Welcome to Spring at Ipperwash Beach!
Not sure about you, but it seemed like a pretty easy winter. Not a lot of shoveling that’s for sure. It’s time to think about preparing your cottage or home for the warmer months ahead. Ipperwash Beach, with its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant community, is a haven for cottage owners and full time residents alike looking to enjoy the season to its fullest. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cottage or home in Ipperwash Beach is ready for spring and summer enjoyment.
1. Inspect and Clean
Spring Cleaning: Start with a thorough cleaning of your cottage or home, both inside and out. This includes checking for any damage or wear that the winter months may have caused. Clear out gutters, check the roof for loose shingles, and ensure your windows and doors are in good condition.
Pest Check: Inspect your property for any signs of pest infestation. Look for signs of rodents or insects and consider professional pest control services if necessary. Remember, early detection is key to preventing larger issues.
2. Plumbing and HVAC Systems
Water Systems: If you turned off the water for the winter, now is the time to carefully turn it back on. Check for any leaks or damage to pipes that could have occurred during the cold months.
Heating and Cooling: Ensure your HVAC system or any other heating and cooling systems are in working order. Clean or replace filters and consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure everything is operational for the warmer months.
3. Safety Checks
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your cottage or home to ensure they’re working correctly. Replace batteries as needed and consider upgrading older models for enhanced safety.
First Aid and Emergency Supplies: Restock your first aid kit and check that you have all necessary emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, and a fire extinguisher.
4. Outdoor Space Preparation
Landscaping: Tend to your property by trimming back overgrown vegetation which can be a fire hazard or obstruct paths. Prepare your garden beds, lawn, and outdoor spaces for planting and summer enjoyment.
Boat Inspection: If you keep a boat at Ipperwash Beach, inspect it for any needed repairs or maintenance. Ensure your boat’s engine and safety equipment are in good condition before hitting the water.
5. Community Engagement
Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and events in Ipperwash Beach. Participating in community clean-up days or local events is a great way to meet neighbors and contribute to the area’s well-being.
Support Local: As businesses reopen for the season, consider supporting local shops, restaurants, and service providers. The local economy thrives when cottage owners and residents invest in their community.
Closing Thoughts
Preparing your cottage or residence for spring in Ipperwash Beach is not just about maintenance; it’s about creating a safe, enjoyable, and sustainable environment for you and your family to enjoy. By following these tips, you can ensure that your seasonal home is ready for the beautiful months ahead, allowing you to relax and take in all that this special region has to offer.
Welcome back to Ipperwash Beach – here’s to a fantastic spring and summer season!
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS AND UPDATES
Army Camp Road Lighting
Lights are finally coming to Army Camp Road!! After requesting this safety upgrade for many years, we have been told the lights are approved and going out for tender soon. We expect installation sometime this summer.
Army Camp Road Bike Path
Paving will begin in the next few months completing the bike path on the west side of the road extending to Highway 21.
MNRF Signage
Signs have been designed and are still awaiting budget approval from Infrastructure Ontario, This has been in the works for over 18 months. We have been pushing for this project to be completed in time for the upcoming busy season but we aren’t holding our breath.
All of the signage in the various lots managed by Infrastructure Ontario are to be torn down and replaced.
Memorial Planters
We have almost finalized plans for memorial planters to be installed at key intersections in Ipperwash. Members of CICA will have the opportunity to memorialize loved ones who have passed on. Details to follow!!
ONCA Compliance Update
ONCA provides Ontario not-for-profit corporations, including charitable corporations, with a modern legal framework to meet the needs of today’s not-for-profit sector. It sets out how not-for-profit corporations are created, governed and dissolved.
CICA has engaged the services of Troy Dore of Donnelly Murphy Lawyers in Grand Bend to help us through this process. We expect completion in the coming months.
We wish to thank Troy for his help. He has reduced his normal fees as a gesture of good faith to the Association.
New Code of Conduct
We have approved a new Code of Conduct for the CICA Executive and Members. It will be sent to all members soon.
CICA In the News
We were recently very honored to receive a 2024 Conservation Award from St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. It is so appreciated to be recognized for the amazing effort of our community members and volunteers in keeping Ipperwash tidy.
Wish List
Many dog owners are being irresponsible and are leaving doggie bags in inappropriate places, or are allowing their dogs to defecate on the beach. If we had these at Ipperwash, would you use them?
Upcoming Events
Grab & Gab Wednesdays 9 a.m. from May 15 to October 16 – meet at Ipperwash Beach Club
Dumpster Day & Trash to Treasurer – Saturday June 8, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon. 9639 Ipperwash Road
Canada Day Walk – Monday July 1, 2024 – Meet on Pine Trail Avenue at 9:45 a.m. for 10:00 a.m. start. Come out & celebrate with the community
Beach Art Contest – Saturday July 27th. Ipperwash Boat Launch at 9:00 a.m.
Annual General Meeting – Saturday August 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Details to follow
Last Summer Sunset – Sunday September 1st, 2024 at Dusk. Celebrate the end of the season with fun for all and a chance to gather with your fellow community members
Christmas Dinner – Wednesday December 4, 2024 at 6 p.m. Ipperwash Beach Club
In Memoriam
Community Members who have passed this year. Remembered, not forgotten.
Bruce Pothoff
Nora Pothoff
Scott Graham
Sandy Caughy
Janine Boynton (nee Shea)
If we have overlooked anyone and you would like them remembered please get in touch via [email protected] and we will make sure to include them in our next newsletter.
JOIN CICA TODAY
If you’re not already a Member of CICA join now and have a voice in your community.
Please follow this link to start enjoying the benefits of Membership!!