Otty Lake is located in Lanark County, Eastern Ontario.  The OLA is committed to the long term health and enjoyment of our lakes and the watershed.

Total Fire Ban In Effect 

March 25, 2024,  A Total Fire Ban has been implemented for Drummond/North Elmsley Township and Tay Valley Township. This means that absolutely no open-air burning, chimenea fires or campfires are permitted until further notice.  There have already been several grass fires in Lanark County.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact 613-267-2596 extension 4. Please stay safe.
 

Volunteers Needed

The Otty Lake Association is in need of Lake Ambassadors. We are looking for volunteers who are outgoing and enjoy talking to their neighbours. As a Lake Ambassador you will reach out to your neighbours with the idea of promoting our wonderful lake and the activities and events that the Otty Lake Association organizes and supports. Normally, this is done once a year, in the spring, as part of our membership drive. Most Lake Ambassadors spend 5 to 10 hours a year on this important activity.

We are particularly in need of volunteers in the areas of: Otty Lake South West Shore Road, Sunset Ridge, McKay Farm Road, Bishops Way, Sunset Drive, Maple Glen, and McLaren Point.

If you are interested in supporting our lake association this might be the volunteer opportunity for you. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please get in touch through: [email protected].

Shoreline Revitalization:
Order May 1 -15 for June 1 Pickup

Through a partnership between the OLA and the RVCA, discounted flowering shoreline plants are being offered.  This year’s selection includes sweet gale, snowberry, nannyberry, coneflower, bergamot and columbine.   Orders will be taken May 1 – 15  via a google forms link to be provided on the OLA Facebook page.    Pickup will be  Saturday June 1 from  10 am – 2 pm at 183 Mile Point Road.

Watershed Conditions Report

 A new detailed analysis from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has found many parts of the Rideau River Watershed are changing fast – and not always with positive results. The RVCA’s 193-page Watershed Conditions Report is the first of its kind in more than 50 years.The analysis found several concerning trends including a continuing steep decline in large woodland patches, increasing chloride levels in our urban streams, and large shifts in surface water flow patterns linked to increased development and loss of wetlands. 

Read news release.

2023 Watershed Conditions Report.

European Frogbit, Kit Muma

State of the Lake Report 2023

Our 10th annual State of the Lake Report has been posted.  The report is a snapshot of lake conditions, including sections on water quality, the fishery, invasive species, shoreline planting, naturalist observations,  shoreline planting and loon survey projects. Thanks to our contributors and proofreaders for pulling it together.

See 2023 Report

See past State of Lake Reports 

Online Activities Survey

A survey was sent out to our mailing list in November 2023.  We received 125 responses and many, many comments which the Board is using to guide this year’s OLA activities.  Our findings will be summarized in our April e-newsletter.  

October E-News

The October E-Newsletter has been sent out to our mailing list.  Topics covered include the Flotilla, PaddlePower, shoal markers and a Wolfe Lake program “Get the Lead Out”.  Your contributions to the log are welcome!  Next issue will be February 2024.

Read  October E-News.
Read past newsletters.

Shoal Markers Being Removed

Please note that volunteers are beginning to remove the OLA shoal markers.  They should all be removed by Thanksgiving.  So please be extra cautious when boating this season. Thanks once again to this group of volunteers for helping to keep boaters safe.

New Boat Launch Kiosk

The new kiosk was installed in late August at the Miller Road boat launch by Tay Valley Township.  The new sign, designed by Linda Henderson-Myers, features a historical description, photos, and our new Otty Lake map that indicates shoals and shoal markers.  A ribbon cutting is planned for May 15, 2024.

Reid Kilburn Recognized 

Reid Kilburn chaired our July 9 AGM as Past President, but he is now officially retired from the OLA Board.  Reid was recognized with a beautiful framed photograph of a word cloud in the shape of a loon, created with an app by Jenn Donoghue.  The words describing Reid were contributed by Board members and others who have worked with him.  The OLA has been truly fortunate to have him in the board mix as President (2015-2019) and Past President (2019-2023), and as a key player in additional committees.  He will continue to help with the Land Use Committee and other projects.

Boating Caution – Fallen Trees

Please be extra cautious when boating this season. There are many trees that were damaged or uprooted during the ice storm. Some trees and large branches have fallen into the lake and wave action has moved them. They are not necessarily visible. The RVCA recommends that if they do not create a hazard or risk, that they be left alone.

Etransfer Your OLA Membership Fees

In order to continue the OLA’s work and education around the lake, we do rely on your membership dues. Please consider  paying your $25 dues by e-transfer to [email protected]  The security question to input is “province we live in”, and the answer is “Ontario”. Please include some identifying details in the message, such as your address, or if you are a couple, both of your names. We have had a few submissions we have struggled to identify!

if you prefer, you can mail a cheque made out to the Otty Lake Association for $25 to Otty Lake Association, Box 20122, Perth, ON K7H 3M6. 

Online Registration Available
for Open Air Burn Permits

A permit is required for all open air burning. Burn permits expire every year on November 30. Please remember to renew or apply for your FREE fire permit for the 2022-2023 year. Complete your permit application online or call 613-267-2596.

Contribute Your Observations to iNaturalist

Discover and track the species that make their home in and around Otty Lake. We invite you to help us create an ongoing catalog of the wildlife for the area. This library will help us gain insight into the distribution and seasonality of the organisms in our region. It will help the scientific community through records of wildlife movements, invasive species, species at risk as well as sharing observations among friends. Visit the website or download the app. 

Updated Lake Map Here

A new map of Otty Lake has been made available to residents and cottagers. This is an update of the 18″ x 24″ map produced in 2010. More islands and bays have been named, shoals indicated, and the 30 m. reduced speed zone marked to encourage safe boating. Maps were made available to paid up members, with additional copies available for $5.00 each.

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Messages From The OLA

Missed an email from the OLA? Here are the last 20 e-blasts sent to members.

Lanark County Fire Bans

No open air burning is permitted in Lanark County from April 1st – May 15th each year (subject to change). This includes campfires and burn barrels.

Otty Lake Shoreline Handbook

The Otty Lake Shoreline Handbook provides practical, environmentally friendly information on erosion, shoreline buffers, water sources, septic systems, docks, lawns, and more. Last updated April 2017.

Info on Septic Systems​

Some things you should know about septic tanks installed near Otty Lake.