A Message from the FOCA Board President

All the very best, from the FOCA "family" to yours this holiday season.

First I want to thank EVERYONE who has supported FOCA with a gift this year! Your support matters.

Many of you were inspired by the cottage story of a fellow member; if you missed reading Mary Ann's story, catch up on it here (PDF, 3 pages).

You can still make a gift to FOCA before the end of 2023. No matter the amount, your contribution makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our organization!

Next, I invite you to join us at the upcoming FOCA Annual General Meeting and Spring Seminar. For now, SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 2, 2024 by webinar & in-person at the Bayview Golf & Country Club, Thornhill. Registration opens in January, and an official Notice of Meeting will be sent to Member Association representatives 30 days prior to the event.

Finally, I want to thank our great network of volunteers who make this organization strong through all your ongoing efforts! FOCA is always pleased to hear from potential volunteers for our Board and Committees. We are currently seeking eligible candidates (members of FOCA Member Associations in good standing) with background in law, liability, corporate governance, or fundraising. Email president@foca.on.ca for more information about what's involved.

Winter Safety Tips: a message from Cade Associates

With the holidays around the corner, we all look forward to treasured times with friends and family, as well as the return of winter weather!

It is important for property owners to take proactive steps to ensure the household is prepared to safely navigate a serious winter storm. Before the deep freeze arrives, take inventory and stock up on essential supplies, water, and medicines. Plan to be able to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours. If you might rely on any wood-burning heat sources during that time, be sure you’ve had the chimney cleaned and have the necessary smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place.

More information about seasonal emergency planning - including ideas for your 72 hour emergency kit - is available here (download 2 page PDF) or connect with your local municipal emergency services for tips or special instructions for your region. 

From the Cade Associates team, we wish the FOCA community a very happy holiday season and a safe and prosperous start to 2024!

our partners in risk management & administrators of

the FOCA Association Insurance Program and CottageFirst

Ice Safety

We hope you enjoy the holiday weather, safely. FOCA reminds everyone that our changing climate is changing ice conditions, which has impacts for lake health but also for personal safety. 

Would you know what to do if you - or a family member - fell through the ice? How can you determine when it is safe to play on lake ice?

Get tips and links to important resources from our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/ice/

upcoming webinar: Cottage Succession Planning - Targeting Tax

While you're celebrating with family over the holidays, you may be thinking about your cottage succession plans. Register NOW for the next FOCA Cottage Succession Planning webinar with estate lawyer Peter Lillico:

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 7pm to 8:30pm Join us for a "deep dive" into Targeting Tax. Learn how and when capital gains tax applies; techniques to avoid, reduce or defer tax; and planning approaches to fund it. Register online here.

This event is FREE to all members of current FOCA Member Associations, and to our annual supporters - the "Friends of FOCA". (Others may attend by paying the $30 non-member registration fee, or join first as a Friend of FOCA to receive free access to all the cottage succession events over the coming year, plus additional supporter benefits.)

FOCA was formed 60 years ago in 1963. Thank you for sharing in all of FOCA's 60th anniversary celebrations this past year!

Here is a final image to share from our 2023 cottage country photo project:

Pictured is Harold Fisher digging out the cottage roof at Rankin Lake in a past year. Let's hope for snow this year, but maybe not THIS much snow?!?

You can review other images we've featured in Elerts throughout 2023. Thanks to all of you for sharing your cottage country photos with us. Just because the year is coming to a close doesn't mean you have to stop sharing your great pictures - send them by email at any time to: communications@foca.on.ca

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