FOCA Events are an opportunity to network with other waterfront property owners, industry experts, scientists, politicians and lake volunteers.
Members of FOCA’s Member Associations, and our “Friends of FOCA” (Annual Supporters) attend our events for free, or at the discounted FOCA price.
FOCA’s Annual General Meeting and Spring Seminar takes place once a year, usually on the first Saturday of March. We often hold a digital Fall Seminar as well, in October or November. In addition, FOCA hosts other special events throughout the year, such as our Cottage Succession Seminars, and webinars on hot topics.
Want to find out about our events in time to register for them? Get on the FOCA Elert list for updates!
Upcoming Events:
2026 FOCA Spring Seminar & Annual General Meeting:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 as a hybrid event at the Bayview Golf and Country Club, Thornhill, and by Zoom webinar. The agenda and speaker details will be posted in the new year, but highlights can be found below.
Come to this event for:
- engagement tips before the 2026 municipal elections
- updates on source water protection and community lake planning
- important volunteer association governance tips
- find out who receives the 2025 FOCA Achievement Award
- participate in the AGM
- pick up information and benefit offers from our sponsors
- network with your peers and the FOCA Board and Staff.
The in person spots at this event always sell out, so don’t delay.
Registration Options & Prices:
IN PERSON @ Member Rate ($87.50 each includes lunch & light refreshments) – LIMITED to 100 spots, available to:
- FOCA Member Associations can register 1 or 2 attendees in person (and receive 1 free webinar link for a Guest under age 30).
- current paid “Friends of FOCA“, or the main representative of a listed FOCA Affiliate Organization or Sub-Group can register 1 attendee in person (and receive 1 free webinar link for a Guest under age 30).
ZOOM WEBINAR* @ Member Rate ($55.00 each) or Public/Full Rate ($85.00 each)
- Member Associations can register multiple attendees @ Member Rate (and receive 1 free webinar link for a Guest under age 30)
- current paid “Friends of FOCA“, listed Affiliate Organizations or Sub-Groups can register 1 attendee @ Member Rate (and receive 1 free webinar link for a Guest under age 30)
- an unlimited number of additional registrants can register @ the Public/Full Rate.
* Important: the Zoom link you will be given cannot be shared with multiple IP addresses, digital devices, or users. Please register each email address individually.
EVERYONE REGISTERS HERE: click to register now!
Additional Notes:
- AGM VOTE: Notice of business to be conducted in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be sent in accordance with FOCA’s by-law prior to the meeting. One representative of each Member Association in good standing holds a vote card for the AGM (priority falls to an in-person attendee; will be confirmed in early March). If your Member Association wishes to participate in the AGM vote only, contact the office for instructions.
- Registration closes on February 27, 2026.
- If you have questions or need registration assistance, please contact the FOCA office during business hours: info@foca.on.ca or call 705-749-3622.
Past Events of Note:
2025 FOCA Fall Seminar:
Passing the Torch: Generational Action for Climate – September 20, 2025 from 9am to noon by Zoom webinar.
Members can login below to download the 4 page Event Summary with links to all the slides; please share this with your fellow members!
Missed the event but still want to watch the full event recording? Members can purchase access below.
You're missing members-only content!
The Event Summary with links to the slides is only available to members of our Member Associations & current Friends of FOCA (our annual supporters).
If you are already registered on the FOCA website, please login below with your Username and Password.
Need help with your login? Contact us for assistance during business hours. Not yet a Member Association? Find out why you should be!
Purchase Access to the Event Recording (3 hours):
- Member Associations: purchase the recording
- Friends of FOCA (annual paid supporters): purchase the recording
After your payment has been confirmed during business hours, you will receive a follow-up email with the recording link (internet is required to view), event summary and a copy of all the slides shown.
Featured speakers & topics include:
- 5 Ways to Protect the Planet for Future Generations with Betty Plewes of Climate Legacy (‘Connecting Seniors to Climate Action’)
- Spotlight on Youth: Engagement & Social Media Tips with FOCA’s 2025 Summer Student, Dana Zashi Ventenilla
- Land Relationship Visioning: A First Nations Perspective with Kassie McKeown, Project Lead – Indigenous Projects, Cambium Indigenous Professional Services
- Top 5 Mistakes in Cottage Succession Planning with estate lawyer Peter Lillico, LLB and Partner in Lillico Bazuk Galloway Halka
- Lake Partner Program Updates including new sulphate data, and a call-to-action for generational stewardship
- plus, updates from FOCA on our recent programs and advocacy work.
FREE WEBINAR held May 7, 2025 “FireSmart at the Cottage”
This “lunch and learn” session with our fire partners is an engaging and practical webinar designed for cottagers and rural homeowners. You’ll learn simple, effective ways to reduce wildfire risk—from smart landscaping and home maintenance to emergency planning and community action. Walk away feeling empowered and ready to protect your property, your loved ones, and your slice of paradise.
Who should watch the recording? Cottage owners, rural residents, and anyone who wants to stay safe while living close to nature. Visit our Fire Safety webpage to access the recording.
2025 FOCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Spring Seminar with the theme, “Strengthening Our Members.” The event was hybrid on March 1, 2025: in person at the Bayview Golf & Country Club (Thornhill), and by Zoom webinar. Download the Event Agenda (PDF; 1 page)
Members are encouraged to login below for a post-event Summary including links to the slides.
Want access to the event recording, including the Roads Panel discussion? Pay $40 (members) or $70 (non-members including municipal partners), using the following online payment links:
- members of our Member Associations (see list) PURCHASE HERE
- FOCA Sub-Groups (see definition) or FOCA Affiliate Organizations (see definition) PURCHASE HERE
- Friends of FOCA (annual paid supporters – see definition) PURCHASE HERE
- non-members, municipal or other organizational partners PURCHASE HERE
After your purchase, we will follow up during business hours with the recording link and supporting materials (slides & event summary).
You're missing members-only content!
The 2025 AGM & Spring Seminar Event Summary is only available to members of our Member Associations and annual supporters, the Friends of FOCA.
If you are already registered on the FOCA website, please login below with your Username and Password.
Need help with your login? Contact us for assistance during business hours. Not yet a Member Association? Find out why you should be!
2024 FOCA Fall Seminar: Healthy Shorelines – November 9, 2024 by Zoom webinar.
Paid registrants were sent a post-event Summary on November 22, 2024 which included links to the event recording and all slides shown.
All FOCA Members can login below to download the Event Summary which includes links to the slides:
MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT: What makes a healthy shoreline, and what puts shoreline health at risk? FOCA hosted a digital seminar about shoreline health with speakers on water quality monitoring, identifying aquatic plants, septic system re-inspections, and wild waterfronts: creating greener shores. Attendees also got an update on FOCA’s new Strategic Plan from the Board Chair, an update on the Lake Partner Program lake reports, and information about identifying and managing Aquatic Plants.
Click here to download a 1-page poster with speaker highlights.
You're missing members-only content!
The following 2024 Fall Seminar Event Summary is only available to members of our Member Associations.
If you are already registered on the FOCA website, please login below with your Username and Password.
Need help with your login? Contact us for assistance during business hours. Not yet a Member Association? Find out why you should be!
Want more cottage country knowledge? Check out FOCA’s Elerts and Publications & Videos.