Summer is just around the corner and we are all looking forward to spending quality time enjoying Agnew Lake and its surrounding area with our family and friends. Here is an update on our activities over the past 12 months:

• Working to meet the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) requirements proclaimed in 2021 and required by October 2024
• Assisting/facilitating the Baldwin township with a new Short Term Rental (STR) by-law
• Operation of the walleye rearing pond for another season
• Advocating for an update to the Baldwin Fire response plan
• Discussion of the new Fire by-law and associated restrictions in Baldwin

On October 19, 2021, the Ontario government updated and proclaimed ONCA and as a result, all non-profit corporations like BALRA are required to update and file governing documents (e.g. by-laws) with the Ontario Government by October 18, 2024. BALRA directors have been working hard to complete new by-laws so that they are ready for the membership's vote of approval at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). To facilitate this, the by-laws are available here for your review before the AGM. It will be important that you pay your membership dues by July 21st, 2024 to attend/vote for the new by-laws at this meeting and position BALRA to continue operating as an association. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can send a proxy (see more information below). This meeting is also your opportunity to provide input on the rights and responsibilities of BALRA members. Please RSVP if you or your proxy is attending at: secretary@balra.ca.

As you may have noticed, some Agnew Lake residents have been renting their property on a short term basis through AirBnB, Vrbo, etc. or privately. As a consequence of concerns made, an STR by-law for Baldwin was suggested and is currently being drafted. BALRA has been actively participating in both content and review. Completion is anticipated to be early summer.

Stocking of the rearing pond was successfully completed a short time ago and the release of walleye fry is scheduled for July 3rd. Volunteers to get the fry out of the pond and into Agnew Lake are appreciated! Look for the official release date on the BALRA signs/website.

The Baldwin Fire plan is in need of updating and BALRA has been advocating to have this done. This is a work in progress as the township is in the process of replacing its fire chief.

As you may know, Baldwin township has released a new fire by-law. This by-law can be found here. BALRA is currently discussing this new by-law and the impact to our residents. Your input on this new by-law is welcome.

You will also notice that our association fees have increased this year from $15 to $20. This is to cover the increased costs to operate as our fees have not increased for many years.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and ideas for new objectives for BALRA and welcome any interested members to join the board of directors. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for their efforts and dedication to the association.

Kindest regards,

Paul Matte
President, BALRA
president@balra.ca
www.BALRA.ca

1. Approval of Agenda
2. Election of Directors
3. Approval of the new By-Laws
4. Treasurer’s Report (Jo-Anne Boucher)
5. Rearing Pond Treasurer’s Report/Update (Steve Bender)
6. Methods of Communication to membership (Email, Balra.ca, Facebook, signs, mail)
7. Open Discussion – thoughts and ideas for BALRA objectives

Please send an e-transfer for $20.00 to treasurer@balra.ca by July 21 to pay for your annual membership fee.

You can also send a cheque or cash to:

Baldwin Agnew Lake Residents Association
1500 Hardwood Road
McKerrow, Ontario  P0P 1M0

Each Member will be entitled to one vote at the annual meeting. If a Member is unavailable to attend the meeting, they may appoint another Member to vote for them by proxy. You can download the proxy form here. Your proxy can bring your completed and signed proxy form with them to the meeting.