Water Quality on Blue Sea Lake
You will have undoubtedly heard by now that Blue Sea has a water quality problem. You say so what's new- we've known that for years. Well, earlier this summer, the municipality received a fair amount of unwanted publicity when a biologist claimed to have visually sighted blue algae floating in that lake. This precipitated a fair amount of panic among the locals and cottagers with properties on that shoreline, since they anticipated a sharp decrease in property values. (I'm always amazed that a decrease in property values shakes up the population so much more than the potential health hazards, but that's another story.)
So Council formed a committee to study the problem and find a solution. It was formed of three councillors, three concerned citizens, the Mayor, and the Municipal Inspector. The committee properly started by establishing what the exact nature of the problem consisted of. They had 50 water samples taken and analysed.
The results have been received. No blue algae present in the water, thank goodness. However, the samples clearly show that the lake has other problems of a severe nature. While the lake, as an overall mass, is in excellent shape for swimming, the same cannot be said for its drinking capabilities.
Some of its tributaries are a mess, and most of those are located in Messines. I will not bore you with the specifics on coliform and bacteria counts, and nitrates and nitrites, but believe me, the committee has lots of work to do to clean up the lake.
Since then, Messines has formed its own committee. Each hopes to solve problems within its own borders and they will work together to solve common problems. Hopefully they will continue to have the support of Council from both municipalities in their endeavours.
And hopefully, both municipalities will stop blaming each other long enough to actually get some positive work accomplished.
Detailed sample results are available from the municipal offices or from the president of this association upon request.
Water Quality on Latourelle and Morissette
Following a sample which was taken on our lake last fall, and which revealed an alarmingly high rate of coliform, the association from Lac des Iles requested us to carry out a detailed analysis of our water, for all our edification. Eleven samples of water were taken on Aug. 3, 1998, and the samples were taken to the Gatineau laboratory for analysis. The results are in, as to water purity, and they are simply wonderful, as a general rule.
All seven of the tests taken on Lake Latourelle, with the single exception of that taken at the dam, shows virtually no coliform or streptococcal bacteria. The sample taken at the dam shows no streptococcal bacteria, but 2 faecal coliform per 100 ml. of water sample. The amount is minute and the formulae provided by the laboratory would seem to indicate that the coliform were animal rather than human. And since this is the outflow point for the whole lake, the sample is indeed considered normal and surprisingly clean.
Of the four samples taken on Lake Morissette, two samples were wonderful, and the other two were questionable. The worst results were obtained at the public access. There, 6 faecal coliform were present and 2 streptococcal bacteria were present in 100ml. of water sample. The analysis seems to indicate human faeces. This would indicate one of two possible scenarios. The first is that the public are defecating at or in the water at the public access now that the municipality has removed the toilet facilities which used to be there. The second possibility is that a close neighbouring property of the access, on either side, has a problem with its septic system. We shall attempt to pin down the cause as soon as we can. The second questionable sample was taken at the foot of the dock where the Mayor moors his boat. There, the results were 2 faecal coliform and 6 streptococcal bacteria per 100 ml. of water sample.
Now, before we tear a strip off the Mayor, an explanation is in order. One should note that the second sample is in the normal current flowing from the public access, and thus would tend to probably be runoff from the public access.
But since a number of families along Avenue des Bons Vivants use the lake water for drinking, I would think that an immediate solution must be found to correct the problem. Note that the water quality is considered excellent for swimming and bathing purposes. However, a single faecal coliform per 100 ml. of water renders it unfit for human consumption. The municipal inspector has indicated to us that he has a couple of active files on his desk, regarding septic systems in that area, and the problem will hopefully resolve itself when these files are brought to a successful conclusion.
Given the size of both lakes taken individually and together, the overall quality of the water in both lakes is excellent. Let us congratulate ourselves for our continued vigilance, and work closely with Council to correct the deficiencies as soon as possible.
Detailed individual sample reports are obtainable from the President of this association upon request.
General Meeting of August 8th
We were saddened by the poor turnout at the mid-summer general meeting, held on Saturday, Aug. 8. They say satisfaction breeds complacency. If that is so, then you must all be very satisfied, or at least we hope so. We would prefer, however, if you could find the time, three times a year, for an hour or two, to attend our meetings, give us your comments and recommendations, and encourage our continued efforts on your behalf.
For those of you who were absent, we talked about our recent request for an enhanced police presence in our community; our request to Council for barriers on the border of Lake Denomme, and our request to clean out the culvert between Lake Morissette and Lake Latourelle under Chemin du Lac Long. We reported on our meetings between the various association presidents and Council, held July 27th; we also ratified the minor changes to the association constitution, for which we had given Notices of Motion at the June general meeting. We also discussed the name Lake Latourelle vs. the name Lake Long - the history behind both names, and if and how we can apply to have a particular name take precedence over the other. We also gave out the recent results in summer beaver trapping on both lakes, and finally, recent activities of concern on Lac des Vieux Chantiers (Secret Lake). See what you missed!
General Meeting of September 19th
I thought attendance at the August general meeting was poor - until the meeting of Sept. 19, 1998. It was shameful. We were almost lacking a quorum to proceed. It is not unusual for the last meeting of the year to have poor turnout. It has happened in the past that we even lacked quorum to proceed. In this instance, since we were not asking members' approval for anything in particular, I felt that quorum was of secondary importance. However, I find it alarming that, although we are increasing our membership to never before reached levels, our attendance at general meetings is going down. What's wrong with the picture? -If you know, let us know. We find it puzzling.
In any case, we reported on the membership levels, which we shall report on herein, as well. Then there was the dates for next year's various meetings and events, also listed herein. Your president reported in detail on the Ministry of the Environment biologist report on Lake Morissette eutrophication problem. Your Executive decided to issue a special newsletter on the whole issue of the Morissette later this year. Your President also reported on his annual meeting with the Federation of Gatineau Lake & River Associations, and the fact that he has been welcomed, by acclamation, to the Board of Directors of that Federation, for a period of two years (at least). He also reported on his attendance at a conference held in Hull earlier this month on the quality of life and nautical security on our lakes and rivers in rural Quebec (also discussed in detail herein).We also proceeded with the reading of the annual financial statements, as we do every year, in September. And, before you say why go, since they will repeat everything in the next newsletter, in this instance, it is just a co-incidence that we are doing so. Its called having lots of space in the newsletter and not having the time to fill it with more interesting articles.
Changes to General Meeting format
At the recent General Meeting, for the first time in recent memory, and pursuant to recommendations made to us recently, we expanded on the use of french during the meeting, and Lise Parent did a marvellous job of keeping up with the debates and translating them to our french members present. We fully intend to maintain this new format for the foreseeable future, in the hope that it will attract more french speaking members to be present at these meetings. Take note out there: if you still don't come, don't put the blame on us. Were are trying our best to accommodate you. Now encourage us by being present. (The September meeting was not a good encouragement, since there was not a single french only person in attendance.)
We also intend, at future general meetings, to throw several topics of discussion on the table. Instead of just sitting there listening to us, you will be able to participate and formulate some positions on various topics.
This ought to liven up the situation some. But if you don't attend these meetings because you think they are too boring, give us your recommendations on how to stir things up. We'll look at all ideas available and adopt those we think offer possibilities.
Scheduled Events
Executive meetings
Jul. 10, 1999.
Annual Picnics
This year, our annual children's picnic was held on Sunday, Aug. 9, 1998, one of the hottest days of the summer. With a total of 22 children and 30 adults (did I say children's picnic?) it was a tremendous success. So many children, so much food, and oh so many wonderful prizes. Here are the of the fishing derby:
A huge thank you to Jim and Fran Barresi again this year for helping organize the party, for the superb barbecue, for their never failing hospitality, their dock, property and much more. We couldn't have done it without you.
A big thank you also to the following folks for their money and prizes: Fran and Jim Barresi, Pat Whelan, Frank & Guay Capello, John Devlin, Jacques Tremblay, Terry Moore, Pierre Tremblay, Andre Lirette, Fred Basso, Terry Sametz, Paul and Huguette Cousineau, Lise Parent, Jean Pierre Gravel and Gaston Tremblay. I hope we didn't miss anyone; forgive us if we did.
And to the following public spirited businesses for their prizes and contributions as well:
And finally, a word of appreciation to all our out-of-town guests: Isam and Kathleen Schmait from Abu Dhabi, in the Middle East; Leanne and Tom Poirier and their children from British Columbia; Estelle Tremblay and her two sons Marc and Philip, from Tunis, Tunisia, in North Africa; and Marc Taylor, from Calgary, Alberta. Welcome to Lac Long and we hope you had fun.
The picnic tournament couldn't have been better. What a wonderful day. Hope to see you again next year.
The Adult Picnic
The adult picnic was held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 1998. Although a great time was held by one and all, we had a disappointing turnout.
After lunch, it rained substantially most of the afternoon. Some time after 4 p.m., the sun decided to show itself, and from then on, the party was on. Numerous people thought the event had been cancelled due to inclement weather, and they stayed home. A pity. What with the prepared foods and the rented porta-toilets, we were committed. The show must go on. And although the wet ground cancelled a few planned events, we still had loads of fun with Frank Capello's horseraces.
Once again, thanks are in order. To Pat Whelan, and Frank and Guay Capello, who both supplied excellent beans, and to Jackie and Laurent Tremblay, who supplied the wonderful desserts, our stomachs thank you. To Patty Whelan and Jim and Fran Barresi, who made cash contributions, the association's treasurer thanks you.
As to the kind generosity of the following businesses, the recipients of the gifts thank you:
This summer, the clean up was organized and took place on July 12, 1998, with our director John Devlin, at the helm. More members participated than ever with large and small motor boats and even a pontoon boat. At the western end of the lake another director, Terry Sametz, with help from Sean Moore and Geof Adcock, cut, pulled and cleaned `Turtle Beach`.
At the public access, logs coming in created a back-log, until Morris Richardson's trusty Jeep made short work of them. Some trees found floating were exceptional in length and girth (from 10 to 40 feet long) and had to be cut at water`s edge before the Jeep could pull them out. Seeing was believing.
Newcomer Bob Landry brought us much dangerous debris from his site across from the boat launch and helped considerably with his brawn and his chainsaw at the public access. Thanks Bob and welcome to the lake. I hope we weren`t too demanding on your inaugural event.
We would like to thank all those members who participated in the day`s effort to make our lake a cleaner and safer spot for everyone.
A final word. We would like to thank Gerry Lapensee for assisting us in cutting up the timber left at the public access and also thank Bob Landry for hauling it all away from there..
Culvert between Latourelle and Morissette
In accordance with our persistent requests to the council to do a thorough clean-up of the creek where the Morissette dumps into Lac Long, it has finally been done. And what a tremendous improvement it is. The water is now free to flow from one lake to another, without hindrance from the remnants left by the numerous beavers. A big thank you to Nelson, the works director for the municipality, for a job well done.
Demise of 2 restaurants
La Paysanne restaurant in Blue Sea is once again closed, a victim of poor local support. While tourists supported the restaurant during the summer season, it was starving the rest of the year. There was some talk about Virgile Tremblay buying up the place, but it is apparently not to be. It will therefore probably remain closed for some time. In the meantime, the Camirand family who operated the restaurant have taken over operation of the Vimy Restaurent, in Gracefield. Drop in and say hello. The food is good and the prices are reasonable.
In Kazabazua, La Touche de l'Artique Restaurant, located at Brown's Inlet, just off Highway 105 has announced that Thanksgiving Day will be the last day in business for them, as well, and largely for the same reasons: lack of local support. Their ribs, arctic char, and pioneer pizza was to die for. We will miss them. The family is returning north to the Northwest Territories where they have been offered employment in the cooking industry. We wish them well. If you are looking for something to do, and somewhere to go on Thanksgiving, drop in. They will be serving a buffet all day.
Lac des Vieux Chantiers
The hunting season will soon be upon us. The Cousineau family and the St.Jacques family would like to remind members that most of the land surrounding Lac des Vieux Chantiers is private land, and not for the benefit of the general public. It seems that weekend visitors have not only ignored posted signs around the lake, but have actually ripped them down and used them for firewood. All that has done is anger the two families who promise to deal firmly with trespassers in the future. They have our support. People should respect other people's property. I hope the transgressors were not members but take note and beware.
Closing Membership Figures
We are particularly pleased to report that this season closes with a record level of 80 memberships for the current season, 6 of which are from Lake Morissette. With the special report on Morissette coming out later this year, we hope to increase our membership even more from that lake, next year. We also will be encouraging spousal memberships, with a total target level of 100 next year. Here's crossing our fingers.
Water Safety and Quality of Life
On Thursday evening, Sept.10, 1998, your president attended a conference held at the Maison du Citoyen in Hull. It dealt with water safety and the general quality of life on our lakes and rivers in rural Quebec. It was sponsored by the Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs, in conjunction with the Quebec Ministry of Transport, Tourisme Quebec, and the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology. There are 11 members on the committee, from various ministries, municipal associations, and lake associations. Most of the criticism was directed against seadoos, and Bombardier in particular. Bombardier had a representive at the hearings, who presented a brief. So did the Quebec Federation of Personal Watercraft. Many associations sent representatives, and the Federation also presented a brief. Also present and presenting briefs were various individual citizens, as well as the Town of Aylmer, Quebec. The consensus was that seadoos should be separated from general motorized watercraft regulations, and a special regulation made to regulate that sport specifically.
Beer Bottle Fund
At an earlier meeting this year, members suggested and approved of a beer bottle drive. The proceeds would go to financing various events put on by the association. To date, a small amount of bottles has been collected, and when a sufficient amount is stockpiled, they will be cashed in and the amounts put into the association treasury. The stockpile is being put together at the cottage of your president, Morris Richardson (a non-beer drinker), and his cottage is located at 8 Lacasse St. So don't forget when you are closing up your cottage for the year, drop us off your bottle returns. If he isn't home when you come, simply leave them between the driveway and the cottage. He'll see them.
Walkathon In Blue Sea
This year, the committee for the clean up of Blue Sea Lake are organising a walkathon, with the proceeds going toward to budget of the committee. Our association has been requested to participate. Your president nominated Christian Juteau, (with his blessing) an alternate director in this association, to be our standard bearer in this event. If you would like to pledge so much per kilometre, or simply a flat amount, get in touch with the President of this association for details. Otherwise, he will be telephoning members to request individual pledges for that worthy cause.
How to Reach Us
Email: executive@apell.org
Website: www.geocities.com/RainForest/2562
Executive Committee for 1998
| Name | Title | Home Phone# | Cottage Phone # |
| Morris Richardson | President | ||
| Steve Slaby | Vice-President | ||
| Rita Lingen | Secretary/ Treasurer | ||
| John Devlin | Director | ||
| Lise Parent | Director | ||
| Terry Samets | Director | ||
| Gaston Tremblay | Director | ||
| Cristian Juteau | Alternate Director | ||
| Marcel Lacasse | Alternate Director |
The executive welcome calls from members, but we would ask they be before 9 PM.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our new sponsors for supporting our assocation, and we invite our members to avail themselves of their services and products whenever the opportunity arises.
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