MACA Lake Planning
Information Page

By Mike Giza, Director

At the MACA Annual General Meeting in July 2010, there was a presentation on lake planning and a discussion of the process.

As explained in the Lake Planning Handbook for Community Groups, lake planning is a strategic process that provides an opportunity to engage all the people, governments and business operators to develop plans and implement actions to maintain or improve the natural and social qualities of life on Ontario lakes and rivers.

Beginning in 1999, the approach to planning shifted to a “bottom up” process from a “top down” one. This gives the communities involved a voice in establishing stewardship actions and government regulations. During the past ten years many Haliburton lakes have developed plans. Some of these are: Eagle Lake, Kennisis Lake, Halls and Hawk Lakes and Mountain Lake.

Below is an outline based on the Planning Handbook of the steps and timelines that would be involved in pursuing a lake plan for our watershed.

THE LAKE PLANNING PROCESS

Phase 1 Getting Organized

• Garner interest
• Obtain initial approval
• Set up steering committee
• Seek funding
• Announce the Lake Plan Project

This phase can take 1 to 2 years. The planning manual recommends going slow initially to set a correct course and avoid serious difficulties.

Target date for completion – July 2011

Phase 2 Collect Background Information

• Determine the scope of the Lake Plan
• Prepare work list of the information to be collected
• Contact non-residential stakeholders
• Prepare, distribute and collate survey information
• Conduct a residents’ workshop and prepare summary

Target date for completion – July 2012

Phase 3 Analyze and Summarize Background Information

• Analyze background information and summarize results
• Provide draft observations and recommendations to public
• Review issues, strategies and final draft plan

Target date for completion – July 2013

Phases 4, 5 and 6 Prepare, Review and Obtain Approval of Draft Plan

• Prepare draft plan
• Circulate draft plan for internal review
• Release draft plan for public review
• Conduct open house
• Consider public comments and prepare final Lake Plan
• Provide intent to approve plan
• Approve plan

Target date for completion – July 2014

Phase 7 Action Plan Implementation

• Release Lake Plan
• Implement actions

Target date for completion – Fall 2014

Phase 8 Monitoring and Updating the Lake Plan

• The lake plan should be monitored on an on-going basis and updated at least every five years.

This schedule for developing and implementing the Lake Plan, if the dates are followed, should tie in closely to the 5- year Dysart planning cycle.

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