For our family, the cottage season starts in the New Year. There is a whole season of work, activities, and fun to be had this time of year, and we don’t want to miss a moment of it. While the water is our focus in the summer, the cottage becomes a "home base" for winter exploration. The local snowmobile trails are fantastic, and three of them lead directly onto the lake. Mid-day rides to local restaurants for lunch are a treat, and it’s incredible to think you can leave this lake by sled and reach New Brunswick on groomed trails!
Our lake is a unique treasure. I often tell people I’m heading "north" to get away from it all; with thousands of acres of Crown land and water-only access, it certainly feels that way. By the time you reach the south end of the lake road, you still have 29km to go! Yet, when you zoom out on a map, Lake Weslemkoon is actually one of the largest remote lakes in Southern Ontario. We may feel like we’re north of Sudbury, but we are actually south of Ottawa.
Reflecting on the "normal" cottage season, two related issues dominated our discussions at the LWCA this past year. The 2025 drought brought low water levels we haven't seen in 20 years—and according to some locals, much longer than that. Simultaneously, the sight of water bombers reminded us that we are often just one small fire and an 80km/h wind away from disaster. As your Water Levels Director, I received many inquiries as early as last spring. By the fall, I know many of you were tying boats up in new spots, repairing props, and spotting rocks you’d never seen before.
The MNRF responded quickly to our concerns, inspecting the dam to confirm operations. While they found a faulty gauge and some debris causing minor leaks, the primary issue was simply a lack of rain—a widespread problem affecting canal systems and lakes across the province. The LWCA will continue to work with the MNRF to monitor levels. We have also formally asked for a review of "target levels." This is a significant endeavor involving the Ministry, Hydro, and other stakeholders. While past reviews resulted in no changes, we remain committed to advocating for our lake’s needs.
The remoteness of Weslemkoon makes fire a primary concern. While the LWCA is not a fire brigade, we are dedicated to education.
I’d like to end with a thank you to the local businesses and individuals who make life at a remote lake safe and enjoyable. The marinas are an obvious necessity for water access, and we all need that "person" to call when something goes urgent (or when you accidentally run onto a "bog" on your way up the lake—I will neither confirm nor deny if that happened to me!).
As we enjoy our properties, let’s remember the community that exists here year-round. Please support our local shops and consider donating to area food banks, shelters, and clothing drop-offs.
Enjoy Weslemkoon, everyone. I look forward to seeing you on the lake throughout the year!
Marty Blake