PARK NEWS

September 7, 2024

We have launched a new app that allows members to pre-register guests and access their lake card on their phone! 

A few important notes about the app:

Members are now able to rent out boats using the app.

Junior members who do not have a phone will still have to use their physical cards as the app is still in the development stages. We will let members know as soon as it is available for homeowners to have their children’s cards on their app.

For iPhone users: If your phone does not have IOS 17 installed, the app will not work.

To register your phone number, please stop by the office during office hours!

Click here to view our current office hours.

July 23, 2024

*Please note* 

Despite the above date, this information is considered current as it will be updated with any new information accordingly.

LBHA has been notified of members experiencing symptoms that are related to swimmer's itch.

Swimmers itch is a parasite that comes from birds and/or other animals and causes hive like itchy bumps on the human skin. 

The LBHA employs several strategies to reduce instances like the current swimmer's itch concern that members are experiencing including scaring off waterfowl and, as per our Migratory Damage or Danger permit issued by Canadian Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Regulations, destroy eggs and nests in the spring. Early this season we collected 77 eggs and disturbed 17 nests to the point of destruction.

We also test our water weekly as regulated via Alberta Health Services. So far this season we have not failed testing thresholds. Four samples are taking weekly and results are coming back significantly below 1280 CCE per 100 mL which is deemed acceptable water quality by AHS. Please contact the office to request the full results.

Swimmers can also employ strategies to reduce the likelihood of contracting swimmer itch as well. This includes towel drying immediately upon exiting the water and then showering as soon as possible.

If requested, members can be sent the MSDS sheets for the different products we use in the lake. The newest additions to the lake water treatment program are microbes, selectively bred bacteria that help clear the water, consume excess nitrogen/phosphorous and reduce the muck on the lake bottom.

Please contact the office for any other concerns or questions.

June 7, 2024

Lake fees are due June 30, 2024!

Digital invoices were sent out May 21st.

Physical invoices were mailed the week of June 3rd.

For more information about Lake Fees click here.

Please note:

Paying via Credit Card online is currently unavailable. We will let members know when it is available!

When paying via cheque please make it out to Lake Bonavista Homeowners Association Ltd. and ensure it is the correct amount!

May 14, 2024

Calling all scuba divers! You are now able to scuba dive at the lake!

Below are the main rules and regulations for scuba diving at Lake Bonavista:

1. Divers must register at the north security gatehouse upon arrival
2. Divers must be ‘open water’ certified
3. Divers must dive with a certified buddy
4. there must be 2 divers in the water at all times
5. Divers must use a down flag
6. Divers must be out of the water 30 minutes before the park closes

Click here for more details

April 11, 2024

Memo to the members of the LBHA

Attached is a link to a letter we have submitted to City Hall with respect to the proposed blanket rezoning changes currently under consideration by Council.

It should be noted that the LBHA is a not-for-profit corporation that exists to manage the lake property itself. We are not a community association, and we are not an advocacy group empowered to represent the individual property owners in the community. 

Our view is that it is our elected representative – Councillor Peter Demong – who should be gathering feedback on these proposed changes and communicating them to City Council. 

Notwithstanding the preceding, we do feel that the rush to implement this rezoning has failed to consider the impacts on unique facilities such as ours in terms of membership numbers, access, traffic and safety and we have made our submission to that effect.

In addition, the individual volunteer board members of the LBHA are all homeowners and in our discussions on this matter it was clear that each person was also planning to communicate their thoughts on this proposal through the various channels available.

We encourage all members to do the same at the link below.

https://forms.calgary.ca/content/forms/af/public/public/public-submission-to-city-clerks.html

To view or download a copy of the above memo, click here.

To view or download a copy of the letter submitted to the city, click here.

July 26, 2023

We now offer the Mobi-Chair Beach Wheelchair for people who have mobility impairments. The Mobi-Chair provides a seamless transition from hard surface to the beach, and into the water.

How does it work?

• You can find the Mobi-Chair during the summer season at the boathouse, it is available for use until 1 hour before closing time.
• There will be a liability form at the boathouse that will need to be filled out before renting out the Mobi-Chair.
• There is no fee to use the Mobi-Chair. Simply exchange your member card.
• The chair is available for 2-hour time blocks, between 9am and 1 hour before closing time each day, with the last swim time currently starting at 7pm for it to be back by 9pm (subject to change when closing hours change).
• Transitioning into the Mobi-Chair is the responsibility of the users. Staff are not permitted to assist physically. Mobi-chair users must be accompanied by an attendant during transfer to and from the Mobi-Chair and while in the water.
• You can store other mobility accessories at the boathouse or the office (if its open). Personal items should be stored in the lockers located in the main building. Please bring your own lock.

The undersigned parties must adhere to the following requirements of good conduct for safe operation of this unit:

• Beach Wheelchair User is required to always have an Attendant present while in use.
• Although the Mobi-Chair floats, it is not a boat. The sitting position is stable, and you won't slip out of the Mobi-Chair under normal conditions of use. However, for safety reasons, a life jacket is required. The Mobi-Chair is not intended for areas with current or strong waves.
• It is recommended that two people help the use when the chair is in the water.
• Do not leave wheelchair or its occupant unattended.
• Do not use part that can be detached, such as armrests, for support or any other reasons other than intended.
• Beach Wheelchair User or parent/guardian of wheelchair use acknowledges the use of wheelchair by persons over 330lbs may be dangerous.
• Avoid turning suddenly and never try to climb or descend a ramp diagonally. Do not take it on any hills in the park.
• no running while pushing the wheelchair, regardless of if occupied or not. 
• User & Attendant's personal property will be stored at their own risk; LBHA assumes no liability for care. 

June 21, 2023

LBHA has recently installed a bottom diffused aeration system in the lake to improve overall water quality. 

Installed by LBHA staff, the new lake aerators will help reduce and prevent algae, and reduce rooted vegetation growth. Aeration also reduces sedimentation and muck accumulation, reduces odour from the water and increases water clarity. 

The system uses a compressor to pump air into the bottom of the lake where it is broken up into tiny bubbles, visible on the lake surface. As these tiny bubbles rise, they pull water from the bottom of the lake to the surface where it is saturated with oxygen by the wind. This oxygen saturated water circulates to the bottom to replace the water being drawn to the surface by the bubbles. This restores oxygen levels to entire waterbody, and overtime improves fish stock and water quality. 

To avoid damage, please do not swim, play or fish directly in the vicinity of the diffusers.