Long Point - new for spring 2014

As cottagers are beginning to return to the Point I thought I would post about some things that are a little different this spring.
The Motel is gone. A couple of years ago a condo complex was proposed for the site of the old motel, on the corner as the causeway turns onto Erie Blvd. There was considerable controversy and the situation eventually went to the OMB and the proposal was rejected. However planning permission was given for a new motel. The old one was knocked down a couple of weeks ago and it is rumoured that the building will begin shortly.

The corner looks rather naked right now but it will be interesting to see the
building progress

Lots of trees are gone. After last winters major power outages (everywhere but in Long Point, we just had the usual short, sporadic ones) Hydro One has gone to town on the tree cutting. Some cottagers will return to find fewer trees than when they left last fall.

On the plus side - there is lots of firewood available.

I had been told that cottonwood poplars can fall without warning as they rot
from the centre out. This was the proof.

Deadline for bulldozing. This is only an issue for those of us that have a place on the beach. The storms of fall and winter blow large amounts of sand (often mixed with snow) off the beach and around the cottages. Every spring most, not all, bulldoze it all back onto the beach. This year we had a directive from the Ministry of Natural Resources to complete the work by April 15. There were, however, two extensions given - April 30 and May 10. This directive is to protect the Fowler Toad, a creature that is rare in Canada, although from Christine's research, there are plenty of them further south. George and I have always tried to get the bulldozing done pretty early as the walkway next door starts being used as soon as it gets warm and we want our sand moved and fence up before it's too busy. This year we were ready by April 20. The walkway has been bulldozed but we are still awaiting the guy to come back and finish off our work.

George always wanted to learn to drive the bulldozer but luckily didn't take up Keith's
(joking) offers to let him practice on our property.

Even at the end of April the bulldozer is digging up snow and ice. Many cottagers have not been able
to get their water going because its still frozen below ground.

To end with the customary cat photo......

Rasta reading ???? in the bathroom