Bassmasters clean up along area waterways
The Peterborough Bassmasters were focused on cleaning up the idea that many people have regarding litter and fishing, as well as cleaning up the environment.
On April 23, anglers Ivars Krumins, Steve Conrad and James Cameron were at Gannon’s Narrows searching for litter. They found some. They also shared information regarding their organization.
Krumins is the conservation director for Peterborough Bassmasters, which is part of Ontario Bass Nation International. Krumins describes it as a grass-roots organization that is intent on bringing up new anglers — boaters and non boaters.
In a club tournament, each boat consists of a club member that owns the boat and a club member that does not own a boat. The team of two work together to catch and weigh to establish maximum weight of five bass per tournament.
This group also has a high school program co-ordinated by Curtis Cronkwright. Kids pay $20 to go out and fish with a boater. Kids come to evening tournaments and compete boat against boat. The next level is club against club. The winning club goes on to represent Ontario in provincial tournament and that winner proceeds to competing in the U.S.
Krumins emphasized that conservation efforts are important to the club. They don’t want litter either and are intent in keeping our waterways and land clean.
In Oak Orchards, a resident group organized the second annual road cleanup. Residents were invited to clean various road allowances at their own time between April 22 and 30. They sorted the litter into garbage, recyclables and refundables. A community barbecue helped celebrate their efforts on Saturday.
Buckhorn Ratepayers
At the Buckhorn Ratepayers spring meeting, real estate broker Gary Ehmke talked about the local real estate situation and Trent Lakes councillor Carol Armstrong, presented the Trent Lakes program for short-term rentals.
Ehmke reviewed the history of real estate companies. Originally, many salespeople worked for the company. It had the contract. There was a large MLS book with all the bookings. Now, there is a phone.
In Toronto, there are 60,000 agents; 48,000 don’t make a living. Selling real estate is an income supplement. He stated that is a reality in all areas.
Regarding local sales in 2021, there were 133 waterfront sales and 55 non-waterfront sales. Ehmke says waterfront is definitely driving the market. In the past six months, there were 16 sales that were $1 million plus. He emphasized the importance of a good home inspector.
Armstrong continued with an overview of the municipal shortterm rental (STR) program on which committee she was involved. This program includes properties that are rented for less than a month at a time.
Two years ago, before COVID-19, STR’s were growing at an annual rate of 42 per cent, most of which are operated responsibly. However, problems such as parking, safety with fireworks, trespassing, pets and a general lack of understanding and respect and a revolving door of new people have created an unfavourable atmosphere for STR’s.
The regulating program is based on a three-year program.
Phase 1 involves educating owners and renters regarding monitoring and enforcing. A document on STRs will be sent to each taxpayer. It reviews bylaws involved and a call centre which can provide assistance with any problems.
Phase 2 starts in 2023. There will be a nuisance bylaw and an administrative municipal penalty.
Phase 3 in 2024 will involve property owners obtaining a licence. Council will revisit the program to evaluate progress.
Both presentations were well planned and loaded with information for residents.