Lake Life | 2025

THE BRANDON SUN • Lake Life • SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025

» Continued from Page 17

“It’s unfortunate — you never want to see anything happen to

One lady came in and almost had tears in her eyes. She said it was magical.

the lake,” Krieger said of the zebra mussels. “But we’ve been fortunate. I don’t think we were directly impacted.” He emphasized the

Joanne Jessau, owner of Dragon Fly Delights Tea Room

importance of flexibility and attitude in business. “There are always unexpected challenges — but that’s part of the joy of ownership. You face them head-on.” The bakery has seen gradual growth since Krieger took over, including adding patio seating during COVID, but remains rooted in its consistent customer base. “We’re expecting a very busy summer. People plan their year around coming here. For many, it’s their big holiday.” For newcomer Joanne Jessau, owner of the newly opened Dragon Fly Delights Tea Room, zebra mussels weren’t a deterrent. Instead, she entered the Clear Lake market in April 2025 with open eyes and a hopeful heart. “I’ve dreamed of this for 30 years,” she told the Sun. “And now I’m here, terrified and thrilled all at once.” The tea room, with a seating capacity of 50, offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a space she de- signed to feel “like going home to Grandma’s for a hug.” Decorated with lace tablecloths, antiques and seasonal motifs, the space evokes a warm, personal atmosphere, something customers have deeply appreciated. “One lady came in and almost had tears in her eyes. She said it was magical.” Despite being brand new, Jessau is confident the com- munity and visitors will support her. “The lake is open, boats are back, and there’s a strong ‘stay local’ movement. I think we’re going to be extremely busy.” Like others, her biggest challenge so far is staffing. “Finding good people, training, and retaining them — that’s the hardest part,” she said. Still, she credits her “wonderfully independent” team for helping her feel ready for the season ahead. The initial fear around lake access restrictions rattled business confidence and forced owners to re-evaluate their dependence on water-based tourism. Yet what shines through from every business owner is their resilience. Whether they’ve been around for de- cades, like 1929 Dining and Lounge, or just opened this year, like Dragon Fly Delights, there is a shared optimism rooted in community, history and the natural beauty that defines the region. The lake may still bear the scars of ecological invasion, but its surrounding community continues to adapt, evolve and embrace its identity anew. “It’s a beautiful place to hang out. We’re fortunate that people love coming here. We’ll be OK,” Krieger added. Parks Canada spokesperson Shane Robins did not respond to the Sun’s email. » aodutola@brandonsun.com » X: @AbiolaOdutola

Allery Safruk, Sean Frey and Avery Kincaid, Resource Management Technicians with Parks Canada, use an underwater remote operated vehicle to inspect a water-intake area. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

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