HORSESHOE AND CROTCH LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (HCLPOA)
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – July 19, 2025
MINUTES from July 19th, 2025 – 10 AM
Attendance:
Members Present – approximately 50 people attended the meeting representing 30 households in good standing. Voting proxies received from 6 members in good standing. A quorum was present at the meeting.
| Executive: | Present: | Regrets: |
| President | David Sparrow | |
| Treasurer | Doug Rutherford | |
| Secretary | Jennifer McEachern | |
| Roads | Dave Johnson | |
| Water Steward | Robert Paul | |
| Dock Steward | Tom Greenis | |
| Member at Large | Neil Maxwell | |
| Member at Large | Sil Jacobs | |
| Member at Large | Amanda Groves | |
| Member at Large | Geoff Michie |
The meeting commenced shortly after 10 AM
- Welcome and Introductions David Sparrow / Amanda Groves
David Sparrow, President, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), saying we had a great year, and introduced the HCLPOA Board to the membership:
- David Sparrow – President
- Doug Rutherford – Treasurer
- Jennifer McEachern – Secretary
- Tom Greenis – Dock Steward
- Robert Paul – Lake Steward
- Dave Johnson – Roads
- Sil Jacobs – Member-at-Large
- Neil Maxwell – Member-at-Large
- Geoff Michie – Member-at-Large
- Amanda Groves – Member-at-Large
We now own the boat launch (applause!), for which we paid less than we had in reserve, and two primary things made it possible:
- the payment of membership fees, now provides members in good standing guaranteed access to the lake.
- We now have insurance to cover our liability associated with the boat launch and the dock, which we did not have previously.
Slow Down signs are available, to be spread out across the HCLPOA area. David reminded us all to ask permission of homeowners for placement on their properties. Thanks to Andrew Sone for having the signs printed and donating them to us.
David gave us all an update on his health struggles over the past several months, and his current treatment which makes him immunocompromised. He then introduced Amanda Groves as his designate and co-chair for the AGM, and turned the meeting over to Amanda. David encourages a sense of friendship and community among the membership.
Amanda Groves, Member at Large, welcomed guests; Councillor Nicki Gowdy (Hinchinbrooke (Parham area)) and Councillor Cindy Kelsey (Kennebec). Amanda then provided her opening comments:
As we’ve discussed before, every member of the board is a volunteer with the goal of maintaining our community for the good of us all. This is not a closed board. We are always on the look out from new board members. So, we invite other members of this Association to take the opportunity to get involved and consider joining us in the future. In particular, we are seeking a Youth Member-at-Large, so if any of the younger members wish to dip their feet into the world of board of management, we have a space for you. Any board member would be happy to speak with an Association member after the meeting if you have questions about becoming one of us.
Some more ground rules:
Annual General Management meetings are held in this open area. This is a reminder that members attending must ask to be recognized by the board of management’s Chair to speak on any items on the agenda or request new business to be placed on a future agenda and voting on motions is restricted to member households in good standing only. There is one vote per household, so if multiple members of the same household are in attendance, kindly ensure only one individual is voting.
If you are voting for other members by proxy, and have not already advised the Board, kindly let us know now.
When making or seconding a motion, please give your first and last name, loudly, so we may record it in our minutes. When voting, please either vote by show of hands or verbal, as requested by the board at the time of the vote. If you are abstaining from voting and wish to have it recorded in the minutes, please let us know when voting.
There were no changes requested to the AGM Agenda circulated to the membership.
Motion to Approve the AGM Agenda as presented:
1st – Robert Paul, 2nd – Dave Johnson
Motion accepted by a show of hands.
There were no changes requested to the 2024 AGM Minutes previously circulated to the membership.
Motion to Approve the 2024 AGM Minutes as presented:
1st – Geoff Michie, 2nd – Ed Luckman
Motion accepted by a show of hands.
2. Reports:
a) Roads Dave Johnson
This is Dave’s second year in the role of Roads Steward. He rides his bike around to assess the roads, and currently they’re fine. Last fall, Glen Matson was engaged for grading, and they did a good job. Dave recently asked them to do some roadside brushing, and they will be in our area next week for 1-2 days. Dave doesn’t think it’s necessary to bring in more gravel at this time, but he will survey for any larger holes that need filling.
This year to date, we have incurred just over $1,000 for grading. Costs should be quite a bit less expensive this year vs. last year, given the condition of the roads.
Property owners on Crotch Lake Trail asked if their road is covered by the Association for maintenance. It is, and Dave noted that there is a steep hill at the end, but hopefully equipment will be able to get down there for maintenance
b) Lake Steward Robert Paul
Robert brought props to the meeting for demonstration purposes. As part of FOCA’s Lake Partner Program, on a monthly basis, he fills a test tube and vials with water samples from our lakes and submits them for testing. The water is tested for nutrients phosphorous and nitrogen. Horseshoe Lake has a little less nutrient content than Crotch Lake, but levels are still good. Robert recommends that we don’t fertilize our lawns, as it seeps down to the water, and feeds the lake weeds. Robert also showed us how he determines the depth of water clarity by submerging a black and white disk on the end of a rope attached at its centre, to a level, about 10 feet deep, to a depth at which he can still see it. This indicates clarity to about 20 feet, given light reflection back to the surface, also indicating that the water is good/clear.
A member, Paul, reported seeing smelly blue-green algae blooms along his shoreline. Robert asked him to email him and he’ll investigate. Others reported seeing more dead fish along the shoreline this year, perhaps attributable to the blue-green algae. Apparently, a beaver dam broke in the spring at the top of Kennebec Lake, which sent beaver debris downstream to our lakes. It takes 2 days for the water to reach Horseshoe, Bull and Buck Lakes. Councillor Cindy Kelsey clarified that property owners are not allowing access to the properties for beaver dam management, and the Township is looking at the bylaws to address this. Sil Jacobs noted that blue-green algae are extremely toxic to dogs. It is recommended that property owners rake it up, let it dry, then take it to the dump.
Monitoring Watershed / Flood Plain Geoff Michie
Thanks to Nicki Gowdy for arranging a meeting with Quinte Conservation for David S and Geoff to meet with senior Quinte Conservaton staff. This was a mutually beneficial meeting with both parties gaining a better understanding of water control. Geoff obtained pictures of the flood plains in our area and circulated them at the meeting, encouraging us to look at the zoning, flood lines in our regulated areas. There are no control dams north of us, other than water flow coming from Big Clear Lake.
If we’re making any changes to our properties we should contact Quinte Conservation for permits, for anything in a regulated area. For example, with either the boat launch property or roads maintained by our Association, a minimum $450 permit cost (possibly into the thousand-dollar range) applies on top of the culvert costs. We were able to get the property valuaon decreased, based on it being considered a non-buildable lot, with
the help of reports regarding flooding from Quinte Conservation.
Geoff clarified that he was referring to the boat launch property, and roads maintained by our Association, but also any other property in our development. He hasn’t found any properties that are not subject to regulation (e.g., if putting up any kind of habitable structure, boat launch, slip, etc.). Changes effected by Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, have impacted rules as well, so keep alert for further regulation changes. Geoff
recommends getting responses in writing, by email from Quinte vs. over the phone.
Geoff noted that the “State of the Waterfront” project for Frontenac County is aiming to further control water development in the county.
c) Dock Steward Tom Greenis
Tom noted that we encountered high water levels earlier, impacting parking availability at the boat launch. He, with assistance from Chris Ashford and Lewis Reda, did some trimming around the edges to help clear the dock, boat launch, and parking area. Tom asks us to remind friends and family to exercise caution in the boat launch area and on the dock. Tom extended his thanks to Chris Ashford and Lewis Reda for their work, and to Laurie Parks and Robert Paul for keeping an eye on the dock zone as they’re there a lot.
d) Signs and Stickers Sil Jacobs
Sil promoted the display of the wooden signs and the annual stickers to show our membership and support for the HCLPOA. Sil will be available after the meeting for any newcomers needing a new sign, and to distribute annual stickers for members in good standing to affix to their signs, and to show us how to apply the stickers.
e) Social Media – Communications Neil Maxwell
We try to effectively engage members by blending traditional and digital tools, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring broad reach.
Traditional methods include:
- Annual, printed Newsletter – with event updates, policy changes, environmental and cottager tips, that goes out in May with our dues invoices. This reaches the more non-tech-savvy members.
- In-person events – like the AGM, and past social gatherings. These events help build community, and are ideal for complex discussions.
Digital, real-time tools include:
- A dedicated website, HCLPOA.ca. Thanks to Doug Rutherford’s son for donating a new website. The website provides a central hub for bylaws, meeting minutes, contact directories and resource links. It also allows newcomers to find us.
- Emails – We’re trying to minimize communications via email (Mailchimp or direct mail), as everyone has too many emails. We use it to send the newsletter and invoices directly to members, to ensure timely communications regarding urgent matters or those requiring more immediate attention (e.g., Gypsy Moth infestation), and notice of AGM.
- Social media, Facebook Group – We have over 200 followers. Ongoing interaction (e.g., photos, Q&A, lost pets); events with RSVP, curate useful info, like FOCA bulletins. Geoff Michie, David Sparrow and Neil are administrators. Members can’t post, but are able to comment or message the administrators with their posts. Neil encouraged us to consult our Facebook page, or the website for Association info and updates.
Neil encourages members to let us know how we might improve our communication. Is there anything we should start or stop doing, in terms of communication channels, or topics? Neil’s final comments were to remind each of us to be a good neighbour, and pay our fair share.
Amanda extended a big thanks to Glenda Baker for all of her work on the Association Newsletter again this year.
f) Financial Doug Rutherford
Doug explained that the financial report is a little different this year from those in the past, given some recommendations from members and a professional accountant. The boat launch and related costs (e.g., legal fees) are now listed as assets, as is the GIC. It’s always good to have some funds held in reserve to cover unexpected costs that may arise.
The membership stands at approximately 120 households. Doug thanked the members in good standing for their support. David Sparrow asked all in attendance to be positive ambassadors for the HCLPOA and to encourage those not paying their dues to do so. It’s a relatively low fee compared to those of other lake associations. Doug gave special thanks to his wife Lynn for all of her help.
There were no questions regarding the financials as presented, and attached to these minutes.
Motion to Approve the 2024 Financial Report:
1st – Doug Rutherford, 2nd – Carol Espie
2024 Financial Report – Approved by a show of hands.
- We bought a Boat Launch and insured it! Geoff Michie
The purchase of the boat launch was 15 years in the making. The good news that came out of the flood plain mapping was the ability to buy the boat launch (i.e., as the property was deemed to be a non-buildable lot). We can now control the property with respect to its use, and property taxes assessed. Geoff has completed a petition to reduce the taxes based on revised property valuation, and is waiting until December to file it (the delay in the purchase closing date resulted in our just missing the previous filing deadline). Geoff explained the MPAC property value assessment for tax purposes vs. appraised value, given the reduction in value due to it not being a buildable lot as it’s within the flood plain, and the value of water access rights-of-way.
The GIC was boosted some years ago with funding for gypsy moth spraying, allowing for the reserves with which to buy the boat launch. We can use the boat launch but we cannot increase the available parking.
Please tell your guests to clean their boats before launching them on our lakes. We don’t want more invasive species introduced (e.g., zebra mussels).
Congratulations to all!
4) Resolution/Motion to waive Audit or Review Engagement requirement for the 2025 fiscal year Doug Rutherford
We are required to vote on this annually. The cost of such an audit or review can be as much as $4,000. Generally, for a non-profit organization on a small and transparent budget such as ours, the cost of an audit or review engagement is avoided (i.e., within CRA rules), except where fraud or malfeasance are suspected.
Resolution/Motion to waive Audit or Review Engagement for the 2025 Fiscal Year:
1st – Doug Rutherford, 2nd – Heather Henning
Motion accepted by a show of hands.
5) Snowmobile Club access to boat launch and separately a portion of Horseshoe Lane vs safety of opening concession at Horseshoe Lane and Arden Road Geoff Michie
Background information
Geoff apologized up front that this has been a complicated topic over the past winter, and he will try to provide the highlights to give members a concise, informed update. Geoff provided some background on events leading up to the most recent request from the Lennox and Addington Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club (LARRSC or the “Snowmobile Club”) for lake access via the boat launch and Horseshoe Lane.
The original access to the lake from Arden Road was across the fields of the See Farm, and this was in place for a number of years. Due to issues by snowmobilers, the agreement was cancelled in 2008/2009. LARRSC then started using Horseshoe Lane and the boat launch for access without permission. Around that time, the Township ruled that the “occupier” vs. the owner of the property could sign the agreement for permission to use Horseshoe Lane. The Township does not want to assume it. The Association executive then commenced trying to work in conjunction with the Snowmobile Club to seek solutions. There was a lot of back and forth according to the file. The Snowmobile Club then approached the Township to allow use of unopened road allowance for the use of the boat launch as ownership of the launch and Horseshoe Lane were in question. A number of our Association members did not want the concession opened to ensure that this did not give ongoing access to the lake in the summer as well. Township Council held a meeting and opening of the road allowance was declined, provided that agreement could be arranged between the two parties. A number of steps occurred but this was finally completed, despite the fact that we did not own either property, with a letter of support from Township Council. This seemed to work out with no impact on our Association members’ rights.
What has changed?
In the summer of 2024, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs mandated that new agreements be put in place, and signed by the OWNER of the property. The Association was approached the second week of December with pressure to sign ASAP so that the boat launch could be used for the season.
Issues:
- We did not own the boat launch at that point and therefore, could not sign the agreement.
- While every deeded owner has access to the use of Horseshoe Lane, we (HCLPOA) are not the owner, nor is the Township.
- A number of conditions were included within the new agreement (e.g., limiting parking at the launch, prohibiting use of the trail portion for ATVs, vehicles, which would prevent owners from accessing their properties, requiring Snowmobile Club’s ability to maintain the boat launch which could contravene Quinte regulation and create liability for the HCLPOA.
- We then worked diligently for a month through Christmas and New Year’s time, trying to come up with solutions that would balance our members’ needs and those of the Snowmobile Club. We thought we had come to terms to accommodate multi-use, and were prepared to sign once we had ownership of the boat launch. Then suddenly, a Multi-Use sign is presented, showing only a skier, a pedestrian, and a snowmobile, but ATVs and vehicles were not to be permitted on an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) insured trail!
- On Friday, February 7th, after 5 pm, we were informed that members of the Snowmobile Club were making a presentation to Township Council the following Tuesday to obtain permission to use the unopened road allowance, with staff recommending approval. Working through the weekend, and Monday and Tuesday, we finally received approval at 3 pm to be able to present to Council at the 6 pm meeting. The Snowmobile Club’s presentation was discrediting and misrepresented facts. Geoff was then able to present, with the net result that 6-3 voted in our favour. Thanks to councillors Nicki Gowdy (Parham area) and Cindy Kelsey (Kennebec), and Duncan McGregor (Sharbot Lake) for their excellent support. However, a number of Council members indicated that they may alter their opinion if we do not come to an agreement if this goes back to Council in future.
While we are still trying to work towards solutions, we cannot impede the rights of our members. The terms of their insurance policy are somewhat concerning. There has been no effort by the Snowmobile Club to have an agreement signed for the use of Horseshoe Lane, and dealing in good faith with the Snowmobile Club has not been possible.
A member summarised her understanding of the situation, paraphrasing what Geoff had communicated quite well. Another individual in attendance argued that 18,000 other property owners allow access, and defended the actions and behaviours of snowmobilers, as being harmless and cautious. Councillor Nicki Gowdy commented that another association is negotiating with snowmobilers for non-exclusive use. We all want snowmobilers out there, enjoying the trails, cooperatively. Geoff commented that it has taken a lot of time and effort to work cooperatively with the LARRSC in this regard. Dave Johnson agreed, saying it may seem as though it doesn’t make sense, but it boils down to insurance. It gets beyond us, and goes to the corporation. David Sparrow provided some additional clarification regarding our proposed strategy to protect member rights and liability and to ask for a full review by Council if an attempt is made to open the concession at Horseshoe Lane and Arden Road.
We are asking for the following motion, as to our strategy going forward, to be approved by our membership.
Motion:
- That the Executive of the HCLPOA not enter into any agreement with the Lennox and Addington Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club (LARRSC) that will impede deeded rights of property owners within the confines of the HCLPOA boundary.
- That no financial burden be placed on association members for any involvement with the LARRSC.
- In the event that Township of Central Frontenac Council entertains allowing the snowmobile club access through the road allowance between Conc. 5 & 6, Lot 8 Kennebec District, that the HCLPOA Executive request from the Township of Central Frontenac a full “Request for Comment”, and complete participation of all required, and compliance with Quinte Conservation, Ontario Off-road Vehicles and Snowmobile Regulations.
- That clearance be obtained from HCLPOA insurers and executive of the Ontario Snowmobile Association that HCLPOA has no liability arising from any agreement(s) being signed with LARRSC.
1st – Geoff Michie, 2nd – Doug Rutherford
29 In Favour (including 6 proxies), 1 Opposed, 1 Abstained. Motion carried by a show of hands.
6) Election:
This year, in accordance with our by-laws and allowing for overlapping 2-year terms among the executive, we have several board member positions up for election, as circulated in our Agenda. Lewis Reda and Chris Ashford were introduced. They are boat access only property owners and have agreed to look after the dock and boat launch area, taking on the duties that Tom Greenis has done for several years.
No further nominations were received from the floor. As mentioned, we continue to look for someone to fill the Youth Member-at-large position. The current positions and people up for election are:
Treasurer: Doug Rutherford 2yr
Dock Steward: Lewis Reda 2yr
Member at Large: Neil Maxwell 2yr
Member at Large: Sil Jacobs 2yr
Member at Large: Geoff Michie 2yr
Member at Large: Chris Ashford 2yr
Motion to elect new and renewing HCLPOA Directors as presented:
1st – JP Dini, 2nd – Leslie Miller
Motion accepted by a show of hands.
7) Advance notice of increase in membership dues for 2027 Amanda Groves
A couple of AGMs ago, we said we did not anticipate a price increase happening for another 5 years. Well, it seems the Board of 2023 was very optimistic.
The good news is we are not increasing the fees for 2026; they will remain at the annual fee of $100. The bad news is it is likely the fees in 2027 will increase. We do not know by how much yet, but looking at our numbers from last year, this year, and next year, we do know we they will have to increase.
As noted in the financial report and the 2024 Newsletter, we did run a slight deficit last year and may continue to run at a deficit this year and next. This is mainly due to the continued price increases from inflation, weather impacts and more. Increases have been incurred and will continue to be incurred on both our fixed costs (the regular annual expenses), as well as the variable, unforeseen costs.
Some examples of our increased expenses are:
- we added the boat launch to our insurance;
- the inflation of prices has increased beyond the normal cost of living inflation rate;
- the official purchase of the boat launch had some associated costs, and;
- of course, when we have a bad year for weather and roads, we spend more money on gravel
This is a not-for-profit Association, which, by definition, means our goal is not profit. However, we cannot continue to run at a deficit year after year. We would like to maintain a reserve each year for unforeseen costs and uncertainties.
The Board of Management is entirely made up of household members, so it is in our interest too to keep the fees as low as possible, while carrying out the required duties as set by our by-laws. We are looking into options to reduce our costs. For example, Geoff Michie has written a proposal to MPAC to help keep the boat launch property taxes down. But the uncertainties of the future will continue to create deficits, like if we need to replace a culvert, we’ll need a permit to do so, and permits cost money. Increases in the cost of gravel, much like everything else in life, continues to outpace the rate of inflation.
We’d like everyone to consider all the good work the Association does and the value it provides. If you have any friends who are member of other similar Associations, we encourage you to speak to them. We think our current member fees are lower when compared to other similarly size FOCA association members.
How can you help? We typically have 120 member households that pay annual dues consistently. But there are more than 120 households in this lake community. If 100% of members paid their dues, that would make us more financially secure. If you are friendly with a non-paying member, perhaps you can talk up our Association and encourage their financial participation. Also, if you traditionally pay your annual dues at the end of the calendar year, we ask you consider paying at the beginning of the calendar year, so we have the funds on hand to pay for expenses as they come up.
No decisions or motions are being made today. We are asking for a little grace and ask that you keep all these factors in mind when we come back to you in 2027 to keep our association financially secure. David Sparrow echoed Amanda’s comments to provide positive encouragement to non-paying members and consideration to paying your fees at the beginning of the year vs. the end of the year. David further clarified that we would vote on an increase in dues at the 2026 AGM to then take effect in 2027.
8) Guest Speakers:
Councillor Nicki Gowdy (Hinchinbrooke (Parham area))
- Nicki announced the new fire truck in Arden, a pumper tanker, serving our area.
- Nicki advised the membership that the Voyent Alert app is now available to us (e.g. for download to our phones, or web access at https://voyent-alert.com/ ). Please see our Newsletter for more details and to set up alerts regarding severe weather, road closures, etc., relevant to your home and cottage areas and routes.
- We are encouraged to visit the Central Frontenac Township website (https://www.centralfrontenac.com/en/index.aspx ) and sign up for email alerts regarding water levels, roadworks, etc., and to provide feedback on what you want in the area.
- We have a new by-law officer, Nicole Short, who is revising the by-laws. We can email her with any questions we might have relating to the Township by-laws.
- Members asked about regulating high water levels, and the Councillors commented that the dams used to regulate the water levels are located on private property, and that property owners’ cooperation is necessary to break them.
- The Councillors are looking at transparency, and notifications regarding voting at Council meetings. Nicki recommends that we watch the YouTube videos of the meetings, links available on the Township website.
- Nicki went on to describe Rural Frontenac Community Services (RFCS) offered in our area, and offered brochures with further information (https://rfcs.ca/ ):
- Daycare – for children 0-4 years of age, 26 or 27 spots available, one on Friday at the Kennebec Recreation Centre
- Youth programs – summer camps 3 days a week in Sharbot Lake for ages 6-12 (full), and drop-in centre programs every other Thursday for ages 0-6 years.
- Seniors’ programs – get togethers, meals on wheels, housekeeping and respite services, medical equipment (gently used, on loan, free of charge)
- Transportation services, offering subsidized rates (e.g., to get to medical appointments, shopping, etc.)
- Counselling – free confidential counselling to residents aged 16+
- RFSC have two offices in Sharbot Lake; head office on Garrett St, and child centre on Art Duffy Road, as well as satellite services.
Councillor Cindy Kelsey (Kennebec), was happy to respond to any questions we might have.
- Doug Rutherford asked what they were recently applying to Arden Road? Cindy responded that a surface was being sprayed onto the road that prevents moisture from getting in and cracking the pavement. Tar is being applied at the edges. Linda Michie asked if they were stopping at Pit Road, or would they be addressing the sink hole just south of it? Cindy believes they’ll be addressing the depression in the road as well.
- Cindy has requested a fire alert sign for South Central Frontenac/Arden (e.g., alerting passersby when risk of fire is high a fire ban is on). The sign has been on order for some time.
- Dave Johnson asked about the posted speed limit down Arden Road, and Cindy replied that it will be going back down to 60 km/hr from 80 km/hr. Lynn Rutherford noted that the speed limit is not posted on Cranberry Lake Road, and that a default limit of 50 km/hr is too fast. Cindy to investigate.
- Cindy, as our local Postmaster, requests that we support our local post office, and advised the membership of the many services she can provide (e.g., to new property owners, and ways she can help you to get mail delivered to your secondary, cottage address or to the post office for pickup, using general delivery).
9) Other Business –
In keeping with our by-laws, the membership was asked if there were any changes proposed to the By-Laws. No changes were raised.
Amanda thanked our guest speakers, Councillors Nicki Gowdy and Cindy Kelsey for attending today’s meeting. Amanda thanked all the members who came out on this beautiful Saturday, saying the Association does not work unless we all invest our time in community building, and encouraging us to continue to be good neighbours to each other and to this land so that we can ensure the next generation of members have the same enjoyment that we have been able to have ourselves.
David Sparrow expressed thanks to all in attendance, and special thanks to Amanda Groves for her help in chairing the meeting.
Big thanks are extended to Tom Greenis after his 8 years of service as Dock Steward.
Members were reminded to take a look at the table of gently used puzzles and board games and perhaps make a swap and chat with your neighbours after the meeting.
10) Adjourn
Thanks to all for another great meeting!
Meeting adjourned at 12:18 pm.