BIGWIN ISLAND WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION
2025 MEMBER HANDBOOK
Introduction
The BIWA mandate is primarily to ensure the common lands, assets, and services on Bigwin Island are appropriately managed and maintained. This handbook has been assembled to make it easy for BIWA Members to reference the details you need to be aware of concerning the General Rules, Policies, Services and Contact information as a cottager and BIWA Member. BIWA continues to operate cooperatively with the Golf Club, which includes the provision of several shared or BIWA services. The BIWA team for 2025 is: Kelly Jacobsen, BIWA Community Manager, and the BIWA Board. In most instances, your first point of contact should be Kelly: kjacobsen@biwa.ca.
BIWA Advisory Board
Jeff Axler (President) | jaxler@rogers.com |
John Rudderham (Vice-President) | jerudderham@gmail.com |
Kent Trainor (Treasurer) | ktrain73@gmail.com |
Ernest Belyea (Honorary Secretary) | ebelyea@energylawcentral.com |
Andy Ketelaars (Director) | andy@theketelaars.com |
David Smith (Eagle Rep) | dave@lobmuskoka.com |
Tom Anselmi (BIGC Rep | tom.anselmi@outlook.com |
Arriving at the Island – Norway Point
Norway Point parking and the Bigwin Shuttle Boat services are for the exclusive use of the Members of the Bigwin Island Golf Club (BIGC), the Bigwin Island Waterfront Association (BIWA) and their guests; Bigwin Staff; and invited third-party service providers.
When arriving at Norway Point, proceed directly down to the circle/dock area so that dock staff is aware of your arrival. If you are comfortable, you may reverse your vehicle onto the dock to drop off cargo closer to the boat. According to your preference, you may indicate to the dock attendant if you will need assistance with the CarryAll from your car, or whether you prefer to walk.
Staffing is coordinated around average/typical demand. If you have a contractor with gear/supplies or have done a big shopping haul, booking a Dock-to-Dock is the ideal option. If you know you will need assistance, calling the Boat Captain on Duty (705-571-1607) in advance of your arrival, especially during high traffic times, is recommended. To achieve the most consistent service, plan larger trips whenever possible during low volume times, have your cargo organized into easy handled bags/bins, and call well in advance of your arrival.
Parking
Parking privileges for BIWA Members are determined according to membership category. Category A and B Members hold an interest in two parking spots as provided for by the terms of the original purchase of their property. Category C has a right to two parking spots, and Category D has a right to one parking spot associated with their annual BIWA membership. Storing of trailers is not permitted during golf season. Guest parking is available for BIWA Members – visitors should check in with a Norway Point attendant.
Parking/storage of boat, jet ski or snowmobile trailers is prohibited during the Golf Season when parking space at Norway Point is at a premium. Please reach out to BIWA Community Manager if you need to store your trailer in the overflow parking area near the mainland staff housing.
Electric Car charging stations are available at Norway Point. Arrangements can be made with Jim Baumken jbaumken@bigwinislandgc.com. See Appendix 1 for applicable fees.
Norway Point Shuttle Boat Service
The Shuttle Boat service from Norway Point operates with hours of operation and service models (schedule or on-demand) that are based on season/demand.
Golf Season Shuttle Hours of Operation:
Monday to Thursday – 5:00am to 10:00pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 5:00am to 11:00pm
Shoulder seasons
There will be NP-Clubhouse ferry service and Dock-to-Dock service available from ice-out to Club Opening and again from course closure to October 31st during the hours of operation outlined below, however this may change slightly in response to conditions and demand. Any changes will be communicated in the BIWA Update Emails. Pre-booking of your Dock to Dock or Ferry trip is strongly recommended to ensure availability.
In November as the Clubhouse shuts down and all Member and Club carts are put away for the winter. The NP-Clubhouse ferry is taken out of operation and the smaller Dock-to-Dock boat is the sole vessel used at NP. All trips are booked as Dock-to-Docks. Your trip will need to be pre-booked using the Shuttle Booking Link or calling the Boat Captain on Duty’s line 24hrs in advance to ensure shuttle availability for your arrival. Last-minute trips will be accommodated to the best of available staff’s ability, however there is no guarantee of service so please book ahead! See Appendix 1 for applicable fees.
Shoulder Season Hours of Operation:
Monday to Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – 9AM to 5PM
Friday – 9AM to 9PM
Golf Season
In 2025, a hybrid schedule/on-demand approach will apply to the NP-Clubhouse Ferry – any changes to service delivery will be communicated in BIWA Updates and Club communications. The Ferry Schedule during Golf Season is as follows:

Dock-to-Dock service is pre-booked using the Shuttle Booking Link (available on the www.biwa.ca website) or calling the Boat Captain on Duty in advance at at 705-571-1607. Pre-booking of your Dock to Dock trip is strongly recommended to ensure availability.
Cottage Deliveries
Delivery of furniture, appliances, and larger household items must be arranged with the Club in advance and will take place during business hours, Monday through Friday. Deliveries can made to the Island via the barge (from Port Cunnington Marina) or the bullnose (from Norway Point). See Appendix 1 for applicable fees and Appendix 2 for a detailed Island Transportation FAQs.
Mail and smaller packages will be held at the Gatehouse for 72 hours from the time the Member is notified. If not picked up, these items will be delivered to Member cottage for a fee. Members are also welcome to arrange for Island delivery before 72 hours – these will be done in the evening of the delivery day. See Appendix 1 for applicable fees.
When having items mailed to the Club, please use the following address:
Your Name
Lot Number (eg. “123 Bigwin”)
1137-2 Old Highway 117
Baysville ON, P0B 1A0
Norway Point Boat Slips
All BIWA Members may use the Norway Point slips for pickup and delivery of guests. Upon docking, all members must check in and register with the dock attendant. BIWA Members may use a slip on a short-term basis for a maximum 4 hours on a first come, first served basis and will be charged an additional fee per hour over the allotted time. Overnight boat docking is prohibited. See Appendix 1 for applicable fees.
Approved Vehicles & Clubhouse Parking
BIWA Members may wish to use vehicles on the Island – either on the Ring Road, other BIWA lands, or to access Club lands. To access Club lands – i.e., any part of the Clubhouse area or the Golf Course, only approved Golf Carts are allowed, and they must follow certain criteria which will be strictly enforced (see Golf Cart section below for details). The ideal choice is a golf cart in factory dark blue colour. During the shoulder seasons, responsible use of utility vehicles that are of the multi-passenger side by side seat configuration are allowed but speed limits must be strictly adhered to (these vehicles are capable of speeds that are not safe for our paths). Winter use of snowmobiles is acceptable. Vehicles intended for recreational purposes such as motorcycles and ATVs are not allowed. All vehicles are subject to a valid Accessway License Agreement, and must be approved by BIWA. Before purchasing a vehicle privately, please contact the BIWA Community Manager who can alert you to any updates in Approved Passenger Vehicles policy, and make sure your choice will be compatible before you make the investment.
If you are found not complying with the Approved Passenger Vehicle rules, you may have your Ring Road cart privileges revoked.
Vehicles – Safe Use and Registration
- All vehicles must be in good working order, and approved by BIWA before being allowed to operate on any of the Club or BIWA Lands.
- Operators of all Vehicles must be sixteen (16) years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.
- Operation of a cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and is a criminal offence.
- All service and construction vehicles are the responsibility of the BIWA Member and will be educated on safe Island travel and directions to BIWA Member lot. Very large vehicles will be given an escort arranged by BIWA Member.
- Carts that are used in the evening, after sunset, must be equipped with appropriate headlamps.
Carts on the Golf Course (With Golf Course Trail Fee Agreements)
BIWA Members who are also Golf Club Members may elect to use their own golf cart on the Golf Course, subject to making appropriate arrangements with the Club and with payment of the Golf Course Trail Fee. Golf carts accessing the Golf Club lands at times when the Club is operational must be approved by the Club, in good condition and “factory dark blue” in colour. Agreements and fees can be forwarded to Head Golf Professional, Connor Averell caverell@bigwinislandgc.com. See Appendix 1 for applicable fees.
Clubhouse Cart Parking
Vehicle parking space at the Clubhouse is limited and your cooperation with parking in a courteous manner is appreciated.
- Only one vehicle per household is permitted in the long term/short term parking areas.
- The larger 4 and 6 seater carts should be parked closer to the Clubhouse where there is more space to maneuver and 2 seater carts parked towards the top of the lot.
- Carts should be backed into a space so that your cart can more easily be identified if Golf Staff is sent to retrieve the cart.
- All carts must be equipped with a cart plate showing the Lot # of the owner (contact BIWA Community Manager for purchase).
- When leaving the Island for a day trip, your cart can be parked in the Short-Term parking area near the Clubhouse docks. Overnight parking is not permitted in the Short-Term area and a parking penalty fee could be applied to any cart left abandoned.
- For overnight parking or for absences up to 7 days, vehicles are to be parked in the designated area on the north side of the Clubhouse. When leaving the Island for longer than 7 days, please call ahead to the Professional Shop to arrange for a shuttle and leave your cart parked at your cottage where it can be kept on a charger. 2025 BIWA HANDBOOK 8
- Vehicles are not to be left unattended near the Clubhouse dock or Golf Club fleet cart staging area. Members should either park their cart in the main Clubhouse Cart Parking area, or provide clear instructions with Golf Services staff to park the cart on their behalf.
Ring Road Use
BIWA Memberships bear the privilege of using the Ring Road. Please keep in mind that the Ring Road was designed and built for golf carts and pedestrians. Subject to approvals related to motorized vehicles, the following may use the Ring Road:
- Pedestrians
- Non-motorized vehicles (bicycles, etc.)
- Approved Passenger Vehicles (carts or utility type vehicles)
- Authorized maintenance/construction vehicles and equipment
- Emergency Vehicles
The following rules must be observed when using the Ring Road:
- All unaccompanied first-time visitors to the Island should be given a map of the Island. Please check in at the BIWA Community Manager office at the Barge landing, or the administration office in the clubhouse to pick up a map if you do not have one.
- No blocking path access, except for circumstances approved by BIWA.
- Standard rules of the road apply to the Ring Road and other paths.
- All laws relative to alcohol, including open container laws, apply to the paths.
- In Ontario, operating a golf cart while impaired by drugs or alcohol is illegal and can result in charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Highway Traffic Act..
- Pedestrians must be given right of way.
- An audible warning is required from operators of golf carts and bicyclists when approaching pedestrians from the rear.
- Walking/jogging/biking is permitted on the Ring Road, but for safety reasons, not on the golf course.
- Walking/jogging/biking to the “The Turn” (formerly the Halfway House) is permitted, but the route to be taken is via shared BIWA or service paths and not traversing the golf course cart paths. Please see BIWA Community Manager for map/explanation of which paths are available for use.
- BIWA Members must inform their guests as to the use of roads and trails.
Garbage and Recycling
All garbage/recycling must be placed in garbage/transparent recycling bags and put in the green bin at the end of your cottage driveway. If you do not have a green bin, one can be purchased through the BIWA Community Manager. Your weekly garbage and recycling must be properly sorted and bagged, and be able to fit in your green bin with the lid securely closed – 2 bags of household waste and recycling bags to bin capacity. Oversized waste items or extra pickups are arranged through the BIWA Community Manager and a special disposal fee will apply. See Appendix 1 for applicable fees. Please do not leave oversized items or excess garbage outside of your green bin.
Pets and Path Courtesy
Pets are not permitted to run at large or permitted to leave the owner’s property unless they are appropriately restrained at all times. Owners are encouraged to install and properly train their pets on the use of invisible pet fences. Pet owners are also advised to review the Lake of Bays By-law pertaining to dog ownership within the Township, which also prohibits constant barking by a dog. Pet Owners must clean up after pets along the paths, and not allow pets relieve themselves on private property. Pet owners will be held liable for any injuries caused by their pet(s). Please note that pets are not permitted in any indoor areas of the Clubhouse unless they are a support animal as per the governing Ontario Health Regulations.
Barging
The Bigwin Barge operates from the Port Cunnington Marina to the Barge Landing on the north side of the Island. The Barge is 50ft x 24ft with a holding capacity of 60 tons. The Tugboat has passenger capabilities. Barging service operates according to the following schedule:
Monday to Thursday – 7:30 am – 5 pm (last departure from Bigwin is 4:30 pm)
Fridays – 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (last departure from Bigwin is 3:30 pm)
Barge does not operate on weekends or statutory holidays.
Barge Use Protocols:
- All trips (personal or contractor) need to be booked with the Bigwin Barge Captain on Duty at (705) 635-2582 ext. 154, preferably at least 24 hours in advance.
- Educate any contractors you hire about proper Barging protocol explained below. They will be asked the purpose of their trip, the name and lot # of their destination.
- Turn off the engine of the vehicle being transported as soon as it is securely in place on the barge. Do not leave your vehicle.
- Show up no later than 30 minutes before the end of the operation to ensure the barge has enough time to run a full trip and park the barge for the night by its By-Law required shut-down time.
- Always stay along the left side of the laneway at the Port Cunnington barge landing while waiting.
- Parking can be arranged through Port Cunnington Marina. Please check in with the Marina Attendant for pricing.
- Members will be billed directly for all trips made by their trades and service providers.
Damages to Pathways
Damages to the pathways and trees on the Island by large vehicles and equipment are the responsibility of the contractor and property owner. The paths must be repaired if damaged. Only approved and insured vehicles may be driven on the pathways.
Violation of Rules & Township By-Laws
Violation of the enclosed rules and obligations will result in a case-by-case examination by the Management and Board and may result in the suspension of BIWA privileges. The appropriate governing authorities will handle violation of Lake of Bays By-Laws. Please see Appendix 3 Property Owner Obligations & Township By-Laws.
Appendix 1
2025 BIWA Service Fee Schedule
Category | Fee (pre-HST) |
---|---|
Annual BIWA Membership Fee | |
• Category A – Developer & Club Membership • Category B – Vacant Developer Lot • Category C – Legacy Lot & Club Membership • Category D – Legacy Lot, no Club Membership | $2,780/year $1,280/year $2,780/year $3,145/year |
Norway Point Shuttle Service | |
To Golf Club -Members and Guests To Private Dock (“Dock-to-Dock”) BIWA Member’s Contractors Contractor Cart Rental | No charge $55.00/trip $20/per contractor/round trip $30/day |
Norway Point Parking | |
Categories A, B and C Category D | 2 parking spots – no charge 1 parking spot – no charge |
Norway Point Car Charging Stations | $10.00/charge |
Norway Point Boat Docking | |
Short Term (4 hours) Over 4 Hours | No charge $10.00/hour |
Barging Services for Member Personal Vehicle | |
One Trip in Spring and Fall (before/after Club open/close) – nontransferable | No charge |
Additional Trips | |
Without Trailer With Trailer | $95/trip (return) $122/trip (return) |
Barging Services – Other | |
Light Vehicle Light V with Trailer Large Vehicle Large V with Trailer Hazmat Excavator Mini Excavator Hourly Rate | $170/trip (return) $309/trip (return) $215/trip (return) $435/trip (return) $245/trip (return) $320/trip (return) $185/trip (return) $403/hour |
Garbage and Recycling Services | |
Weekly Waste Pickup Extra pickups or large items | No charge Contact BIWA Manager |
Cottage Deliveries | $10.00/delivery fee for mail or small package (under 50lbs.) $125/hr with 1 hour minimum for larger items requiring the Bullnose. |
Golf Course Trail Fee Agreement | $450.00/year |
Appendix 2 Island Transportation
BIWA Members have 5 over-water options available to them during the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons – their own personal boat/watercraft, the Norway Point-to-Clubhouse Ferry Service, a Dock-to-Dock Shuttle Service, the Bullnose, and the Barge. Winter access to the Island via snowmobile, by foot or by other approved vehicle is directed to the north side of the Island from Port Cunnington Marina to the Barge Landing as ice conditions are easier to monitor with regular testing for ice depth and quality criteria along this route. Due to seasonal variabilities, winter Island access cannot be pre-scheduled and updates will be communicated solely through the BIWA Update emails.
Option | What it is/Ideal Use | Limitations | Cost & Booking |
---|---|---|---|
Personally-owned boat | Owner has complete control over the utilization of the resource. Good option for building projects where there is high demand for trips, or for owners who are water access only. | Use is limited to the size and capabilities of the selected watercraft. | N/A |
Ferry Service | Travels from Norway Point to the main Clubhouse Dock. Details provided in “Norway Point Shuttle Boat Service” section of Handbook. Good option for moving people with their personal carry-on items. This is the main vessel for the golf course and tidy, respectful dress code applies to Members, guests, staff and contractors. | Not a good option for transporting materials or equipment. Destinations limited to Norway Point and Clubhouse. | Fees included in BIWA dues for Members & Guests. Contractors are charged $20/round trip. Members arriving with cargo or bringing contractors over on the Ferry are encouraged to give advance warning by phoning Boat Captain on Duty (705-571-1607) or using Shuttle Booking Link (www.biwa.ca) |
Dock-to-Dock | Private Shuttle boat that runs 7 days a week traveling to/from Norway Point to your dock*. *requires adequate water depth and dock size to land safely. Good for moving people and carry-on equipment and supplies that can fit on deck. | Cargo limited to items that can be hand-loaded and fit on the deck and to be self-loaded/unloaded. Must be booked in advance (>24 hours is ideal, 12 hours minimum). | $55 per trip to destinations on Bigwin Island. Book in advance using the Shuttle Booking Link |
Bullnose | A versatile 34’ utility boat with drop down front and cargo-carrying capabilities for large items delivered to NP. Norway Point or Port Cunnington dock to your dock* or Clubhouse dock. *requires adequate water depth and dock size to land safely. Available to be booked between 7:30am and 5:00pm. Good for moving cargo up to a maximum of 3000lbs. | Cannot carry large vehicles, loads that are inherently unstable, or cargo greater than 3000lbs weight. Cargo is to be self-loaded/unloaded. Some docks and certain water level conditions may preclude this as an option. Must be booked in advance (24 hours minimum). | $125/hour 1 hour min. Book in advance by contacting Jim Baumken, Norway Point Manager at: 705-783-1659 or jbaumken@bigwinislandgc.com |
Barge | A 50’x24’ open-deck vessel with a cargo holding capacity of 60 tons. Can carry vehicles of various sizes, up to triple-axle trucks. Township dock at Port Cunnington Marina (1757 Port Cunnington Rd, Dwight) to the Barge Landing on the north shore of the Island. Available to be booked Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm Friday 7:30am-3:30pm Ideal for services requiring a vehicle to come to the property. | For the 2024 season, the Barge can transport passengers w/out a vehicle. Complimentary for Members, $30 for Contractors. Must be booked in advance (>24 hours is ideal). | Please see Appendix 1 for applicable fees. |
Appendix 3 Property Owner Obligations & Township By-Laws
Property Owner Obligations
As a reminder, the following are important excerpts from various documents and agreements that all purchasers of developer lots have accepted and agreed to.
No building shall be erected or placed on the Lands, or any part thereof, other than residential dwellings and accessory permitted structures, as permitted by municipal zoning by-laws from time to time.
The Lands or any part of the Lands or any Dwelling or buildings erected thereon shall not be used for any purpose other than for residential purposes, except as permitted by zoning by-laws from time to time, nor shall anything be done or permitted upon any Lot or Dwelling erected thereon which shall be detrimental to the occupants of any neighbouring Lot or Dwelling.
No Dwelling or any addition to it shall be erected on any Lot unless same has been designed by, and all plans therefor shall have been drawn by, an architect or engineer to ensure it meets the requirements of the Municipality’s by-laws or otherwise.
Each Owner hereby agrees to comply with such terms of any development and/or subdivision agreements registered against title to the Lots to the extent same refer to the construction of Dwelling and the grading and landscaping of the Lots.
No building waste or other material of any kind shall be dumped or stored on any part of the Lands without prior approval from the BIWA Board.
Final grading of the Lot shall take place concurrently with the completion of the Dwelling. Re-vegetation, together with foundation plantings in keeping with reasonable landscaping requirements of the Developer / BIWA, shall be completed within nine (9) months from the date of occupancy of the Dwelling, weather permitting. No pesticides shall be used in connection with property maintenance or for any other reason at any time whatsoever.
No animals other than household pets normally permitted in private homes in urban residential areas shall be kept upon the Lands. No pets are permitted to leave the Lands unless the pet is under the immediate care and control of a competent and responsible person.
No recreational vehicle (including without limitation, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles), trailer, or any other vehicle shall be parked, placed, located, kept or maintained upon the Lands or any part thereof unless appropriately concealed from the view of neighbouring lot owners and the Golf Club. No recreational vehicle shall be allowed on the Golf Club or any portion of the common lands at any time for any reason whatsoever. Snowmobiles, registered with BIWA are permitted for winter access and general transportation.
No signs, billboards, notices or advertising material of any kind (other than the ordinary signs offering Dwellings for sale or rent) shall be placed on any part of the Lands or upon any Dwelling, without the prior consent of the Developer / BIWA.
No Owner shall sell, transfer, grant or assign in any manner whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, his right, title and interest in his Lot, without obtaining a duly executed covenant from any such subsequent buyer, transferee, grantee or assignee to comply with and be bound by the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Bigwin Island Waterfront Association.
Lake of Bays Rules/By-Laws
The following are a summary of a selection of rules and by-laws set out by the Township of Lake of Bays that may apply to the cottaging experience on Bigwin Island. The following link should be used as the official source of By-laws and information.
Noise
Definition: “Point of Reception” means any point on the premises where sound originating from other than those premises is received. General Prohibition No person shall make, cause or permit an unreasonable noise, or a noise that is likely to disturb other residents. Without limiting the generality of section 1 of the Township By-law, the provisions of sections 1.1 through 1.7 shall be deemed to be unreasonable noise, or noise that is likely to disturb the residents during the times shown. These are a subset of Noise by-laws enforceable by The Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays, By-law No. 00-59.
Alarm or Warning Device – any time
The sounding of any alarm, bell, horn, siren or other warning device for an unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.
Amplified Sound – television – stereo – speakers – amplifiers – any time
The sound created by any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers intended for the production, reproduction or amplification of sound, including but not limited to a radio, television, amplifier, loudspeaker, public address system, sound equipment, that is clearly audible at a Point of Reception in a Residential area at any time.
Shouting, Yelling, Loud Hooting, Loud Whistling, Loud Singing – any time
Any shouting, yelling, loud hooting, loud whistling or loud singing that is clearly audible at a Point of Reception in a Residential area at any time.
Construction – 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The noise arising from Construction that is clearly audible at a Point of Reception in a Residential area between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day (or 12:00 noon if the following day is Sunday).
Fire and Burning
Small fires are permitted in the Township of Lake of Bays according to the Outdoor Burning By- Law (By-law-2013-003) stipulating the following rules. It is each resident’s responsibility to be aware of and follow the most current fire rating shared by the Lake of Bays Fire Department.
- There is no daytime burning permitted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from April 1st to October 31st.
- Your fire can be no greater than two metres in diameter otherwise a fire permit is required and only environmentally friendly materials may be burned.
- The smoke from your fire cannot interfere with your neighbours or a roadway, and;
- You must supervise and have sufficient tools and water available to put the fire out should the need arise.
Every effort will be made to share Fire Safety Rating updates in the BIWA Update emails, however it is the responsibility of property owners to be informed and comply with the most current fire rating.
Firearms – discharge
Discharge of firearms on Bigwin Island is strictly prohibited, except if lawfully discharged by an authorized person to do so in the performance of their duties.
Power Equipment
The sound caused by the use or operation of a lawnmower, chainsaw, leaf-blower, or any other such noise-generating tool or device that is clearly audible at a Point of Reception in a Residential area between 9:00 p.m. of any day and 7:00 a.m. of the next following day (or 9:00 a.m. if the following day is Sunday).
Waterfront Activities
Boat Right: Be Polite is the slogan of a boater education program developed after the Lake of Bays Association conducted a recreational boating survey, which found that five activities – water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, operating personal watercraft and operating noisy boats cause particular problems for other residents of the Lake. Residents operating a boat or vessel carelessly, without the due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others is an offence under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. Operating in a way that’s dangerous to the public, including while impaired, is a Criminal Code offence.
Speed Limit
Within 30 metres of shore, the speed limit is 10 kilometres/hour and no wake should be emanating from your boat. Other guidelines apply:
- Water-skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are not allowed before sunrise or one hour after sunset
- Keep well beyond the 30-metre limit to avoid swimmers and boaters.
- Do not tow your riders in front of other people’s docks. Drop them outside the 30- metre limit or come in and out perpendicular to your dock.
- Repeated runs in front of the same cottages are not allowed. Vary your route.
- Do not tow near canoes, kayaks, sailboats or small outboards. They may cross your rider’s path, and your wake can capsize them.
- For wakeboarding – stay out at least 300 metres from shore. The wake is damaging to docks, moored boats, and the shoreline and wildlife habitat. It can severely erode the shoreline.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
- Operators must be 16 years or older.
- Stay minimum 30 metres away from other residents’ docks, swimmers and other boats.
- Repeated runs in front of the same cottages are not allowed.
Noisy Boats
- Boats must have a muffler designed to eliminate excessive or unusual noise and be in good working order at all times.
- No person shall make, cause or permit an unreasonable noise, or a noise that is likely to disturb other residents.
Swim Rafts, In-Water Trampolines Slides, Mooring Buoys, Swimming Buoys
- Shall not be located closer than 4.5 metres to either side lot line projected into the water.
- Shall not interfere with access to or from neighbouring properties.
- Shall be removed from the water at the end of the boating season.
- Shall not be located further than 30 metres from the shoreline.
- May be subject to review by Transport Canada.
Lighting
The night sky is an important part of our natural heritage but with excessive outdoor lighting, even the stars are an endangered species. One unshielded light seen a mile away is many times brighter than the brightest stars in the sky. The Township of Lake of Bays has bylaws that require lighting be aimed downward.
- All lighting facilities shall be directed downwards and be required to minimize the impact on lake views, night skies and environmental features.
- Lighting shall not have a negative visual impact on neighbouring properties.
Vegetative Shoreline Buffer
A vegetative shoreline buffer consisting of natural growth is extremely important to the health of the Lake. Preserving trees and vegetation also improve the appearance, character and aesthetics of the area and protect the natural heritage of the Lake. The Township of Lake of Bays has a Development Permit By-Law that regulates site alteration and vegetation removal in the shoreline yard – 1st 20 metres setback from the shoreline
- Residents will comply with The Township of Lake of Bays Development Permit By-Law.
- A vegetative shoreline buffer of a minimum of 15 metres in-depth measured inland from the ordinary water’s edge shall be maintained.
Appendix 4 Emergencies
911 SHOULD ALWAYS BE YOUR FIRST CALL IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
- If an emergency occurs at your cottage, the 911 Operator will want to know the details of the emergency and your 911 emergency number – this is your Bigwin Lot # which should match your blue reflective 911 sign on your shoreline. You must advise them if you are water access only (with no Ring Road access).
- Depending on the type of emergency and time of day, emergency crews will either arrive by water via emergency fire boat from Port Cunnington and/or come via emergency vehicles to Norway Point. If coming to Norway Point during the day, call the Boat Captain on Duty at (705) 571-1607 to give them advance warning.
- You will be advised to turn on as many lights as possible at the cottage (if dark) and have someone waiting to meet emergency personnel either on the dock or at the Ring Road.
General Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire/Police/Ambulance 911
Ministry of Environment – Spills Hotline (416) 325-4000
Superior Propane Gas (877) 873-7467
Hydro One (Electricity) (800) 434-1235
Poison Control (800) 268-9017 – Poison Control Non-Emergency (416) 813-5900
Contact Numbers for Bigwin Island Golf Club
Club Phone Number (800) 840-4036
General Manager / Director of Golf Luke Ridley Cell 705-345-8386
Kelly Jacobsen – BIWA Community Manager (705) 788-4233
Jim Baumken – Norway Point Manager (705) 783-1659
Boat Captain on Duty (705) 571-1607
Geoff Griffin – Greens Superintendent (613) 539-9290
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locations at Bigwin Island Golf Club
- Clubhouse Administration Office
- Greens Building (north-east corner in exterior box)
- First Tee/Starter Shack
- Norway Point Guard House