Volunteering
Join a Growing Community of OLA Volunteers
At last count, the OLA has over 66 dedicated individuals who are actively volunteering on a variety of projects and activities around Otty Lake.
Otty Lake Association volunteers contribute in countless ways, from supporting annual events and programs, conducting water quality research, acting as lake ambassadors, writing for our newsletter, or serving on the Board. No matter your interest or skill, there’s a way for you to get involved and make a difference.
If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to [email protected] and tell us a bit about yourself. Someone will be in touch to discuss what task might suit your interests.
The OLA is urgently requires volunteers for the following key roles.
Lake Ambassadors
If you are outgoing and enjoy talking to your neighbours and you live or cottage on Otty Lake South West Shore Road, Sunset Ridge, McKay Farm Road, Bishops Way, Sunset Drive, Maple Glen, or McLaren Point, this might be the volunteer opportunity for you. Lake Ambassadors play a vital role in supporting the recruitment of new members to the Otty Lake Association (OLA) and advancing its objectives by coordinating the annual spring membership renewal and dues collection process and communicating with members in designated Lake Zone Areas.
Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting Volunteers
If you’re passionate about preserving the health of Otty Lake and want to play a meaningful, hands-on role, we’d love to hear from you. We’re seeking people with knowledge and/or interest in environmental stewardship and water quality and who can commit approximately 2-3 hours per month during the sampling season (May – October) to help collect, record and report on water quality data for the OLA. Access to a motorboat is helpful but not essential.
Board Member
Our OLA Board currently has 10 directors, but our by-law allows for 15. So, there is room for you to join our team of dedicated directors. In addition to general board members, we are in need of a Board Secretary who can attend and record the minutes at our regular Board meetings (virtual held three or four times a year) and our annual general meeting held in person in June.
From some of our volunteers
“We are blessed to own lakefront property and thankful for each sunrise and sunset. We believe we should all respect and conserve the natural environment we live in, as those before us have diligently done – especially now!” – Jay and Richard Hendry
“After moving here, volunteering with the OLA Board and working on individual projects was a great way to meet people in the community. There is so much to learn about our lake, the fish and wildlife, as well as the natural environment. I also learned about municipal and conservation authority roles and processes, shoreline health, septic systems and ways to adjust lives and activities to better contribute to the health of our lake.” – Christine Kilburn
“I love to contribute set hours where I feel my expertise is needed (iNaturalist, eBird, bass spawning sanctuaries, Facebook).” – Kit Muma