Ontario has some beautiful lakes. One of them is called Chalk Lake. A small lake, no motor boats are allowed. Those who live or cottage on the lake benefit by having less noise and a clearer, cleaner lake – perfect for swimming and canoeing. This is the view from my sister’s home – the lucky lady.
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I have been researching my family geneology and apparently a branch had a farm on Chalk Lake. Their names were James and Margaret Ross and started farming abt. 1840. Is Chalk Lake in the Port Perry region or the old township of Reach?
Chalk Lake is in the old Twp. of Reach.
Thank you for that bit of extra info.
Hi Sharon,
Your family research sounds interesting. Chalk Lake is indeed in the Port Perry region. Sorry, I’m not familiar with the township of Reach or with the old history of the Chalk Lake area. I just know it’s a beautiful place to live.
Hi there,
I was passing by Lakeridge Rd. and had a quick pick at the lake and it looked beutiful. I want to come there with my family for a picnic or something…is there a public park or a public place around the lake?
Hi and thanks for your interest in Chalk Lake. I’ve asked my sister and it seems that the whole lake is private. Other than the homes on the lake, there is a beach area, but it’s padlocked and only available to the area residents.
My wife Arlene & I have lived on Chalk Lake since 1985 and consider it our bit of paradise. You are right. There is no public access to Chalk Lake. The beach lot is administered and maintained by the Rapsey Subdivision Lot Owners Association for the sole benefit of the property owners in the Rapsey subdivision and their guests.
Thanks Bob, for taking the time to make us clear about the privacy policy for Chalk Lake. I’m amazed how many people have written in with interest in that little lake. Either they have happy memories of the place or they’ve seen it as they traveled by. You’re right, you have a bit of paradise to enjoy.
i wish i cud bring my family over to see this beautiful place..but thnks for replying….
Sorry to disappoint you. If the lake ever becomes public (which I doubt), I’ll let you know. The other option is to wait until one of the Chalk Lake properties comes up for sale – which doesn’t happen too often, and purchase it. Then you’ll have your own combination home and cottage in paradise.
It is a beautiful lake that I fished regularly with my long since departed father,years ago…great childhood memories.
I must say it does sadden me to see one of Gods beauitiful creations become a place where only a handful of people can enjoy, as Jesus once so aptly said, money is indeed the route of all evil….alas it is the way of modern man and it is almost impossible to find a place where a man can bring his family for free and enjoy some sunshine and good outdooor times, I am sure God is displeased but I think he’s gotten used to that feeling by now. I pray one day someone with scads of money will buy up the entire place and open it to the children once more, wishful thinking to be sure but I do have hope and faith.
Peace
Rev. James
Please reply. I think that I know where you once fished with your father on Chalk Lake.
Tina, I don’t usually give email addresses out on the site, plus you might end up getting all kinds of spam to your inbox if your email gets harvested. So we’ll hope that Rev. Mann notices your comment and the two of you can connect here instead if that works for you both.
Rev James,
There is another way of looking at this. These fortunate people on chalk lake can be looked at as the chosen protectors of one of gods creations. Unfortunately, not everyone would be so kind and wouldn’t protect this piece of heaven. Perhaps, if someone is interested in a lake that is free of motor boats and no cottages, then you may want to visit Silent Lake. There is a provincial park on the lake. A trail that runs all the way around the lake. As I said, no cottages on the lake. The Provincial Park owns the land all around the lake. It was donated to them by the deceased former owner. This lake also attaches it self to another lake. I believe this lake is called Quiet lake (not sure if that is the correct name)and again no cottages or even a provincial park on that lake. Actually I believe the only access to that lake is by canoe. I also believe that that lake connects yet to another.
Silent Lake is a beautiful place to visit. Very clean and beautiful. While we were there, we took some wonderful hikes on the trails. The wildlife was amazing.
I hope that these people on chalk lake take really good care of this piece of heaven and perhaps Rev. James, you may take a trip to Silent Lake. North East of Lakeridge. Approximately a 2 hour car trip. One of Ontario’s best kept secrets.
Hi Kim, and thank you for letting us know about Silent Lake. Sounds like a beautiful place.
Hi Kim,
Unfortunately my father passed shortly after he wrote this, I only just came across this yesterday while sorting through his computer, he served in WW2 and lost 3 brothers and many friends in that war and he always felt frustrated that they made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and then watched as this freedom was slowly taken away. The needs of the many should out weigh the needs of the few, in the case of Chalk Lake, this is not true, as well as many, many other lakes and natural areas, why should i have to drive 2 hours to spend some quality outdoor time with my family when there are areas so close to home, why? because of money..It’s the way it is unfortunately. My father never lost his faith in God but sadly I can’t say the same for his faith in people but I must stress Chalk Lake is merely an example of a much bigger picture, our country is slipping quickly away from the people and into the hands of money and the government, a slippery slope indeed. He always told me “To gain freedom you must spill blood, and we are just giving it away, to regain it we must spill blood again” History teaches us nothing.I hope the few enjoy the lake that God made for everyone.
Hi Curtis, I’m sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He sounds like he was a good man, although maybe a bit of a revolutionary.
In the case of Chalk Lake, I don’t think it’s a matter of having our freedom taken away or because of money. The reality is that the lake is surrounded by homes, so although it isn’t really a private lake, there is no way to get to it without trespassing on someone’s property. Even the one area that doesn’t have a home and is used by the residents as a swimming area is in fact owned jointly by those residents and they pay for it.
Consider for a minute if you were one of the residents. Would you want people walking through your property to use the lake? Since I don’t live there either but have relatives who do, I can see both sides of the argument.
I believe, because it’s a natural lake it should be enjoyed by all, it should be illegal for people to buy up land around natural wonders and hoard it for themselves, they did not create the lake God (Nature), did, what gives them the right to exclude others and their children from enjoying it?…money and nothing else.
Are people with money the only ones allowed to enjoy Gods gifts?, not vey Christian. There should be a public park and access on these lakes for all to enjoy. If the Lake was paid for and made by the residents I would have no problem in it being private. When my dad was young he made some special memories with his dad fishing Chalk lake, it’s sad that other kids won’t have a chance to make the same memories, yes there are other lakes but why should this one be off the list? Just not right..sorry. There was another I used to fish with my boys called Wagner Lake, a gate has been put up to shut everyone off that lake, just not fair, especially since peoples tax dollars go into ministry management of these lakes.
Regards
Curtis
Curtis
I have passed by this little many times always wanted to fish this lake. Is the lake closed to that aswell ?
Sorry Mike, don’t see how you could fish on Chalk Lake since you can’t access it unless you’re a resident.
I have been looking for a no motor lake for a long time and I have been watching for any listings on Chalk Lake that might come available, We would like to build or retro fit a small cottage for off the grid green living. Does anyone know of an owner that want to sell or an agent that works in this area. Much appreciated for your help,
Cathy
Hi Cathy, You are right. Property on Chalk Lake doesn’t come up for sale very often. Once in a while, a house or land on the other side of Chalk Lake Road becomes available. Although not right on the lake, there is a beach and boat docking area that residents are able to use. These properties are often a little cheaper as well. Just make sure that the property is included in the Chalk Lake owners association to be able to access the private beach area.
I’m afraid I don’t know which real estate agents specialize in that area. But I do know some of the people living around Chalk Lake and I have your gmail address. So don’t be surprised if I email you should one of the owners decide to sell.
Hi Carol, what would qualify a home on the west side of Lake Ridge Rd. directly across from Chalk Lake to become a member of the Lake association.
Hi Mike,
I don’t think there is anything you can do to qualify as a member of the Lake association. When the lake residents buy their properties, they also get a deed to the beachlot. Then they pay yearly membership dues as well. I’m afraid I don’t know how that started, or how the association initially formed. In fact, there are a few houses on Chalk Lake Road on the opposite side that don’t qualify. It’s pretty confusing to me. The easiest way to enjoy the lake is probably to make good friends with your neighbours across the street:)
I became interested in learning more about Chalk Lake after spotting it on a map. It is in an area I enjoy and seemed remote enough to promise peace and quiet. It seems there are many who enjoy its serenity and I will continue to periodically check for listings in the area. In the meantime, have fun there!
i have been trying to fish chalk lake a few times and had no luck. Maybe im using the wrong lures or maybe the lake is to acidic? it is very deep mind you’
would anybody know what kind of fish lurk in chalk lake? so far ive heard rainbow trout and possibly walleye.”though i did see panfish”
my guess is that the lake is to acidic, because i dont see much vegatation in the water i.e weeds,lily pads
ther is very little to non’ of info about chalk lake that i can find,
i would like to know if water quality test have been done lately
Hi Mark, I’m not a fisherman and my sister’s family aren’t either. But they assured me that water quality tests were recently done on Chalk Lake and the ecoli is less than 1%. As for acidic, I’m afraid I have no idea what you mean by that.
I’ve been told that there are no rainbow trout in the lake, but there are walleye and bass. Keep trying and better luck with your fishing this year. Wonder if anyone ever ice fishes on Chalk Lake? I’ll have to find out.
ice fishes chalk lake”. funny you say that, because i have’. Ive taken my St.bernard with me on the ice for a few hrs. fishing’ no luck lol,.
Though i do get the impression that fishing is like committing a crime on this lake?
Ive recently recieved a note on my truck by a neighbor of chalk lake asking to call a person by the name of kevin?
I dont want to call him’ im just afraid that he’ll argue his preach of no fishing!
from a naturalist point of view- i think its a shame that i have to feel this way.
Mark,
lf you have deeded access too Chalk Lake then fish your heart out. There is such a thing as fish n release ! also it’s a good practise for residents of the lake too monitor the fish population for size & quality. With limited algae & fish food it’s important too document your catches in the event of a declining population . The MNR can always restock if numbers get too low.
l’ve researched the Lake at the Lands registry office in Whitby , it is assigned a pin number but my understanding is that it relates too right of way access too the Lake by the individual land owners but does not constitute actual owership of the lake. Therefore no one individual has a right too enforce whether you fish it or not.
l live across the road from the lake and have permission from my neighbour too scuba dive the greater depths….. we are trying too locate the horse drawn wagon that went through the ice many years ago , among other things over time.
Thanks so much Mike for clarifying this for us. I know that my sister and her family have deeded access, but they aren’t fisherman so I couldn’t find out too much. I would love to hear more about this horse drawn wagon that went through the ice. Sounds very interesting.
Hi Carol
l don’t know the exact year but as the story goes a woman was driving a team of horses and wagon over the ice on Chalk Lake and went through, they were never found. The exact location is a mystery. We are a group of professional divers that would like to explore & map the lake bottom for points of interest. There is probably an abundance of history just underneath the surface yet too be explored. If your sister would give us permission too enter the Lake via her proerty or access we would gladly explore the lake bottom out of interest. Let me know
Mike
Thanks for the story Mike. I think I’d like to do some research on that and see what I can find out myself. If my sister wants to be involved I’ll let you know. Either way, good luck with it and please keep us posted.
Thanks for this picture! My family owned a lakefront cottage here when I was growing up… I believe it’s Pickering Township (in answer to Sharon so long ago) — I live in California now and have not been back since my childhood but this remains my very favourite spot on the entire earth. Many happy memories, I knew many of the locals.
I’m glad you enjoyed the picture. I have lots more where that came from. I think Chalk Lake is a favourite spot for many people and is still probably a lot like you remember it, although there may be more homes on the lake now than there were years ago. Maybe one day you’ll get a chance to visit again.
Carol
Carol: one more question – can you please ask your sister for the address of the Rapsey Subdivision Lot Owners Association for me? I’d like to write them a letter.
Thank you so much in advance for your kindness. My email address should be visible to you.
I’ll try to find out that information for you and will be in touch.
Carol
Anna, I asked my sister and she wasn’t aware of an address for the Lot Owners Association. But if you want to either email or send it to me, I will pass it on and she can hand it to the current president at the next association meeting.
Hi Carol,
Nice to meet you.
I’ve taken an interest in property on Chalk Lake as well.
Could you please advise me of any neighbours on lake property interested in selling? I have two young boys who would love to build family memories around such a special spot close to our home in the city.
Thank you very much!
Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you. I’ll keep my ears open for lake properties. I am also in the process of moving all of the Chalk Lake info to its own website since there is so much interest. So look for lots more photos and information in the near future.
Hello everyone. My wife and I reside across the road from Chalk Lake and have listed & sold numerous properties on the lake over the years. I have been in the area for 17 yrs and I’m very familiar with Chalk Lake. I’ve been the owner of Sutton Group Status Realty Inc.in Oshawa for 21 years and I am happy to offer information to anyone who may be interested in moving to the area. As someone mentioned, properties seldom become available on the lake and it is truly a jewel. My wife and I are friends with many of the residents and as such have gotten to know a great deal about the lake and the area. I’m happy to have found this blog and will visit and post as I have information that is of interest. I have enjoyed reading all your posts. I also wanted to mention what a great job Mike has done in discovering things about the lake that many of us have wondered about since we moved to the area. Mike’s article in the Scugog Standard was insightful.
Hi Harry, and thanks for dropping in to the blog. As you’ve probably noticed, Chalk Lake is near and dear to a number of people, my family included. Watch for some big changes in the future.
Hello–my husband and I live in Greenwood and have long been interested in purchasing property on Chalk Lake should it come available; we do have friends who are residents on the Lake who keep an eye open for us re available property but having seen your blog I thought I would ask you keep your eye open for us as well.
thank you! Cathie McDavid
Hi Cathie, and welcome to the blog. I’ve always wanted to visit Greenwood since I have a married daughter with that last name. As well as posting your comment here, please visit the new blog at http://www.chalklake.ca since that is where any property sales will be posted. And depending what you are looking for, I may know of someone myself.
Hello Carol, I wanted to respond to the visitor Marlowe Stone who asked about properties for sale in the area. I currently know of one, but have no way of contacting her directly, so I’ll leave my contact info on this post. She may contact me anytime as this is my email hhayes.golf@gmail.com
It’s really beautiful up here tonight. Everything is covered with a dusting of fresh snow and with the lights of the ski hills you can enjoy the view at night. I have a motion sensor camera and got some great coyote and wild turkey photos this week, but I have no way of sharing them here, so I’ll post them to my blog at http://harrysrealestate.wordpress.com Hope you have an opportunity to enjoy them.
Harry Hayes
area resident
Thanks for the update Harry. When I transfer the posts to the new Chalk Lake site, I’ll add your comments as well.
Hi Everyone My wife,Elfie has just started writing a blog about our lives here in Chalk Lake Valley. I hope you enjoy it.
The address is:
http://citymousecountryhouse.wordpress.com
Happy to hear that Harry. It looks like a nice site and I love the history aspect.
Interesting that the public is not allowed on this lake and the Ministry of Natural Resources stocks this so called private lake with taxpayer dollars…
Hi Jerry,
You may be right and your comment could open a can of worms here, but I’m afraid I don’t know whether our tax dollars are involved in anything to do with Chalk Lake or not. All I know is that there is an owner’s association that meets to discuss anything to do with the lake. Maybe one of my readers who is also a resident could tell us a bit more.
the lake is not private the people that live their just act like it is the mnr stocks for the public
I’m afraid I don’t know anything about that Bryan, but thanks for telling us. Maybe someone else will pipe in with more information.
the only way to find out info about this lake is from the mnr their is not much info on the web about this lake , and any fishers that come on this page wanting to fish chalk lake the best info i found so far was on an ipod/iphone app called (i fish ontario) this app is mad by bob izumi and i highly dout that bob iznmi would fish this lake if it were private. on the downside how you would go about fishing the lake is the problem considering the lake is lined with cottages/houses and the areas that arent seem to be lined with with marsh and forest. which would be very dificult to launch a canoe or kayak as it would be far from the road to me the best bet is walk through the forest untill u find a good enough spot from shore to fish cause i dout any of theese people will let you launch from their property.
Just read over some of the comments.
First off there is no such thing as a private lake in ontario. Anyone is allowed to fish any lake they want to. You can not own a lake no one has a deed that owns water. You however can own property around a lake. That being said if someone were to get to this lake without crossing over private property they are allowed to use it. You can not kick someone off a lake because you own a property on it. Anyone who does try that have them call the police and they will inform you of that. I have fished many so called private lakes and have never had an issue other then some goon trying to tell me he owns the lake. I tell them call the cops and they will sort it out. I have never been forced to leave as I never trespass. If you have an ontario fishing liscence you can fish anywhere that is not conservation as long as you do not trespass and follow all the MNR regulations.
Although you are probably right, Adam, how would anyone get on the lake without trespassing?
To all my readers, I will not post personal emails from any of my readers. If you want to be contacted by someone, please email me at carol@ canadianwelcome.ca and I will forward your message to the appropriate party. Once you have had an initial comment approved, the next one will publish automatically, so please note that if your email is included in the comment itself, it might end up being published.