Provincial Partner
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations
ELCA is proud to be a member association of FOCA — the provincial voice of Ontario’s waterfront community since 1963. FOCA advocates for healthy lakes and rivers, and represents over 250,000 waterfront property-owning families across the province.
Who is FOCA?
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations — a not-for-profit organization and the only provincial advocacy group committed to sustaining and enhancing the Ontario cottage experience. Since 1963, FOCA has worked collaboratively to provide credible expertise, environmental stewardship, targeted programs, and a robust network of strategic partners.
Today, FOCA represents more than 550 lake and road associations and the permanent and seasonal residents they represent. Ontario borders four of the five Great Lakes and has over 250,000 named inland lakes that all need care and attention. FOCA is championing cottagers, stewarding lakes, and supporting thriving communities.
What FOCA Does
Key areas of focus for FOCA and its member associations across Ontario.
Advocacy & Fair Taxation
FOCA champions the rights of waterfront property owners at Queen’s Park and beyond — from municipal voting rights for seasonal residents to the ongoing fight for fair property taxation (WRAFT).
Environmental Stewardship
For over 30 years, FOCA’s Lake Stewards have powered the Lake Partner Program — the world’s largest freshwater volunteer monitoring program — alongside shoreline health and invasive species initiatives.
Member Association Network
More than 550 lake and road associations across Ontario share knowledge, best practices, and a united provincial voice on the issues that matter to waterfront communities.
Education & Resources
FOCA produces guides, seminars, and the Lake Stewards newsletter on topics from septic systems and shore road allowances to boating safety and emergency access.
Risk Management & Insurance
Through the FOCA Association Insurance Program, member associations access affordable, purpose-built coverage for volunteers and community events.
Boating & Water Safety
FOCA developed a Transport Canada–approved boating hazard marker program and provides guidance on shoal marking and safe navigation on Ontario waterways.
FOCA Through the Years
A brief history of FOCA’s work protecting Ontario’s waterfront.
1963
125 people representing 40 cottage associations met in Toronto and founded FOCA as a provincial organization.
1974
FOCA was incorporated, formalizing its role as the voice of Ontario’s waterfront property owners.
1980s
FOCA fought hard for government action on acid rain and lobbied to stop the use of toxic Dombind as a road-dust suppressant.
1990s
Secured municipal voting rights for secondary property owners in their cottage ridings.
2012
Resolution in favour of landowners’ rights during claim-staking after a decade of work on the Mining Act.
Today
Over 550 member associations representing 50,000+ families across Ontario, headquartered in Peterborough.
ELCA & FOCA
As a FOCA member association, ELCA benefits from provincial advocacy, shared resources, and a network of lake associations facing similar challenges. We regularly share FOCA updates and guidance in the Eagle Eye newsletter. Check back here for ELCA-specific FOCA news and highlights in upcoming editions.
This section will be updated with ELCA’s latest FOCA updates.
FOCA Resources
Useful links to learn more and get involved with FOCA.
About FOCA
Mission, history, and how FOCA serves Ontario’s waterfront communities.
FOCA Member Services
Benefits, programs, and how to become an annual supporter.
Lake Partner Program
The world’s largest freshwater volunteer monitoring program.
FOCA Publications & Videos
Guides, the Lake Stewards newsletter, and educational materials.
FOCA Events
Spring and Fall Seminars for Associations and the annual AGM.
Contact FOCA
Reach the FOCA team in Peterborough, Ontario.
Questions about FOCA?
Contact FOCA directly through their website, or reach out to ELCA and we’ll point you in the right direction.