Welcome to Lac Clair!
The following guidelines are voluntary rules for all cottagers. If we abide by these guidelines, they will allow us to live safely, in harmony, with minimal inconvenience, while helping to keep our lake in good shape for years to come. Please post these guidelines in a handy place and encourage your visitors or renters to follow them too. If you are unsure of how this works, please talk to your neighbours – it is good to get to know them.
Information is shared and provided through the publication of an annual newsletter, as well as emails sent directly to members regarding social activities or other matters of interest to all members. A number of members also participate in the informal Facebook group (“Lac Clair Cottager’s Group”) to share social information. You may wish to ask to join.
There is an annual fee to become members. The Association’s mission is to look after matters concerning our cottages and our lake. It also makes representation on our behalf to the proper authorities, when necessary. The fees cover: rental of the picnic ground, insurance, annual picnic and other issues or activities voted to action at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) such as renting dumpsters, making signs and labels etc.
The lake Association is made up of you and all cottagers around the lake. Many of us take turn at volunteering as a “section directors” or other roles that make life around the lake richer and safer. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbours.
The Association holds its AGM sometime during the cottage season, where common issues are discussed. The agenda is determined by the directors and the executive of the Association. We encourage all members to participate. It’s a great way to know what is happening around the lake, and to get to know your neighbours.
The Association tests the lake water on a regular basis. Test results over the years have consistently shown that our lake is very clean, and we all have a vested interest in keeping it this way. Let’s all respect this fragile natural environment by not putting anything in or around the lake that could damage it. This includes detergents, soaps or fertilizers that could leach into the lake.
Special care should be taken with boats which have been in other waters, and can introduce invasive species in our lake. Please ensure they are well cleaned before putting them in the lake.
As a Neighbourhood Watch Community, neighbours are asked to look out for any unusual activity on nearby properties and notify the appropriate authorities. See references below.
With your permission, the Association provides your basic contact information on a list shared with fellow cottagers so that you can be contacted if something is happening at your cottage.
Cottage owners can discourage theft and vandalism by having proper low lighting/motion detectors/video surveillance, as appropriate.
Boating and Water Activities
The Association encourages all its members to follow the rules of navigation and fishing. The fishing and hunting authorities as well as the Sureté du Québec visit the lake and require the presentation of the respective permits.
Boaters must keep a safe distance from the shoreline to protect swimmers and the shoreline from erosion caused by waves. Swimmers are encouraged to stay close to the shoreline and bring a buoy to be seen by boat operators.
High speed boating also hinders fishing, especially during good fishing times such as early morning and evening.
Noise pollution or other sources of disturbance
Most cottagers are at the cottage to relax. Sound is amplified by the water, and parties on the water or at the cottage can become a source of disturbance for everyone around the lake. The Association asks that you be a good neighbor and reduce outdoor noise, especially after 11:00 pm.
Cottage owners should try to keep noise to a minimum (i.e. restricting the use of lawnmowers, chainsaws, heavy equipment, ATVs, etc.) especially before 9:00 a.m. and in the evening.
Dog owners must ensure that their pets' barking does not cause a nuisance to other residents.
Environment
At Lac Clair we work hard to keep our environment as natural as possible. Pollution can come from many sources including light pollution at night. Bright lights can prevent the enjoyment of the night sky. Homeowners should also make sure that their reflectors do not shine into their neighbors' yards or towards homes across the lake.
Any source of pollution can harm our environment. Let's take a look!
Our lakefront is so much more beautiful with natural vegetation. It is important to avoid planting invasive species and to protect native plants. In Quebec, laws require that the first 5 meters of shoreline be kept in its natural state. Dense vegetation prevents erosion and acts as an "absorbent sponge" for pollutants before they reach the lake. Vegetation also acts as a barrier that discourages geese from visiting your property.
Visiting ducks are a source of joy for many. It is tempting to want to feed them. Bread is a source of pollution for the lake. These birds prefer to be fed lettuce, corn, bird seed or peas anyway.
Homeowners and visitors should place their garbage in municipally approved containers and drop it off at designated areas on the morning of the municipal collection day, or bring it back to the city with them at the end of their stay. No one likes to pick up other people's garbage when it has been scattered by animals. And, no one likes it when their neighbors use their garbage container without permission!
Let's all take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to have a beautiful lake, in an enchanting natural setting, within a reasonable distance of a major city. Let every minute spent at the lake be a moment of joy!
Useful references
Emergency: 9-1-1,
Police 819-459-9911
Val-des-Monts: https://www.val-des-monts.net/en/ , 819-457-9400
Boating Safety: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/pleasure-craft-boating-safety-tips
Fishing Regulations: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-fishing