Bulletins

On Otter Lake, this new by-law will apply in particular to those commercial operators who have traditionally used the Long Arm boat launch as their loading area for servicing water access properties.

Thank you for participating in OLRA’s summer survey of residents on Otter Lake. We were
pleasantly overwhelmed to have received over 300 responses!
Respondents included a broad range of households, with many who are new to the lake and
many who have been enjoying our community for 20 or more years. While over 70% of
respondents were members of OLRA, 30% were non-OLRA members interested in participating and sharing their thoughts.
Water quality and preserving the wildlife of our environment were clearly the most important wish of residents. For example, water quality testing/monitoring and the loon survey were the most important of the current initiatives endorsed by respondents.
There was importance placed on the Annual General Meeting, Photo Contest, Boat Parade and BBQ but less than in the environmental initiatives.
Respondents also expressed a desire to learn more about the lake environment through educational tours and events, including events centred around natural shorelines, native plant species, and invasive nursery plants.
Among potential new group activities, walking, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, nature hikes, bird watching, a golf event, and a skating/hockey event were very popular.
Aside from “putting the environment first”, respondents also expressed a strong desire for education and adherence towards boating safety. The impact of unsafe boating practices and wake boats on shorelines and small crafts (canoes, SUP’s, kayaks) was also highlighted by several respondents as being a concern.
The survey did include comments regarding the Otter Lake Marina and Tappattoo resort. Those results are being shared with their respective management teams. Overall responses were very positive on their services, and gracious in their suggestions on how to “keep up the good work”. Clearly both businesses were viewed as making a positive contribution to residents.
Your OLRA Board is now reviewing your input and will be taking steps to reach out to respondents who wish to become members and who offered to volunteer their time and energy. OLRA is considering how your suggestions might be implemented so that we can play a role in enhancing your enjoyment of our community.
Your input and participation are welcomed as we strive to include your needs and wishes. Please feel free to reach out to us and help us serve you better.
A more detailed summary of the results for each OLRA question is presented below.

The Georgian Bay Mnindoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) has prepared this report for the OLRA in order to provide the Otter Lake and Little Otter Lake residents with summarized water quality and fish community monitoring data for these lakes. In addition, the report provides a brief summary of a new eDNA project started on Otter Lake, recommendations for further aquatic monitoring and as well as possible stewardship activities. The report is divided into four sections to reflect these objectives – water quality, fish communities, eDNA project and recommendations.