Living on Lake Fanning, the Past, Present & Future

     In 1978, my husband and I decided to move back to Yarmouth, where we were born.. Finding the property was difficult, because we wanted water  frontage and an isolated spot with not too much traffic. We finally found our land located on a lake and built our home on the Perry Road in Carleton in 1979.  We had two children at the time and we had a third child that year. We also wanted an area where our pets could run freely and not have to worry about traffic. We were looking towards the future for ourselves, our kids and grandchildren. We all enjoy  swimming, canoeing, kyaking fishing, etc. on the water.

        It turned out to be the perfect spot for us.  In the summer, the tree branches meet together over the road  and form a beautiful tunnel to drive through and in the winter, it is a winter wonderland.

     We have enjoyed many years of friends and relatives coming out for visits  and all have enjoyed our lake tremendously.  My oldest daughter was married on our front yard and it was a beautiful ceremony.

     In 2006, we first noticed that the lake had little "flecks of dandruff" in it. We weren't that concerned thinking that it was probably just pollen from the trees.

     In 2007, the lake was worse, and we found a letter in the door one day, saying that we should not be using the water, as it may be  unsafe.  It was from the Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division, Yarmouth District Office, signed by Stephen Ferguson, CPHI©, Inspector Specialist dated July 10,2007.

     Quote  “N.S. Environment and Labour has been alerted to the presence of a algae bloom on Lake Fanning.  We are currently investigating the situation to determine the type of algae bloom and presence  of any related toxins.  It is recommended that you cease use of the lake water for bathing, recreational, consumption and cooking purposes.  Lake water should not be used as a source of drinking water or for cooking or personal hygiene at any time.  Boiling the water will not remove the toxin if present.”

     On July 25, 2007 we received another letter stating” Our result did not indicate the presence of microcystin in the water . It was their opinion and the Medical Office of Health that it  is safe to resume use of the water in Lake Fanning for recreational and bathing purposes.  If the algae returns use of the water for these purposes should be discontinued.  Nova Scotia Environment and Labour does not recommend recreational use of any waters currently experiencing an algae bloom.  Lake water should not be used as a source of  drinking water or for cooking or personal hygiene at any time.”

     The letter was signed by Stephen Ferguson.        

      No in-depth investigation was done as to the source of the problem .

     Everyone knows the future from here.  Here we are 2013 and things can’t get any worse, water wise.

      Time passes, and all our children are grown up and moved away. They haven’t forgotten their childhood and all want to live on a lake as this is what they grew up with.

        The lake is now unfit for any usage, We have to keep our dog out of it afraid that he might drink it, or cause some skin condition from swimming in it. Our grandchildren come every summer and they always ask "Is the lake still sick?" and I always have to answer "yes". Our oldest grandson remembers being able to swim in it, it is quite confusing for them to understand what has happened.   We built their swings and play area down by the lake so it's hard to keep the little ones out.  Water is water to them, and all kids love to play in water.

        Our legacy is now worth nothing. We always hoped the children  and grandchildren would have a "camp" to come home to when we are gone. Our kids have many wonderful memories of growing up on the Perry Road. They will probably sell it in the future. 

                                                      M & S