This past summer will be remembered for its unusual weather.
Of course the late spring did finally arrive but it did not bring the typical rain that we are accustomed to. Then we had weather that was wetter than normal, which continued into an extended autumn. The early lack of moisture led to a second fire ban at the Resort in two years, which is extremely unusual. The fire ban was declared province wide, so I guess we weren’t the only ones that it affected.
I am happy to announce that 2015 was our 10th year with Dale & Anita Warriner as the Resort Managers. Many of the recent improvements at the Resort are thanks to them being with us, especially through our construction period. Thank you Dale & Anita for helping us to build Fawcett Lake Resort into the community that we now love.
Once again there were several new Annual Campers over the summer. Many new decks, cabins, and sheds were built, and even more yards were landscaped as people got comfortable at their new lake lot. We were down to 12 vacant lots by the end of the summer. As always, if you have a friend or relative looking for a lake lot, have them contact me. With less than a 5% turnover over the zfall, we are beginning the 2016 season with 16 lots available.
Please remember that new structures on your lot may need a development permit from the Municipal District (our governing authority). Even if they don’t need a permit, anything that will be left in place for more than 7 days is considered permanent and does need approval from Fawcett Lakeside Developments (the landlord). Permission is usually easy to get, and you are better off to make sure your structure is OK before you build it, than to learn afterwards that you need to remove it. There are some rules about structures that need to be highlighted:
– Varnish or paint is required for all structures and all particle board needs to be covered with siding.
– The use of raw wood (slats or logs) is permitted on structures and fences providing that all bark is removed. Bark left on structures is not only a fire hazard, it also degrades quickly over our harsh winters.
– Special care is needed when using scrap lumber (especially pallets) in construction to make sure the project looks complete when it is finished. When your project is done, the scrap lumber must not be recognizable.
– Smaller structures such as wood sheds, water tank covers or playhouses are not exempt from the rules
– The use of brightly colored tarps is not permitted on a repeated basis, nor for periods longer than 7 days. This especially includes days that you are not at the lake. People come to the lake to experience nature and no one likes having an ad-hoc tarp structure next door.
Many Annual Campers have said that they would like to see the general standards raised, when it comes to what makes a lot look acceptable. Some people have structures that have never been painted or are in need of new paint or minor repairs. Others simply have too many items being visibly stored on their lot. If this applies to you, remember that a little paint goes a long way or think about building a shed and putting your stuff away to improve the look of your lot. I have also had several complaints about lake projects taking too long. No one wants to have a long term construction site next door eiither so once you begin a project that is visible to your neighbors, keep it your top priority until it is done.
At the Annual Meeting in the spring, it was decided that the Camper’s Association should purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This medical emergency equipment can be used in a life threatening situation where someone is in cardiac arrest (heart stops beating). Although this is something that we hope we never need, we now have one at the Resort thanks to Yvonne (lot 53), Lois (208), Lori (37), and especially to Tyler (27). As the equipment must not freeze, it is currently being kept at the manager’s residence (lot 82). All Emergency Volunteers are aware of the new equipment. No formal training is required to use it as it is all automatic.
You may notice a new document on our website called Lot Information (bottom right of the home page). This document now shows information for all lots including the size, the legal unit number and the current price for a new lease. Note that that there is a 2016 price increase for many lots, to an Annual Lot Fee that is higher than what is in the current lease agreement. The price shown in your lease agreement will, of course, be what is charged for the remainder of your lease term. However, please be aware that any new lease agreements signed will use the new prices shown on this report.
There are still a few Annual Campers who are behind on making their payments or getting their paperwork done. It is your responsibility to get this done on time. The mailbox at the front of the Store Community Building is only open during summer business hours. Also, Dale may be willing to act as a witness for signatures, but only if he is available. I do not suggest that you rely on either of these as a last minute solution to your being late. Remember, if your payment is late then you are in breach of your lease agreement and at risk of it being cancelled. If your lease agreement is expired or if it is cancelled, then you no longer have a lot at the Resort, and your camping equipment may be considered abandoned.
Is anyone interested in getting a hoody with the Fawcett Lake Resort logo? Sometime this winter we will be adding to our logo wear inventory that is available for purchase in the store. Prices are lower for larger orders but we can’t keep a lot of items in stock. If I can add a special order for people who want one for sure, it will be easier to get a better price and you will be certain to get your size and color choice. Prices are expected to be under $40 each. Please let me know if you would like more information and, once I get it, I will pass it on and give you an opportunity to buy one if you want.
In case you didn’t know, each year there is a meeting of all Annual Campers on the Sunday of the May long weekend, just outside the Store Community Building at 1.00pm. If you have an idea for a topic that should be discussed at this meeting or for events to hold this summer, please send a message to events@fawcettlakeresort.com . We are also looking for volunteers to help with the various activities, especially someone to lead the Annual Meeting.
I hope each of you have a good winter.
See you at the Lake