This little map, taken from the Heritage Map of the Township of Rideau Lakes,  shows all the access roads to Otter Lake along with their Township numbers. It demonstrates some of the confusion that exists with duplicate numbering. Note that roads numbered O1, O2, O3 and O4 are duplicated. O1 and O2 are accessed from Otter Lake Road, but there are also 2 short roads also numbered O1 and O2 that are accessed from Highway 15. There is a road O3 accessed from Otter Lake Road and another off of Briton Houghton Bay Road. One road O4 is accessed from Otter Lake Road and the other from Sugar Bush Hill Road. Also be aware that Sugar Bush Hill Road accesses road O8. This duplication resulted when the Wards of South Emsley, South Burgess and Bastard were amalgamated into the new Township of Rideau Lakes. Click on the image to see more detail.

     On the right is a composite of a series of aerial photographs of Otter Lake taken sometime in 1953. Notice the almost total absence of development around the lake shore. There were still quite extensive forested areas close to the shoreline, however there was considerably more farming activity being carried out quite close to the lake back in the early '1950s. Nonetheless, if you know the lake and if you look carefully, you can clearly identify familiar islands and bays. Despite it's age these photographs are of extremely good quality. If you click on the image you will be able to increase the resolution and much more detail will be visible. Be aware that the high resolution image is 2 Mb in size. These photographs were generously made available by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
     The aerial photograph below left, which is also courtesy of RVCA, but probably originated from the National Air Photo Library in Ottawa is more recent. It was taken in early April, 1976 and clearly shows the state of the lake as the ice is beginning to break. Most of the surrounding area is still snow covered, but agricultural land and forest can be distinguished. Barker's Creek and Otter Creek can be clearly seen becuse both were no longer frozen over when the photograph was taken. While shoreline detail is more difficult to see because of the extensive snow and ice covering, there is definitely more development on the lake and many of the access roads can be seen.This photograph is particularly interesting in that because it was taken just before the ice went off the lake. It shows areas that are prone to flooding in the spring. The properties accessed by roads 09 and 010 (bottom center) are almost on an island depending on the lake water level. Again click on the image to view the aerial photograh at high resolution.

     In marked contrast the satellite image shown on the right was put together from a series of Google Earth images taken in the summer in July 2005. Most of the differences from the preceeding aerial photographs are very obvious. There is extensive development of the shoreline area. All of the current access roads are clearly visible. The varying depths of water in the lake can also be distinguished along with many of the of the shoals and shallow areas can also be seen. Remember the summer of 2005 was when the water level in the lake was extremely low. There are also a couple of boats visible on the lake
     Once again if you click in the center of the image you will be able to view the image at much higher resolution. Also, from the low resolution image above you will probably also be able to find your cottage or home. If you click on the shoreline region where you know your property is located you will be able to view the satellite image at maximum resolution that will enable you to see your property. You may even be able to see your car parked in the driveway and even your dock and watercraft quite clearly!

All images on this web site courtesy of the Franks family.
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Last update February 2009