2025 – SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Enjoying the beach at all ages. Local resident, Marj, (95) went tubing last year.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION
Full and Associate Members are invited to the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m. at 6522 West Parkway Drive. The AGM is an ideal opportunity for members to keep up-to-date with information about our community and about CICA’s activities over the past year. Make sure to jot the time and date in your calendar! In addition to the information at the AGM, there will also be an election. Two Executive positions need to be filled and we are looking for two Full Members to fill these positions.
Please consider letting your name stand. The nomination deadline is Saturday, July 26. More information on nominations can be found here.
You can obtain a hard copy of the Nomination Form from Sandra Marshall (President) or by email request to info@centreipperwashcommunity.ca.
A completed nomination form must include the support of two Full Members. Once complete, you can submit a hard copy of the form directly to Sandra Marshall or by email to info@centreipperwashcommunity.ca with a date and signature.
Don’t forget to bring a chair. Parking is limited at Areas 3 and 4 so walk if you can.
STAKEHOLDER MEETING SUMMARY
CICA hosted a stakeholder meeting on June 14, aimed at giving people with concerns about the beach a chance to speak in a civil forum and listen to others as well. Several dozen people attended the gathering, held at Thedford’s Legacy Recreation Centre.
More than 20 people stood up and addressed the meeting, stating concerns and proposing solutions and next steps. Lambton Shores mayor Doug Cook also attended, and spent considerable time listening to the attendees’ concerns and answering questions about Lambton Shores’ approach to the issues surrounding the beach.
The issues raised at the meeting were many and varied, but most speakers discussed beach infrastructure, access to and use of the beach, government oversight of the various areas connected with the beach, and showed concern over capacity, traffic, parking and the public’s behaviour especially during the summer season.
CICA has spawned two working groups, focused on issues and solutions surfaced at the meeting:
Education: Focused on defining the rules around proper beach behaviour, existing bylaws, signage, access points, location and use of existing facilities.
Infrastructure Management: Focused on assessing sustainability of visitor levels with existing infrastructure. What infrastructure is needed? What improvements are required? Strategies connected with parking issues and political management of existing properties.
We need your input and participation in both of these working groups. If you’re interested, please contact us!
LAW ENFORCEMENT & LOCAL BYLAWS
The OPP has upped its presence in Ipperwash this summer, and you may have seen their officers out and about already. They’re using many forms of transportation besides their cruisers and feet: e-bikes, ATVs, even a police boat are regularly patrolling the area.
Officers are enforcing federal laws like impaired driving, assault, mischief, and provincial statutes like the Highway Traffic Act and Liquor Licence Act. They can also assist with bylaw enforcement in some areas, but bylaws are written by the municipality and change from place to place. Fireworks are a great example: Grand Bend fireworks, for instance, are restricted to only a few certain dates. But throughout the rest of Lambton Shores (including Ipperwash) fireworks are permitted from May 5 through September 15. Speaking of bylaws, check out Lambton Shores’ bylaws-at-a-glance document here.
WATER SAFETY
The last days of June this year were tragic ones at Ipperwash. In the span of two days two people died in water-related mishaps at the beach – a 44-year-old man from Lambton Shores and an 18-year-old teen from London.
These wrenching incidents are a sobering reminder that more than 400 Canadians die every year in preventable water-related accidents. Even one death is too many – here’s how you can avoid becoming a statistic and help others to stay safe as well:
Supervision: Always supervise children around water. If you’re not within arm’s reach, you’re too far away. And a special note about floaties – be careful using them when the breeze is blowing off-shore. It only takes a minute for the wind to carry someone out to deep water.
Near the shore: The water close to shore at Ipperwash Beach is shallow, and stays shallow well into the lake, so exercise caution and don’t assume the water is deep enough to dive. Also, wave action moves our renowned sandbars frequently. What was there last week might not be there today.
Open water: Never underestimate the power of lake currents. Be cautious when swimming in open water and know what to do if you’re caught in a rip — a strong current that often starts near the shore and pushes out, taking swimmers from shallow to deeper water. Spot a rip by looking for:
- A place where waves are not breaking regularly
- A channel of darker, choppy water
- Foam or seaweed suspended in the water column
What to do if you’re caught in a rip:
- Stay calm and don’t panic
- Swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current. Don’t swim directly against the rip
Life jackets: always wear a life jacket when you’re in any kind of boat or watercraft, including the increasingly popular stand-up paddleboards. And if you’re not a strong swimmer, wear one anytime you’re in the water. Choose it. Use it.
Learn CPR: it’s a lifesaving skill. Find a local course and learn CPR so you’re trained and ready.
Stay sober: alcohol consumption is a factor in many water-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis impair balance, judgment and reflexes. Stay sober in and around water.
(compiled from Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services files)
CANADA DAY WALK
This year’s Canada Day walk and parade was yet another smashing success. At least 150 people took part, including a myriad of cars, trucks and golf carts covered in red and white and the maple leaf. Even more joined the crowd at the parade’s end at Driftwood Treasures, where celebrating our nation’s birthday blended perfectly with enjoying ice cream.
Thanks to everyone in the community for showing true Canadian spirit, and especially to Mark Lindsay for hosting at Driftwood Treasures, and the Ipperwash Beach Club for providing the much-needed ice cream!
COLLECTION OF BOTTLES/CANS FOR POP, BEER, LIQUOR
The Can and Bottle Drive continues. Cans and bottles can be dropped off in the green wheelie bins, or at the garage, at 6492 West Parkway Drive.
Pop cans go to the Wyoming Lions; and refundable beer and liquor cans and bottles for CICA. Monies raised will go towards beach activities.
BEACH ART COMPETITION
Our annual Beach Art Competition makes its return on Saturday, July 26. If you’ve got an artistic flair for sand sculpture or making interesting art out of stuff you find on the beach, this event is for you.
The competition will take place on the western part of the beach, between Ipperwash Rd and West Ipperwash Rd. Registration runs from 10am to noon and you can sign up at Area 2, 3 or 4. The competition will conclude at 2pm.
All kids competing will receive bubble wands, and the top three finishes in each category will earn gift card prizes for the Ipperwash Beach Club and Arbor Acres.
POW WOW TICKET DRAW
As a perk for renewing CICA memberships for the upcoming year, names were drawn for two adult tickets to the 54th Annual KSPFN Pow Wow, a wonderful family event and annual must-attend that was held on Saturday, July 12. The winners were:
Nancy Milburn, Grace Dekker, Gerry RupKe, Brian Richardson and Karen Barfett. Karen’s tickets went to Joanne Wilton.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR YOUR COTTAGE?
It may not be the most pleasant idea to consider as we look towards another beautiful summer. But succession planning for cottage ownership is critical to ensure your vacation property remains a cherished family asset while minimizing financial and emotional challenges. Here are five key things to know:
Succession planning for cottage ownership in Ontario, Canada, is critical to ensure your vacation property remains a cherished family asset while minimizing financial and emotional challenges. Here are five key things to know:
1. Capital Gains Tax Implications
When transferring a cottage, capital gains tax applies to the difference between the property’s adjusted cost base (ACB) and its fair market value (FMV) at the time of transfer or death. As of June 25, 2024, the capital gains inclusion rate for amounts over $250,000 increased to 66.67% from 50%, significantly raising tax liabilities. Without planning, your estate or heirs may need to sell the cottage to cover taxes. Strategies like using the principal residence exemption (if applicable), spreading gains via a capital gains reserve, or transferring to a trust can help reduce or defer taxes.
2. Probate and Estate Administration Taxes
In Ontario, probate fees (Estate Administration Tax) are approximately 1.5% of the cottage’s value (e.g., $15,000 for a $1M property). Transferring ownership via joint tenancy with right of survivorship or an inter vivos trust can bypass probate, reducing costs. However, joint ownership may limit tax planning flexibility and control, so professional advice is essential.
3. Cottage Sharing Agreements
A legally binding cottage sharing agreement is crucial when multiple heirs inherit the property. It outlines usage schedules, expense sharing, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution. Without one, differing expectations among co-owners can lead to conflicts, especially across generations with varying financial capacities. Drafting this with a lawyer ensures clarity and fairness.
4. Trusts for Control and Protection
Trusts (inter vivos or testamentary) offer control, tax advantages, and asset protection. An inter vivos trust allows parents to retain use during their lifetime, avoid probate, and protect the cottage from creditors or divorce claims. However, trusts face a deemed disposition every 21 years, triggering capital gains tax, and may be subject to the Underused Housing Tax (UHT). Consult a tax professional to weigh benefits and costs.
5. Communication and Family Dynamics
Clear communication with heirs prevents disputes. A 2020 Ontario Court of Appeal case highlighted how secret transfers and unclear intentions led to family conflict over a cottage. Discuss plans with all beneficiaries, align wills with ownership transfers, and consider heirs’ ability to maintain the property amidst rising costs. Emotional ties and differing priorities require careful management to preserve family harmony.
When you’re ready, consult an estate lawyer and tax advisor familiar with Ontario’s laws to tailor a plan. Resources like FOCA’s 2025 seminar series with Peter Lillico offer valuable guidance.
BENEFITS OF BEING A FOCA MEMBER
Speaking of FOCA, joining the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations offers numerous benefits for cottage owners in Ontario, particularly for those focused on preserving their waterfront properties and communities.
Advocacy and Representation: FOCA represents over 50,000 families and 525+ lake and road associations, acting as the provincial voice for waterfront property owners. It advocates on critical issues like fair property taxation, environmental protection, and land-use planning, ensuring your concerns reach policymakers. For example, FOCA has influenced municipal voting rights and property tax reforms, which directly impact cottage ownership costs.
Cottage Succession Planning Resources: As mentioned above, FOCA provides specialized guidance on succession planning, a key concern for keeping cottages in the family. Members gain access to free or discounted webinars and seminars, such as the 2025 series with estate lawyer Peter Lillico, covering capital gains tax strategies, trusts, and family agreements. These resources help you navigate Ontario’s complex tax and legal landscape to secure your cottage’s future.
Exclusive Insurance and Discounts: Members can access the CottageFirst insurance program, tailored for cottages, homes, and boats, offered through Cade Associates Insurance Brokers. Additional discounts include savings on Cottage Life magazine subscriptions, Park’N Fly, Rogers services, and Canadian Canoe Museum memberships, reducing costs associated with cottage life.
Environmental and Community Support: FOCA provides tools for environmental stewardship, including the Lake Partner Program for water quality monitoring and resources on invasive species and septic systems. Members-only materials, like the Lake Planning Handbook, help associations manage shared lakes responsibly, enhancing your cottage’s long-term value and enjoyment.
Networking and Governance Tools: Through events like the AGM, Spring, and Fall Seminars, members connect with other cottagers to share knowledge on governance, maintenance, and succession challenges. FOCA offers templates for bylaws, privacy policies, and cottage sharing agreements, plus a Legal Helpline for associations, simplifying management of co-owned properties.
As a member of CICA, you’re already a FOCA member with full benefits. If you know someone who’s not a CICA member and has no other local cottagers’ association, they can join as “Friends of FOCA” for $60 (+HST) annually, gaining access to most benefits except association-specific governance tools. For more details, visit foca.on.ca
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, July 26: Beach Art Contest
Saturday August 9: Annual General Meeting
Sunday, August 31: Last Sunset of Summer
Tuesday, September 30: Orange Shirt Day/Truth and Reconciliation
Wednesday, December 3: CICA Christmas Dinner