I hope all our lake residents had an enjoyable summer and fall at Big Basswood Lake. Our time spent here seems too short and the seasons seem to fly by, especially summer. 

This year, for the first time, we hosted our AGM with a BBQ and social time afterwards. The meeting took place at Melwel Lodge. Attendance at the meeting was up from previous years and we received good reviews from members who attended. This is something we’d like to continue, going forward.

As well, Melwel Lodge hosted a fish fry and evening of music that was sold out. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by those attending. We are hopeful that Melwel Lodge will continue this next summer. 

One of our Board members, Marilyn Kellum, was instrumental in the planning and staging of a concert at the Corduke’s twelve sided barn in Sowerby this past August. The event was very well attended and received rave reviews from those there. Special mention to Will Samis and the other members of the Sowerby Hall Heritage committee for theirefforts in organizing the event. We look forward to continuing to work with them and the North Shore Sentinel to sponsor new events in 2024. 

The BBLA continues to work on behalf of lake residents in regard to environmental issues, advocacy with the Municipality on lake issues, liaising with FOCA on cottager issues province-wide, etc. Board member Larry Allcorn was selected to sit on the Municipality’s Environmental Advisory Committee, to help ensure our lake voice is heard. 

Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to engage with the Municipality on working to re-instate the private road grants for the maintenance of the roads that most of use to access our residences here at Big Basswood Lake. 

If any of our members have ideas or suggestions of issues that you would like us to address, please contact any BBLA board member for assistance. 

On behalf of the Board, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

–Dave