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

October 2026 Newsletter

Chair’s Message

Happy Autumn!

The leaves are turning vibrant colours and the lakes are getting quieter. Like every season, it’s the perfect time to be at the cottage. And while we are closing up for the summer it’s a great time to plan for how it can be even better for next year. We have heard from you that this means maintaining safer and quiet waterways while still enjoying everything that your lake has to offer. For the past 13 years Safe Quiet Lakes have been the leading voice in promoting this through education, advocacy and legislative change.

Some exciting news to help us continue with this important mission! A generous donor has stepped forward with a $20,000 matching challenge. 

From now to November 15th, every donation will be matched 1:1. If we can rally together to raise $20,000, this match will turn into $40,000. Imagine the possibilities to double your impact towards advocacy and educational programs.

We have an incredible opportunity to make a big difference together! We hope that you will join us in this campaign and spread the word to those who are also passionate about our lakes. Your donation will have twice the impact and because we have attained charitable status you will get a tax receipt for the amount you give.

Thank you for your support and please contact us if you would like to discuss your gift directly.

Warm regards,

Diana Piquette

Chair, Safe Quiet Lakes

Resources & Action Items

Safe, Quiet Lakes Start at the Ballot Box

Most of us are appreciative of the importance and privilege of voting, but some may discount the importance of voting in municipal elections—especially as seasonal residents of that municipality.

SQL would like to remind everyone that municipalities play an important role in safe and responsible boating. We are asking everyone with recreational boating concerns to make sure your voice is heard in the upcoming municipal elections on October 26, 2026.

Municipalities are important partners to SQL. Several municipalities provide the grants necessary to fund SQL’s educational programs, and we work with municipalities on the placement of SQL signs at boat ramps and other public places.

In return, SQL informs and updates municipal councils of their residents’ concerns as expressed through our surveys and the email comments received on our website. This data provides municipalities with real insight with respect to the issues that recreational property owners have identified as the most critical to address.

This is significant because, in addition to managing the enforcement of existing Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR), municipalities are the gateways to any new VORR regulations.

So please—make your voice heard! Help us ensure that any new laws and bylaws initiated by our municipal councillors serve and protect the recreational waterways that we all cherish.

Organization News & Updates

Outreach Update: Boaters’ Code Signage Rollout

Safe Quiet Lakes is continuing to expand its outreach efforts with the rollout of Boaters’ Code signage across Muskoka and beyond. These signs provide a simple, visible reminder of the practices that help keep our waterways safe, quiet and enjoyable for everyone.

We’re working with lake associations, municipalities and community partners to get the signs into high-traffic locations where they can make a difference.

Boating Safety & Etiquette

End-of-Season Boating Safety

As summer starts to wind down, our waterways can remain busy well into the fall. Shorter days, changing weather, reduced visibility and cooler water temperatures all require extra care.

Before heading out, take a few extra minutes to prepare:

End-of-Season Safety Checklist

• ☐ Check the weather and be prepared for changing conditions
• ☐ Make sure navigation lights are working properly
• ☐ Wear your lifejacket or PFD
• ☐ Bring appropriate clothing for cooler temperatures
• ☐ Carry a flashlight and extra batteries for reduced visibility
• ☐ Ensure your phone or other communication device is charged
• ☐ Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return

The season may be winding down, but boating safety never takes a day off.

Now Available: GBA’s 2026 Boating, Safety & Emergencies Report

Staying informed is an important part of keeping our waterways safe. The Georgian Bay Association’s (GBA) Boating, Safety & Emergencies (BS&E) Committee has released its 2026 Annual Report, bringing together the latest information on boating safety, regulations, emergency response, and issues affecting boaters across Georgian Bay.

The BS&E Committee serves as a liaison with government regulators, law enforcement, and marine safety organizations. The report includes updates and insights vetted by experts from Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the OPP, ORNGE, and the MNRF.

Whether you’re a year-round resident or seasonal boater, the report is a useful resource for understanding how emergency services and regulations work—and what you can do to stay safe on the water.

Read the full 2026 Boating, Safety & Emergencies Report

New Canadian Safe Boating Council Bulletin

The latest bulletin from the Canadian Safe Boating Council features timely information and updates for recreational boaters. Take a look at the latest resources and reminders to help keep our waterways safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Read the full bulletin → https://conta.cc/4wp6Z8S

The Pulse

We Want to Hear From You

The Pulse is a new feature in our newsletter designed to spark conversation about issues affecting our lakes and waterways.

Each edition, we'll pose a question on a current boating, environmental, or waterfront topic and invite you to share your perspective. There are no right or wrong answers—we're simply interested in hearing the diverse views of our readers.

This month's question:

Where are you seeing No-Wake signs and wakes on your lake, and have No-Wake signs made a difference?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Simply reply to the newsletter or email outreach@safequiet.ca.

In the News

Muskoka resident Ed Boutilier shares his perspective on personal watercraft (PWCs) and responsible boating in this short video. While PWCs can be a source of fun and recreation, Ed points out that irresponsible operation can quickly create safety, noise and wake concerns for others on the water.

The 2025 Safe Quiet Lakes survey, with more than 7,100 respondents, found that PWCs continue to generate significant concern among lake users.

Watch Ed’s video below and join the conversation here.

Safe Quiet Lakes Featured in Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association Township Watch

The Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association’s Township Watch features Safe Quiet Lakes’ recent presentation to Township Committee, including our call for a science-based wake buffer to help protect shorelines and reduce the impacts of large wakes.

It’s a great overview of the issues facing Muskoka’s lakes and the need for evidence-based approaches to safer, more sustainable boating.

Read the July issue of Township Watch to learn more.

Events & Opportunities

Calling All Videographers!

Safe Quiet Lakes is looking for someone with video production experience to help us develop short, engaging educational videos for future campaigns and outreach.

If you have experience with filming, editing, storytelling or producing short-form video content—and are interested in helping promote safer, quieter waterways—we’d love to hear from you.

Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Contact matt@safequiet.ca to learn more.

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

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