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# FOCA

Inform. Protect. Unite.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://foca.on.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [My Front Page](https://foca.on.ca/) - Connect with the voice of the Ontario waterfront. Welcome to cottage country! FOCA speaks to, and on behalf of, the 250,000 waterfront property owners (WPO) who live at the water,
- [2026-2030 Municipal Elections Priorities](https://foca.on.ca/municipal-priorities/) - FOCA's Municipal Election Priorities for Waterfront Communities Sustaining Ontario's Waterfront Communities Through Local Leadership Municipal governments play a critical role in protecting the health of our lakes, shorelines, and rural communities. As voters prepare to elect municipal councils for the 2026-2030 term, FOCA encourages candidates and voters to focus on the issues that will ensure waterfront
- [Our Team: Board & Staff](https://foca.on.ca/about/team/) - Learn about our Staff & volunteer Board of Directors.FOCA operates under a governance board structure, and directs strategic priorities through a number of Committees that report to the Board of Directors.Scroll down for information about our Staff, and volunteer Board. FOCA Office Staff: Lesley Lavender Chief Executive Officer Gavin Vance Lake Stewardship Coordinator Sara Kuruvilla
- [Elerts](https://foca.on.ca/news/elerts/) - Subscribe for cottage country updates! FOCA’s e-newsletter is our best way to keep you up-to-date about important and timely cottage country issues, environmental and policy news, and regional events. Get caught up with recent editions below: June 2026 e-news May long weekend 2026 e-news April 2026 e-news March 2026 e-news Special Alto Update (Mar.17/26) February 2026 e-news January 2026 e-news
- [Emergency Preparedness in Remote Areas](https://foca.on.ca/emergency-preparedness/) - We must all be prepared for power outages or other emergencies in remote areas, and step up to help neighbours in times of trouble. Cottage country areas tend to be remote, rocky, and difficult to service. Rural residents must be resilient and prepared for service interruptions. April 29, 2026 – watch the recording of our
- [Fire Safety in Remote Areas](https://foca.on.ca/fire-safety/) - To Report a Wildfire: Forest fires are a fact of life in Ontario, and our members are among those who are potentially at risk from the threat of fire. Central and South Ontario– call 911 or your local municipal fire department Northwestern Ontario – Call 310-FIRE (3473) Northeastern Ontario – Call 310- FIRE (3473) Access
- [Short Term Rental](https://foca.on.ca/rental/) - Learn about short term rental in cottage country, and municipal responses to issues with rentals. FOCA supports a philosophy of responsible use, that encourages cottage owners to: educate and inform guests about cottage country living and etiquette (see links to sample visitor information sheets, below) work with neighbours to promote harmonious relationships be environmental stewards by ensuring the sustainable use of cottage properties, recognizing the limits of the existing septic system, road
- [Cottage Succession Planning](https://foca.on.ca/cottage-succession/) - FOCA and estate lawyer Peter Lillico have been teaching families about cottage succession planning for over fifteen years. Download an information sheet (PDF, 2 pages) about FOCA’s Cottage Succession Seminars, and sub-topics covered in the recordings – more on that, below. 2026 Cottage Succession Seminar Series with FOCA and Peter Lillico Ensure you are on
- [Targeting Tax video recording (2025)](https://foca.on.ca/asfjlihluwaegflwleulawefhalh/)
- [Pollution Issues](https://foca.on.ca/pollution/) - Learn about a range of pollutants across Ontario waterways. The Great Lakes Basin ecosystem is threatened by a variety of pollution issues and potential chemical threats. There has been slow progress on Great Lakes toxins and pollutants. Despite the signing of the revised Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) in 2015, there has been only modest progress on the provisions to deal with chemicals
- [Lake Partner Program](https://foca.on.ca/lake-partner-program/) - Learn about water quality monitoring across Ontario in the Lake Partner Program! The Lake Partner Program is a great example of community water monitoring, bringing together volunteers with a shared interest for lake preservation. FOCA has partnered since 1996 in the Lake Partner Program (LPP). The LPP is a province-wide, volunteer-based, water-quality monitoring program – the largest of its kind in Canada. Each year, hundreds of volunteers
- [Septic Systems](https://foca.on.ca/septic-systems/) - Learn about living on a septic system in waterfront Ontario. Most of Ontario’s waterfront property owners rely on on-site sewage treatment systems to manage household wastewater. Understanding how our systems work and the importance of maintaining them is important to protect our lakes and rivers from contaminants. Septic system construction is regulated under the Ontario Building Code, but maintenance, including pumping and inspection, is a
- [Fairbank Lake Camp Owners' Association](https://foca.on.ca/flcoa-fairbank-lake/) - This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Fairbank Lake is a spring-fed lake west of Sudbury. Click here to view
- [Benefits and Offers](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/benefits/) - Learn about the benefits of membership in FOCA. Members of our Member Associations are entitled to access the benefits, offers and discounts listed below. Download an overview sheet: “What is the Value of FOCA?” – summarizes current Member Benefits, but NO access codes (member Associations: use this version in your next Membership Drive!) TO ACCESS THESE OFFERS AND MORE: Members can login further
- [Land Use & Planning](https://foca.on.ca/land-use-planning/) - Learn about land use planning issues in waterfront Ontario communities. Land use planning is a critical component of maintaining sustainable communities. Read onward for recent news, or jump directly to one of these sub-topics: Recent Ontario Land Tribunal Decisions New Bill 98 – comment period on related EROs to May 14, 2026 Bill 97 (originally Bill 68) – Conservation Authorities Act implications Bill 56 – source
- [Municipal Government, Elections & Budget Setting](https://foca.on.ca/municipal-government/) - Municipal Governments provide valued public services and are our rural Ontario partners. Municipal services include maintenance of many (but not all) local roads, garbage & sewage & water services, fire and public health services, planning and bylaws and permitting. May 2026 – FOCA is hearing anecdotes from members as they confirm their vote status at
- [Our Sponsors](https://foca.on.ca/about/sponsors/) - FOCA works with a limited number of reputable companies who share our vision of thriving and sustainable waterfronts across rural Ontario. Sponsors’ annual contributions support our ongoing work; please, support them! Find out more about becoming a FOCA Corporate Sponsor, below… For more about the discounts, benefits, and offers from our sponsors, visit the FOCA
- [About FOCA](https://foca.on.ca/about/) - Click to read more below about: Or be taken to additional webpages for: Our Community Our Work (including FOCA’s Mission, Strategic Priorities, Organizational Framework and By-laws) Our History 60th Anniversary Celebrations in 2023 Our list of Member Associations Our Annual Supporters Our Corporate Sponsors Our Team (Board of Directors & Staff) Your Role FOCA
- [Boating Issues](https://foca.on.ca/boating/) - We have a shared responsibility as boaters to keep our waterways safe and clean. We are lucky to have thousands of beautiful lakes and rivers to enjoy in Ontario, and boating is an important part of our heritage and history. Boating allows for an appreciation of our natural areas, and can be a great
- [Source Water Protection](https://foca.on.ca/source-water-protection/) - Learn about the importance of source water protection in waterfront Ontario communities. Most waterfront landowners in Ontario are NOT included in a Source Water Protection Area and therefore don’t benefit from the existing policies and programs that keep municipal drinking water safe. Learn more below about the importance of testing your well water and keeping your septic system in good working order, in order to protect your
- [The Importance of Community Science](https://foca.on.ca/community-science/) - Learn why community (or "citizen") science matters in waterfront Ontario! Community scientists and lake stewards are essential in helping to maintain and improve the quality of Ontario’s inland lakes. We all love our waterfront environments, and want to ensure that the activities and experiences we treasure today will still be possible for future generations. Having dedicated volunteers who take the time to measure and report
- [Lyme Disease & Ticks](https://foca.on.ca/lyme-disease/) - FOCA reminds everyone enjoying the great outdoors to be vigilant daily about ticks. Learn more about Lyme Disease below. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the corkscrew shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. In Ontario, these bacteria are spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks. Enjoy walks in the woods safely and be aware of ticks that can
- [Electricity Pricing](https://foca.on.ca/electricity-pricing/) - Waterfront property owners represent a major electricity customer group (mostly Hydro One customers) in various rate classes. April 2026 – Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines has fast-tracked a priority project to expand northern energy infrastructure and connect Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake by the early 2030s. Read the Notice online here and get
- [Association Governance & Best Practices](https://foca.on.ca/association-bmps/) - Lake Associations are the backbone of waterfront communities across Ontario. FOCA wants volunteer associations to thrive! 2025 – The Township of McKellar’s Lake Stewardship and Environmental Committee have created a guide filled with Environmental Considerations for McKellar Township Residents. Download a free copy of the 25-page guide, which tackles topics such as “toxins in your
- [60th Anniversary Celebrations!](https://foca.on.ca/60-years/) - In 2023, we celebrated 60 years since the creation of FOCA as a province-wide organization dedicated to waterfront property owners and to thriving and sustainable waterfronts. For 60 years, FOCA has been the voice of waterfront Ontario. We are accountable to you: our members, and have worked hard throughout the decades to represent your interests.
- [Road Issues](https://foca.on.ca/road-issues/) - Got rural Ontario road questions? FOCA has answers. While some of your drive may be on provincial highways or municipally-owned roads, most trips to a cottage, camp or cabin end along a private road. The quality of your private road can affect both your access to and enjoyment of the property, and its overall value.Local committees, associations, or road groups are an important
- [List of Associations](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/list-of-associations/) - Find out if your local association is a member of FOCA - the Federation of Ontario Cottagers'! Below is a list of our current Member Associations.Where Associations have a website that is known to us, we have linked to them (entries in blue, below; contact us with any updates).Alternately, you can search on a Google Map version of our List of Associations, by clicking here or the map image at the side. NOTE: this
- [Water Levels (Highs & Lows)](https://foca.on.ca/water-levels/) - Get important links to resources for high or low water on Ontario waterways. The waterfront property community has always been self-reliant and resilient in the face of adversity. FOCA advocates personal responsibility for every waterfront property owner, as part of good risk management. Whether flood, drought, or other severe weather events, it falls to each of us to be reasonably prepared for emergencies that can arrive with force
- [Risk Management & Insurance](https://foca.on.ca/risk-management-insurance/) - For over 30 years, FOCA has provided risk management and insurance programming support to member associations. FOCA is not an insurance agent, and membership in FOCA does not afford any automatic insurance coverage. However, volunteers, employees and directors of organizations should always be mindful of risks. This means examining situations cautiously, and thinking ahead to the
- [Invasive Phragmites](https://foca.on.ca/phragmites/) - Learn about invasive Phragmites in Ontario waterways. Invasive Phragmites has been called Canada’s WORST invasive species. Management and eradication of invasive Phragmites has become an increasing cost for municipalities across Ontario. Phragmites is a very tall and fast-growing perennial grass now covering nearly 17,000 hectares of shoreline, wetlands and roadsides. It creates ecological dead-zones and impacts at-risk species. Download and share FOCA’s
- [Nuclear Waste Management](https://foca.on.ca/nuclear/) - Learn about nuclear waste management implications for rural waterfront community groups. FOCA and other public interest community groups call for a nuclear waste review that is transparent, and independent of the nuclear industry. In 2021, FOCA was one of over 100 groups who signed a joint letter to the Canadian Prime Minister, setting out expectations for a nuclear waste review. Read the letter here. (Download PDF,
- [Property Taxation and MPAC Assessment](https://foca.on.ca/property-taxation-assessment/) - Learn about how your cottage country taxes are assessed. FOCA advocates for fair property taxation on behalf of waterfront residential property taxpayers in Ontario. Read onward, or jump immediately to the following sub-topics on this page: Capital Gains Tax (CGT)Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and understanding or challenging your property assessmentUnderused Housing Tax (UHT)Foreign Homebuyer Ban (federal) & Foreign Homebuyer Tax (provincial) February 2026
- [Ice Safety & Changes](https://foca.on.ca/ice/) - Be aware of ice safety on Ontario's lakes and rivers. FOCA encourages everyone to enjoy the winter weather, safely. No ice is completely safe ice. Our changing climate is changing ice coverage, which has impacts for lake health, and for personal safety. Read onward for information about safety, using bubblers, and the science around ice. Falling through the ice: Thank you to the Safe Boating Council
- [Cottage Succession - Intro Session - Video #1](https://foca.on.ca/sdfwwdffg4ww9877987-dvd1/)
- [Lake Planning for Community Groups](https://foca.on.ca/lake-planning/) - FOCA supports waterfront communities who want to make (or update) a local lake plan, as part of FOCA’s stewardship goals across Ontario. March 2026 – we are proud to release the Second Edition of the FOCA Guide to Lake Planning for Community Groups!Members: login below to access this members-only resource. Associations may pick up a
- [Publications & Videos](https://foca.on.ca/news/publications-videos/) - Access digital copies of FOCA’s newsletters, reports, brochures and video productions below. Also get up-to-date on current events by reading our monthly e-news, the FOCA Elert. Please share these resources with others! You are welcome to reproduce FOCA articles in your own print or digital publications! Please credit FOCA as the source, and include our web
- [Events](https://foca.on.ca/news/events/) - 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
- [FOCA Award](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/award/) - Learn about lake association successes and the annual FOCA Award. The FOCA Terry Rees Achievement Award* is presented annually at the AGM to a FOCA member Association. March 7, 2026: the 2025 FOCA Achievement Award was presented to the Gloucester Pool Cottagers Association (GPCA). The Gloucester Pool Cottagers Association received the Award for their advocacy efforts to engage varied stakeholders to implement a response to
- [Event Recording: 2026 FOCA Spring Seminar](https://foca.on.ca/sdfwwdffg4ww6205236246026515/) - As a paid registrant for this FOCA event, you are entitled to view the recording of the day’s seminars.Please do not share this link with others, as it is an unlisted/private YouTube posting only intended for paid registrants. Thank you!Looking for the recording of a particular session? Consult the Event Agenda for the list of
- [Salt Impacts](https://foca.on.ca/salt-impacts/) - Learn about the negative impacts of salt on Ontario's freshwater resources. The issue of rising chloride (salt) levels, and related impacts on Ontario’s lakes and rivers is a topic of concern for FOCA. Salt is accumulating in the environment and poses an emerging threat both to ecosystems and human health. Once introduced into an ecosystem, salt can become a persistent problem, since there are really no
- [Impacts of a Changing Climate](https://foca.on.ca/climate-impacts/) - Our climate is changing, in large part from human causes. Climate change will affect our land and water resources, our economy and ultimately our way of life; these profound impacts have obvious policy implications, and will affect our communities and all of us as individuals. Our job as lake managers has gotten more challenging. All
- [FOCA Lake Planning Guide](https://foca.on.ca/lake-planning-guide/) - You're missing members-only content!The Lake Planning Handbook 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! Username
- [Algal Blooms](https://foca.on.ca/algae/) - Algae are small, mostly microscopic plants that live in virtually all waterbodies. There are literally thousands of species of algae that grow in various habitats. They require nutrients and light, and they grow better when it is warm. Algae produce oxygen and convert carbon into organic compounds that feed zooplankton and – in turn –
- [Fireworks & Flying Lanterns](https://foca.on.ca/fireworks-flying-lanterns/) - Fireworks restrictions are common in urban areas; however, over recent years several cottage country municipalities have begun to consider (or have implemented) fireworks bylaws to control their use on Ontario’s waterfronts. Meanwhile, some municipalities and community associations are looking at alternatives to fireworks displays – such as drone shows – citing a variety of concerns
- [Aquatic Plants](https://foca.on.ca/aquatic-plants/) - It is important not to remove aquatic plants from your waterway without first determining what they are, as most of them are integral to the functioning of shallow lake ecosystems. It can be difficult to distinguish one plant from another and to recognize the roles they play. The Fisheries Act protects fish habitat from harmful
- [Healthy Shorelines & Lake Stewardship](https://foca.on.ca/shorelines-stewardship/) - Learn what makes a healthy lake and shoreline. Why do native plants matter?It’s up to every property owner to live in balance with your waterfront ecosystem! The popularity of retreating to Ontario’s lakes for rest and recreation continues to grow. As a result, development on the shorelines of our lakes continues. In addition, more folks are extending their time at the cottage to
- [SLAEPA](https://foca.on.ca/silver-lake-and-area-environment-protection-association/) - Silver Lake is situated in Eastern Ontario along Highway 7 between the town of Perth and village of Sharbot Lake. The Silver Lake and Area Environment Protection Association was formed in 1979 in response to a large residential development proposed for the area. SLAEPA strives to advocate for and protect the health and natural beauty
- [Issues & Programs](https://foca.on.ca/issues-programs/) - Cottage country hot topics and FOCA's ongoing programs: FOCA leads many initiatives devoted to waterfront Ontario, and works with our members and partners on several on-the-ground efforts. Find links below to our long-term files and programs, as well as emerging issues. You can search by keyword above, or click below for some current hot topics, programs, and long-term files. Hot Topics & Most
- [Friends of FOCA](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/friend/) - No local lake association? No problem. Become a "Friend of FOCA" for services and benefits. “Friend of FOCA” is the name for our valued annual supporters! HOW TO JOIN or RENEW:To renew your annual status as a Friend of FOCA: one month before your annual renewal date, FOCA will email you a renewal reminder with instructions. If you’ve already been “onboarded” to our new Member Press login system (renewals from
- [Association Members](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/association-members/) - Learn about services and benefits for FOCA Member Associations. Quick links:Where do I join or renew as a Member Association? What does it cost to be a Member Association?What are the Benefits of Membership?Who’s already a FOCA Member Association?Other types of supporters: Sub-groups, Affiliate Organizations… Association Governance & BMPstop FOCA programs & hot topicsaccess FOCA publications, events & newslearn more about FOCA’s work Question: If
- [Invasive Species - Overview](https://foca.on.ca/invasive-species/) - FOCA is very concerned about the potential impacts of introduced species and the effect they can have on our quality of life in Ontario For many years, FOCA has been supporting our member associations by funding on-the-ground projects aimed at identification, education and outreach, eradication and preventing the spread of invasive species in Ontario. November
- [Welcome to Cottage Country](https://foca.on.ca/welcome-etiquette/) - Welcome to cottage country! You are joining 250,000+ families who live on water and dearly love Ontario’s camp, cabin, and cottage experience at the waterfront. FOCA’s members are seasonally or year-round waterfront property owners (WPO) and waterfront enthusiasts. Join us! FOCA has tips and hints to help you get the most out of the cottage
- [Water Management Plans](https://foca.on.ca/water-management-plans/) - FOCA has been vocal to government about the need to address Water Management Plans (WMP) and reinstate public consultation in the process. With tens of thousands of members on the front-lines of Ontario waterways, FOCA insists that public consultation and new approaches are needed, in the face of changing water regimes affected by accelerating climate
- [TSW & Rideau Canal Water Management](https://foca.on.ca/tsw-rideau-waterways/) - Get resources related to living on the Trent Severn Waterway or Rideau Canal in Ontario. Many FOCA members are on lakes or rivers that form (or feed) the Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) and Rideau Canal. FOCA notes that significant reductions in the capital and human resources dedicated to these waterways puts their ability to adequately manage water, and water-related activities, at risk. Parks Canada manages Canadian national historic sites, including
- [Thank You - Father's Day Gift](https://foca.on.ca/thank-you-fathers-day-gift/) - Your gift payment has been processed successfully! Please check your inbox for an email receipt. Your digital gift card has been delivered to the email you provided for the Gift Recipient during the payment process. FOCA will follow up within 2 business days to tell them more about all the benefits they can access over the coming
- [Spongy Moth](https://foca.on.ca/spongy-moth/) - Outbreaks of Spongy moth occur every 7 to 10 years, and southern Ontario has been in one since 2019. On behalf of our members in affected areas, FOCA has hosted webinars with industry experts about the life cycle and management of this pest. Members are invited to login below for access to the webinar slides.
- [Rural Internet](https://foca.on.ca/rural-internet/) - Waterfront property owners represent a major customer group for rural cell, Internet and broadband services. FOCA advocates on priority rural issues including expanded rural and northern broadband and cell service. FOCA recognizes the limitations currently experienced by rural Ontarians, and is supportive of the expansion of high speed Internet and cellular coverage throughout rural and northern
- [Rural Services](https://foca.on.ca/rural-services/) - Learn about a variety of rural services in waterfront Ontario. Waterfront property owners represent a major customer group for rural utilities and services, with over 250,000 properties across the province. Advocacy Win: Support for Rural Water InfrastructureMay 2025 – FOCA is pleased to see provincial action that reflects long-standing advocacy priorities for waterfront Ontario. The launch of the new Health and Safety Water Stream on
- [Provincial Priorities 2025-2029](https://foca.on.ca/provincial-priorities/) - Sustaining Ontario’s Waterfront Communities: FOCA's Vision for Growth and Stewardship Sustaining Ontario’s Waterfront Communities: A Vision for Growth and Stewardship 2025 – 2028 Provincial Priorities for Ontario’s Waterfront CommunitiesThe Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) represents over 250,000 families who live seasonally and year-round in waterfront communities across the province. Annual spending by waterfront property
- [Protecting Biodiversity](https://foca.on.ca/biodiversity/) - The impacts of the continued loss of biodiversity and climate change on our livelihoods and communities are already visible. For over two decades, FOCA has been a member of the Ontario Biodiversity Council (OBC). This group of environmental, conservation, government, academic and indigenous organizations, natural history institutions, and industry work together to support biodiversity conservation
- [Policing & Rural Crime Prevention](https://foca.on.ca/police-crime/) - Good crime prevention depends on community engagement and ensuring everyone in the community is involved in crime prevention and fire safety. Concerns about Policing Costs:Dec. 16, 2024 – Mayors want ‘parity’ for local police funding (CBC News – Ottawa) – municipalities that operate their own police forces want financial assistance from the Province too, say
- [Plastics Issues](https://foca.on.ca/plastics/) - Learn about negative impacts of plastics on Ontario's waterways. Microplastics are at alarming levels in the world’s lakes and rivers, and they pose potential physical and toxicological risks to organisms. June 2025 – The International Joint Commission (IJC) is an independent body established under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between Canada and the US, to prevent and resolve disputes over shared waters and other
- [Noise Pollution](https://foca.on.ca/noise-pollution/) - Learn about the impacts of noise pollution in Ontario's waterfront communities. FOCA first wrote about noise pollution in our 2009 publication, Take the Plunge. We continue to hear from members who are concerned about excessive noise in cottage country. The more we understand about the noise we make, and how it travels over water, the better neighbours we can be at our waterfront properties! In early 2022
- [News](https://foca.on.ca/news/current-news/)
- [News & Events](https://foca.on.ca/news/) - Get caught up on Ontario cottage country news: ElertsThe Elert, FOCA's monthly e-news ("E-alert") is packed with environmental and policy updates, regional news & event notices. Join over 20,000 fellow subscribers! Publications & VideosAccess print and digital reports and publications, FOCA's Annual Reports, and current and archived editions of the Lake Stewards Newsletter Media ContactFOCA speaks on behalf of waterfront property owners across
- [Membership & Services](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/) - Who supports FOCA? People like you who love waterfront Ontario. Learn about FOCA member services and benefits. Be part of the solution for waterfront Ontario! Support FOCA: as a Member Associationas a Friend of FOCAas a Corporate Sponsor FOCA supports our 50,000 member families with a wide range of services, programs, events and special offers. Already a member? Access your benefits and member resources! Not yet a member? Read onward to find
- [Light Pollution](https://foca.on.ca/light-pollution/) - Worried about dark skies in cottage country? FOCA has been writing about light pollution for decades! We continue to hear from members who are concerned about excessive light in cottage country. July 15, 2023 – Fade into the night: Fireflies facing threats from climate change and light pollution (Toronto Star)January 19, 2023 – Goodbye, dark sky. The stars are rapidly disappearing from
- [Land Claims & Reconciliation](https://foca.on.ca/land-claims-reconciliation/) - FOCA recognizes and thanks the traditional stewards of the lands and waterways where we work and live. The waterfront lands of Ontario are the traditional territories of many diverse Indigenous peoples who recognize the sacredness of water, the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of protecting land and water for the generations yet to
- [Lake Capacity Assessment](https://foca.on.ca/lake-capacity-assessment/) - FOCA continues in our role as active contributors to sound lake management, including ongoing upgrades to lake capacity planning, through a process referred to as Lake Capacity Assessment (LCA). It has long been recognized that nearshore development can have an impact on the integrity of the natural biota, and water quality. As development occurs on
- [IsampleON](https://foca.on.ca/isampleon/) - Since 2021, FOCA and the Invasive Species Centre (ISC) have partnered in a community science program called IsampleON (Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program for Lakes Education Ontario), with funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Read about the 2023 and 2024 IsampleON programs below, and also on page 16-17 of the 2024 Ontario
- [Invasive Carps](https://foca.on.ca/carps/) - Learn about Grass Carp and other invaders that threaten Ontario waters.Invasive carps are already established in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and are advancing toward the Great Lakes. Everyone in Ontario, particularly those on the ‘front lines’ along the Great Lakes shorelines, should be on the lookout to prevent the introduction of invasive carps. July 1, 2024 – Historic Agreement Signed to Keep Invasive Carp
- [Great Lakes Strategy & Research](https://foca.on.ca/great-lakes/) - Ontario borders on 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, and is blessed with over 250,000 inland lakes that all need our care and attention. September 11, 2025 – The Great Lakes Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission has released a resource guide to help small and medium-sized communities integrate Great Lakes water topics
- [Government Engagement](https://foca.on.ca/government-engagement/) - FOCA represents waterfront property owners’ interests, and acts as a conduit on many important public policy issues that affect waterfront environments. On January 6, 2025, Justin Trudeau announced he will resign his post as Prime Minister once a new leader of the federal Liberal party is chosen. He then prorogued Parliament which will not sit
- [Forestry & Forest Management](https://foca.on.ca/forestry/) - As important stakeholders on the landscape, waterfront residents and lake associations should learn about the scope, context, and timing for forestry work that is planned for your area. 44% of Ontario’s Crown forests are managed forests, and subject to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994. The purposes of this Act are “to provide for the
- [Floating Accommodations](https://foca.on.ca/floating-accommodations/) - Floating container dwellings have emerged as a blight on the waters of Central Ontario. They may be coming to other areas of the Province too, in time. July 2025 – Transport Canada (TC) asked FOCA to inform members they are requesting public comments on restricting anchoring for these types of structures: “We are asking the
- [Federal Elections](https://foca.on.ca/federal-elections/) - A Canadian federal election has been called for Monday, April 28, 2025. There are a lot of issues facing cottage country. FOCA encourages you to look into the issues and the candidates, and please vote in accordance with FOCA’s vision: to sustain and enhance the cottage experience for generations. CBC News has launched the 2025
- [Energy and Cell Project Siting](https://foca.on.ca/energy-cell-project-siting/) - In Canada, green energy projects (wind and solar) as well as cell tower locations are sited and installed with a combined consideration of costs and benefits. The public (including FOCA’s members across Ontario) often ask how they can weigh in to the process of consultations and approvals. On the one hand, many people want improved
- [Economic Impact of Waterfront Property Owners](https://foca.on.ca/economic-wpo/) - Waterfront property owners (WPO), whether seasonal or permanent residents, are a significant force in Ontario. The annual property taxes alone on the estimated $75 billion of privately-owned residential cottage real estate is over $700 million, directly supporting local governance, programs, and infrastructure in more than 200 rural Ontario municipalities. “Cottage”-related household expenditures amount to billions
- [Dock Permits & Boathouses](https://foca.on.ca/docks-boathouses/) - FOCA fought for clarity for Ontario waterfront property owners on the issue of permits for small docks and boathouses. In 2015, dock building and repair got bogged down in red tape, after a Supreme Court ruling that, pursuant to the Public Lands Act, in matters of ‘in-water’ development, a provincial permit would be required for
- [Media contact](https://foca.on.ca/contact/media-contact/) - Media Inquiries: FOCA speaks on behalf of waterfront property owners across Ontario, and has been the voice of the waterfront for more than 60 years.Visit our Priority Issues webpage, or use the “search” feature at the side of this page for policy and backgrounders about land use planning, taxation, the state of the environment and other waterfront
- [Contact us](https://foca.on.ca/contact/) - Contact FOCA! FOCA is a membership organization. We are here year-round to serve our members! Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations#201 – 159 King StreetPeterborough, Ontario K9J 2R8 * If you are shipping a delivery to FOCA, or coming to pick up materials: please contact us ahead of time, as staff are not in the King Street office
- [Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killer](https://foca.on.ca/co-safety/) - Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is referred to as “the Silent Killer.” If you have a gas, oil, propane or wood-burning heating system or appliance, you need carbon monoxide (CO) alarms! It is up to each of us to protect our families. Click the image below to enlarge the information. As
- [Aggregates & Mining](https://foca.on.ca/aggregates-mining/) - FOCA members, who are surface rights owners (SRO), have a significant level of concern regarding the regulations which govern aggregates and mining exploration in Ontario.Some definitions:Aggregate is the technical name for stone, sand and gravel used in construction. Aggregate is surface-mined in pits and quarries across Ontario. On average, approximately 164 million tonnes of aggregate are used in Ontario each year. That’s about 12 tonnes per person. (source)Mining is the extraction or removal of minerals or metals from below
- [Your Role](https://foca.on.ca/about/your-role/) - There is strength in numbers.Please support FOCA in our efforts to protect Ontario’s freshwater lakes and rivers, for the next generation of dock-jumpers! How can you help? 1. Get on the FOCA Elert list Elerts (“E-alerts”) are FOCA’s monthly electronic cottage country newsletters sent by email, with links to important updates and developments that affect
- [Targeting Tax - Dvd](https://foca.on.ca/askdjnaskdjasdiwuhiueh-dvd3/)
- [Seize the Time or Bide your Time – DVD](https://foca.on.ca/asdasjfhoiwjqfoij29082-dvd5/)
- [Trust the Cottage - DVD](https://foca.on.ca/sdkjahiwuhgowihaoidjoa-dvd4/)
- [Gould Lake Ratepayers' Association](https://foca.on.ca/gould-lake-ratepayers-association/) - Connect with the Gould Lake Ratepayers' Association: This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the GLRA webpage!The Gould Lake Ratepayers’ Association (GLRA) was formed in
- [60th Event Photos](https://foca.on.ca/60th-event-photos/) - Thanks to everyone who celebrated FOCA’s 60th anniversary with us on September 23, 2023 at the Market Hall, Peterborough! ~Click images below to enlarge them. Images are provided by event photographer, Jordan Lyall, unless otherwise noted. Register now to participate in FOCA’s next member event!
- [Silent Auction 2023](https://foca.on.ca/silent-auction-2023/) - Revisit the great silent auction items from FOCA's 60th anniversary celebration in 2023! Preview the items below, which will be included in our Silent Auction, as part of FOCA’s 60th Anniversary celebratory event, “Connections” taking place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 3:00pm to 6:00 pm at the Market Hall, in Peterborough.All Silent Auction proceeds go to support FOCA’s work on behalf of thriving and sustainable waterfronts across
- [Red Cap Beach Association](https://foca.on.ca/red-cap-beach-association/) - This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the header and footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the Red Cap Beach Association webpage. The Red Cap Beach Association was formed
- [Leech Lake Cottagers' Association](https://foca.on.ca/leech-lake-cottagers-association/) - Connect with the Leech Lake Cottagers' Association! This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the LLCA webpage!Leech Lake Cottagers’ Association (LLCA) has been active for
- [Event Recording: 2025 FOCA AGM & Spring Seminar](https://foca.on.ca/sdfwwdffg4ww987798712/) - As a paid registrant for this FOCA event, you are entitled to view the recording of the day’s seminars.Please do not share this link with others, as it is an unlisted/private YouTube posting only intended for paid registrants. Thank you!Looking for the recording of a particular session? Consult the Event Agenda for the list of
- [Farren Lake Property Owners Association](https://foca.on.ca/farren-lake-property-owners-association/) - This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the webpage of FLPOA - the Farren Lake Property Owners Association
- [Thank You for your support - welcome, friend!](https://foca.on.ca/thank-you-welcome-friend/) - Your payment has been successfully processed! Please check your inbox for an email receipt, or contact the office for further assistance during business hours.We appreciate your support as a Friend of FOCA. Your annual contribution supports FOCA’s ongoing work for waterfront Ontario. Account Information: You are now logged in to your FOCA Account, and can access your
- [Pine Lake Ratepayers Association](https://foca.on.ca/pine-lake-ratepayers-association/) - Welcome to the PLRA webpage!Pine Lake Ratepayers Association is located in the Gravenhurst area of Muskoka, Ontario. Contact usConnect with us on FacebookGoogle Map (aerial view: Mark Chandler) PLRA Mandate: To nurture, protect, and enhance the immediate and surrounding environment of Pine Lake.To preserve the water quality and natural habitat of the lake for future
- [Grace Lake Association](https://foca.on.ca/grace-lake-association/) - Connect with the Grace Lake Association: This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below. NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome! Grace Lake is located in Haliburton County, near Wilberforce, Ontario in
- [McKay Lake Community Association](https://foca.on.ca/mckay-lake-community-association/) - Connect with the McKay Lake Community Association! This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with MLCA using the links below.NOTE: the top header and bottom footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the MLCA webpage! About the Lake: Located in beautiful Muskoka just
- [Give a Mother's Day Gift: Friend of FOCA](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/friend-gift-mothers-day/) - Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift for a mother, daughter or wife to celebrate the memories you’ve shared together as a family on the waterfront?Give her the gift of being a Friend of FOCA for the next 12 months! As a Friend of FOCA, she’ll gain access to a wealth of resources and information about
- [Give a Father's Day Gift: Friend of FOCA](https://foca.on.ca/member-services/friend-gift-fathers-day/) - Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift for a father, son or husband to celebrate the memories you’ve shared together as a family on the waterfront?Give him the gift of being a Friend of FOCA for the next 12 months! Click here to order this card words on the card: This little gift is just to
- [Account](https://foca.on.ca/account/) - Log in to access member materials. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password
- [Association - Renewal Payment Successful!](https://foca.on.ca/renewal-association-payment-successful/) - Your renewal payment has been successfully processed! Thank you for making FOCA’s work possible.Please check your email for your payment receipt.Some important notes:It will take up to 2 business days for the FOCA office to manually update the # of Sub-accounts (the members you have paid for) on your Association Account page (see the link at the
- [Association - Payment Successful!](https://foca.on.ca/new-association-payment-successful/) - Your payment has been successfully processed! Thank you for making FOCA’s work possible.Please check your email for your payment receipt.Some important notes:It will take up to 2 business days for the FOCA office to manually update the # of Sub-accounts (the members you have paid for) on your Association Account page (see the link at the top
- [Register for limited access to FOCA resources](https://foca.on.ca/register-for-access/) - Create a Username and Password below, to gain access to select FOCA digital resources.Some FOCA materials are kept behind an access login. Many of these resources are only available to our Member Associations, and some are also accessible to “Friends of FOCA” (our Annual Individual Supporters), while select other FOCA productions can be accessed by
- [Welcome to Limited Free Access](https://foca.on.ca/thank-you/) - The following information is available to FOCA Members and Annual Supporters. Need help with your login? Contact us! Not yet a Member or Annual Supporter? Find out why you should be! Login
- [Thank You for your donation!](https://foca.on.ca/thank-you-donation/) - Your payment has been successfully processed.Please check your inbox for an email receipt, or contact the office for further assistance during business hours. We sincerely appreciate your contribution, which furthers FOCA’s year-round work on behalf of waterfront Ontario.
- [Thank You - Mother's Day Gift](https://foca.on.ca/thank-you-mothers-day-gift/) - Your gift payment has been processed successfully! Please check your inbox for an email receipt. Your digital gift card has been delivered to the email you provided for the Gift Recipient during the payment process. FOCA will follow up within 2 business days to tell them more about all the benefits they can access over the coming
- [Guest](https://foca.on.ca/guest/) - Welcome Guest,
- [Cottage Sharing Agreements – DVD](https://foca.on.ca/asdasjfhoiwjqfoij29082-dvd2/)
- [Association Renewal - warning - Payment Failure](https://foca.on.ca/renewing-association-payment-failure/) - Your payment has not been successfully processed! This could be an issue with “Square” (our payment processor) or an issue with the Credit Card billing details that were submitted. At this time you have not been charged, nor has your membership been created. Please follow the below steps to finalize setting up your account.Resubmit your
- [Association - Payment Failure](https://foca.on.ca/new-association-payment-failure/) - We’re sorry – something went wrong.Your payment has NOT been processed. This could be an issue with “Square” (our payment processor) or an issue with the Credit Card billing details that were submitted.At this time you have not been charged, nor has your FOCA membership been confirmed. Please follow the steps below to proceed:Resubmit your
- [Login](https://foca.on.ca/login-3/) - Login for access to members-only materials on the FOCA website.
- [East Stoney Lake Cottagers Association](https://foca.on.ca/east-stoney-lake-cottagers-association/) - Connect with the East Stoney Lake Cottagers Association: This webpage is hosted by FOCA, on behalf of our member group. Please connect with them using the links below.NOTE: the header and footer of this page contain links that will take you to additional pages on the FOCA website. Welcome to the webpage of the ESLCA -East Stoney Lake Cottagers Association. Follow ESLCA on
- [Cottage Succession Purchase Form](https://foca.on.ca/cottage-succession-purchase-form/) - Use this page to purchase access to recordings of FOCA Cottage Succession Seminars with estate lawyer Peter Lillico.

## Groups

- [Association](https://foca.on.ca/plans/association/)

## Memberships

- [Member Association](https://foca.on.ca/register/member-association/) - Welcome, member!You have been invited by your Member Association to create a personal FOCA Account Username and Password below, for access to member materials on the website.IMPORTANT: you must sign up with a personal email (not a generic one like treasurer@association.com that might get passed to someone else eventually). This Account record remains unique to
- [Friend of FOCA](https://foca.on.ca/register/friend-of-foca/) - Use this portal below to become a new “Friend of FOCA”, or update your payment information to renew! For an annual fee of $60 (+HST), Friends of FOCA receive:registration to FOCA events and webinars at a special discounted rate, or free for the FOCA Cottage Succession seminarsone year of benefits and discounts from our partners
- [Board Members](https://foca.on.ca/register/board-members/) - Price: Free First Name:* First Name Required Last Name:* Last Name Required Address Line 1:* Address Line 1 is Required Address Line 2: Address Line 2 is not valid City:* City is Required Country:* Country is Required — Select Country —CanadaAfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelauBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Saint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBritish Virgin
- [Register for Limited Free Access](https://foca.on.ca/register/public/) - Price: Free for 1 Year First Name:* First Name Required Last Name:* Last Name Required Association or Waterbody:* Association or Waterbody is Required How did you hear of us? Is this a GIFT (give full name & email & waterbody of person receiving the gift) Did someone refer you? (Please specify): How did you hear

## Files

- [FOCA Short Term Rental](https://foca.on.ca/mp-files/foca-short-term-rental.pdf/)
- [FOCA Risk Management Manual ALL](https://foca.on.ca/mp-files/foca-risk-management-manual-all.pdf/)

## File Tags

- [p-download](https://foca.on.ca/file-tag/p-download/) - Login to access this content. Members and Friends of FOCA, as well as members of the public, can access this material.
- [a-download](https://foca.on.ca/file-tag/a-download/)