Norway Lake Good Neighbour Reminders

 

ROAD SAFETY

- Observe posted speed limits. The speed limit in unposted areas is 50 km/hr.

- Wear a helmet when operating all-terrain vehicles and bicycles.

- Obey all safety regulations as they are applicable everywhere (even private roads).

- Do not stray into the forest or on trails unless you have been given permission to do so by the landowner.

- If your cottage is accessible by a private road: Remember that when you give permission to someone to access the lake you are letting them cross everyone’s property. You can create a virtual “Public Access to Water” especially in the winter season.

 

WATER SAFETY

- Observe speed limits and be aware of swimmers as well as snorkelers and divers.

- Maximum speed is 10 km/hr within 30 meters of any shoreline (even the islands).

- Be aware of the New Boating Regulations including the necessity for a license to operate a watercraft.

- Stay clear of boats that appear to be fishing and remember that their lines may extend far behind the vessel.

- Remember that alcohol consumption while operating a watercraft comes under the same law as any other motor vehicle and is just as dangerous. (Norway Lake is visited on a regular basis by both the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Natural Resources)

- Try to stay vigilant for the many loons that we are lucky enough to share the lake with. This is of special importance when they have their young with them.

 

NO WAKE IN RIVERS OR NEAR DOCKS

- Right of way goes to sailboats/boards.

- Common courtesy is to be extended to canoeists, kayakers & paddle-boaters.

- Some watercrafts are specially designed to create large wakes (even at slow speeds). Please be conscious of the damage that can be done to shorelines and docks by what may seem like “fun” to you.

 

WATER QUALITY

- Use of soaps & shampoos in the lakes and rivers is prohibited.

- Use of phosphate-based fertilizers near the waters is prohibited.

- Clean and flush all motor boats, jet-skis and airplane pontoons coming from other lakes to prevent the introduction of Zebra Mussels.

 

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)

- No one under the age of 16 is allowed to operate a PWC.

- Due to high noise levels, operate your PWC in the middle of the lakes at least 30 meters away from the shoreline.

- Personal watercraft come under the same laws and regulations as any vessel and require a second person on board acting as “spotter” when towing water skiers or other devices.

 

PETS

- Keep your dogs under control at all times when walking them off your property.

- Dogs and cats are excellent hunters and can kill or injure many of the resident animals and birds. Please keep them under control.

- Don’t let your pet use your neighbour’s property as its toilet.

 

WILD ANIMALS

- Do not intentionally feed wild animals.

- Do not leave garbage where it can be found by wild animals. Bears are active around Norway Lake from May

till late November and have been known to approach human habitations even when occupied.

- Composting (at the cottage) is not recommended since many animals will exploit compost as a food source.

- Do not needlessly kill animals because of irrational fear and tales. Snakes, snapping turtles and other less “appealing” animals are just as important as any and are a key to vermin control and water quality.

 

ENVIRONMENT

- Don’t throw garbage on the roadside, this includes cigarette butts.

- Don’t throw empty cans, bottles or butts into the lakes.

- Be careful not to spill gas or oil into the lake when filling boat motors

- Obey all warnings regarding Fire-Burning.

- Do not destroy the beaver dam that controls the water level of the lake for cosmetic reasons such as beach creation or personal preference. It is against the law. Sudden water fluctuations can be harmful to many species of fish, plants and animals.

- “Hardening” of shorelines by various methods such as retaining walls is not recommended. Many animals such as turtles need access to the shore and littoral in order to exist.

- We are lucky to have a lake with good fishing. Please be gentle with your use of the creatures that live in it. If we are not reasonable in our use of the lake’s resources they will dwindle and ultimately vanish. Catch and release can be just as much fun. (Bring a camera)

- Please be respectful of cottager’s privacy when fishing. Maintain a reasonable distance from docks and residences. (especially in the early morning)

 

NOISE POLLUTION

- Please restrict loud music to the inside of your cottage.

- Please advise your neighbours when you plan to hold a special event (family reunion, wedding etc.).

- Use common sense when performing noisy activities (construction, lawn mowing, chain saw work etc.). Keep these during normal business hours.

 

NIGHT LIGHT POLLUTION

- Night lights should be minimized, but where required aimed directly down onto your own property so that your neighbours can enjoy the night sky.

- Spot lights aimed out at your front yard and/or dock shine out across the lake directly at those across the water. - Please use low wattage lighting where possible and turn them off when you can. Your neighbours will appreciate it!  Consider also where truck, snowmobile and ATV lights are during ice fishing season.

- Please remember that solar-powered moon rays are easy to install but can’t be turned off and can interfere with our night time viewing of the beautiful night sky!