KBLA Annual Report 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

• Kimberly Train
• Marnie Cryderman
• Gareth Powell
• Marlene Clune
• Lauren Koenig
• Frank Doran
• Henry Kowalewski
• Daryl Nice
• Rose Weyer-Keller
• Bobby Blake

Executive Committee

• President: Kim Train
• Vice President: TBD
• Past President: Marnie Cryderman ‍
• Secretary: Marlene Clune ‍
• Treasurer: Gareth Powell

Committees

• Conservation: Bob Reyburn, Chair
• Rock Marker: Daryl Nice, Chair
• Beach: Jesse Mirlocca & Frank Doran, Co-Chairs
• Communication, Outreach & Membership: Lauren Koenig, Chair
• Water Safety/Fire Prevention: Bobby Blake, Chair
• Water Access: Henry Kowalewski, Chair
• FOCA Liaison: Kim Train
• Town & District Liaison: Kim Train
• Kahshe Boutique: Marnie Cryderman, Chair
• Lake Steward: Sara Varty
• Past President: Marnie Cryderman
• Membership: Rose Weyer-Keller

President’s Message

In 2025, our Lake Association focused on onboarding members to our new system, welcoming new board members, fundraising for the beach refurbishment, and — most importantly — listening intentionally to our membership.

For the first time, we conducted a survey to better understand what our members value, what changes they’d like to see, and to allow everyone to voice the shaping of our priorities and funding for 2026. Your feedback helps us focus our efforts where they matter most to the community.

We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Regatta and supported our fundraising efforts for the beach refurbishment, scheduled for 2026.

Throughout the year, our wonderful volunteers organized popular lake events that brought our community together — starting with the Canada Day weekend picnic at Nagaya Beach, followed by the Housey’s Rapids Picnic, the Fishing Derby, and the Regatta. Let’s not forget the beloved Photo Contest that runs year-round and our dedicated team that installs and removes rock markers to help keep the lake safe for boaters.

As a volunteer organization, we are deeply grateful for everything you do for the KBLA and our community. I encourage you to consider joining as a Director or participating in one of the many committees that help preserve what we cherish most about Kahshe and Bass Lakes — our shared sense of community and love for these beautiful lakes.

Kim Train  
President, KBLA

Conservation Committee

In 2025, Dave Barker took on the role of Nature Reserve Steward for the Kahshe Sanctuary Reserve on behalf of the Muskoka Conservancy. This reserve was established in 2011 and encompasses an area of approximately five acres.

Benthic monitoring was undertaken again in 2025. Sara Varty continued her excellent work as Lake Steward.

Bob Reyburn
Chair, Conservation Committee

Rock Marker Committee

During the 2025 cottage season, volunteers continued to install and remove navigational aids on the main channels in Kahshe Lake. A big thank-you again to the following for installing the white spherical balls in our lake.

• Jim Butler & John Thompson (South End)
• Bill & Susan Hill-Mueller & Family (South of Chief and Erin Islands)
• Andrew & Jonathan Sawicki (East End)
• Keith Martin (Townley Island and Chief Island)
• Lundy Family (Kluey’s Bay)‍
• Rob Barnes (Hill Island)

Over the past few years, the committee has tried to reduce the number of heavy, floating towers installed by the KBLA by installing permanent lighted towers on land near the rock hazard, which are then marked with a floating white buoy.

However, it is impossible to do that where hazards lie in the middle of the lake or far from shore.

Bailey’s Barge service has been hired to install and remove these large, heavy towers for the past few seasons. In 2025, Bailey’s Barge installed the seven remaining floating lighted towers in the Spring.

In the fall, a group of volunteers, spearheaded by Gareth Powell and Bobby Blake, tackled the removal of these heavily lit towers. With the help of a crane purchased by the KBLA, the amazing team of Bobby Blake, Gareth Powell, Jay Smith, and Armin Hahn removed the towers and stored them on land. Thank you to the Weyer-Keller family for volunteering a spot to keep the towers over the winter months.

They loved removing the towers so much that in the spring, Bobby Blake organized a crew of himself, Armin Hahn, Adam Keller, Eric Barber, and Nathaniel Barber to put the towers back in the lake. Kudos to this group for taking care of this important job for Kahshe Lakers!

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

This function of the KBLA Board of Directors deals with the Town of Gravenhurst and the District of Muskoka on municipal planning and by-law enforcement issues.

During 2025, one variance application and five zoning amendment applications for properties around Kahshe and Bass Lakes were reviewed at the request of the Town. We engaged with the Town for additional background. Some reports were shared with the Conservation Committee to get their input. 

On all of the applications, we raised no objections.

‍Kim Train
Vice President, Town Liaison

Beach Committee

Nagaya Beach continues to be one of the key focal points for Kahshe Lake. Here is a recap of the successful 2025 season: The beach hosted two memorable community events:

• ‍‍Canada Day Celebration
• KBLA Regatta

All events were a huge success and were filled with fun, laughs, food, music, and community building. We saw a fantastic turnout and look forward to providing more fun events for our community, thanks to the help of our enthusiastic volunteers. It was fantastic to see the waterfront filled with our community enjoying the beach and our Lake.

We continued to have a volunteer-based toy box, allowing children of all ages to enjoy the beach/water toys. We also had a volunteer-based Little Library on the beach to support those avid readers who would like to borrow something new to read and enjoy.

Once again, your KBLA membership dollars had gone towards renting the Portable Toilet. This year, your dollars also went towards waste and recycling removal and beach maintenance. We continue to rely on your contributions and membership dollars to maintain this valuable resource for our community.

Our incredible volunteers supported beach maintenance, which included: hedge trimming, grooming the sand at the beach, raking leaves, limb removal, and other general cleaning.

Lastly, a heartfelt "Thank You" to our incredible volunteers. Join me in celebrating the key contributors whose dedication and effort genuinely make a difference to our community:

• ‍Jesse Mirlocca (Beach Committee Co-Chair) & Family: garbage disposal, lawn cutting, commissioning and decommissioning the beach, and leading swimming raft maintenance, ordering the Port-a-potty, always coming up with exciting ways to make the beach a special place, including spearheading all the events and keeping the toy box full!
• Shelly & Jim Davies: the incredible faces behind the maintenance required for our gorgeous green hedges and grounds around the beach. They also take care of collecting the recycling for the beach, keeping the area clean and tidy for all of us to enjoy.
• Jason Gullett, Dan St Aubin, Ron Shawtowski, John Berendsen, Randy Eldridge & Lennon Mirlocca: for much-needed beach maintenance, spring clean-up, end-of-season closing, grooming of the sand, buoy line install, lawn trimming, and general cleaning up two to three times a week, or more frequently during the peak summer times.
• Samantha Schleese: As the MC at the Regatta. She did an amazing job and kept the party and activities hopping!

We would also like to thank the following individuals for their generous  donations for the BBQ lunch at the Regatta:

• ‍Frank Doran: hot dogs, buns, water, and ice‍
• Rose Weyer-Keller: cases of pop‍
• Carolyn Ansley: boxes of chips

As we enter another beautiful season, please help us keep the beach clean by removing waste when possible and respecting the property so that it remains a place for everyone to enjoy.

Beach Committee

Communications, Outreach & Membership (COM) Committee

This past year marked an important milestone for KBLA as we continued to modernize our communications, strengthen member engagement, and grow our membership community. Through ongoing improvements to our website, membership platform, and outreach efforts, we have built a stronger foundation to support our lakes and our members for years to come.

Membership Growth & Revenue

Membership remains the backbone of KBLA's work, and we are pleased to report significant growth over the past year.

Membership Revenue

• $20,121.13 in membership revenue
• +41.2% increase (over the previous year of $14,250.42)

Current Membership

• 302 recurring memberships
• 203 Basic Members
• 82 Premium Members
• 17 Business Members
• 51 Onboarding Members (these members have not migrated into the new system and will all expire by the end of 2026. If you have not renewed your membership or migrated onto the new platform, we encourage you to do so ASAP.)

Our long-term goal remains 500 active members by 2029. The transition to our new membership platform has made joining and renewing easier than ever through online registration and automatic renewals, creating a more seamless experience for members.

‍Business Membership and Vendor Directory

Our Business Membership program continues to grow and provides valuable support to both lake residents and local businesses.

The KBLA Vendor Directory now features businesses across 33 service categories, connecting members with trusted local providers for everything from dock repair and construction services to landscaping, property maintenance, and home services.

If you know of a local business that would benefit from joining the KBLA community, we encourage you to reach out and make an introduction.

New Member Perks

We continue to expand the value of KBLA membership through exclusive member perks, including:

• Complimentary BOOM Membership for Premium and Business Members, providing discounts at thousands of retailers across Canada
• Access to growing member-only programs and resources

‍Website and Communications

Our website remains the primary source for important lake information, community updates, event details, environmental initiatives, and member resources. We encourage all members to visit the website regularly and look there first for timely information affecting our lake community.

In addition to the website, our email newsletters and social media channels continue to connect residents, share important updates, and celebrate life on Kahshe and Bass Lakes.

What’s Ahead

In the coming year, the COM Committee will focus on:

• Expanding member benefits and exclusive perks
• Growing our online KBLA boutique
• Increasing engagement through social media and email communications
• Continuing to grow membership and business participation
• Enhancing the member experience through improved digital tools and communications
  

Open Roles

• Social Media Manager
• The Krier Editor
  

Thank you to everyone who has helped bring our vision to life. Communications, outreach, membership growth, and member engagement are significant undertakings, and we are grateful for the volunteers who continue to support this important work on behalf of our entire lake community.

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

As part of the Lake Partner Program, spring water samples were collected in Kluey’s Bay, Deep Bay, and Grants Bay and analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, and chloride. This data is tracked to monitor changes in water quality and compared with other lakes in the area. Water clarity (Secchi Depth) was also measured bi-weekly at the same locations from May to October.

With the help of Kahshe Lake volunteers and a summer student with the District Municipality of Muskoka, benthic sampling was conducted at Birch Island and Kluey’s Bay on August 14th. This is an annual event that involves counting the numbers and types of organisms (bugs and worms) living on the lake bottom to assess the health of the lake.

There was one blue-green algae bloom reported on Kahshe Lake in September 2025.  A possible bloom was reported on Bass Lake in July 2025, but sampling by MECP confirmed that it wasn’t a concern. We can all help reduce the nutrients that contribute to algae blooms by properly maintaining our septic systems, avoiding the use of fertilizers, and keeping shorelines natural to help filter runoff. If you do suspect a bloom, you can report it here: Report Pollution.

Check out the 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

Greetings to all in anticipation of a great cottage season in 2026!

The hamster wheel of cottaging has started to turn. Get the boats ready, put them in the lake, make that first visit to check out any damage, missing docks, etc., get the water going, and hopefully there is power and the “relaxation” and peace of mind continue.

This year had its own challenges; we had a power failure a couple of weeks ago, part of our docks were moved around, but that was the worst of it. 

Thanks again to Dennes, Rockhaven, and Michael Bradley for putting docks in and making sure that most, if not all, of us had a place to park and a place to dock our boats.  

Again, similar issues and concerns that all water access cottagers experience every year are still there, along with the damage control and cleanup from record snowfalls and ice storms.  

There seems to be a huge number of broken branches again, and from last year, all over the place because of the ice storm, so a shortage of firewood is non-existent this year. 

As always, monitor the sludge level in your septic tank; if it gets to be more than a foot deep at the bottom and/or if you have not had it emptied for five or 10 years. 

The town of Gravenhurst has put out official time limits for parking a boat at the government docks, and the notice is attached. Refer to Section 2.1 c on the Town of Gravenhurst website for maximum parking times at the government docks. It states six hours, but remember, those docks are in use most of the time, so be aware of that. 

The damaged paddle boat was finally removed from the shore at Rockhaven.  If anyone sees something that should be removed or fixed, email the Town. They have a great website for reporting issues. 

There are a lot of new NO PARKING signs along North Kahshe Lake Road, so hopefully travel along that road with trailers, etc., will be easier. There seems to be a lot of clean-up and maintenance activity along the road as well, which should only improve the pothole count and bumpiness of the road. 

Gas prices have been out of this world, but hopefully they will stabilize over the next couple of months. My wife and I were in Ireland recently, and gas was priced at 1.85 EUROS per liter or $2.80 CDN…OUCH!!

Remember to look around when boating, be courteous, and follow the rules re life jackets, lighting, etc. 

In closing, good luck with the cleanup, pray for good (better) weather, and have a safe summer.

Reminders

• Garbage pickup at Rockhaven
  
  • Sundays, 12:00–2:30 PM
  • Wednesdays, 10:00–11:30 AM
• Septic tanks: Check your sludge depth— don’t wait 10 years!
  
• Town  dock boat parking limit: 6 hours— see new by-law here.
  

Henry Kowalewski
Chair, Water Access Committee

Treasurer's Report & Financial Highlights

Important Notice 

The 2025 Year-End Financial Statements are currently in draft form and remain subject to review by our Auditor. While any revisions are expected to be minor, the final audited statements may differ slightly from the draft statements presented at the AGM. Any changes resulting from the audit review will be posted on the KBLA website once finalized.

2025 Financial Results

KBLA had a very successful financial year in 2025, ending with a surplus of $5,967.62, compared with a deficit of $12,021.76 in 2024.

This improvement was driven primarily by two factors:

1. Reduced Website Costs
   Development costs associated with the new website are now largely behind us. As a result, website-related expenses decreased by $5,178.12 compared to 2024.
2. Improved Event Performance
   Our objective is for events to be revenue-neutral or generate a positive cash contribution. We continue to make progress toward this goal through:
   
   • Reduced reliance on outside contractors;
   • Increased use of volunteers; and as an example, the Regatta generated a positive contribution of approximately $413, compared with the budgeted shortfall of $750.
   • Cash Position and Net Assets
   • The Association ended the year with a strong cash position of $19,424. Even after excluding the in-year redemption of a GIC totaling $8,175.90, cash on hand remained healthy at approximately $11,248.
   • Net cash flow for the year was $11,058.94, compared with $110.91 in 2024.
   • Total net assets increased to $83,489.23 at year-end, up from $77,521.61 in 2024, reflecting the Association's continued financial stability and reduced reliance on investments to fund operations.
   • Membership Revenue
   • Securing donated supplies and services whenever possible.

Cash Position and Net Assets

The Association ended the year with a strong cash position of $19,424. Even after excluding the in-year redemption of a GIC totaling $8,175.90, cash on hand remained healthy at approximately $11,248.

Net cash flow for the year was $11,058.94, compared with $110.91 in 2024.

Total net assets increased to $83,489.23 at year-end, up from $77,521.61 in 2024, reflecting the Association's continued financial stability and reduced reliance on investments to fund operations.

Membership Revenue

Strong membership support remains essential to funding ongoing operations and developing new programs and initiatives. Membership dues earned increased significantly to $24,744.95 in 2025, compared with $13,749.00 in 2024.

Summary

Overall, 2025 was an excellent year financially for KBLA. Through careful expense management, improved event performance, and strong membership support, the Association strengthened its financial position and increased its reserves, providing a solid foundation for future operations and program development.

Gareth Powell
Treasurer

‍

Financials

Plans for 2026

• Support local artisan community —ie. a mini-artisan sale at the Regatta
• Find new ways to fundraise — ie. Sawdust City partnership (69 Cases thus far at $20 profit per case)
• Promote the new fire prevention and emergency response plan being created
• Support and fund events — Nagaya Beach, Housey Rapids Picnic, Fishing Derby, Regatta, Photo Contest
• Financial support — Rock markers, Beach Maintenance/Porta-Potty, Website Maintenance
• Expand KBLA Boutique  — Promote new online store and Sawdust City fundraising collaboration 
• Fall membership survey — Identify lake / community priorities for 2027
• Update beach signage — clearly display updated community rules and regulations

KBLA AGM Minutes 2025

Saturday, July 5, 2025
10a-11:45a
Gravenhurst Opera House

1. Welcome and President's Report ‍

The President, Marnie Cryderman, welcomed the members to the meeting and gave an overview of the past year's activities and addressed topics of interest and concern to members of the KBLA. Land acknowledgment.

2. Thank you to Retiring Directors

1. Dave Barker
2. April Drane
3. Rick Glatt
4. Greig Holder
5. Mike Katsevman

Recognition of key  contributors

1. Jesse Mirlocca
2. Sean Morrison
3. Sara Varty
4. Dr. Tracey Cameron 

3. KBLA Annual Meeting Business

Resolved that:

(A) Approval of Agenda

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Kim
• Unanimously Carried 

(B) Approval of 2024 Minutes

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Greig
• Unanimously Carried

(C) Approval of Financial Statements: December, 31, 2024 and Review of Income, Expenses and Plans

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Kim
• Unanimously carried

(D) Appointment of Financial Reviewer

• Sean Morrison, partner at Deloitte  be appointed for the year ended December 31, 2024
• Motion to approve Greig
• Seconded by Marnie
• Unanimously Carried 

(E) Ratification of Current Directors and Election of New Directors (As Per Nominee Bios Previously Circulated to Members)

Current Directors standing for Re-election for a two-year term:

1. Marlene Clune
2. Marnie Cryderman
3. Henry Kowalewski
4. Lauren Koenig
5. Daryl Nice
6. Steven Page
7. Kim Train
8. Rose Weyer-Keller

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Kim
• Unanimously carried

New Directors to be elected as per nominations and/or proxy for a two-year term:

1. Carolyn Ansley
2. Frank Doran
3. Virginia Johnson

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Greig
• Unanimously carried

(F) Set membership Fees

The membership fee tiers and current fee structure were presented.

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Kim
• Unanimously carried

(G) Approval of Budget

Greig presented budget for 2025-2026 (annexed to minutes).

• Motion to approve Marnie
• Seconded by Kim
• Unanimously carried

4. Volunteer of the Year Award

Marnie Cryderman presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Erin Swirla and the Miller family for organizing and continuing the tradition of the annual Kermit Long Fishing Derby,  an event which is cherished by many of our young Kahshe Lakers. 

5. In Memoriam

The KBLA would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of our community who passed away in 2024-2025.  We thank the families who shared some memories of their loved ones with us.

1. Jack Bruckner
2. Barbara Joan Emery
3. Matthew Gregory
4. Carol Gulyas
5. Gail Heather Pearson

6. Presentation – Safe Quiet Lakes

Colleen Kennedy gave a presentation from Safe Quiet Lakes.

7. Presentation - Gravenhurst Health Hub

Bruce Hemphill, Chair of the Gravenhurst Health Hub and Dr. Keith Cross, Vice-Chair of the Gravenhurst Health Hub Steering Committee and Vice-Chair of the Cottage Country Family Health Team gave a presentation of the proposed Gravenhurst Health Hub and funding to date.

8. Matters Arising & Other Business

(a) Membership Benefits: Lauren Koenig provided a membership information update, membership tiers, boom rewards, boutique discount and the auto renewal process.

(b) Heidi Lorenz, Mayor of Gravenhurst outlined various plans for 2025, infrastructure projects, highlighted areas of interest/concern to residents and cottagers.

(c) Comments and questions from Members:‍

• ‍Can the Association consider a collective clean up of debris 
• Member mentioned they were very pleased with FOCA\Travellers insurance responsiveness 

Adjournment at 11:45a

Special Guests

• ‍Heidi Lorenz – Mayor

Councillors

• ‍Randy Jorgensen – Ward 4 Deputy Mayor
• Michele Robinson – Ward 3
• Christina  Hunter – Ward 5
• FOCA Representative - Gavin Vance (Lake Stewardship Dorset)