Development Permits – The RM has developed a new application process for development and building permits.  In addition, the RM has contracted the services of an independent Building Inspector to ensure all conditions and requirements of any permit are being adhered to.  This is a very good move for Crystal Lake to bring better process and structure to development at Crystal Lake.  The application for development permit can be obtained on the RM site www.rmofkeys303.ca.

Working Near Water – Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit (AHPP) – All residents need to be aware of the provincial requirements for any physical work carried out near water.  Any work including retaining walls, breakwaters, new construction and renovations within 5 metres of the water edge, or that could impact a water body, require the AHP permit.  The fines are significant for non-compliance and the permitting process can take up to 12 weeks.  So, if you are considering any work near the water, apply for the permit well in advance of the planned work.

New RM of Keys Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw – The RM of Keys, along with neighbouring RMs, are in the process of updating their respective Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws.  The Hamlet Board has provided input into the full bylaw, with special focus on the new Lakeshore Development (Crystal Lake) component.  The new bylaw will be made available on http://www.rmofkeys303.ca for public review and comment before it is passed into law.  Crystal Lake residents are encouraged to review the full document to ensure it is serving the needs of Crystal Lake and all people of the RM.

Community Water Survey – The Community Water Survey has been completed and accepted by the Hamlet Board.  Many thanks to Roy Anderson of R. Anderson & Associates for the guidance and professional expertise provided in the development of the Survey, its implementation, analysis and the Final Report.  It is fantastic to have access and support of such specific knowledge and experience in this discipline of personal perspectives.  The Executive Summary and the Final Report are posted under the Community Water System tab on the web site.

Playground Equipment Project – The Playground Equipment Project is now complete.  The equipment installation occurred August 19 with more than 30 volunteers showing up to help with the install.  The final placement of sand was completed August 20 and the playground is now fully functional.  Thanks so much to the Playground Committee (Heather Pottle, Bert Wozniczka, Lynda Statchuk) for their vision and dedication to seeing this project to completion.  There were very significant cash and in-kind contributions made by residents and contractors serving Crystal Lake.  The final financial report will posted in the near future.

RM of Keys Election – The next RM of Keys Election is Monday, November 9, 2020.  The election is for the Reeve position and Divisions 1, 3 and 5.  For anyone who won’t be near Canora on that day, you are encouraged to register for the mail-in ballot voting option.  Further information on the mail-in ballot option, see the information under Hamlet Reports.  UPDATE: There will also be a by-election for the Division 6 Councillor (this Councillor represents Crystal Lake) on November 9, 2020.

Black Beach Development – Parcel B – meetings have been held with the Black family members who are interested in further developments on Parcel B of the Black Beach property.  At this time, a final detailed proposal has not been received.

Boater Safety Discussion Paper – There has been considerable informal talk about and concerns expressed about boating activity and safety on Crystal Lake.  A discussion paper has been developed to start the conversation about identifying issues and possible solutions and hopefully coming to some sort of consensus.  Remember, this paper is not a directive or any kind of final plan.  It is a discussion paper to stimulate a conversation and to hear people’s thoughts, ideas, concerns, solutions to boating and safety concerns and use of the lake in a multi-user situation.  The discussion paper will be posted later on the web site so as not to create reader overload.

Private Use of Municipal Reserve Discussion Paper – Just as there have been concerns about boating and the multi-user aspect of the lake, there have been concerns and complaints raised about the private use of municipal reserves.  This is primarily parking of vehicles, trailers, and storage sheds and dumping of materials (plant and otherwise) on municipal property.  Municipal Reserves are intended and dedicated for the use and enjoyment of all.  Again, this will be a discussion paper to stimulate the conversation about residents’ concerns, ideas, priorities and solutions.   This discussion paper will be posted later on the web site as its own posting.

SGI Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant – Crystal Lake (under the RM of Keys) has been successful in being awarded a very significant grant, in the amount of $7,175.00, for the purchase and installation of two new solar-powered digital speed signs.  The grant is for 90% of the eligible costs for this project.   Thanks to Barry Hvidston (RM Administrator) for making the Hamlet Board aware of this program and for his assistance in developing our application.  The new speed signs will be installed in 2021.

Motions – As stated earlier, any motions for the AGM are expected to be submitted two weeks prior to the AGM so that they can be posted on the hamlet web site.  This will allow voters to review the motions and be better prepared to discuss the motions and make more informed decisions.  Although we do not have a mechanism for voting in place, the following motions are submitted.  Open dialogue is encouraged by making your comments following the motions.

1. Renaming of Feeley Drive (already posted)

2. Water Safety (already posted)

3. Bylaw Enforcement – Hamlet Board

4. Policy on Acquisition of Goods and Services – Hamlet Board

5. Policy on Crystal Lake Voters’ Meeting – Hamlet Board

6. Policy on Establishment and Management of Reserve Funds – Hamlet Board