Message from the President January 2025

2024 was another busy year for BLECA. The Board did the annual inspection of docks in early May to
ensure all were being well maintained. If necessary, dock owners were advised of any issues needing to
be addressed. The Spring GM was held at Lakehurst Hall on May 25 and was well attended with 25
members plus Board members. The BLECA annual golf tournament was held on June 8 and was
organised once again by Craig Barry. Led by Monica and Gord Bartlett, our efforts to control invasive
plant species continued in 2024. Dog Strangling Vine at the waterfront is now largely controlled, as is
European Buckthorn, and in August a small group of members removed Purple Loosestrife from the
waterfront area. A more ambitious effort will be needed to remove Purple Loosestrife from ditches
along Sumcot Drive – watch for request for assistance in August 2025. The annual weed harvesting
happened on July 13; the day was organized once again by Bob Brown. The assistance of many
volunteers and the use of two machines by the weed harvesting company meant a shorter day for all. A
summer BBQ organized by Craig Barry and Alex Hanufer was held at the Memorial Circle on August 4.
Many members enjoyed an afternoon of socializing and catching up with neighbours. Unfortunately, a
Chili Cook-off organized for Sunday, October 6 had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Let’s hope
the weather cooperates this year!
The Fall GM was held at the Pavilion on September 28. The term of the Board ended in 2024, so it was
an election year for BLECA. Results of the election were: Vice-President – Terry Hill; Secretary – Richard
Boire; Treasurer – Gabe Korda; Directors at Large – Gord Bartlett, Ricardo Borges, Bob Brown, Dana
Hardy, and Pam Robinson. The Board appointed Martyn Obbard as President for another term. This
Board will serve until September 2026.
After major improvements at the waterfront in 2023 (enhanced security fencing, extension of the
community dock at the boat launch), only minor upgrades were done in 2024 (additional gravel
deposited at the boat launch, removal of large portion of a tree that broke off in a fall storm and just
missed docks 18 and 19). However, the Board hopes to finally replace the roofing on the pavilion in
2025. Stay tuned for updates on that project.
Martyn Obbard
President, BLECA