Mostly a nice day on Friday although it clouded over and some rain moved through in the evening. Not nearly as much as had been forecast though, measuring just .02 inches. Hopefully the storm keeps moving and Saturday has more sun and dry periods than rain. Along with the air temp reaching 70F, the water temp at 3 feet deep finally broke through the 50F mark after being stuck in the upper 40s for the entire month of April.
Several afternoons with relatively calm wind and the temperature above 60F, and our springtime nemesis, the black flies are awake. They were a nasty swarm at the marina Saturday morning. No bites yet, but we know that will come. Time for a 6-week hiatus on yard work except for very windy days. Glad I got most of that done in April.
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 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 are there now a pair of loons in the bay, but neighbors from the island of St. Croix have arrived.
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.
What I posted as a rumor this morning has been confirmed by a press release that 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.
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.
