Dear Patterson Lake Property Owners:
The outlet for Patterson Lake is Fairs Creek at the eastern end of the Lake. When the road
across
the Creek was constructed by the Township, two culverts were installed and all water flowing
from the Lake passes through these culverts. It is the responsibility of the Township to keep
these culverts open.
Patterson Lake has a natural lake level variation of about 24 inches each year. The lake is
highest
in the early spring and late fall and lowest in the middle of summer. We all know that high levels
cause shore damage, soil erosion, and subsequent damage to fish nesting beds. It benefits all lake
property owners to ensure the high levels in the spring are lowered as quickly as possible. Some
property owners help the Township by removing debris in front of the culverts in the spring and
late fall. Other property owners contact the Township to request they come and clear the debris.
All in all, it works pretty well. Records for the past twenty years show that we have never had
higher than 24 inches depth in the north culvert – that is the lowest of the two culverts.
(http://www.pattersonlake.bowerman.ca/ shows a graph of water level variations.)
Recently there has been a lot of discussion about maintaining water levels in the Lake during
the
summer months instead of letting the water level go to zero depth in the culvert. This would
provide more depth over some of our treacherous rocks and over the floc in the eastern end. It
would also force weeds to grow more and take longer to reach the surface. Boaters and
swimmers would be the main benefactors of maintaining water levels.
At a meeting of Lake representatives and some other interested people last year, the
suggestion of
retaining a summer level of 8 inches in the north culvert received the most support.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this consent survey is to request Patterson Lake property owners to agree or
not
agree with the proposal to maintain a water depth of 8 inches in the north culvert during the
summer months of July and August. This proposal would require action by the Township and
consent from the Ministry of Natural Resources of Ontario.
Agree ( )
Do not Agree ( )
Name(s):_____________________________________________________________
___
Lake Property
Address:_____________________________________________________
Signature(s):
_____________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Please return the form through your area road association, or drop off at 151 Lakeside Rd or
632
Fairs Way.
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