Our vision is to sustain and enhance the cottage experience for generations. | | ACTION REQUIRED: Verify Your Municipal Voter Registration | | |
The voter registration process has changed for the 2026 Municipal Election. FOCA is encouraging all eligible voters—including seasonal and non-resident property owners—to verify that they are registered on the Municipal Voters' List. You do not need to own property to vote in a municipal election. If you or your spouse rent a home, apartment or other seasonal residential property, you may be eligible to vote.
| |
| |
The Municipal Voters' List is now managed by Elections Ontario rather than the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). As a result, all property owners should take a few minutes to confirm their information is accurate.
Before August 12, 2026, please:
- Confirm you are registered to vote
- Update your voter information if necessary
- Add yourself to the voters' list if you are not already registered
- Remove outdated information
To check your status, visit: www.registertovoteon.ca
Select "Register Now" then choose "Check" to verify your voter information. If you are a seasonal or non-resident property owner, be sure to indicate that you own or rent a secondary property. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, and property information (usually tax roll number).
If your information is correct, simply confirm it. If you are not listed, continue through the
registration process. You may be required to provide identification.
After August 12, 2026, any updates or additions to the voters' list must be completed directly through your municipal clerk's office.
FOCA is aware that some municipalities have raised concerns regarding non-resident elector information. Elections Ontario has advised that additional work is underway to improve non-resident elector data during July. In the meantime, the best way to ensure your voting rights are protected is to verify your registration as soon as possible.
Please share this information with family members and co-owners who may also be eligible to
vote in their cottage municipality.
Your municipal vote helps shape the future of your waterfront community.
Download the "Before You Vote Verify" poster here and share it with your community!
You may use this message on your website news item, e-newsletter article, or member email.
| | |
Looking ahead, rooted in our history.
Since our founding, FOCA has been the collective voice of Ontario's waterfront communities. Our refreshed logo is a natural evolution of that legacy—modernizing our visual identity while staying true to the values that have guided us for generations. As cottage communities continue to change, so too must the ways we communicate, connect, and inspire. Our commitment to our members and to Ontario's lakes, rivers, and roads remains as strong as ever.
| | |
FOCA in Cottage Life Magazine
Look for FOCA's ad in the Early Summer 2026 edition of the Cottage Life Magazine, about stronger lakes and stronger voice.
REMINDER: FOCA member families get a special discount on Cottage Life magazine subscriptions: just $24.95/year. Click 'Member Offer' for the deal, and be sure to share it with your fellow members.
| |
|
FOCA's Lake Partner Program Featured by MECP
Congratulations to FOCA's Lake Partner Program Coordinator, Gavin, who recently represented the Lake Partner Program in a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) video.
We're proud to see Gavin and the Lake Partner Program recognized, helping showcase the value of citizen science and the dedicated volunteers who contribute to protecting Ontario's lakes.
| | | | This spring was full of swings in water levels, so it is important to be aware that lakes and waterways could have floating debris at or just below the surface, as well as changed shoreline conditions that may not have been there before. | | Be extra vigilant as the boating season begins. Whether you’re heading out for a quick cruise, fishing, or watersports with family and friends, taking a few extra precautions can help ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the season on the water – see 'more' in our tips sheet with important considerations from Definity Insurance Company, the provider of the CottageFirst group insurance program exclusively available to FOCA member families. | |
| New: 2026 Safe Boating Guide | | |
Before you hit the water this season, make sure you're prepared.
The 2026 Safe Boating Guide is now available, featuring essential boating safety information, regulations, and helpful reminders for a safe and enjoyable season on Ontario's waterways.
Download your free guide today.
| |
| |
Advocacy Update: FOCA Responds to Bill 98
FOCA has submitted comments to the Ontario government regarding Bill 98 and several related Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) proposals.
While the legislation aims to streamline development and planning approvals, FOCA is advocating for policies that continue to protect Ontario's shorelines, water quality, natural heritage, and the ability of municipalities to make planning decisions that reflect local environmental needs.
Protecting healthy waterfronts and ensuring sustainable development remain central to FOCA's advocacy efforts. We will continue to engage with the province and keep members informed as these proposals move forward.
| | | |
Unlocking The Cottage, Unloading The Tank
Water Canada talks to Terry Rees about managing the spring infrastructure influx.
| | | |
A Closing Gift That Keeps Giving
Know someone who's new to waterfront living?
Welcome new property owners with a meaningful gift they'll appreciate all year long—a one-year membership in their local lake association or a Friend of FOCA subscription.
It's a thoughtful way to connect them with trusted resources, valuable member benefits, and a community dedicated to protecting and enhancing Ontario's waterfronts.
| | | Beware of High & Fast-Moving Water | | Always be cautious around high or fast-moving water, particularly at this time of year when the system is adjusting to spring flows, and water managers may need to make quick decisions about releasing water through the system. | | |
Ontario Power Generation operates many dams and hydroelectric stations across Ontario cottage country, and you can click 'more' to check their postings, graphs and historic water levels (source of the image at side).
| | | |
Did you know that half of all wildland fires are caused by people? Before starting any outdoor fire, check interactive forest danger maps for Ontario and for all of Canada (source of the image showing 'high' ratings in northwestern Ontario today).
Always be aware of the fire hazard, and abide by fire restrictions in your area. Keep outdoor fires at a safe scale, and fully extinguish them with water at the end of the evening.
| | | Learn 'more' and get links to maps of fire danger ratings from FOCA's Fire Safety webpage. | | |
Ticks are surging in Ontario this year and Toronto is a ‘hot spot.’ Here’s how to protect yourself (Toronto Star).
Health Canada-approved tick repellent now available in Ontario, providing DEET-free protection against Lyme disease (Inside Halton).
| |
| sponsors support our work - please support them | | Best summer, Canada’s Best 5G+ Network | | |
Whether you’re at the cottage, by the water or on the road this summer, stay connected with Canada’s most reliable 5G+ network. With the Rogers 5G+ Ultimate plan, you can enjoy our fastest 5G+ speeds, 5-Year Price Guarantee and the most coverage in Canada with Rogers Satellite. So you can text, share your location and use satellite-ready apps even by the
lake or off the grid.
With the Rogers 5G+ Ultimate plan, get Rogers Satellite for $0/month for 24 months.
Explore plans today.
| | | | |
Member Benefits
When was the last time you visited the FOCA Member Benefits webpage to review all the offers, discounts, and exclusive member benefits? Check out the links for dock solutions, hot tubs, Cottage Life Magazine subscriptions, airport parking, and automated external defibrillators and CPR training - all at special FOCA member family rates!
| | NOTE: we have a new Rogers Preferred Pricing portal link and offers. You no longer require a 'proof of FOCA' certificate, but you will need to access the new order instructions under the member login on our Benefits webpage. | | Don't have or can't recall your personal login for the FOCA website? Contact the office for assistance during business hours: info@foca.on.ca or call 705-749-3622 | | | Associations: do your member families know about all the deals and savings they can access because of your annual membership in FOCA? Be sure to leverage this value! Click 'Benefits' above for the latest details. | | |
FOCA's Role: Supporting Lake and Road Associations
Want to learn about how FOCA supports lake and road associations with templates, governance tips and best practices to grow and thrive? Click 'more' to explore member resources on the Association Best Practices webpage.
| |
| sponsors support our work - please support them | | |
Hosted by Senators for Climate Solutions, the House of Commons All-Party Climate Caucus,
and the Intact Centre, University of Waterloo.
We appreciate your participation in this important discussion on the growing impacts of extreme weather and the opportunities to strengthen climate adaptation and disaster resilience across Canada. We are also grateful to our speakers and moderator for sharing their expertise and perspectives.
Thank you again for your engagement, and we look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to advance climate adaptation and disaster resilience across Canada.
| | FOCA e-news updates continue below... | | sponsors support our work - please support them | | Invasive Carps Identification | | Cottage country folks along the Great Lakes: although invasive carps are not yet established in Canadian waters, please be on the look-out for them! | | |
There are four species of carps that are invasive to North America: Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Black Carp, and Grass Carp. All four have a short dorsal fin and no barbels (whisker-like appendages at the corners of their mouths).
| | Click 'more' for FOCA's infographic to learn how to ID invasive carps and what to do if you spot one. Share the news with others on the Great Lakes this long weekend, and throughout the cottage season. | | | Impact Assessment Required for Ontario Water Pump Storage Project | | |
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has determined that the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project requires a federal impact assessment.
The project will now move into a detailed review process, including further environmental studies and opportunities for public participation.
FOCA will continue to monitor developments and share updates with members as the assessment progresses.
| | |
Ontario Launching New Digital Fishing and Hunting Licensing Service
| | Province creating new digital licensing system to make fishing and hunting easier across Ontario. To make it easier for anglers and hunters to purchase licences and tags, the Ontario government is creating a new licensing system, FishHuntON. Launching in early 2027, FishHuntON will provide residents with more convenient and flexible ways to access licensing services, including a new easy-to-use mobile app. The new system will operate alongside existing service channels, ensuring residents can continue to access licensing services that work best for them. | | | Canada's Plant Hardiness Zones Have Shifted | | | | For all the gardeners out there: the most recent updates to Canada's plant hardiness map reflect new insights and changed boundaries for plant growing zones as a result of our warming climate. Click for 'more' and to compare the 1960's map to today's ranges (pictured at the side). | |
|
Call to Action: Share your Local Volunteer Story with us
| | |
All year long FOCA is sharing your stories in celebration of the 2026 'International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development' proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. Vital volunteers make our communities hum and we value them. Accomplishments large and small are worth celebrating and have the power to inspire others to action.
| | Tell us about your own great volunteer, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of the FOCA e-news or on our social media channels. Please share a photo (with the volunteer's permission) and a few sentences about their contributions to your waterfront community. Thank you! | | | |
The FOCA office will be closed on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
for Canada Day.
From all of us at FOCA, we wish you a safe and happy Canada Day!
| | FOCA: Inform. Protect. Unite. | | 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. | | | | |
