Our Vision Statement

We, the members of Kawagama Lake Community, share the following vision of the lake. We wish to ensure that current and future generations will enjoy;

• The beauty of the natural environment: the sparkling water, the crisp, clean air, the unspoiled shoreline, the scenic vistas of islands, hills, and forests, backlit by sunrises, sunsets and rugged, wilderness topography.
• Pristine water quality
• A tranquil ambiance that nourishes a sense of peace, quiet, privacy, and remoteness that promotes relaxation and regeneration.
• A wide variety of recreational options that facilitate family fun and other social opportunities.
• A traditional cottage atmosphere with modest cottages, low density and minimal commercial development that preserves the natural, social and historic character of the lake.
• An environmental sensitivity that conveys a sense of caring, a desire to protect the environment and to show consideration for other lake users.
• A diverse and sustainable natural heritage of plants, fish and wildlife
• The Lake is the Landscapes most beautiful and expressive feature.

It is the earths' eye; looking into which the beholder
measures the depth of his own nature.
Henry David Thoreau

We Believe that…

(Information for the We Believe statements came from the Residents' Survey and two workshops)

• all of us have a responsibility to practise good stewardship in all of our activities so that we do no permanent harm to our lake environment.
• each of us has a right to use the lake environment in our own way
  as long as our activities don' t infringe on the right of others to enjoy it in their own way.
• the majority of the community enjoy the natural look of our shoreline and prefer that it feature trees and shrubs rather than man-made structures.
• each property owner has a responsibility to install and maintain a sewage disposal system that complies with all setbacks and requirements at the time of installation. Maintenance includes a pumpout every 3 to 5 years depending on level of use.
• all construction, renovation, or alteration must comply with the by-laws in effect at the time of building and that a building permit must be obtained for all projects to build or modify a structure with an area greater than 100 square feet.
• all property owners have an obligation to maintain a natural margin of native plants and shrubs at the shoreline to slow down leaching of contaminants into the lake.
• property owners should consider leaving their lakefront yard as natural as possible consistent with a pleasant view of the lake.
  Consider cutting windows in trees that hamper the view rather than cutting them down.
• all of us who use power boats on the lake should:
  • be thoroughly familiar with the rules of navigation
  • observe all laws
  • operate safely at all time
  • be courteous to other boaters
  • minimize wakes that can cause shoreline erosion

Our Heritage

On Kawagama Lake We Value:

• A Traditional Cottage Atmosphere
• Modest Cottages hidden in the trees
• Our Natural Environment
• Our Water QualityYou Can Help Protect It - Practise Good Stewardship
• Keep your Shoreline Natural
• Don't Cut Trees Down, Cut Windows Instead
• If you Must have a Lawn, Keep it away from the Lake
• Don¹t Fertilize your Lawn
• Get Building Permits for any Alterations or Additions
• Observe Set-Back By-Laws
• Use Phosphorous-Free Detergents
• Make Sure your Septic System doesn't pollute
• Pump your Septic Tank every 3-5 years
• Replace Two-Stroke Motors with Four-Stroke Motors
• Keep Gas and Chemicals Out of the LakeWe also Value Consideration for Others
• Obey Boating Laws and Navigation Regulations
  Boat with Care so as not to impact others with Noise, Speed or Wake
• No Wake near Shore or Docks
• Go Slowly in all Narrow Channels
• Stay Away from Swimmers
• Assist anyone in Trouble
• Watch Out for Loons and Ducks on the Lake

Avoid Noise Pollution that Impacts Others:

• Remembers Noise Carries Across Water- Especially at Night
• Night Parties
• Outside Stereos
• Barking Dogs
• Make Sure Your Lighting Doesn¹t Impact Neighbours
• Use Low Intensity Lights
• Use Motion Sensor Lighting
• No Unnecessary Outdoor Lights

Sights and Sounds of Our Lake

Mist rising in the early morning,
a canoe silently gliding by,
coffee on the dock, children splashing and swimming,
the westerly breezes on a hot afternoon,
sun sparkling on ripples,
the silhouette of pines and birches,
the purr of the motor on an afternoon boat ride,
skiers jumping the wake,
a magnificent sunset,
fishermen anticipating their evening catch,
the fun of a family campfire,
the mournful cry
of a lone loon in the late evening darkness . .

walking through the woods, spectacular fall colours
rafting loons as the cold weather sets in
the first wet snow of November
skiing through the woodland trails
snowmobiling across the lake on a sunny afternoon
the smell of wood smoke
the peculiar tinkle that lake ice makes before it magically disappears
calls of returning loons and ducks,
the laughter of pileated woodpeckers,
the sight of fox, racoon, deer, bear and moose
and the buzz of bugs
and
at last, the cheery voices of our cottage
neighbours and friends
. . . such are some of the memories of images,
sounds and experiences
on our lake that sustain us and enrich our busy lives
when we are absent from this haven
that we all treasure
so deeply!