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FALL UPDATES FOR ONTARIO'S
WATERFRONT COMMUNITIES
| A quick roundup of the latest resources, member updates, and news affecting Ontario's lakes, cottages, and waterfront communities. | | A message from the CEO to Members: | |
There is so much happening over the coming weeks!
Watch your inbox for some important updates and notices from our Membership Coordinator, about our "last call" for Board Directors, upcoming events including the FOCA Fall Seminar, Cottage Succession Seminar Series, and Fall Cottage Life show.
I hope you will apply on behalf of your FOCA member association, for the 2026 FOCA Terry Rees Achievement Award - see more details, below.
Also be sure to read until the end for a loving tribute to a special cottage companion.
Regards,
Lesley Lavender
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FOCA Fall Seminar:
The View from the Dock
Coming up in November! FOCA's virtual Fall Seminar for Associations, The View from the Dock, is happening Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
With the event just a few weeks away, now is a great time to secure your spot!
Join FOCA leaders and guest experts as we explore topics including road salt impacts, rodenticides – from poison to prevention, the Hydro One Barrie-Sudbury transmission line proposal, feature on float homes, Lake Partner Program news, member offers and benefits, including Cottage Life magazine, and an introduction to the NEW Community Spaces experience for members.
Registration: $55 for FOCA members | $85 for non-members
FOCA member registration includes one free webinar link for an attendee under age 30!
Register below today and join the conversation.
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Help FOCA Keep Ontario's Lakes Strong
As the cottage season winds down, our commitment to Ontario’s lakes and waterfront communities continues year-round.
FOCA works to support waterfront communities, advocate for healthy lakes, and ensure the voices of Ontario’s cottagers are heard. Your donation helps make this work possible.
As we head into the final months of the year, please consider supporting FOCA with a donation. Every contribution helps us continue protecting the lakes, shorelines, and communities we all value for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of the FOCA community—and for helping keep Ontario’s lakes healthy for generations to come.
| | | SAVE THE DATE! - FOCA Spring Seminar & AGM | |
Save the date for the FOCA Spring Seminar and Annual General Meeting! Saturday, March 6, 2027 - in person at Tosca Banquet Hall (Hwy401 @ Oshawa) and by Zoom webinar. Plan to join us for an all-day hybrid event of community engagement, expert speakers, member support, and knowledge sharing.
Please note our new in-person location this year. Details will follow in future editions of the FOCA Newsletter.
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Give us YOUR feedback: FOCA experience survey
Please take a moment to provide us with YOUR impressions in our 2026 FOCA Experience Survey, then share the link below with fellow waterfront enthusiasts. The survey will take less than five minutes and is open until November 29, 2026. Thank you for your feedback!
| | | | | Apply NOW for the FOCA Achievement Award | |
It's time to nominate your FOCA-member association for the 2026 FOCA Terry Rees Achievement Award, which will be presented at the 2027 AGM. If you've had a success this year, we want to help you celebrate!
We've extended this year's nomination deadline to November 27.
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Ontario Water Recreation Survey
Help FOCA better understand your knowledge of invasive species in Ontario, and help inform future programs and communications in promoting Clean, Drain, Dry practices. Together, we can help protect Ontario’s lakes, rivers, and natural environments from the spread of invasive species in our freshwater lakes! Click the image to fill out our anonymous survey.
| | | TRENDING @ONTARIOCOTTAGERS | | Our community is talking about this... | |
Protecting Ontario's Lakes: A Community Priority
Our recent post highlighting FOCA's 2026 Municipal Election Priority #1: Protect Lakes, Shorelines and the Environment has reached over 3,100 views, with 32 interactions and 23 shares on our social platforms!
The post highlights the importance of healthy lakes and shorelines, and encourages communities to consider issues such as water quality, invasive species, septic systems, and watershed planning when engaging with municipal candidates.
Earlier this week, Municipal representatives were elected across Ontario. To learn more about your Mayor and Councillors for the coming 4-year term, consult stats from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Enjoyed this update? Like and share this post and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to help keep more Ontario waterfront communities informed.
| | | Building or Renovating a Cottage | |
Whether you’re considering a small renovation project or the full build of a new cottage, start planning for your insurance before construction starts. Use our resource below as a starting point for cottage owners preparing for upcoming construction projects. It’s especially important to have your Builder’s Risk or Course of Construction coverage in place before any work begins.
Planning a project for next spring and have questions about insurance? Stop by the FOCA booth at the Cottage Life Show November 13-15th and speak with a member of our Cade Associates team!
Before you take on any projects, read all our tips on cottage renovation.
Read more..
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An update from our partners in risk management - administrators of the FOCA Association Insurance Program and CottageFirst group insurance for cottagers
| | | Financial Assistance Following Spring Flooding | |
Ontario has activated disaster recovery assistance for designated areas affected by April 2026 flooding.
Eligible residents and organizations should review the program requirements and local application deadlines.
Review eligibility..
| | | From Spring to Fall: Recognizing Invasive Phragmites | |
Invasive Phragmites, also known as European Common Reed, is a plant that spreads quickly, competing with native vegetation for space, water, and nutrients. It can grow up to five metres tall, forming dense stands that threaten biodiversity.
As the seasons change, so does its appearance. Learning what to look for throughout the growing season can help you recognize potential infestations.
Think you've spotted invasive Phragmites? Report your sighting through EDDMapS to help support early detection and monitoring efforts across Ontario.
Report a Sighting Here..
| | | MEMBER SPOTLIGHT & UPDATES | | FOCA on Fireside with The Cottage Almanac | |
Hear from FOCA'S CEO, Lesley Lavender, in a conversation about tips and the issues affecting Ontario’s lakes and waterfront communities.
Watch here..
| | | Early Detection Matters: Grass Carp Found in Welland River | | | | |
During routine surveillance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) captured two Grass Carp in Ontario’s Welland River. Testing later confirmed both were fertile males, meaning they are capable of reproducing.
Grass Carp are not established in Canadian waters, making early detection and reporting especially important. Keep an eye out while on the water and report suspected invasive species through EDDMapS, a citizen science platform that helps track invasive species sightings.
See DFO’s Facebook post
| | What's Happening Beneath The Ice? | |
Winter may look quiet on Ontario’s lakes, but research from Trent University’s Dr. Maggie Xenopoulos shows there’s plenty happening beneath the ice.
As winters become shorter and ice cover less predictable, these changes could have lasting effects on water quality, algae growth and lake ecosystems throughout the year.
Discover what scientists are learning about the season we may have been overlooking.
Read the full story..
| |  | Firesmart This Fall: Small Actions Add Up | |
Fall cleanup is a great opportunity to make your waterfront property more FireSmart.
As you rake leaves, clear gardens and prepare the cottage for the colder months, take some time to remove dry leaves, needles and other combustible debris from around your home, cottage, deck and outbuildings. Keeping these areas clear can help reduce potential fuel for wildfire.
A little work this fall can help leave your property better prepared for next wildfire season.
More information
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Cottage Succession Webinar -
Top Five Planning Mistakes
Join us on November 23 at 7:00 p.m. For our next Cottage Succession webinar, featuring lawyer Peter Lillico of Lilllico Bazuk Galloway Halka. Peter will be explore the five most common planning mistakes cottage owners make and share insights to help families avoid costly oversights and plan for the future of their cottage.
Whether you're just beginning to think about succession or already have a plan in place, this session offers an opportunity to gain valuable insight and make more informed decisions.
| | | | | | Protect Your Cottage Legacy, Watch Anytime! | |
Did you know? You can access our Cottage Succession webinar recordings anytime. Featuring expert advice on taxation, trusts, family agreements, and succession planning, these recordings offer valuable insight to help protect your cottage legacy for future generations.
FOCA members receive discounted pricing. If you belong to a FOCA-member association or are a Friend of FOCA, use the discount code found on your FOCA Member Benefits Sheet when purchasing.
Don't have your code? Contact your association executive for assistance or email FOCA info@foca.on.ca
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Add Value to Your Membership
Share this exclusive Cottage Life offer with your members and include it in your membership drive this year.
Eligible members can enjoy a free three-issue subscription.
It's quick and easy to sign up at cottagelife.com/signup.
| | | Support those who support Ontario's waterfront communities | |
OUR COTTAGE CHAMPION
Click to learn more!
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LAKEFRONT LEADER
Click to learn more!
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CAMPFIRE CONTRIBUTORS
Click to learn more!
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SHORELINE SUPPORTERS
Click to learn more!
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PADDLE PATRONS
Click to learn more!
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Share Your Cottage Photos
We love seeing Ontario's waterfront through your lens! Whether it's a beautiful sunrise, a family day on the dock, local wildlife, or your favourite view from the lake, we'd love to feature your photos.
Your photo could be featured on FOCA's social media or in an upcoming e-news.
Send us your favourite cottage photos on Facebook, Instagram, or through email.
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Celebrate a Local Volunteer
Do you know someone making a difference in your waterfront community?
As part of the 2026 International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, FOCA is celebrating the people who help keep our lakes and communities thriving.
Nominate a volunteer by sending us a photo (with their permission) and a few sentences about their impact.
Share a Volunteer Story
| | | Cottage Companions: Remembering Beau 🐾 | |
Meet Beau, a beloved Bernese Mountain Dog who brought so much joy and personality to his family's cottage.
Although Beau passed away last September, his larger-than-life personality and the memories made together at the cottage continue to hold a special place in his family's hearts.
A lovely reminder that some of our most cherished cottage memories are made with our four-legged companions. 💚
Have a volunteer story from your association or a story you'd like to share?
We’d love to hear it at info@foca.on.ca and make sure to follow us on Instagram @ontariocottagers
| | | FOCA: Inform. Protect. Unite. | Get social with FOCA and give us a follow! | | FOCA believes everyone who loves waterfront Ontario has a right to stay up-to-date on the issues that matter. Those who have an existing relationship with FOCA may receive email from us, based on express or implied consent under Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation. We value your privacy and do not share your contact information with third parties. You can unsubscribe at any time, using the link below. | | | | |
