Community

Information of interest to the local community

Proposed Development North of Graham Lane

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This is an urgent call to protect Sturgeon Point!

A proposed subdivision north of Graham Lane threatens to alter the landscape and spirit of our community. The farmland and wetlands that buffer our village may soon face development pressure.

The following open letter, written by Heather LeCraw, explains the situation and how we can take action.

We need to come together – informed, united, and ready to protect the Point!

OPEN LETTER to Sturgeon Point Association (SPA) and Residents of Sturgeon Point

Date: November 2, 2025

Re: Urgent: Opposition to Proposed Development North of Graham Lane

Dear SPA Members and Residents,

We are writing to alert you to a serious and immediate threat to the character and heritage of Sturgeon Point. The owner of the farmland surrounding our village, Mr. Alan Webster, has engaged planning and environmental consultants to pursue a plan of subdivision that could introduce a new roadway and up to 12 residential lots through the wetlands and significant woodland north of Graham Lane, including 3 lots and 1 “block” along the Sturgeon Lake shoreline.The proposed subdivision as it appears on the permit issued by the conservation authority is included herein.

Heavy equipment has already entered the property under a permit from the Kawartha Conservation Authority to conduct test pit excavations. This activity includes encroachment on City-owned land, a one-foot buffer strip deliberately established decades ago by Dr. Bill Graham to prevent development access from Graham Lane and preserve the historic boundaries of the Village.

The City of Kawartha Lakes Official Plan (Section 20.6) clearly states that:

“The character and integrity of the former village shall be retained and enhanced.”
“The existing social, environmental and aesthetic qualities of the community will be recognized.”

The proposed subdivision directly undermines these commitments. Beyond environmental damage, it would funnel construction traffic through Irene Avenue, Forest Road, Henry Street, and Graham Lane, impacting the safety, tranquility, and heritage of our community.

Our legal counsel and City contacts confirm that Mr. Webster has a history of aggressive and litigious actions in similar cases. Preventing this development will require a united and visible community response.

Next Steps:
There is no formal subdivision application yet. Our collective action can help ensure it never reaches that stage. A community meeting will be held shortly to coordinate our response and determine next actions.

If you wish to attend (in person or via Zoom), please email Heather LeCraw at [email protected].
Your participation is critical. This is the moment to stand together to defend Sturgeon Point’s heritage, peace, and natural beauty.

Elbows up Sturgeon Point…let’s protect our village.

Sincerely,


Heather LeCraw
On behalf of concerned residents of Sturgeon Point

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Three Sturgeon Point Residents Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

We are thrilled to share that on March 19th, three members of the Sturgeon Point community were awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal:

  • Tim Wisener
  • Lynne Manning
  • Chris Appleton

The Coronation Medal commemorates the crowning of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada and is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their province or region, or who have brought honour to our country through outstanding achievements abroad.

With only 30,000 medals awarded across the country, it is an incredible honour – and a point of pride for Sturgeon Point – that three of our own were recognized for their extraordinary volunteer contributions.

Please join us in congratulating Tim, Lynne, and Chris on this well-deserved national recognition. Your service and dedication is inspiring.

Learn more about the ceremony and other local recipients: Explore Fenelon Falls News

Ice Storm Clean Up – Let’s Pitch In Together

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As you know, the storm has left a significant mark on the Point, with downed branches, debris, and other damage.

SPA is working with the City of Kawartha Lakes to coordinate clean-up efforts. In the meantime, we’re organizing a Volunteer Clean-Up Weekend on April 12 & 13 to help get the Point back in shape.

Whether you can lend a hand hauling brush, help run a chipper, or provide snacks and encouragement, your support will make a real difference. We’re also looking to identify anyone in the community who might need a hand – whether it’s with physical clean-up or just someone to check in.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey linked here. It will help us organize volunteers, match needs with support, and keep everyone informed as plans are finalized.

Thank you for your resilience, your neighbourliness, and your spirit!

SPA