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KBLA Annual Report 2024

Marlene Clune, Secretary, KBLA
July 5, 2025

Mission Statement

The KBLA is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to protect and enhance all aspects of the quality of life on Kahshe and Bass Lakes and their immediate surroundings, and to provide representation for the membership to Municipal and Government bodies.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • President: Marnie Cryderman
  • Vice President: Kim Train
  • Past President: April Drane
  • Secretary: Marlene Clune
  • Treasurer: Greig Holder

Committees

President’s Message

This past year has been one of exciting growth and meaningful change for our Lake Association.

Most notably, we officially changed our name to the Kahshe and Bass Lakes Association (KBLA) — a long-overdue update that proudly includes Bass Lake in both name and spirit. We also launched a brand-new website, providing an accessible hub of information and resources for both members and the broader community.

We introduced tiered membership options, giving members more ways to engage and benefit from their support. This transformation was spearheaded by Lauren Koenig and Mike Katsevman, who dedicated countless hours to building a digital platform that reflects both who we are and where we're headed. Marlene Clune, our Secretary, ensured that KBLA became ONCA compliant, strengthening our organization for the future.

Our community came together at a series of cherished events — from the Canada Day Picnic at Nagaya Beach, Housey’s Rapids Picnic, and Fleafest, to the Fishing Derby, Regatta, and Civic Holiday Beach BBQ. We also continued the Photography Contest, a highlight for many, which runs throughout the year and concludes at the Regatta.

We are also deeply grateful to several longtime Board members who are stepping down from their roles:

  • April Drane, completing her two-year term as Past President, brought wisdom, knowledge, and a steady hand to many discussions. We are thrilled that she will be staying on the COM Committee.
  • Rick Glatt, former Chair of the Water Safety Committee, worked tirelessly to promote boating safety across our lakes.‍
  • Mike Katsevman is stepping back temporarily due to other commitments, but we look forward to his return. However, he will still stay on the COM Committee. ‍
  • Dave Barker is leaving the Board but continues his important work with the Conservation Committee and Kahshe Lake Land Trust.
  • Greig Holder, a long-serving volunteer and past President, is stepping down as Treasurer but staying on with the Conservation Committee. His dedication and behind-the-scenes support have been invaluable.

As this will be my final message as President, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all of you — our volunteers, members, and community — for your support, enthusiasm, and friendship over the past years. It has been an honour to serve, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

I’m also thrilled to share that Kim Train will be stepping into the role of President. Kim brings deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and a clear vision for the future of KBLA. I know our lakes and our community are in the best of hands under her guidance.

Our Association continues to thrive because of volunteers like you. If you’re looking for a way to give back, please consider joining the Board or one of our many committees. Together, we protect what makes Kahshe and Bass Lakes so special: our lakes, our land, and most of all — our community.

Marnie Cryderman
President, KBLA

Conservation Committee

In 2024, the Conservation Committee reviewed the Town of Gravenhurst’s Official Plan amendment to include basements in the total allowable floor area (375 m²) for new builds. We advised the board on variance applications reflecting this change.

On August 19, 2024, we conducted benthic monitoring, an essential process for understanding aquatic health.

We’re also pleased to share that Dave Barker has been appointed Steward of the Kahshe Lake Conservancy, a protected parcel at the lake’s west end generously donated by Norm Paige. This land is designated for the study of invasive species and will remain undeveloped.

Bob Reyburn
Chair, Conservation Committee

Rock Marker Committee

A huge thank you to our rock marker volunteers who help keep everyone safe on the water! Please be sure to use the Rock Marker Map, available on our website, to navigate Kahshe and Bass Lakes safely. Want to volunteer or have feedback? Email us at rockmarker@kahshebasslakes.com.

Daryl Nice
Chair, Rock Marker Committee

Town Liaison

As the liaison between KBLA and the Town of Gravenhurst and District of Muskoka, we reviewed four minor variance applications and two rezoning applications in 2024–2025.

In one case, we submitted concerns; in others, we found no grounds for objection.

Kim Train
Vice President, Town Liaison

Beach Committee

Nagaya Beach continues to be a cherished hub for our events, which were made unforgettable through community spirit, great music, and the hard work of volunteers.

  • Canada Day Celebration
  • The KBLA Regatta
  • Labour Day Family BBQ

We also maintained:

  • A volunteer-run toy box for kids
  • A Little Library for book lovers
  • Regular beach grooming and cleanup
  • Hedge trimming, limb removal, and portable toilet and waste services—funded by your KBLA memberships

We’ve now entered a renewed five-year lease period with the Town of Gravenhurst. Signage is in place to help maintain a clean, safe, community-oriented beach experience.

Special Thanks

  • Jesse Mirlocca & Family – for managing events, maintenance, and swimming raft logistics
  • Shelly & Jim Davies – for hedge upkeep and recycling support
  • Sean Andrews & Family – for weekly grooming and DJing all three events
  • Samantha Schleese – for her fantastic emceeing at the Regatta

Please help us keep Nagaya Beach clean and special by removing waste and respecting beach rules.

Kim Train, Vice President
Jesse Mirlocca, Chair, Beach Committee

Communications, Outreach & Membership (COM) Committee

This past year marked a turning point for KBLA—momentum, modernization, and growth.

Membership Progress

As of today, we have 409 members, with 225 already transitioned into our new digital system. Our long-term goal is 500 active members by 2029, and we're now aiming to grow well beyond that. Paper cheques are a thing of the past—easy online signups and automatic renewals have simplified the process and improved the member experience.

If you haven’t made the switch yet, we hope migrating to the new system is on your summer to-do list!

‍Business Membership & Vendor Directory

Our vendor directory now features 32 categories of trusted local businesses, from dock repair to property services. If you know a business that might be interested in a Business Membership, we’d love to hear from them.

New Member Perks

  • Discount from Muskoka WiFi
  • BOOM membership for Premium and Business members: discounts at 1,000s of retailers

Website & Communications

Our new website continues to grow as a key platform. The Krier, now under Dr. Tracy Cameron, has brought a fresh editorial voice. Got stories or photos? Reach out to tcameron086@gmail.com.

What’s Ahead

  • More perks
  • A refreshed online boutique
  • Increased engagement on social and email

Open Roles

  • Social Media Manager
  • Boutique Manager

Contact marketing@kahshebasslakes.com to get involved. Thank you to everyone who helped us bring our vision to life!

Lauren A. Koenig
Chair, COM Committee

FOCA

As members of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), KBLA benefits from FOCA's work advocating for healthy, sustainable waterfronts across Ontario.

Topics include:

  • Water quality and climate change
  • Fair property taxes
  • Land-use planning
  • Cottage succession & insurance

As a KBLA member, you automatically receive access to FOCA webinars, discounts, and educational materials.

Kim Train
FOCA Rep & Vice President

Lake Steward

It’s been a rewarding first year as your Lake Steward!

Highlights‍

  • Sampling at Kluey’s Bay, Deep Bay, and Grants Bay began in May
  • Water samples analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, and chloride
  • Secchi depth (water clarity) measured bi-weekly through October
  • Benthic (insect) sampling at three sites in August
  • No blue-green algae blooms reported on Kahshe; one event on Bass Lake

We also observed Holopedium glacialis, a natural jelly-like water flea, more noticeable lately due to shifts in water chemistry.

Ice-out was March 19, 2024 — the earliest since records began in 1886!

Check out the new Environment section of our website to explore water quality data and stewardship tips. Let’s keep our lakes clean: inspect your septic, avoid fertilizers, clean up after pets, and protect natural shorelines.

Sara Varty
Lake Steward

Water Access Committee

What a wild winter—snowfalls, ice storms, and downed trees galore. Big thanks to Dennes and Rockhaven for ensuring we had dock access despite challenging conditions.

Special shoutout to Bailey’s Barge, who came through in a pinch to clear massive tree debris from Boyd Island. It was a heroic job.

Reminders

Henry Kowalewski
Chair, Water Access Committee

Independent Practitioner’s Review Engagement

To the Directors of the Kahshe and Bass Lakes Association (formerly Kahshe Lake Ratepayers’ Association (1994) Inc.) (the “Association”).

I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the Association that comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2024, and 202,3 and the statements of operations and cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for private enterprises, and for such internal control as the board of directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

My responsibility is to express a conclusion on the accompanying financial statements based on my reviews. I conducted my reviews in accordance with Canadian generally accepted standards for review engagements, which require me to comply with relevant ethical requirements.

A review of financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted standards for review engagements is a limited assurance engagement. The practitioner performs procedures, primarily consisting of making inquiries of management and others within the entity, as appropriate, and applying analytical procedures, and evaluates the evidence obtained.

The procedures performed in a review are substantially less in extent than, and vary in nature from, those performed in an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Accordingly, I do not express an audit opinion on these financial statements.

Based on my reviews, nothing has come to my attention that causes me to believe that the financial statements do not present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Association as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for private enterprises.

/s/ Sean Morrison
Licensed Public Accountant

Financials