Community members who attended HBCA’s Nature’s Calling were able to receive updated information about advocacy for the health of Lake Winnipeg from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and concerns about Aquatic Invasive Species from the Provincial Biologist AIS. 

Lake Winnipeg Foundation
Alexis Kanu, Executive Director for the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (LWF) shared the importance of continued advocacy from individuals for the health of Lake Winnipeg. Winnipeg’s largest sewage treatment plant, the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, continues be non-compliant with the 1 mg/L phosphorus limit set out in its provincial operating licence. Excess phosphorus negatively impacts the health of Lake Winnipeg. This is the time for concerned citizens to engage the candidates in the upcoming provincial election to ask:

• When will phosphorus compliance be achieved?
• How much will it cost?
• Who is going to pay for it?

At the federal level, LWF is advocating for investment in evidence-based phosphorus reduction that achieves measurable results as part of renewed federal funding plan for Lake Winnipeg through the Freshwater Action Plan. Concerned citizens can engage with their Members of Parliament and Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, thanking them for renewed funding, and reminding them of the importance of using this funding for greatest impact. Please visit https://lakewinnipegfoundation.org for more information, including advocacy language you can use in your message.

Thank you to Marlo Campbell and Kendi Dyck from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation for the 1:1 conversations and advocacy materials that were made available for our community. Note that Lake Winnipeg Foundation will be providing information at East Beaches Thursday, July 27th at 7 p.m.

Aquatic Invasive Species
Candace Parks, Biologist Aquatic Invasive Species, Province of Manitoba, opened our eyes to concerns for Lake Winnipeg’s health that goes beyond zebra mussels. Spiny waterflea is another aquatic invasive species that is in Lake Winnipeg. Candace provided our community with a “view” of the different stages of the zebra mussel and spiny water flea. The impact of these aquatic invasive species is devastating on the ecosystem of the lake.  Candace shared there are other AIS not far from our area that pose risk to Lake Winnipeg.  
What can we do?
Clean, drain and dry

• If you use a motorized or non motorized watercraft (canoe, kayak, SUP, paddles etc.) or water related equipment (anchors, life jackets, fishing rods etc.) in Lake Winnipeg, you must, clean, drain and dry and go through an inspection station before going into another body of water. IT IS THE LAW. https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/spread/watercraft_inspection.html
• Inspect your craft/toy/lifejacket/fishing rod etc. for plants and rough surfaces (could be a small zebra mussel). Use a towel to remove. Towel must completely dry. Discard at the boat launch or shoreline. 
• Ensure there is no water in/on your water craft or water related equipment.

Candace provided us with an opportunity to “find” areas on watercraft/water related equipment where there were hidden facsimiles of “AIS.”  We inspected a motor boat, jet ski, kayak, paddles, water shoes, kids floating toys, paddles, SUP, and fishing rod. Thanks to HBCA members, Greg and Verna Dawn, Ross, Deborah, and Lynnette for bringing items for Candace to hide AIS. 
Please visit https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/index.html for more information. Take the time to learn and prevent being fined.

Thank you to all community members who came to the Nature’s Calling event on June 24th and shared their ideas with us. With your help we are one step closer to enhancing the
existing trails and paths through the community. Thank you to the RM of Alexander for
supporting this effort with grant funds.

The trail update project is a multi-year project. We plan to enhance 8-10 existing trails in the
community this season with direction signs, access information and an Adopt a Trail community member. View the Adopt a Trail brochure.

15 nesting boxes will be ready to put up on the trails soon. Thanks to Rod Birch for preparing
the packages of nesting boxes during the winter for the HBCA. Thanks to Laurie Wasiuta for
volunteering time at the Nature’s Calling event.

The Trail Project committee invites members from our community to join us as we move forward on our project. Please contact us at [email protected].

The Hillside Beach Annual Yard Sale is Sunday August 6, from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM. The Rainbow auction (License #: LGCA 8404 RF 40894) is back this year! Checkout the prize packages.
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Reserve a site online and have the option to set-up in our reserved area at the front of the selling area. 

• $20 per site for HBCA members in good standing.
• $25 per site for non-members. 
• A limited number of tables are available to rent for an additional $10.​

We are hosting “Nature’s Calling” at Charlie Wall Park, 38069 Hillside Beach Road on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m.
The event is open to everyone!

• 11:00 a.m. Guest Speakers will be Lake Winnipeg Foundation: Alexis Kanu and Marlo Campbell.  Here is your opportunity to learn how to play a part in the preservation of Lake Winnipeg. How dangerous are the algal blooms? A presentation will be followed by a Q and A.
• 12:00 p.m.  Candace Parks, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Province of Manitoba. A demonstration will be given for cleaning watercraft and water related equipment. 
• The Coalition to Save Lake Winnipeg will be available with additional information from other Allied Organizations. 

Trail project
Find out more about the Hillside Beach Trail Proposal and build a nesting box for birds to be placed on the trail. HBCA membership required for a free opportunity to build a box. 

Bring your own lawn chair. Coffee and water free for those with reusable cups/containers.

The HBCA wants to give a big thank you to everyone who supported the second annual drive-in movie night. We set an attendance record with over 120 people.

Thank you to all the members of the HBCA board who volunteered throughout the night.

​Thank you to our movie night supporters
East Shore Realty, Wayne's Backhoe, Sunset Spray, Blue Water Lawn and DMD Electric.

Tickets are $25 per car. Maximum six people per car. Buy a ticket.

• Beaches Sugar Shack will be onsite for all your snack needs!
• Sound will be transmitted from an FM signal from your radio, and speakers (so you can sit outside the vehicle if you want).

When
Sunday, September 4th at dusk - approximately 8:30 p.m. at Charlie Wall Park.

Arrival time
Between 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Thank you to our movie night supporters
East Shore Realty, Wayne's Backhoe, Sunset Spray, Blue Water Lawn and DMD Electric.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Hillside Beach yard sale on Saturday - both sellers and attendees. We were thrilled to host this event for the first time since 2019.

​Thank you to Lori at the Hillside Beach Store and Eatery for donating the face painter and wieners for the hot dogs.

Thank you to our volunteers - we couldn't have done it without you. Thanks again!

​We received a lot of feedback throughout the day and look forward to making next year an even better event.

Your HBCA hosted the first Family Fun Day since 2019. You may have noticed the event was very well attended - maybe too well attended - as we unfortunately ran out of food. We apologize to everyone who was disappointed - we will make sure to stock up a little more for future events.

Thanks to volunteers
We wanted to thank everyone who volunteered at Family Fun Day. We appreciate people taking time out of their day and helping put on this event with us. People have been extremely positive with their comments and the day was a great success... and the volunteers played a large part in that success!​

Help us get better
Please take a minute and fill out our 2022 Family Fun Day feedback form.

Family Fun Day is Saturday July 2, starting at 10:30 AM, at Charlie Wall Park.

There will be games, races, prizes, and freezies. When the hunger hits, there will be a barbecue where you can buy hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks.

Volunteers are always welcomed. If you would like to help out, take a look at the volunteer opportunities and sign up.

The soccer camp has been cancelled for 2022. Full refunds will be given to all who registered.
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The camp will be held July 25 - July 29 at Charlie Wall Park. Free Jersey with Early Registration. Available for ages 3-16:

• Tiny Tykes group (3-5 yrs) 8 - 9 AM, $90
• Half a day camp (5-16 yrs) 9 AM - 12 PM, $154
• Full day camp (7-16 yrs) 9 AM - 3 PM, $200

The camps are fun and developmental environment. Our industry experts have crafted an approach which uses methodologies from all around the world to truly reflect the global nature of the sport today.

Using age appropriate practices to help players develop at their own pace, learn brand new skills and become an all-round better player, while having an amazing time with our international coaching staff!