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How to Stay Informed |
It's simple...
1) Become an SDLCA Member and start receiving our Salerno Lake Sentinel newsletter. Published in the spring and fall. 2) Like our Salerno Devil's Lake Cottagers' Association Facebook page to receive up-to-date news on topics that impact us as cottagers. 3) Connect with our community page, Salerno Lake / Devil's Lake Cottagers Facebook page. 4) Attend our Annual General Meeting and Events |
2025 President's Message (Spring/Summer)
It was late March, and many in the city had started to inquire as to when they could get their boats in the water. Summer finally looked like it was on its way...but March held one more surprise in store—winter’s icy grip wasn’t through with us yet.
The Ice Storm that hit southern Ontario affected about one million people. First branches of trees fell to the ground heavily encased in ice in the worst-affected areas. Soon after, trees themselves either broke in half or were uprooted then taking other trees down with them. The result was many houses and outbuildings damaged, hydro lines downed, and many roads blocked to transport and emergency crews. Our modern life literally came to a standstill for upwards of two weeks as power and internet ceased to be available for many. Schools closed, and buses were cancelled, as well as workplaces and offices. People stayed home, feeding wood into their wood-burning stoves to keep their houses warm and ward off the danger of their water lines and toilets freezing. The many without generators had no water to drink, cook or wash with and had to borrow from those who had power or, if at a lake, had to carry buckets up to their house or cottage.
Leading the recovery efforts were the hardworking hydro and forestry workers who put in long, exhausting hours in cold, wet, icy and snowy conditions of hardship, often far from their homes in Quebec, New Brunswick and, in our case, Orillia and other parts of Ontario. Yet, despite this great adversity, there was a spark of great humanity present. Neighbours banded together to help others in need and began clearing fallen trees from the roads and driveways, putting together a recovery effort and working with hydro and forestry workers. These people did not wait for government workers to show up; they felt a duty incumbent on them as good citizens to do their part for the betterment of all. This is what makes a society strong and resilient—citizens who do the things that are not demanded of them, legally, but do so out of a sense of responsibility, willingly.
I hope you all have a great summer and enjoy taking part in the many activities the Lake Association has planned for you.
Your President
Bill Holding
The Ice Storm that hit southern Ontario affected about one million people. First branches of trees fell to the ground heavily encased in ice in the worst-affected areas. Soon after, trees themselves either broke in half or were uprooted then taking other trees down with them. The result was many houses and outbuildings damaged, hydro lines downed, and many roads blocked to transport and emergency crews. Our modern life literally came to a standstill for upwards of two weeks as power and internet ceased to be available for many. Schools closed, and buses were cancelled, as well as workplaces and offices. People stayed home, feeding wood into their wood-burning stoves to keep their houses warm and ward off the danger of their water lines and toilets freezing. The many without generators had no water to drink, cook or wash with and had to borrow from those who had power or, if at a lake, had to carry buckets up to their house or cottage.
Leading the recovery efforts were the hardworking hydro and forestry workers who put in long, exhausting hours in cold, wet, icy and snowy conditions of hardship, often far from their homes in Quebec, New Brunswick and, in our case, Orillia and other parts of Ontario. Yet, despite this great adversity, there was a spark of great humanity present. Neighbours banded together to help others in need and began clearing fallen trees from the roads and driveways, putting together a recovery effort and working with hydro and forestry workers. These people did not wait for government workers to show up; they felt a duty incumbent on them as good citizens to do their part for the betterment of all. This is what makes a society strong and resilient—citizens who do the things that are not demanded of them, legally, but do so out of a sense of responsibility, willingly.
I hope you all have a great summer and enjoy taking part in the many activities the Lake Association has planned for you.
Your President
Bill Holding
This year, we were blessed again with fine weather for our signature events. The Concert on the
Lake featuring Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Band was well received on July 5th. The concert
has been held for an amazing 16 years now, not even stopping for Covid. Our newly introduced Photo Contest over the last few years has gained in popularity, with 54 entries over 43 in 2024. The
Youth and Adult Lake Races continue to draw a strong field of entrants and are always a great way
to enjoy the day on the lake. The BBQ, Awards Ceremony and Children’s Games are a great way to
meet your fellow cottagers and for the children to have fun and receive their ribbons and paddles.
Sadly, this was John Leonard’s last year painting the paddles—the end of an era. Another artist
has come forward and will be working with John on taking over these important duties. These
events will continue to be promoted as they bring the Lake community together in enjoyable
activities. If you have an idea of an activity we could possibly add to our roster, whether it is a
‘walk around the lake’ or ‘craft shop’ or something else, let us know what you think is worthwhile
doing. By the way, we are always looking for those who would help volunteer their time to help
run such events.
Last but not least, we had a flurry of activity this fall, creating our new website, which will roll
out in January 2026. Many thanks to Jacqueline Proud for her contributions in spearheading this
process.
Over the years at the lake, you get to meet many fellow cottagers who come from all walks of
life with differing interests and personalities. Some cottages stay within families over many
generations, and others turnover without being passed down. This impermanence illustrates the
temporary nature of our striving through life.
“However long we own and use the cottage, it is really just a period of your
life you are borrowing the use of it. The lasting nature of this use is the
relationships and memories created through your interactions with others
and exploring the world just outside your cottage door. “
Recently, my family and I had a visit with an old family friend who is about to turn 96 in December
and will be heading down to Florida soon and is only hanging around until he goes for his driver’s
license renewal. He said he needed his license, as somebody has to get to the LCBO and get
groceries. His wife just recently passed away, just shy of her own 96th birthday, and it was on
that anniversary that we visited. We prepared homemade lasagna to take with us, as Bruce had
requested Italian. We were told to arrive at five for cocktail hour and had to be out by 8 pm as
his beloved Blue Jays were playing their 7th and deciding game against the Seattle Mariners.
This relationship all began back when my father and Bruce met in grade school, attending high
school and university together and becoming best friends along the way. In 1948, my father,
Bruce and two university friends bought a remote property on Big Hawk Lake. In those days, a visit entailed a 5-1/2 hour drive along with an occasional tire change to Little Hawk Landing and then a
5km open boat trip across the two lakes. They cleared enough of the forested lot to build a small cabin, which they used for a number of years before my father bought them out, with Bruce buying another lot down the bay, which he named Bruce on the Rocks. An early memory of my having a sleepover at Bruce’s bunk house was of him carrying both his daughter and me together to the main cottage, each in one arm, while he had a lit cigar in his mouth. In later years, my father would disappear for a time in the afternoon, and we, being curious and adventurous kids, would find him on Bruce’s deck enjoying a cold beer. Years later, we would join Bruce ourselves for a cold one and go on many dock cruises in the summer and ski-doo trips in the winter together with many other lake friends.
Lake featuring Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Band was well received on July 5th. The concert
has been held for an amazing 16 years now, not even stopping for Covid. Our newly introduced Photo Contest over the last few years has gained in popularity, with 54 entries over 43 in 2024. The
Youth and Adult Lake Races continue to draw a strong field of entrants and are always a great way
to enjoy the day on the lake. The BBQ, Awards Ceremony and Children’s Games are a great way to
meet your fellow cottagers and for the children to have fun and receive their ribbons and paddles.
Sadly, this was John Leonard’s last year painting the paddles—the end of an era. Another artist
has come forward and will be working with John on taking over these important duties. These
events will continue to be promoted as they bring the Lake community together in enjoyable
activities. If you have an idea of an activity we could possibly add to our roster, whether it is a
‘walk around the lake’ or ‘craft shop’ or something else, let us know what you think is worthwhile
doing. By the way, we are always looking for those who would help volunteer their time to help
run such events.
Last but not least, we had a flurry of activity this fall, creating our new website, which will roll
out in January 2026. Many thanks to Jacqueline Proud for her contributions in spearheading this
process.
Over the years at the lake, you get to meet many fellow cottagers who come from all walks of
life with differing interests and personalities. Some cottages stay within families over many
generations, and others turnover without being passed down. This impermanence illustrates the
temporary nature of our striving through life.
“However long we own and use the cottage, it is really just a period of your
life you are borrowing the use of it. The lasting nature of this use is the
relationships and memories created through your interactions with others
and exploring the world just outside your cottage door. “
Recently, my family and I had a visit with an old family friend who is about to turn 96 in December
and will be heading down to Florida soon and is only hanging around until he goes for his driver’s
license renewal. He said he needed his license, as somebody has to get to the LCBO and get
groceries. His wife just recently passed away, just shy of her own 96th birthday, and it was on
that anniversary that we visited. We prepared homemade lasagna to take with us, as Bruce had
requested Italian. We were told to arrive at five for cocktail hour and had to be out by 8 pm as
his beloved Blue Jays were playing their 7th and deciding game against the Seattle Mariners.
This relationship all began back when my father and Bruce met in grade school, attending high
school and university together and becoming best friends along the way. In 1948, my father,
Bruce and two university friends bought a remote property on Big Hawk Lake. In those days, a visit entailed a 5-1/2 hour drive along with an occasional tire change to Little Hawk Landing and then a
5km open boat trip across the two lakes. They cleared enough of the forested lot to build a small cabin, which they used for a number of years before my father bought them out, with Bruce buying another lot down the bay, which he named Bruce on the Rocks. An early memory of my having a sleepover at Bruce’s bunk house was of him carrying both his daughter and me together to the main cottage, each in one arm, while he had a lit cigar in his mouth. In later years, my father would disappear for a time in the afternoon, and we, being curious and adventurous kids, would find him on Bruce’s deck enjoying a cold beer. Years later, we would join Bruce ourselves for a cold one and go on many dock cruises in the summer and ski-doo trips in the winter together with many other lake friends.
Some friendships endure while others wither away over time, and it seems to depend on how much of yourself you invest in and value it.
“We are all fellow travellers through this life and a recent conversation reminded me of a piece of ancient wisdom that we should appreciate and be grateful for our moments with
others, no matter how long they are on this journey together with us.”
Treasure your memories and relationships, and work hard on building new ones, as they may be one of the
greatest gifts in life. Another Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone, and a final annual swim in the lake over to the island and back on October 18th. The water was chilly again this year, but then why would we expect anything less.
Take Care.
Your President,
Bill Holding
“We are all fellow travellers through this life and a recent conversation reminded me of a piece of ancient wisdom that we should appreciate and be grateful for our moments with
others, no matter how long they are on this journey together with us.”
Treasure your memories and relationships, and work hard on building new ones, as they may be one of the
greatest gifts in life. Another Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone, and a final annual swim in the lake over to the island and back on October 18th. The water was chilly again this year, but then why would we expect anything less.
Take Care.
Your President,
Bill Holding
2026 Lake Events
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First Loon to arrive! |
From the Loon Whisperer
My Friends on Salerno, Happy spring, everyone. We experienced a real Canadian winter this year. It was very cold, and there was an abundance of snow that seemed to never end. The ice started to leave around the Island, and there was enough open water for our first Loon to arrive on April 12, around 10:30 am. A second Loon arrived 2 days later. Since then, most of the ice is out, and I’m getting reports of Loons in the narrows and the north end. This is shaping up to be a good Loon season on Salerno. The various Loon Watch Teams on our neighbouring lakes are reporting that their Loons are back. A very positive sign. The Loon life cycle starts with the return of the Loons, followed by the territorial battles and the selection of a mate. The mating rituals last for a few weeks, and the chicks are born in early June. Last year, our chick was born on June 13, 2024, and we were introduced to “Storm”. Storm became a celebrity on the lake—we all enjoyed its development. It was great to see Storm grow into a very healthy Loonlet and migrate safely. We can only hope for a successful hatch this season to continue and support the Loon population. Having Loons on our lake means we have a healthy lake with good water quality and food supply. The call of the Loon early morning or late evening truly represents what northern Ontario is all about. We must do our part to save and protect the Loons. See you on Salerno. |
Let's Get the Lead Out for more info visit Fishleadfree.ca
Fire Restrictions and BylawsSalerno Lake is in the County of Haliburton, and our lake falls in two municipalities: Minden Hills at the north end and Highlands East in the mid and south end. Click the link for your specific Township information
Restrictions - Highlands East and Minden Hills Bylaws - Highlands East and Minden Hills 
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A reminder about FireworksThe Highlands East Fireworks By-Law 2024-51 prohibits and regulates the sale and setting off of consumer fireworks in Highlands East, including but not limited to Roman candles, sparklers, fountains, multi-shot cakes, volcanoes, mines and snakes.
SALE AND USE OF FLYING LANTERNS BANNED. No one is allowed to sell or use a flying lantern within the Municipality of Highlands East. A $500 fine applies to those who do so. DATES AND TIMES WHEN FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED. No one is allowed to set off consumer fireworks within the Municipality of Highlands East except for the following days and times:
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