August 29, 2017
Reeve Devolin and Members of Minden Hills Council
It has come to the attention of the Lake Kashagawigamog Organization that certain individuals or corporations are renting out lakefront properties as commercial establishments in contravention of the municipal bylaws in place to prevent that practice. Our concern with this is twofold: firstly, the potential for over capacity use of the septic systems that were installed for private family dwellings not rental units and secondly, improper shoreline alterations to make the units more renter friendly. Many of these “cottages,” most of which are 2-4 bedroom units, are being advertised on cottage rental sites as having capacities of 12 to 18 people. It appears this practice started many years ago with people renting out their cottage for a couple of weeks to help with expenses but has now morphed into many cottages on the lake existing solely for the rental income potential. We believe that most people are unaware of the bylaws and of the risk to the lakefront environment and that a public education program should be considered by both municipal councils on our lake. If this is allowed to continue unchecked, with immensely popular sites like Airbnb in the game, the potential detrimental effects on lake health will be difficult if not impossible to reverse.
The Lake Kashagawigamog Organization looks forward to your comments on this important lake health issue.
Gary Wiles, President Lake Kashagawigamog Organization.
August 31, 2017
Reeve Fearrey and Members of Dysart et al Council
It has come to the attention of the Lake Kashagawigamog Organization that certain individuals or corporations are renting out lakefront properties as commercial establishments in contravention of the municipal bylaws in place to prevent that practice. Our concern with this is twofold: firstly, the potential for over capacity use of the septic systems that were installed for private family dwellings not rental units and secondly, improper shoreline alterations to make the units more renter friendly. Many of these “cottages,” most of which are 2-4 bedroom units, are being advertised on cottage rental sites as having capacities of 12 to 18 people. It appears this practice started many years ago with people renting out their cottage for a couple of weeks to help with expenses but has now morphed into many cottages on the lake existing solely for the rental income potential. We believe that most people are unaware of the bylaws and of the risk to the lakefront environment and that a public education program should be considered by both municipal councils on our lake. If this is allowed to continue unchecked, with immensely popular sites like Airbnb in the game, the potential detrimental effects on lake health will be difficult if not impossible to reverse.
The Lake Kashagawigamog Organization looks forward to your comments on this important lake health issue.
Gary Wiles, President Lake Kashagawigamog Organization.