Gas-powered motorboats could officially be prohibited on Clark Lake if an application to the Federal government is successful.
The small lake has no public access and is only about five metres deep, explained Clarke Lake resident Teri Souter.
The majority of Clarke Lake residents have had an informal agreement to keep gas-powered boats off the lake since the 1970s, but they’d like to make it official.
The issue prompted resident Shelley Martin to organize a lake association. Martin and Souter have also been investigating the process and lobbying the municipality to make the application on their behalf.
Souter credits the fact that the small lake is not considered at risk thanks to the informal agreement a majority of the lake residents have had for the past 50 years.
“Shelley and I made a presentation to general committee at the end of March and it’s been going back and forth a bit with staff trying to figure out how to get the resources on the Town-side to make it happen, and at council on Monday night [June 27], council agreed to direct staff to proceed with the application…,” explained Souter.
She said the process can take up to two years but once approved, prohibiting gas-powered boats on the lake would become enforceable. “Should somebody need to be warned, or they could be fined, it’s laid out in the regulation what the actual fines are if there’s non-compliance,” said Souter. “It’s really the only real way that we can protect the water for future generations.”
Souter said although there’s been an informal agreement in place, there have been some issues with short-term renters. She said the issue involves “people either disrespecting or not knowing in some cases that it is a no motorboat lake.”
There are currently 26 lakefront properties and if a proposed severance is approved, it’ll bring the number up to 27, but the majority of the property owners, with the exception of two, support formalizing the ban on gas-powered boats on the lake.
She said the majority of residents are more than willing to help Town staff apply for the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR).
“As more and more properties change hands the risk becomes greater of non-compliance,” said Souter. Residents are hoping the legislated restriction would include a maximum amperage on electric motorboats to curb the effects of boat wake on the shoreline.
Souter noted that most residents are hoping to protect the lake’s ecosystem. Consultation will also take place with members of First Nations communities.
Clark Lake is located off Muskoka Glens Cottage Road in the Ward of Chaffey. If the regulation is approved, Clark Lake will become one of the very few lakes in Muskoka with a VORR designation. Souter knows of one other, Atkins Lake in Bracebridge.
“For the most part, everybody wants the same thing which is clean, quiet enjoyment for the future,” said Souter.
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Ray Vowels says
I hope they are successful there is no need for even an electric motor on that lake or any other small lake around muskoka.
Ronald Saltzman says
not motor boat, but motorized vehicle / vessel
Bob Braan says
“lobbying the municipality?”
Good luck.
The District approved ATVs to roar around on some District roads.
Don’t be surprised they also approve of noisy gas-powered boats on all lakes.
Just like they approve of noisy, stinking snowmobiles all winter.
Clearly the noisy minority have the run of Muskoka, not those who appreciate peace and quiet.
Allen Markle says
To the residents of Clark Lake: I wish you well and hope you can secure the solitude for at least one small body of water.
My comment hopes to encourage, but is more of a lament about what we are losing. In my youth, an old gentleman in our camp, had a little, canvas covered canoe that I longed to use. Alone. But until my Dad and Grandfather were satisfied that I could spill it and make my way to shore.. with the canoe, I could only dream. But the day did come.
Paddling that little craft, on mornings so quiet and misty, was almost religious. You could hear the air suck with the vortex each paddle stroke created. Never hurried, because I had time.
But now people have no time. Get there; burn some fuel; scare some animals, irritate some people; leave someone some money and make them complicit. Ticked all the boxes. It must have been a great time.
There is no thought for the future. Most seem to believe they are here for today; until it’s over, and let whoever’s left figure it all out.
The government buried the dam that created the waterway I loved. ATVs have desecrated the rivers’ shoreline ’til it’s almost impassable. Now, it seems impossible that the memories I have, could have been created in that place. Far too many places have been reduced to just memories, but if money exchanged hands, the attitude seems to be, what the hell!
a la Red Green, I’m rootin’ for you Clark Lake.