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| SUMMER 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. | |
The View from the Dock: Issues, Insights & Action
Join FOCA on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon for our virtual Fall Seminar for Associations, The View from the Dock.
We’ll take an engaging look at the issues shaping Ontario’s lakes and waterfront communities—from major infrastructure and emerging environmental concerns to the science, programs, and policies affecting life at the lake.
Hear from experts and FOCA leaders, get up to speed on what’s happening from the dock to Queen’s Park, and learn what it means for your waterfront community. You’ll leave with practical insights and ideas to share with your association and put into action.
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
Summer is a time to enjoy everything we love about Ontario’s lakes—and a great time to help protect them.
FOCA works year-round 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.
If FOCA’s work has made a difference to you, please consider making a summer donation today. Every contribution helps us continue to support cottagers and protect the places we all value.
Thank you for being part of the FOCA community—and for helping keep Ontario’s lakes healthy for generations to come.
| | | TRENDING @ONTARIOCOTTAGERS | | Our community is talking about this... | |
Community Spirit in Action
One of our recent volunteer stories reached over 4,000 views and sparked 30+ interactions across our social channels!
The post highlighted nine dedicated volunteers, ranging in age from 40 to 85, who came together to re-deck their association’s historic Bailey Bridge when contractor costs were beyond what the association could manage.
It’s a great example of the community spirit, collaboration, and volunteerism that keep Ontario’s waterfront communities strong.
Enjoyed this update? Like and share this post and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to help keep more Ontario waterfront communities informed.
| | | Getting Ready to Close the Cottage? | |
For many waterfront property owners, fall means it’s time to start preparing the cottage for the off-season.
A little planning now can help protect your property through the winter and make opening next season that much easier.
Every cottage is different, so having a closing routine tailored to your property can help ensure nothing important gets overlooked.
Before you lock up for the season, take a look at the Cottage Closing Checklist.
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
| | | Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly Detected in Ontario | |
For the first time, spotted lanternfly has been detected in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the invasive insect in Windsor, Ontario on September 15, 2026, with surveillance now underway in the surrounding area.
Spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 100 plant species and can weaken plants through heavy feeding. As we head into fall, Ontarians are encouraged to keep an eye out for adults and their distinctive grey, muddy-looking egg masses, which can be laid on trees, vehicles, outdoor equipment and other hard surfaces.
You can help prevent the spread by learning how to identify spotted lanternfly, checking vehicles and outdoor equipment when travelling, avoiding the movement of firewood, and reporting suspected sightings to the CFIA.
Know what to look for and help prevent the spread of this new invasive species in
Ontario.
Read more..
| | | 2026 Ontario Fish Consumption Advisories Now Available | |
Planning to enjoy your catch? Check before you eat.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has released its 2026 fish consumption advisories through the updated Guide to Eating Ontario Fish.
The online guide and interactive map provide information for more than 2,800 lakes and rivers across Ontario, helping anglers and families understand which fish are safer to eat and in what amounts.
The updated guide includes information on recommended fish sizes and portions, safer types of fish, preparation tips, and special advice for children and people who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Before your next fishing trip, check the latest advice for your lake.
More information..
| | | MEMBER SPOTLIGHT & UPDATES | | Kawartha Conservation State of the Lakes Symposium | | |
FOCA recently attended the Kawartha Conservation State of the Lakes Symposium, where FOCA’s Gavin Vance spoke about updates to the Lake Partner Program, while Sarah Kuruvilla joined FOCA at the event to connect with attendees and help raise awareness of environmental issues affecting Ontario’s lakes, including aquatic invasive species.
The symposium brought together scientists, environmental organizations, lake associations, stewardship groups, and members of the public for a day of learning, discussion, and knowledge sharing—all with a shared goal of protecting the future of our lakes. 🌱
| | From the Field: AIS Pilot Update | | |
With this summer’s field visits complete, FOCA’s AIS Lake Assessment Pilot is moving into its next stage.
Following Alana’s visits to participating lakes, the focus now shifts to reviewing what was observed and turning those findings into useful information for each lake association.
The results will help participating communities better understand the aquatic plants in their lakes, identify potential invasive species concerns, and consider practical next steps for monitoring, prevention and management.
Stay tuned as we continue to share what we’re learning from the pilot and how it can help support lake communities across Ontario.
| | 2026 Municipal Elections: Get Informed. Get Involved. | | |
Ontario’s Municipal Elections are coming up on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Municipal decisions have a direct impact on waterfront communities—from the health of our lakes and shorelines to development, infrastructure, emergency services and taxation.
Now is the time to make sure you’re ready to participate. FOCA has gathered resources to help waterfront property owners navigate the 2026 Municipal Elections, including information about voter eligibility and registration, how and where to vote, questions to ask your local candidates, and issues affecting Ontario’s waterfront communities.
Seasonal and non-resident property owners may also be eligible to vote in municipalities where they or their spouse own or rent property.
Be informed before you cast your ballot. Visit FOCA’s Municipal Elections webpage for election information, resources and updates.
More information..
| | | 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
| | End summer on a high note with Canada’s best 5G+ network | |
Take summer to the limit with Canada’s best 5G+network. Whether you're at the cottage, by the water or exploring the trails, the Rogers 5G+ Ultimate Plan helps keep you connected with our fastest 5G+ speeds, Priority Network Access and the most coverage in Canada with Rogers Satellite.
Now, get Rogers Satellite on us with any new 5G+ mobile plan so you
can text, video call and use satellite-ready apps where
it wasn't possible before.
Explore plans today...
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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
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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
| | | Community Spirit in Action | |
When the cost of re-decking their Bailey Bridge was more than the association could manage, nine volunteers stepped up to get the job done.
Ranging in age from 40 to 85, the crew worked together to restore the historic bridge, which was repurposed by the association in 2006 as a more environmentally friendly crossing.
Even more special, the team included a volunteer from the bridge’s previous re-decking in 2016, now in his mid-80s, alongside a new generation helping carry the tradition forward. 💚
Have a volunteer story from your association? We’d love to hear it at info@foca.on.ca
| | | 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. | | | | |
