Sharbot Lake Property Owners’ Association AGM

Jul 22, 2010

Sixty members of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners’ Association (SLPOA) showed up for the association’s annual general meeting in Sharbot Lake last weekend. They heard an update from their president, Ken Waller, on the top three recommendations that resulted from the Lake Link seminar that was held in Perth in October of last year.

The recommendations were: the ensuring of properly functioning septic systems; the importance of maintaining a buffer strip known as a “ribbon of life” on shore lines; and aiming to keep as much property surrounding the lake undeveloped as possible.

The SLPOA's environmental issues coordinator Elaine Stillwell presented her report and in addition to asking for volunteers to collect water samples from the lake for the Lake Partners Program, she addressed septic re-inspection in detail.

She relayed how last fall Central Frontenac Council drafted a by-law for mandatory septic re-inspection but has delayed bringing it into force. This spring the township hired a student to locate and map out septic systems with a GPS on a voluntary basis.

Stillwell highlighted the findings of a report produced by the Frontenac Stewardship Council about septic pumping on island and other water-access only properties. She noted some complications that would have to be overcome for septic pumping to take place on the many islands on Sharbot Lake.

Either a barge with at least a 2000 gallon tank would be required or else one that could carry a small truck. On the east basin there is no public dock and the barge would have to be able to clear the bridge. A licensed operator would have to bring the effluent ashore and either remove it to their own site or a municipal site. At an estimated cost of $600-$700 per cottage, at least 40 property owners would have to participate to make it feasible.

On a lighter note, Greg Storring of Storring Septic Service did a presentation on the Swedish-designed Waterless Composting Toilets, and Ron Kortekaas of Eco Alternative Energy informed members of the services and equipment he offers for those considering solar and wind energy alternatives.

Central Frontenac CAO John Duchene was the guest speaker and he highlighted issues affecting property owners and gave updates on the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaws, waste management and the upcoming municipal elections.

Erik Kohlsmith of the Mississippi/Rideau Septic System Office spoke about a voluntary septic re-inspection program that will be booking appointments in Central Frontenac for the weeks of August 16-20 and August 23-27. Anyone interested can call 613-259-2421 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anyone who missed the AGM can visit the SLPOA site at www.slpoa.ca. The SLPOA’s annual Fish Fry will take place July 24 at 5PM at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.