KAPOA Mission Statement:
KAPOA is a not for profit, volunteer-based organization that represents the majority interests of property owners surrounding the Madawaska River waterway upstream and downstream from Kamaniskeg Lake. KAPOA endeavours to keep members informed on local “issues” and supply them with information on how to act if they so choose. In addition to reporting on a variety of monitoring programs, KAPOA actively engages members in annual events and fundraisers which encourages a positive social network that benefits the area, its inhabitants and the natural environment.
KAPOA Background:
KAPOA originated in 1971 with a regatta and added a Poker Run event to raise funds for the local hospital in 2013. A KAPOA board of directors is elected annually at the AGM by the members. Our membership draws from an estimated 500+ properties surrounding the Madawaska River from the Bark Lake Dam feeding Kamaniskeg Lake and Barry’s Bay, to Blackfish Bay and Combermere, and from Nageek Lake to Palmer Rapids. KAPOA is a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA) which is the provincial voice for thriving and sustainable waterfronts across Ontario. KAPOA also fosters relationships with neighbouring property owner associations to share challenges and successes.
KAPOA monitors issues important to all members and stakeholders in our area which contains 2 municipalities and 2 forest licensee companies. On occasion, KAPOA communicates concerns, on behalf of its members, to the municipalities of Madawaska Valley, Hastings Highlands and/or other authorities. We issue a Spring and Fall Newsletter and time sensitive bulletins by email as well as share a majority of KAPOA’s communications on the KAPOA website and social media to reach a broader cross section of our membership. Monitoring programs have included and are not limited to: water quality testing, water levels and flows, invasive species, forest harvesting and tending, land claim and local development activities, bylaw changes, and so on.
Please consider joining KAPOA if you are not already a member, and joining the KAPOA Board of Directors, if you would like to make a difference in your community. Contact us at kapoacares@gmail.com and discover what a difference you can make!
