MINUTES



Association of Ston(e)y Lake Cottagers (ASLC) Annual General Meeting for Year Ended Dec 31, 2024

June 28, 2025, 10:00 am EST

Hosted on Zoom and in person at Juniper Island

  • Chad Tranter (chair) introduced himself as ASLC President.

  • Kyle Pindar helped with technical support.

Welcome

  • Meeting began at 10:14 a.m.

  • Chad welcomed attendees and noted the Association's 75th anniversary year.

  • Members were advised that the Heritage Foundation meeting would precede the Association of Ston(e)y Lake Cottagers Annual General Meeting.

  • Land acknowledgement delivered.

Call to order – Chad Tranter

  • ASLC Annual General Meeting called to order at 10:26 a.m.

  • Agenda reviewed.

  • Chad thanked Board members for their ongoing efforts and commitment to the Association.

Approval of the 2023 AGM minutes

  • Motion: To approve the 2024 AGM minutes.

  • Moved by Chad Tranter.

  • Seconded by Kyle Pindar.

  • Members requested that AGM minutes be distributed more broadly, noting that not all members receive The Islander prior to the meeting.

  • The Board confirmed that AGM minutes are available on the website and will also be shared through future member newsletters.

  • Motion carried.

President’s report – Chad Tranter

  • Chad thanked the Board and volunteers for their dedication throughout the year.

  • Highlighted the strong community response to spring work initiatives, including swim dock installation and property maintenance activities.

  • Recognized the community's ongoing support of conservation efforts and environmental initiatives around Stony Lake.

  • Encouraged members to continue volunteering and participating in Association activities.

  • Emphasized that the Association extends well beyond Juniper Island and serves the broader Stony Lake community.

  • Encouraged members to promote ASLC membership and help recruit new members.

  • Noted the continued growth and diversity of programs available to members.

Financial report – William Denton

  • William presented his first Treasurer's Report and thanked former Treasurer Anne Bonnycastle for her significant contributions and leadership.

  • Acknowledged Anne's work modernizing financial processes and implementing QuickBooks and online systems.

  • Total revenue for 2024 was approximately $171,000, consistent with prior years.

    • Membership revenue totaled approximately $58,000.

    • Program revenue totaled approximately $86,000.

  • Total expenses were approximately $173,000.

    • Program expenses totaled approximately $87,000 and included staffing, program delivery, and CourtReserve costs.

    • Other expenses included The Islander, FOCA membership, property maintenance, waste management, professional services, administrative costs.

    • Bank and merchant fees were largely offset by convenience fee revenue.

    • Professional fees increased due to support required during the transition to CourtReserve.

  • The Association reported a small operating deficit of approximately $2,000.

  • The deficit was primarily attributable to corporate income tax that should not have been payable as a not-for-profit organization.

  • The Treasurer is pursuing a reassessment and expects the funds to be recovered.

  • Capital expenditures are reported separately and included more than $100,000 invested in swim dock infrastructure using accumulated reserves.

Member Questions and Discussion

  • Members inquired about membership trends.

  • The Board noted that membership numbers have declined slightly despite recent fee increases and encouraged members to help promote membership.

  • Members suggested that ASLC memberships could be promoted as gifts for family members.

  • Members asked whether personal cheques would continue to be accepted.

  • The Board confirmed that alternative payment methods remain available to avoid barriers to membership.

  • Members asked about future capital projects and reserve fund planning.

  • The Board advised that washroom improvements remain the primary capital project under consideration and that fundraising will be explored as a funding source.

  • Members asked about electrical work completed at the SLYC.

  • The Board confirmed that the SLYC funded its own project costs.

Motion: That the Association of Ston(e)y Lake Cottagers waive the appointment of a public accountant to audit or review its accounts, as permitted under the Ontario Not-for-profit

Corporations Act. This members’ resolution shall apply to the financial year ending December 31, 2024.

  • Moved by William Denton.

  • Seconded by John Jones.

  • Motion carried.

Property Update – Kyle Pindar

  • Kyle reflected on his first year as Property Director and expressed appreciation for volunteer support.

  • Recognized the significant community effort involved in transporting and installing the new swim docks.

  • Reported ongoing collaboration with the SLYC to identify opportunities for shared efficiencies and cost savings.

  • Waste management costs continue to increase due to transportation and disposal expenses.

  • Members were encouraged to properly sort recycling to reduce contamination and disposal costs.

  • Significant progress has been made in maintaining and improving Association facilities and grounds.

  • Washroom improvements remain a priority.

  • The Board is exploring options to improve functionality, accessibility, and changing space for program participants and members.

  • A joint ASLC-SLYC subcommittee has been established to guide the project.

  • The committee is working toward preparing project specifications and tender documents.

  • Additional updates are expected later in the summer.

Programs Update – Sara Hodges

  • Sara introduced the Programs leadership team.

  • Several new programs have been added for the 2025 season.

    • New offerings include: extended drop-off and pick-up options for families, synchronized swimming, competitive swim team programming, tea blending workshops, and writers' workshops.

  • Members were encouraged to register online and contact the Programs team with questions.

Social update – Jenny Chambers

  • Jenny welcomed members to the summer season.

  • Members were encouraged to attend the opening movie night and upcoming social events.

  • Square dances with the Leahy family will continue this year.

  • Appreciation was expressed to Barb Brumet and Bonnie Dean for their many years of leadership supporting square dances.

  • To encourage participation, square dances have been moved to earlier evening hours and food service options will be available.

  • Betsy Drake will host this year's Ladies' Lunch.

  • The Art Show will return for a second year following its post-pandemic revival.

  • Additional volunteers are being sought to support social programming.

  • Jenny emphasized the importance of fostering community connections and encouraging membership growth.

Store Operators – Bobby Bart & Blythe Brooks-Hill

  • Bobby and Blythe welcomed members to the new season.

  • New food offerings include additional healthy menu options.

  • Appreciation was expressed to Store Liaisons Andrew Taylor and Tory Brooks-Hill for their support.

  • Recognition was also given to Kyle Pindar for his contributions to property improvements.

  • New merchandise includes rugby shirts, hats, pajamas, and updated drinkware.

  • A fashion show showcased this year's merchandise offerings.

  • Members were encouraged to visit the store throughout the summer.

Music Scholars Program – Bern Kelly

  • Bern provided an overview of the Music Scholars Program.

  • The program is open to students pursuing music studies at various levels

  • Eligibility extends to both lake residents and non-residents.

  • A program video was presented.

  • Members were encouraged to visit the website for additional information.

  • Bern expressed pride in the program's continued impact and success.

Environment update – Chad Tranter & John Huycke

  • John Huycke introduced himself on behalf of the Environment Council.

  • Water quality monitoring remains a key priority and is supported by numerous volunteers.

  • Members were encouraged to participate in educational opportunities related to shoreline naturalization and stewardship.

  • A shoreline restoration workshop and tour will take place on July 26 at Camp Kawartha.

  • Information was shared regarding Watersheds Canada's Natural Edge shoreline restoration program.

  • The Environment Council continues to advocate on behalf of Stony Lake residents with surrounding municipalities and environmental organizations.

  • Members were encouraged to become involved in environmental initiatives.

  • The successful community fundraising campaign supporting Kawartha Land Trust's acquisition of land adjacent to the Jeffrey-Cowan Forest Preserve was highlighted.

  • New recreational amenities, including trail improvements and canoe access, were noted.

  • Chad emphasized the importance of environmental education and stewardship among younger generations.

SYLC update – Beckie Bart

  • Beckie, SYLC Commodore, provided greetings on behalf of the SLYC.

  • Members were advised that several Director positions will become vacant and interested volunteers are encouraged to get involved.

  • The SLYC opening social was scheduled for later that day.

  • The SLYC AGM will take place on August 16.

  • Sailing and tennis leadership teams were introduced.

  • Members with historical SLYC photographs or documents were encouraged to share them for archival purposes

  • Beckie thanked both the ASLC and SLYC Boards for their ongoing efforts.

Board nominations – Chad Tranter

  • Chad reminded members that store charge accounts are available only to ASLC members and encouraged members to share information about the Association with friends and neighbours.

  • The Board announced that the Blue Heron Award will be presented to the Lech family in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the Stony Lake community. The award presentation will take place in conjunction with the Lech Mile Swim.

  • Chad thanked outgoing Directors for their service and contributions.

  • Members were encouraged to consider serving on the Board or as Members-at-Large.

Motion: To approve the Board of Directors as presented.

  • Moved by Chad Tranter.

  • Seconded by Maria McGibbon.

  • Motion carried.

  • Members were advised that the Membership Director position remains vacant and interested volunteers are encouraged to come forward.

Adjournment of the ASLC AGM

  • Thank you to members for attending and participating.

  • Meeting adjourned at 11:51 a.m.