INFORMATION BOARD
OLCA Objectives
The Otter Lake Cottagers Association consists of cottagers and their families who own property on the lake and pay annual dues to the Association. The Association objectives include:
To acknowledge, respect and preserve those qualities of beauty and natural environment that have already been created by those who came before us.
To share an ongoing vision for Otter Lake to ensure that current and future generations will enjoy unspoiled water, scenic vistas, islands, hills, forests and rugged topography.
To provide and protect diverse and sustainable natural heritage of plants, fish and wildlife in and around the lake.
Maintain a tranquil ambiance that nourishes peace and relaxation yet also provides for family fun and recreational options.
To preserve a traditional cottage atmosphere of low density without commercial development on or adjacent to the shore line.
2023 Stan Wootton Love Your Lake Paddle
The annual paddle around the lake will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 2nd. Rev. Stanley Wootton was a long time Otter Laker who was a friend to all. Stan passed away at the age of 91 on June 3, 2021.
2023 Annual General Meeting and Fun Day
The AGM will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5th at cottage #60.
Fun Day will start with the Canoe & Kayak Races at 11 a.m.
Questions?
For questions or further information about the Otter Lake Cottagers Association, send a detailed email to otterlakedorset@gmail.com.
Landfill & Recycling Depot
The Landfill & Recycling depot used by Otter Lake cottagers is the Dorset Landfill site at 1087 Maple Ridge Drive, off Kawagama Lake Road (County Rd 8). For more information, including Hours of Operation, call 705-489-2379 or click here.
Cottage Posters
Here are two sets of posters from the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA) that you might find useful to print and post at your cottage.
Poop Talk
Septic systems are the number one cause of pollution in our lakes. Is yours working properly? Listen to the informative and always entertaining Rob Davis and learn everything that you’ve ever wanted to know about septic systems and then some.
The Cottage Kit
The Cottage Kit, which is provided by the Township of Algonquin Highlands, contains everything a family renting a cottage needs in order to manage their garbage and recycling for a week. Click to view the brochure.
Be BEAR Aware
You may not even know you are doing it. You could be attracting bears onto your property and into your community. Garbage is the main reason why bears are drawn into communities. Bird and pet food, greasy barbecues and ripe or decaying fruit, berries and vegetables are other invitations to bears to forage for food in your yard. This is not good for you, for your neighbours or for bears.
For more information on bears go to the Ministry of Natural Resources website go to: www.mnr.gov.on.ca - and click on "Bear Wise"
Birds at Otter Lake
Here is a list of birds seen at the lake. If you have any additions for the list, send an email to otterlakedorset@gmail.com. Click dropdown to view the current list.
BIRDS SEEN IN AND AROUND OTTER LAKE
Blackbird - Red WingedBlue Jay
Bluebird
Chickadee
Cormorant
Creeper - Brown
Crow - American
Duck - Black
Duck - Mallard
Duck - Merganser - Common
Finch - American Gold
Finch - Purple
Flicker - Northern Yellow Shafted
Goose - Canada
Grackle - Common
Grebe
Grosbeak - Evening
Gull - Herring ?
Hawk - Red Tailed
Heron - Great Blue
Hummingbird - Ruby Throated
Junco - Slate Coloured
Kestrel
Kingfisher
Loon - Common
Nuthatch - Red Breasted
Nuthatch - White Breasted
Osprey
Owl - Barred
Owl - Great horned
Phoebe
Raven - Common
Redpoll - Common
Redstart - American
Robin - American
Siskin - Pine
Sparrow - American Tree
Thrush - Hermit ?
Warbler - Blackburn
Warbler - Yellow
Warbler - Yellow Rumped 'Myrtle'
Helpful Websites
Algonquin Highlands provide a wide variety of year-round activities and events and its many lakes offer fishing, boating, swimming and beautiful vistas.
Camp Otter Alumni is a site created to help Otter alumni re-connect, and to share memories, photos and experiences.
Campfire Safety how to build a safe campfire.
Canadian Safe Boating Council reminds boaters that lifejackets are like their lucky fishing hat; they only work when they’re worn. Get your whole family Hooked on Lifejackets.
Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners Associations (CHA) is a member-driven group of approximately 50 property owners’ associations, representing more than 120 waterbodies and 15,000 shoreline properties from across the geographical limits of Haliburton County (including the OLCA)
Cottage Life Magazine is the website of the award-winning magazine, as well as information on their Spring and Fall shows in Toronto, their television programs, and more.
Dorset community resource directory, includes businesses in Dorset, events & tourist attractions, and more.
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival is always the 3rd Saturday in February
EcoEthic delivering technologies that lessen the impact on the natural environment, reduce pollution and conserve water resources.
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) is a non-profit, voluntary organization serving as an information centre, providing assistance and leadership to Ontario’s cottage associations and their members (including OLCA).
Fire Regulations for Algonquin Highlands.
Fishing what you need to know before fishing in Ontario.
Haliburton School of Art + Design is the premier choice in Ontario for Summer courses in visual arts, crafts and performing arts.
Hydro One power outage map.
No McClintock Quarry Learn more about and help support the fight to stop the McClintock Quarry.
West Otter Lake Road Associaton this site contains information for members of the WOLRA and seasonal Webcam