Incorporation & Founders
The LTCA was incorporated as the Lake Talon Cottagers’ Association on August 12, 1991, with the goal of representing and being able to lobby for the lake and the local owners’ interests. At the time there were (and still are) Road Associations, which deal with local road maintenance issues, but there was no communal voice with the strength to influence government and other organizations.
Roger Laframboise, who served as President of the LTCA from 1991-1993, and as Lake Steward for many years afterwards was the creative force behind the first incarnation of the LTCA. Other founding directors included John Kelsall (President 1993-2011), Marcia Pond, Barry Pond (Director 1991-2004, Treasurer 1997-2004) and Don Wallace and Diane Wallace. Jeanne Laframboise was the initial secretary, from 1991-? Chris James has been a Lake Steward for many, many years.
Early Projects
The original focus of the LTCA was to expand membership and create an organization that truly represented all areas of the lake. Students were hired to maintain public areas, recruit members and enhance communication among members. Summer student environmentalist positions continue to this day. Fish populations in the lake were addressed by working with the MNR to cease their taking of walleye eggs from Lake Talon to stock other area lakes, establishing a fish sanctuary, identifying and cleaning spawning sites and bringing in 240 tonnes of rock to rehabilitate lake trout spawning sites. Cleanup of public areas on the lake, as well as repairs to the government dock at Blanchard’s Landing have been ongoing issues that the LTCA has tackled. Water levels and water quality continue to be monitored. A volunteer firefighting group was organized, equipment purchased and training instituted at various locations on the lake. Annual meetings continue to be held, rotating between all the camps (Talon Lake Campground & Marina, Camp Conewango and previously Cozy, Country Cabins) on the lake, in an effort to represent all owners and the best interest of the lake itself.
Recent Projects
Under John Kelsall’s leadership in the late 90’s until 2011, and Mike Wilson during the ? year, the Association became involved in more issues including preventing the government transfer of Blanchard’s Landing to the Association (which would have meant the Association assumed responsibility for maintenance and insurance of the Landing), advocating for greater MNR and OPP presence at the Talon Chutes (both before and after a tragic drowning), consultation regarding the Algonquin Land Settlement, which involves land on the south shore of the lake, and an effort by industry to install a wind turbine farm on the north side of the lake. This would have been a disaster for the pristine wilderness environment, but with the assistance of the local First Nations (led by Chief Clifford Bastien of the Mattawa North Bay Algonquin First Nation and Chief Davie Joanisse of the Antoine Algonquin First Nation), as well as the support of the MP, MPP and Mayors of North Bay and Mattawa, the wind project was defeated and the wilderness on the lake was preserved.
In 2001 the name of the Association was changed to the “Lake Talon Conservation Association” to better reflect the mission, which is to preserve this beautiful lake that we have been entrusted with for all residents and the generations to come. The MNR has now partnered with the LTCA to help fund summer students, monitor water levels more closely and continues to consult the LTCA when issues that will affect the lake arise, such as logging proposals in the vicinity. The LTCA and the Mattawa North Bay Algonquin First Nation have more recently jointly sponsored a pickerel spawning program for the lake, spearheaded by Roger Laframboise and Elder and President of Development Don Paquette.
Brian Baker, the current President, continues to provide calm and reasonable leadership regarding the many issues that arise each year. Some of these have included illegal fish netting and the Energy East pipeline proposal (which was defeated, not only by the LTCA, although once again the LTCA and local First Nations were strong advocates against this project). Brian and his Board have also organized septic pump outs for the water access cottagers, which have been very successful. The current Board continues to monitor logging, water levels and water quality, public access points, the summer students and other issues, such as taxes of cottages. The LTCA is a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), who are quite involved in taxation issues. Learn more about FOCA and their other initiatives here.
Every property owner on lake Talon should consider joining this Association and attending the annual meeting each year, to help preserve this jewel of ours.
Some dates and historical information still need to be fact-checked, so bear with us!