The purpose of this Cottager’s Code for the Greater Molega Lake Lot Owners Association is not to dictate how people should live, but to encourage a shared respect for the values that make our lakes so special. By embracing these principles, we can help preserve the natural beauty, serenity, and unique character of this remarkable place for generations to come.

Though cottages line our shorelines and the waterways connect through rivers and streams, the Molega Lakes remain largely pristine, offering a peacefulness that is becoming increasingly rare in cottage country. Clean air, thriving forests, abundant wildlife, natural shorelines, dark night skies, and the haunting call of the loons are all part of what makes this area so extraordinary.

Protecting these qualities requires the thoughtful stewardship of every property owner and guest. This Cottager’s Code highlights practices that help safeguard the tranquility, beauty, and spirit of our lakes, ensuring Molega remains a place to relax, reconnect, and truly escape.

 

Molega Cottager’s Code
 

Protecting a Special Place for Generations to Come

It is the shared hope of all who know and love Molega and its surrounding lakes that this extraordinary place remains as wild, peaceful, and beautiful for future generations as it is today. Members of the Greater Molega Lake Lot Owners Association are encouraged to embrace a spirit of stewardship, respect, and community, recognizing our shared responsibility to protect the lakes, forests, wildlife, and tranquility that make Molega so special.
 

By caring for this land and water today, we help ensure its natural beauty endures for those who follow.
 

1. Stewardship of the Land and Water
 

Every effort should be made to preserve the natural beauty of Molega and surrounding lakes, including its forests, shorelines, and crystal-clear waters.

Property owners and guests are encouraged to:

• Preserve the natural shoreline and wilderness character of the lakes by limiting tree removal, extensive landscaping, lawn development, and other changes that urbanize the shoreline.
• Ensure septic systems are properly maintained and functioning as intended to protect water quality.
• Avoid the use of fertilizers, chemicals, soaps, shampoos, or other products that may enter the lakes and impact aquatic ecosystems.
• Respect the wildlife that calls this area home and help protect the habitats that support it.
• Exercise extreme caution with campfires and outdoor burning, and always comply with current fire restrictions issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.
 

2. Preserving Peace and Quiet
 

One of Molega’s most treasured qualities is its peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere. Every property owner has the right to quietly enjoy their surroundings.

To help preserve this tranquility, property owners and guests are encouraged to:

• Keep music, gatherings, and other activities at a respectful volume, particularly during evening and nighttime hours when sound carries across the water.
• Be mindful that noise travels farther over lakes and may impact neighbours near and far.
• Operate generators, equipment, and recreational vehicles thoughtfully and only when necessary.
 

3. Respectful Use of Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft
 

Boating, exploring, and enjoying the outdoors are part of life at Molega, and with that comes a shared responsibility for safety and respect.

Property owners and guests are encouraged to:

• Operate boats, personal watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles responsibly, safely, and in accordance with all applicable laws and manufacturer guidelines.
• Observe shoreline speed restrictions and maintain safe distances from swimmers, docks, shorelines, and other water users.
• Avoid excessive speed, wake, or unnecessary noise that may disturb others or damage shorelines.
• Help preserve the peaceful character of the lakes by operating all motorized equipment with courtesy and common sense.
 

4. Protecting Dark Skies
 

The stars above Molega are part of what makes this place unforgettable.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum.
• Avoid bright spotlights or lighting that shines across the lake or onto neighboring properties.
• Turn lights off when not needed, preserving both the natural nightscape and wildlife habitat.
 

5. Responsible Cottage & Property Stewardship
 

Caring for Your Property. Protecting Our Lakes.

Living at Molega comes with the privilege of enjoying one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful and unspoiled lake communities. With that privilege comes a shared responsibility to maintain our properties in ways that protect water quality, wildlife, neighboring properties, and the long-term health of our environment.
 

Property owners and guests are encouraged to observe the following best practices:

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On-Site Sewage Systems

Properly maintained septic systems are essential to protecting the clean, clear waters of Molega and surrounding lakes.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Ensure all septic installations or modifications comply with requirements set by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change
• Use only qualified professionals for installation, inspection, and maintenance
• Pump septic tanks regularly, typically every 3 to 5 years, depending on occupancy and usage
• Practice responsible water use to support long-term system performance
 

Drinking Water & Water Supply

Safe, reliable drinking water is an important part of cottage ownership.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Use certified contractors when installing private wells
• Test well water regularly for quality and safety
• Consider cistern systems where appropriate as an alternative water source
• Protect wells and water supplies from runoff, contamination, and surface water intrusion
 

Heating Systems & Spill Prevention

Seasonal and year-round properties can present unique challenges when unoccupied.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Regularly inspect oil tanks, fuel lines, and heating systems
• Take steps to reduce the risk of leaks, spills, vandalism, or theft
• Follow all provincial safety guidelines for fuel storage and heating systems
 

Waste Management

Keeping Molega clean is a responsibility shared by everyone.

Property owners and guests are encouraged to:

• Properly sort and dispose of garbage, recycling, and compost according to municipal guidelines
• Secure waste to prevent wildlife interactions
• Never burn, dump, or leave waste on roadsides, shorelines, or green spaces
 

Shoreline Development & Natural Protection

The natural shoreline is one of Molega’s greatest treasures.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Minimize shoreline disturbance whenever possible
• Retain natural vegetation to help prevent erosion and runoff
• Carefully plan driveways, drainage, landscaping, and construction to protect nearby waterways
• Seek appropriate approvals before undertaking shoreline, dock, culvert, bridge, or watercourse projects
 

Protecting Our Waterways

Even small changes to the land can impact the lakes we all enjoy.

Property owners are encouraged to:

• Prevent sediment, soil, chemicals, fuels, soaps, fertilizers, or other contaminants from entering lakes, streams, wetlands, or drainage areas
• Understand that direct or indirect impacts to waterways may require provincial approvals
• Take extra care during excavation, roadwork, landscaping, or construction projects near water

Need More Information?

Provincial regulations, qualified contractors, and additional environmental resources are available through the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change and your local municipality.

 

6. A Shared Responsibility

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Protecting Molega is not the responsibility of one person, but of all who live here, visit here, and love this place.

By following the spirit of this Cottager’s Code, we help preserve the wild beauty, quiet waters, thriving forests, abundant wildlife, and timeless tranquility that make Molega and its surrounding lakes truly special... a place where minds are refreshed, spirits are calmed, and generations can continue to create lasting memories.
 

7. Community, Courtesy & Being a Good Neighbour
 

The Molega Way

Molega is more than a collection of properties... it’s a community built on mutual respect, shared stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the peaceful lifestyle that brings us all here. Whether you live here year-round or visit seasonally, every owner, family member, guest, and visitor helps shape the experience for others.
 

To help preserve the spirit of Molega, property owners and guests are encouraged to:

Respect Quiet Hours

Peace and quiet are part of what makes cottage life so special.

• Please respect quiet hours as outlined by the Region of Queens Municipality, with particular consideration between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM
• Be mindful that sound travels exceptionally well across water, especially during evening and nighttime hours

Respect Your Neighbours

• Respect the privacy, property, and peaceful enjoyment of those around you
• Remember that people choose Molega for its serenity, natural beauty, and slower pace of life

Respect Wildlife

• This is home not only to us, but to the many species that live here year-round
• Observe wildlife from a respectful distance and help protect their natural habitats

Keep Our Beaches Safe & Natural

• Designated beaches are intended for swimming, relaxing, and family enjoyment
• Motorized vehicles are not permitted on beach areas

Drive With Care

• The posted speed limit on Association-maintained roads is 35 km/h
• Please drive cautiously and watch for children, walkers, cyclists, pets, and wildlife, especially during the summer months

Protect the Environment

• Dispose of garbage, recycling, and compost responsibly using designated collection areas
• Maintain septic systems regularly and never dispose of sewage or waste in wooded areas or near waterways
• Help keep Molega as clean and pristine as you found it

Use Shared Facilities Respectfully

• Designated boat launches are provided for launching and retrieving watercraft
• Please move vehicles and trailers promptly after launching, as parking is not available at launch areas

Build Community

• Take time to get to know your neighbours
• Molega has always been a community where people look out for one another, lend a hand when needed, and help watch over each other’s properties
 

Need Assistance?

If you have questions, concerns, or need guidance, please reach out to your Chapter Director. We’re here to help and to support the continued strength of our community.