Fall Newsletter
Fall 2025 Newsletter
We hope everyone enjoyed the summer at Lac Louisa as many endured hot dry weather. It’s not often we hear people complaining about the lack of rain. We look forward to a beautiful fall and hopefully some much needed rain.
Annual General Meeting Recap
The LLPOA held it Annual General Meeting on Sunday, August 17, 2025 which was attended by more than 50 people, including our new Member of Parliament, Tim Watchorn who addressed the crowd on his new role. It was beneficial to have Mr. Watchorn with us as he is the former mayor of Morin Heights and was able to answer questions on water bodies and related issues. Also, both Jay Brothers and Philippe Cyr, the two Wentworth council members from Lac Louisa attended allowing them to clarify questions on the boat wash, the spillway, fire regulations, speed of traffic and such. We were grateful to have Alain St-Jacques, the fire chief of the Lachute Fire department at our meeting, reiterating the danger of citizens being careless in their behaviour with respect to safety and fire prevention. As the saying goes: “if you see something, say something” – call 911 if there is cause of lack of safety or danger.
The board heard from Tanis Trotman who was stepping down as president and long-time director of the LLPOA. She passed on the president’s baton to Robert Houle. Also, Ted Murray who has been on the LLPOA board for a few decades passed on his responsibilities to Martin Brisebois who becomes treasurer and director of membership. Shannon LaBrash is stepping in to be the board’s secretary and a new director. Mark Pilon volunteers to join the board and he has assumed the responsibilities for technology and communication. The full list of the LLPOA board members is found at the end of this newsletter.
Get Involved with iNaturalist
We encourage members to download the iNaturalist app, and join
https://inaturalist.ca/projects/lac-louisa-species-inventory and then taking and uploading photos of birds, animals, fish, insects and plants when you are out on the lake, or out for a hike. Gathering community data on iNaturalist is an all-ages activity that can be done with the family, while visiting friends and neighbours, alone, or anywhere around the Lake Louisa. It’s fun, easy, and it greatly helps us build updated data on the species that are active, both endangered and invasive in the area. As a bonus, it will also contribute to the national and international databases that track all these species.
Boat Wash Fees and Regulations Update
At the fall mayor’s breakfast for association representatives, Danny Miron and Robert Houle reiterating that the LLPOA wishes to have the fee at the boat wash station for non-residents increased from $50 to the $300 fee charged in the past. Moreover, we believe that supervised washing of watercrafts is necessary to protect the lake from invasive species. The Quebec Ministry of the Environment agreement on the $25,000 subsidy to reduce the fees to non-residents has expired. We continue to advocate that all residents of Lac Louisa be vigilant to ensure they comply with boat washing rules and encourage neighbors to get their access sticker. One rule that has not changed is that if your watercraft has ever only been on Lac Louisa, has never been on another lake or waterbody, you do not need to wash your boat. However, you must register your boat with the township office and get a sticker (yellow for Lac Louisa).
Spillway and Water Level
We learned from our councillors at the AGM meeting that the Township awaits an engineering report on how to fix the spillway. All residents on the lake have witnessed the water level decrease substantially this past summer. This was mostly caused by lack of rain. The new council will be dealing with this matter, and we expect a resolution in the spring of 2026.
Fish Spawning and Lake Health
Fish spawning and healthy fish in Lake Louisa continues to be a priority. Testing areas are being explored. We will report on findings and action required in our next spring newsletter.
Fireworks Reminder and Safety
Fireworks are prohibited in Wentworth. FIREWORKS are illegal in Wentworth. Please call the Lachute Sûreté du Quebec at 450 562-2442 if you know anyone using or see fireworks on the lake. We understand the reluctance people have to calling because they believe the SQ won’t respond quickly. Please appreciate that all calls are registered and the more incidents are reported the higher the presence of local police in our area. It is important to remain diligent during extended periods of dryness and pay attention to the regulations regarding outdoor fires from the town and risk levels provided by SOPFEU. You can input either Wentworth or Wentworth north into the map feature https://www.sopfeu.qc.ca/en/map/and sign up for alerts in your region.
Road and Water Safety
What’s your hurry? Why drive fast? Speed limits have been reduced for the safety of residents, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians. Please obey the posted speed limits. We live a country environment to enjoy a more peaceful life and experiences.
Speed on the water and boating etiquette is also an issue raised by our members. We included documentation in our spring newsletter in this matter. We will remind you again next spring.
LLPOA Signage & Website Updates
Increased visibility of the LLPOA is posted on two new RED signs to promote the association’s website: LAC-LOUISA.CA
Your LLPOA board of directors is working on modernizing our website: Lac-Louisa.ca to improve communication with the residents of Lac Louisa and offer useful information and tools to its members. Once the work is completed, we will issue another message to alert you.
Thank You to Members and Renewal Information
Finally, I would like to thank our members for their support. It is with your membership fees and donations that we can continue the important work of protecting Lac Louisa. If you have not renewed your 2025 membership, you may do so by accessing the website: www.lac-louisa.ca/membership and pay with a credit card on a secure and reliable site. We encourage you to promote LLPOA in your respective circle of friends and family or your broader network. We also want to hear from you if you have ideas to improve the work that we, as volunteers, do on your behalf. Go to the website under contact and send in your message.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a wonderful and enjoyable winter.
LLPOA Board of Directors
Your LLPOA board of directors.
Robert Houle, President
Daniel Miron, Vice-President
Martin Brisebois, Treasurer and membership director
Shannon LaBrash, Secretary and director
Jim Shea, Director, Fish and Shoreline protection
Rebecca Webster, Director, Watershed Protection and Mapping
Mark Pilon, Director, Technology and Communication
