A recent article in Cambridge Today regarding access at Puslinch lake, brought back happy memories of a boat trip we took in late August. Organised by the volunteers of the Puslinch Lake Conservation Association, a volunteer charitable group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to the environmental restoration and natural habitat of Puslinch Lake.
Not many people know that on our doorstep Puslinch Lake, located in Wellington County, is the largest kettle lake in Canada.
It was formed many years ago by large blocks of ice from glaciers. Kettle lakes are landlocked, with no flushing system of rivers flowing in or out, leading to sediment build up which over the years fills the lake, encouraging reeds and algae to flourish, turning it into a bog.
To prevent this the conservation authority has worked to improve and enhance the lake for all residents.
After approaching the government for initial funding, the fundraising campaign continues. When the water levels are sufficiently high to allow the five-foot depth necessary for the dredging barge, the lake is dredged. This prevents the build up and allows deep holes for fish habitat.
We took a pleasure trip around the lake as part of the fundraising efforts toward the dredging costs. With history, and numerous amusing anecdotes told us by our volunteer driver, it was a lovely and relaxed evening trip, and the $30 ticket price was good value.
These trips usually run for a few weeks toward the end of summer if the water level is sufficiently high. This year due to all the rain it was certainly deep enough. Funds raised go toward lake conservation.
My trips to Puslinch have been mostly to watch the McClintock’s water ski competitions or to eat at the visit the Old Marina restaurant, the recently burned facility, a popular spot known as much for its pretty and peaceful location as for its good hearty meals.
Now cleared a construction zone has filled the space preventing parking.
There are plans afoot for a pedestrian only park and access to the lake at the junction of Holly Trail and Travelled Road.
More than thirty years ago when canoeing on the lake, paddlers would see very few homes.
Now there are some beautiful and expensive mansions. Not just Justin Bieber’s former home, where only the roof line is visible, but some of the lakeside homes are very upscale, nestled amongst some of the original cottages now winterized into year-round homes.
We saw wildlife, herons, fish, swans both black and white, docks with small boats tied up, some with motorboats and a couple of docks with planes. We saw blooming waterlilies, peaceful scenes of islands nestled in the lake, water-skiers practicing, and all topped off by a beautiful sunset.
The volunteers who run these events and other fundraising evenings are a dedicated and hard-working group, cheerful and friendly when they welcome visitors. Two of the people on our trip were from Toronto. Their interest was in kettle lakes and they wished to visit the largest.
Puslinch is an exclusive place to live these days. I can only hope that the residents who are lucky enough to live there all contribute to the conservation fund to preserve this kettle lake for years to come.
Watch out next year for the tours to resume, further information can be found on the web site under Puslinch lake Conservation Association, and their e-mail address is [email protected]. Treat yourselves to a pleasant evening and support a worthwhile charity,
