GBCLA Store
GBCLA Handy Guidebook 2017 - 2018
The Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association (GBCLA) has introduced a new handy Guide aimed at new cottage owners, renters and guests to the Bobs and Crow lakes. Existing cottagers can all relate to the first year after purchasing or renting a family cottage. It is a period of struggling to learn about how to maintain, run or even enjoy a cottage property. If the cottage is also in an area you are unfamiliar with, the learning curve is that much steeper. The Guide answers many of the questions that come up in that first year or visit to the lake.
The Guide is a handy summary of useful information on important topics but in “sound bite” size for quick and easy reading. There is a Where to Get Things section which covers groceries/pharmacies, building centers, LCBO/Beer outlets, restaurants, marine gas, and even Vtes for your family pets. Bobs and Crow lakes falls within 3 Townships, so quickly finding the correct phone number or email reduces time and frustration. So can finding the correct agency for well water testing, the Conservation Authority, Public Health Unit (septic systems) and property assessments (MPAC). Getting rid of your garbage is a requirement from day 1 and the Guide lists all sites for the 3 Townships, hours of operation and directions.
Where the Guide really helps is in the Tips section. It covers: Water Quality, Lake Water Levels (from the dam), Health hazards, Fire Safety, Cottage Security, Boating Safety, Rentals, Wells and Septic systems, and Hunting/Fishing regulations. The Guide package also includes our brightly colored Emergency Phone Number card to post on your fridge door and a plasticized map of the lakes when in your boat. We even provide a GBCLA floating key chain to avoid “fishing” for your keys if you accidently drop them in the water!
Finally, the Guide provides the contact coordinates of all GBCLA Board members, and the benefits of joining the Association. GBCLA membership automatically gives you a membership in the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) which offers many valuable and free benefits. The cost of the Guide is $15 for non-members but is free for members.
If you want a copy, please contact carsonjen@gmail.com. Note: Guides may have to be picked up at GBCLA events.
GBCLA Emergency Phone list
This Phone list is a handy thing to have on your fridge door or in a conspicuous spot in your cottage. When an emergency arrives, you do not want to spend precious moments looking for the right phone number. The GBCLA prints a highly visible Phone Card that can be picked up at all Association events or at the AGM.
Show picture of Phone card.
Click here to download the Phone List.
GBCLA Boating Card(Map of Lake)
This plasticized boating card can be a life-saver while boating on the lakes and not sure where you are going. The map gives you a general sense of where you are heading and the plasticized coating makes it waterproof so you can keep it anywhere in the boat. However the map is not intended for navigation purposes and should not be used as such. For a navigation map, click here to order from a 3rd party map supplier...........
The Boating Cards can be picked up at all Association events or at the AGM.
Show picture of Map.
GBCLA Floating Key Chain
Have you ever spent time looking for keys in the water just after you wished you had them attached to a floating key chain? The GBCLA provides members with a complimentary floating key chain, which can be picked up at all GBCLA events or the AGM.
Show picture of key chain.
Those Damned Lakes book by Lloyd Jones
No coffee table at the cottage is complete without this fascinating environmental history of Bobs and Crow Lakes by the late Lloyd Jones.
This book gives a folksy accounting of the geological changes over time of wildlife and plant life, a history of the early cottagers to the lakes and human activity such as trapping, farming, logging and the mica mines in the early 1900’s. Remnants of these mines can still be seen today. Lloyd’s book also captures the deep history of many of the families who have settled the lakes and still remain there today. The book is a must read for anyone who truly wishes to understand the complete history of Bobs and Crow lakes.
Until very recently, Lloyd was also a Director of the Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association, and has been an avid supporter of the goals of the GBCLA.
Show picture of book cover
Click here if you are interested in ordering a copy. The books are $25 and are sold by the Association at cost.
GBCLA Cookbook
Some say the best recipes are those that have been honed to perfection after decades serving them to friends and family on the lake. This cookbook is a collection of the best recipes by long time residents of Bobs and Crow lake. Simple to prepare and making good use of local ingredients.
Show picture of book cover.
Click here if you are interested in ordering a copy. $15 each and sold at cost.
