Otter Lake Landowner's Association

05/15/2026

Just how did they get that ice hut out? Check out the video here -

This masive Ice House sank when the ice on Otter Lake melted this spring. With a repoprted depth, (38’) a set of GPS courdinates, some home made floats and o...

05/13/2026

An Otter Lake Landowner asked if OLLA would post this message.

Hello!
We are on Rd 09 and had this boat left tied up on the lake side (we are on the point), over the winter- its now gone! Just want to see if anyone has seen this wash up on their shore?
Catherine FH

05/12/2026

We've had a report of a "runaway" raft floating down the lake with a line and buoy attached. It looks like it's currently stuck just out from O5A. If it belongs to you, you might want to head out and rescue it!

04/30/2026

Hello Otter Lake Community,
Otter Lake Landowners Association (OLLA) wants Otter Lake landowners input regarding ways to increase support from our lake community.
Our objectives as a non-profit community association are straight-forward and include monitoring and reporting on water quality and a multitude of conditions affecting the lake environment. We work with various levels of governments, conservation authorities and landowners to maintain the health of the lake.
To complete this work, we need funding which we get mainly from membership fees. We would like to increase our membership not only for financial reasons but also to be able to communicate important information with more landowners and engage more of the residents.

We would love to hear from you:

1) Join OLLA for $30/year https://otterlake.org/members/membership/

OR

2) Let us know why you haven’t joined OLLA. Kindly comment below or send a message to - [email protected]

AND/OR

3) Would you consider a donation to help pay for the multiple water tests done each year? Contact [email protected]

Thank you,
OLLA Board of Directors

Your membership is important. It helps pay for water quality monitoring, associated laboratory fees and other key initiatives.  In addition, members have access to all the resources of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA). OLLA provides a government liaison who attends specifi...

04/19/2026

KAYAK SIGHTING: DRIFTING TOWARDS TOOHEY BAY
Heads up, boaters and cottagers! On Thursday morning, a Red Wilderness kayak was spotted floating solo near 07A, drifting toward Toohey Bay.

It appeared to be unmanned and "on an adventure" of its own. We wanted to post this in case the owner is looking for it!

If this is yours, you might want to check the shorelines downwind in the Toohey Bay area!

03/29/2026

Hello Otter Lake Community,

Otter Lake Landowners Association (OLLA) would like to share some information with all Otter Lake Landowners regarding:

1) Otter Lake boat launch and
2) the Otter Lake, Lake Plan

1) Following the February 9th Committee of the Whole meeting, the Township of Rideau Lakes, Steve Holmes, Manager of Facilities and Parks, announced a plan to "naturalize" the Otter Lake boat launch. The following is an excerpt from the Municipal Properties Update report concerningthis issue:- Township staff had a meeting with the Ministry ofNatural Resources (MNR) on Jan. 20.

- MNR is moving to naturalize the Otter Lake boatlaunch, meaning no grass cutting.
- Grass to no longer be cut by Township staff
- The outhouse will be removed but there shouldstill be permission granted to keep the Township’s 6 ft X 30 ft dock in place.

In response to this information, OLLA has written to the Township of Rideau Lakes to express our concern on behalf of our members. OLLA has also been in touch with MNR and is working with other lake associations through Rideau Lakes Lake Association Committee of Rideau Lakes Township. If you would like further information contact Steve Holmes, Manager of Facilities and Parks, Township of Rideau Lakes.

2) OLLA needs help updating the Lake Plan. The Lake Plan outlines what is special about Otter Lake and how the community plans to take care of it. Please have a look at the current Lake Plan (https://otterlake.org/environment/lake-plan/). Let us know if you have any comments or suggestions. More importantly let us know if you have some time to help us review and update the plan. Email - [email protected]
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

OLLA Board of Directors

If you would like to join OLLA and support lake stewardship on Otter Lake join our membership for $30 a year - https://otterlake.org/members/membership/

Your membership is important. It helps pay for water quality monitoring, associated laboratory fees and other key initiatives.  In addition, members have access to all the resources of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA). OLLA provides a government liaison who attends specifi...

03/18/2026

Did you receive FOCA's Alto update in your inbox earlier today? If not, you need to subscribe to the FOCA e-newsletter for important cottage country updates! Read the Alto news here: https://conta.cc/4cROe76 and then remember to sign up for future FOCA updates here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Cmi2JeI

03/06/2026

Sharing a Message from Rideau Lakes Township

March 3, 2026 Re: Important Information: ALTO Rail Project and Potential Impacts on Your Property Dear Township Resident,

We want to bring your attention to the upcoming ALTO Rail Project, which has been proposed to pass through several areas within our Township. This development could have significant implications for our community, and we believe it’s crucial for all residents to be informed and aware of the potential impact it may have on their properties.

What is the ALTO Rail Project?

The ALTO Rail Project is a large-scale infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding rail transportation across Ontario. It is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote economic growth in the region. However, as with many large projects, there are concerns about its potential effects on the local environment and property owners, particularly in terms of expropriation.

Potential Negative Impacts

One of the proposed routes of the rail line, as currently proposed, would pass through parts of our Township, and this may result in the expropriation of private properties. This means that properties could be seized or partially taken by the government in order to make way for the construction of the rail line. This could lead to:

• Loss of Property: Potential dead-end roads may be created causing limited or lengthy access to private properties, public commodities, retail and recreational amenities. Emergency services such as ambulance and fire could also be disrupted with road closures. In some cases, residents may be required to give up part or all of their land.
• Decreased Property Value: Properties in proximity to the rail line may experience a decrease in value due to the noise, vibrations, and overall disruption caused by the project.
• Environmental Concerns: There may be significant changes to the landscape, including disruptions to wildlife habitats, agriculture, and local ecosystems.

Council’s Objections

The Township Council has reviewed the ALTO Rail Project and is deeply concerned about its potential impacts on our residents and community. As a result, we have officially raised our objections to the project, particularly regarding the potential expropriation of private properties and the long-term environmental consequences.

We believe that the ALTO Rail Project, as currently planned, poses unnecessary risks to our Township’s residents and the natural environment, and we are actively working to ensure that the concerns of our community are heard at both the provincial and federal levels.

We encourage all residents to stay informed about this project and its potential impacts. Questions and comments can also be provided directly to ALTO via their public consultation website here: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-thecanada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail

Link to map: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrowwith-high-speed-rail/places/interact-map

Link to questionnaire: https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-oftomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/surveys/consultation-questionnaire

Additionally, comments and questions regarding this project should also be forwarded to our federal elected officials, in particular (but not limited to):

Prime Minister, Mark Carney Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2 [email protected]

Minister of Transport, Steven Mackinnon Office of the Minister of Transport House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 [email protected]

Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature (incl. Parks Canada), Julie Dabrusin Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3 [email protected]

MP Michael Barrett (Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes) 1173 County Road 2, Suite 203 Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 [email protected]

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Together, we can make sure that the interests of our community are properly represented and protected.

Sincerely,

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom

12/30/2025

The Otter Lake Landowners’ Association extends its sincere condolences to the family of long-time member and supporter, Glen “Tank” McKenney who passed away December 27, 2025 in his 93rd year.

It’s with heavy hearts that the family of Glen Melbourne “Tank” McKenney announce that he passed away peacefully, on his own terms, in his 93rd year, on December 27th, 2025. Glen was the beloved husband and best friend of Margaret (Presley) for over 66 years. Loving and respected father of Dan...

12/23/2025

Hello Otter Lake Landowners,

For those who are already Otter Lake Landowners Association (OLLA) members, just a reminder that the yearly $30 membership fee is due in January. If you are not already a member of OLLA please consider joining the association. An OLLA membership contributes to the sustainability of the lake environment through water testing, programs (i.e. removal of invasive aquatic plants, lake litter round up coming this spring), information sharing (i.e. Website, AGM) and networking with other lake associations, local services and businesses. Together through lake stewardship the Otter Lake community can help keep our lake healthy. If you have questions please visit the website otterlake.org, send an email to [email protected] or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you.

Kind regards,
OLLA Board of Directors