About LVA
Our Purpose
The Lake Vernon Association (LVA) was established in 1970 and from the beginning there has been a focus on the health of Lake Vernon and its shoreline. In 2003, the Lake Vernon Lake Plan was created to identify the values most important to LVA members, and develop long term strategies to protect and conserve them.
Top Values:
- Peace and Tranquility
- Water Quality
- Undeveloped Natural Shorelines and Beauty
- Wildlife and Fish
The LVA works to ensure all seasonal and permanent residents, commercial operators and all levels of government understand their impact on the lake. This is accomplished through education and recruitment efforts, stewardship programs, and liaison with local governments and planning committees.
Through regular meetings, social events, LVA newsletters and this website and other social media platforms (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), the LVA seeks to involve its membership in the life of the community, and provide them with information to help ensure their enjoyment of all Lake Vernon has to offer.
History
In 1860, surveyor John Dennis made the first recorded visit to the lower Big East River. Dennis named Lake Vernon after his student assistant Vernon B. Wadsworth. The lake was officially opened for settlement through the Free Grants and Homesteads Act of 1868, giving free 100-acre parcels to settlers. Early settlers included Charles and Janet Hood, who constructed a dam and water-powered sawmill. By 1879, the Hoodstown community had a post office, 3 stores, 2 churches, a hotel and 12 homes. Further growth of the community was halted when it was decided that the railway would run through Huntsville in 1886. By the late 1890’s, tourism was an important part of the local economy. Huntsville’s growth, along with development of better roads and the availability of personal motorboats, made Lake Vernon an ideal cottage market.
As part of the Lake Vernon Plan, 27 areas of social, cultural or historic sites were identified through the Resident Workshop and Survey.
Our community lake association, now known as the Lake Vernon Association, was originally called the “West Lake Vernon Cottage Association”. The inaugural meeting was held on August 2nd, 1970, and the Association started with 28 member families, including two businesses. The first elected President was Ken Wade of Toronto; the Vice-president was Bill Cope of Huntsville; and the Secretary Treasurer was Mrs. Don Hunter of Hagersville. Interestingly, the very first regatta was held on the previous day, August 1st, at Peacock Bay Marina (est. 1970; now operated as Ruthven Marine), and was deemed to be quite successful, thanks to the planning and organizing of the Peacock family. The West Lake Vernon Cottage Association operated for many years, but unfortunately in the 80’s became inactive for a period of time. On August 19, 1989, Janice Parrott organized a meeting of Lake Vernon property owners at Ravenscliffe Community Centre. Janice felt it was important for families on the lake to have a voice in the affairs of Lake Vernon and those who attended the meeting were in full agreement. Thanks to Janice Parrott and the attendees, the lake association became active once again. The name of the association was changed to Lake Vernon Association (LVA) and Janice was elected as the President. Over the past 50 years, the LVA has managed numerous water quality programs and used our collective voice with the Town of Huntsville and the District of Muskoka to advocate on your behalf, in the best interests of the lake.
The People
The LVA is a volunteer-driven organization. Executive and Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting for two-year terms, and are supported by other members in executing plans.
Volunteers are always needed! If being on the board would be too time-consuming, please consider volunteering to help out with one of our committee activities. If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to recommend someone, please email us at lva@lake-vernon.ca
Our Board
The LVA is a volunteer-driven organization. Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting for two-year terms, and are supported by other member volunteers in executing plans. The association’s work is diverse, from collecting water quality samples, to producing electronic communications, monitoring development on the lake and recruiting new members. The board of directors normally meets 4 times a year.
Volunteers are always needed! If being on the board would be too time-consuming, please consider volunteering to help out with one of our committee activities. If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to recommend someone, please email us at lva@lake-vernon.ca
Lake Vernon Association Board of Directors - 2021
The Lake Vernon Association (LVA) was established in 1970 and from the beginning there has been a focus on the health of Lake Vernon and its shoreline. In 2003, the Lake Vernon Lake Plan was created to identify the values most important to LVA members, and develop long term strategies to protect and conserve them.
Top Values:
- Peace and Tranquility
- Water Quality
- Undeveloped Natural Shorelines and Beauty
- Wildlife and Fish
The LVA works to ensure all seasonal and permanent residents, commercial operators and all levels of government understand their impact on the lake. This is accomplished through education and recruitment efforts, stewardship programs, and liaison with local governments and planning committees.
Through regular meetings, social events, LVA newsletters and this website and other social media platforms (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), the LVA seeks to involve its membership in the life of the community, and provide them with information to help ensure their enjoyment of all Lake Vernon has to offer.
History
In 1860, surveyor John Dennis made the first recorded visit to the lower Big East River. Dennis named Lake Vernon after his student assistant Vernon B. Wadsworth. The lake was officially opened for settlement through the Free Grants and Homesteads Act of 1868, giving free 100-acre parcels to settlers. Early settlers included Charles and Janet Hood, who constructed a dam and water-powered sawmill. By 1879, the Hoodstown community had a post office, 3 stores, 2 churches, a hotel and 12 homes. Further growth of the community was halted when it was decided that the railway would run through Huntsville in 1886. By the late 1890’s, tourism was an important part of the local economy. Huntsville’s growth, along with development of better roads and the availability of personal motorboats, made Lake Vernon an ideal cottage market.
As part of the Lake Vernon Plan, 27 areas of social, cultural or historic sites were identified through the Resident Workshop and Survey.
Our community lake association, now known as the Lake Vernon Association, was originally called the “West Lake Vernon Cottage Association”. The inaugural meeting was held on August 2nd, 1970, and the Association started with 28 member families, including two businesses. The first elected President was Ken Wade of Toronto; the Vice-president was Bill Cope of Huntsville; and the Secretary Treasurer was Mrs. Don Hunter of Hagersville. Interestingly, the very first regatta was held on the previous day, August 1st, at Peacock Bay Marina (est. 1970; now operated as Ruthven Marine), and was deemed to be quite successful, thanks to the planning and organizing of the Peacock family. The West Lake Vernon Cottage Association operated for many years, but unfortunately in the 80’s became inactive for a period of time. On August 19, 1989, Janice Parrott organized a meeting of Lake Vernon property owners at Ravenscliffe Community Centre. Janice felt it was important for families on the lake to have a voice in the affairs of Lake Vernon and those who attended the meeting were in full agreement. Thanks to Janice Parrott and the attendees, the lake association became active once again. The name of the association was changed to Lake Vernon Association (LVA) and Janice was elected as the President. Over the past 50 years, the LVA has managed numerous water quality programs and used our collective voice with the Town of Huntsville and the District of Muskoka to advocate on your behalf, in the best interests of the lake.
The People
The LVA is a volunteer-driven organization. Executive and Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting for two-year terms, and are supported by other members in executing plans.
Volunteers are always needed! If being on the board would be too time-consuming, please consider volunteering to help out with one of our committee activities. If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to recommend someone, please email us at lva@lake-vernon.ca
Our Board
The LVA is a volunteer-driven organization. Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting for two-year terms, and are supported by other member volunteers in executing plans. The association’s work is diverse, from collecting water quality samples, to producing electronic communications, monitoring development on the lake and recruiting new members. The board of directors normally meets 4 times a year.
Volunteers are always needed! If being on the board would be too time-consuming, please consider volunteering to help out with one of our committee activities. If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to recommend someone, please email us at lva@lake-vernon.ca
Lake Vernon Association Board of Directors - 2021
Peter May - President
Tracey Rast -Past President
Deborah Jestin -Secretary & Social Media
Doug Bennett - Treasurer
John MacLennan- Membership
Shawn Gibson -Member at Large Focus: Communications
Anne Lindsay - Environmental + Zoning and Building Review
Lynn Bennett-Member at Large
Evelynn Funston -Member at Large Focus: Merchandise + Golf Tournament
Ian Hastie-Member at Large
Warren Jestin- LVEA President
