Latest News
FOCA Elert – May 2020
- all the latest from FOCA – click here
Drag/Spruce Water Levels
- the TSW delayed filling the lakes this spring as a preventative measure against potential flooding
- the levels are now being brought up – we'll need some rain!
- click on the image below for current status:
Happy & Safe Long Weekend!!
(wherever you'll be…)
Message from the Mayor Regarding Seasonal Residents
These last few months have been trying times for all. We were initially told the closures and restrictions would only be a couple of weeks, but as the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic became clearer, it was necessary for the Province to continue with the safety measures they had put in place. One of the messages from the Federal and Provincial governments was to stay away from your cottage, cabin, or second property. It was crucial for travel to stop, even between communities, so health officials could do contact tracing and try to stop the spread of this powerful and devastating virus. We never had any authority to ban travel into or out of our community, and we know some people decided to isolate here in Dysart at their cottage. However, that messaging created some frustration and confusion for seasonal communities, which then led to some very unfair and unkind comments.
The May long weekend is almost here, and while the weather has been unseasonably cold, people still want to come to their properties to do the usual chores and maintenance. The Premier, in consultation with Mayors across cottage country, is now asking people to only come if they feel they need to. This is not the traditional party weekend, known affectionately as the “May 24”. You are welcome to come to your cottage, but please bring what you need for the time you are up here. All the other restrictions are still in place and they are there to protect all of us. No gatherings of more than 5 and absolutely NO fires or fireworks.
Everyone should always feel welcome here, as we all add to the vibrancy and culture of Dysart et al. We know the importance that we all collectively make to contribute to this community.
This Spring, we welcome back our seasonal residents with open arms but six feet apart. So, get your gardens raked, clean the windows, put in the docks, repair the little things that always need fixing, and plan for the summer ahead. The warmer weather will be here and while the summer of 2020 won’t be the same in the Highlands, it will still be a beautiful, peaceful place where wonderful family memories will be made. We truly are all in this together, so be patient and be kind to each other.
Andrea Roberts
Mayor Municipality of Dysart et al
Catching up on reading materials and ideas for outdoor family activities during these challenging times…enjoy!
Download iNaturalist and learn the flora and fauna on your property! – https://www.inaturalist.org/
Use ebird and tally the birds that visit your neighbourhood! https://ebird.
Frogwatch – https://www.naturewatch.ca/
The Turtle Tally – http://www.torontozoo.com/
What you need to know about your Septic System – Planet Haliburton podcast – click here
Drag Lake dam – we have been advised that the latest plan from TSW is to replace the south dam (previously planned just for repair work) – stay tuned for details as they become available.
Water Levels – read the latest from CEWF – click here (and to view the current Drag/Spruce water level graph – click here)
Access to cottages? – click here
Stay healthy…Stay safe
Key Links
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that the County of Haliburton is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory, and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which are Curve Lake, Rama, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
We acknowledge a shared presence of Indigenous nations throughout the area, and recognize its original, Indigenous inhabitants as the stewards of its lands and waters since time immemorial.