OUR MISSION: To be a leading voice in promoting safe, quiet waterways and respectful boating practices through education, advocacy and legislative change.




July 2025 Newsletter

Chair’s Message

July is here and our lakes are filled with the activity of people enjoying the summer! This means something a bit different to everyone but our surveys over the past 12 years tell us that the vast majority feel that their enjoyment of the lakes is closely linked to being able to feel immersed in nature and spending time with friends and family. We would love to hear from you and get your thoughts on lake issues. Please join the thousands who have already participated because they are passionate about the lakes. Your input guides our work and the results are shared with various levels of government, lake associations and the OPP. Together we can have our voices reflect what is most important to our lake experience.


Thank you to all who took part in our annual stakeholder conference and to the many volunteers on our board and the lake associations we work with. Your time and energy make a big difference. If you are interested in getting involved, please send me a message at chair@safequiet.ca  


Warm regards,



Diana Piquette

Chair, Safe Quiet Lakes

Your Lakes, Your Views

Safe Quiet Lakes is conducting our fourth survey, and we’d be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your views. Your voice matters – and it helps shape the future of our lakes.

At Safe Quiet Lakes, we work locally and nationally to promote respectful, safe, and shared use of our waterways. Our surveys are essential to this work – they give us insights into the experiences and concerns of people who love and use the lakes, from cottagers and residents to visitors and boaters.


We want to hear from everyone – young and old, wakeboarders, paddlers, swimmers, sailors, renters, long-time residents and weekend visitors.


Please share the survey link with your friends, family, and neighbours. The more voices we hear, the stronger the message.


The survey is open until July 21 and can be completed easily on any device.


We’re already encouraged by the responses we’ve received – thank you to those who have participated! Your feedback will directly inform programs and policies that make a real difference in our lake communities.


To learn more about our work, visit safequiet.ca. We’d love to hear from you if you have questions, ideas, or comments.

Celebrating connections at Safe Quiet Lakes 2024 Stakeholder conference

Last month, Safe Quiet Lakes hosted our much-anticipated annual stakeholder meeting, and what a fantastic event it was! We gathered at the Port Carling Community Center, where the energy was palpable as we came together for educational presentations, insightful updates on our ongoing work, received a warm welcome from the mayor of Muskoka Lakes Township Peter Kelley, and engaged in discussions with leaders from local lake associations, organizations, and other interested stakeholders.


Attendees from across the Muskoka region—and beyond—joined us, eager to tackle important topics impacting our lakes.


Greg Wilkinson from Earnscliffe attended to share insights from the "Your Lakes, Your Views" survey. His presentation can be accessed [here].


Tim James from Queen's University discussed the impact of wakes and the implications of enhanced wake boats. You can find his presentation [here].


Sgt. Dave Moffatt, Provincial Marine Coordinator at the Highway Safety Division of the OPP Marine Policing Division addressed the handling of regional zones, equipment, and the process for resolving complaints. His report is available [here].


Dawn Colquhoun, Manager of Boating Safety with Transport Canada, presented on the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations and ongoing legislative efforts. For further details, you can view her presentation [here]

New Boater's Code Signage

Exciting news!


Over the next few summers, we’ll be replacing older SQL Boaters Code posters at public docks and marinas, and we invite you to be part of this initiative. If you’re interested in sponsoring one of these signs and showcasing your logo, please reach out to us at outreach@safequietlakes.ca.


We’d love to provide you with more details and discuss how you can get involved!

SQL Summer Activities

As summer arrives, we at Safe Quiet Lakes are gearing up for a busy season filled with activities throughout the region!


We’re thrilled to introduce our new summer student, Sid Donaldson, who will be actively engaging with the community. Sid will be out and about distributing materials and visiting high-traffic areas to share important information regarding our initiatives. 


This summer, we’ll also be attending various Lake Associations’ Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and other functions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to give presentations and reconnect with our friends in the associations.


You can also catch us at Farmer's Markets and other summer events, where we’ll be sharing a booth with our friends at the Muskoka Lakes Association. We’re looking forward to connecting with all of you and making this summer a memorable one!

Summer student Sid


We build partnerships to encourage conversations about respectful boating and to lead change through education and advocacy. Your donation will help drive our programs.


Have questions? Contact us at outreach@safequiet.ca

Please click the image to learn more about our programs.

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