps. The pumps are now installed on the island, and it appears that the crew is busy with plumbing and electrical work. The uprights for the eventual canopy over the pumps are installed.
There was a nasty house fire on North Steenburg Lake Rd. last week. It was a permanent residence (not a cottage) and left a family homeless and their pets deceased. Here is a link to donate to their Go Fund Me:
https://gofund.me/a3092bd9 (copy and paste to your favorite browser)
Highway 62 remains closed through Madoc. There is a small bridge on Russell St. that is in need of repair. As of the 18th the new concrete deck has been poured but progress after that seems very slow. My guess now is it may open by January 1. The detour is to take St. Lawrence St. either east or west out to #7 and then go back to 62. The small residential streets around the closure are closed to through traffic and being randomly patrolled by the OPP.
The municipality is now on winter burning rules. Daytime burning is allowed with fires up to 6 feet by 6 feet allowed. This continues through March 31.
The dump is on winter hours. It is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays from 11AM to 4:30PM.
The Limerick chain of lakes is in fisheries zone 15. 2024 regulations start on page 102 of the MNRF regulations book. Bass season opened on June 22 and closes November 30. If the regulations remain the same, bass will open on June 28, 2025. Lake trout season is now closed until January 1. 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. It is also a "one line" lake when ice fishing.
