CICA FALL/WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025
It’s nearly the end of November and it’s been a busy year. In this newsletter we will review what happened with CICA and the community over the past months and let you know what our plans are moving forward.
Council presentation summary
| In October, CICA President Shelly Herman made a presentation to Lambton Shores municipal council addressing the growing concerns around health and safety in Ipperwash. Drawing on input from our members and working groups, she made an eloquent case for government to step in and rectify the problems that are making our beach and community an increasingly unsafe and unpleasant place to live and visit. The presentation was well-received by council and by the packed public gallery in attendance. CICA has since followed up with municipal staff, who have pledged to report back to council on the cost and implementation plans to meet our health and safety requests (outlined in the graphic below). The municipal budget will be finalized in January, so it was important for CICA to make a forceful case as early as possible. We’re confident we’ve done that. Beyond Lambton Shores, we have also requested a meeting with MPP Steve Pinsonneault. His participation is crucial since many of the issues we need to address sit on provincially-controlled land. We’re hopeful that meeting will occur soon. |
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Working groups – names and reports
Education Working Group (Brenda Crump, Sandra Marshall, Dori Mueller, Wendy Soubel, Laurie Gibbs, Gerry Verbenne).
Beach education graphic posted.
Contributions to CICA’s MLS council presentation included:
- washrooms,
- ticketing/tow signs for illegal parking,
- signage re water dangers and beach location,
- rescue person for busy weekends,
- walkways on Parkway Drive
Infrastructure Working Group (John Arnold, Jim Maguire, Paul Montgomery, Michele Ferri, Nancy Verbenne, Peter Keen, David Clements)
Group prioritized making specific requests from the municipality for increased porta potties and cleaning as well as safety considerations including:
- Life Rings
- 911 signs
- QR Code link to “Did You Know” info.
Safety courses
The Infrastructure Working Group had urged CICA to hold a safety training course via Zoom over the winter. After further discussion we’re aiming to schedule it in April. We are in discussions with safety advocacy groups as well as the Red Cross to help implement the training.
Beach education poster
| Based on feedback we received at recent community meetings, Dori Manicardi-Mueller (a member of our new Education Working Group) created a beach education poster pictured below. It was posted on Facebook in advance of the busy Labour Day weekend. An updated version will include a map of public access areas, parking, porta potties, garbage and location identifiers, and will be ready for public distribution by Spring 2026. |
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Land Back Action
| On November 2nd members of the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation staged a “Grass Roots Community Land Back Action Movement” aimed at reclaiming their “historical migration route” along the beach from Kettle Point through to Stoney Point. The action was peaceful and organizers contacted the OPP and Lambton Shores officials, as well as Chief Kim Bressette, in advance. |
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| Backhoes and bulldozers were used to remove some of the posts that demarcate the end of the three roads leading to the beach (Army Camp Road, Ipperwash Road, West Ipperwash Road), with the resulting gap allowing cars and trucks to move freely along the beach. Since the action, an agreement between Lambton Shores and Kettle & Stoney Point First Nation has seen the installation of ropes between the gaps left after the beach action. CICA executives interest rests solely with the health and safety implications of the status of the beach. |
CICA’s initiatives over the past year
| At the August annual general meeting, we presented a comprehensive overview of the major initiatives CICA has implemented over the past year. Here’s a summary of our achievements: GRANTS AND FUNDING – $2,000 for the MLS Community Grant for to cover promotional materials, website costs, special event flag purchases and replacements. – $2,500 in in-kind services to remove non-native shrubs around the armour stone on Ipperwash Road, as well as from the road allowance to the north of the IBC. – Conditional approval for up to $10,000 for the MLS Community Vibrancy Fund Small Projects. This will pay for armour stone to be installed on the north side of West Parkway Drive across from the IBC. Funding is subject to a geotechnical survey being completed and approved, so we wait. ENVIRONMENT Invasive species: The Ipperwash Phrag Phighters removed invasive Sweet White Clover and Spotted Knapweed, and we wait for Lambton Shores to coordinate remaining vegetation cleanup. Fish die-off: Massive numbers of fish, mostly gizzard shad, washed up on our shoreline during the spring, to the point it attracted media attention. CICA hired a dumpster and volunteers armed with grabbers, garbage cans and tractors removed the dead fish. INFRASTRUCTURE Street lights: After several years of working with the municipality to get street lights installed on Army Camp Road, they are up. We asked for four and got 17! That works out to about four per year for our request. Signage: New signage was installed at the IO properties and we are working with the province and municipality to improve its clarity. CICA is also working on having location information on both the beach and road. Area 1: Access to Area 1 was opened on the east side to align with the crosswalk. Memorial planters: The planters were introduced last Fall and continue to be used as a great photo site for visitors.  Garbage container: In October 2025 MLS installed a year-round garbage can at the beach access on Ipperwash Road  EVENTS Christmas Dinner 2024: CICA had a sold-out Christmas Dinner at the Ipperwash Beach Club. Food, entertainment, prizes and socializing at its best. Grab ‘n Gabs: We have had an awesome turnout for our weekly Wednesday Grab and Gabs. This year’s effort ran until early October.  Trash 2 Treasure: Our annual Dumpster/Trash 2 Treasure Day was a success. Canada Day: An awesome Canada Day Walk, both in terms of weather and turnout.  Beach Art: We had a very successful 2nd Annual Beach Art Contest on July 27th. 23 teams registered, with 62 participants, a huge increase over the inaugural contest.   Last Sunset: There was a good turnout for the annual Last Sunset of Summer on Labour Day. Volunteer Appreciation: A volunteer appreciation gathering was held on September 20th with over 20 volunteers in attendance. Our past Treasurer, Jim Maguire, was the recipient of the Good Neighbour Award for all his service in our community.  Annual Ipperwash Beach Cleanup: There was a good turnout this year despite the cold. COMMUNITY ISSUES MPP meeting: Three of the CICA Executive met with MPP Steve Pinsonneault in May. Stakeholder meeting: We hosted a general forum in June to provide a civil space to discuss contentious community issue. Close to 100 people attended and the meeting spawned two working groups. CICA ADMINISTRATION ONCA compliance: CICA completed the lengthy process of becoming compliant with the Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act. CICA constitution change: Members approved a change in CICA’s constitution to emphasize our organization’s focus on improving community cohesion and infrastructure and de-emphasize its previous role in private property concerns. |
Helium balloons
| A local resident Lynn Tremain has asked for our help in addressing a problem she’s been tracking for some time: the increasing number of spent helium balloons that are inundating our community, particularly along the shoreline. So far she’s gathered almost 2,100, some of which are pictured below. Lynn is starting to work with the Lake Huron Coastal Centre in Goderich to advise on how to combat the problem and clean it up, and is contacting municipal, provincial and federal officials as well. Ideally she’d like to track total numbers of the spent balloons. CICA is interested in helping with her tracking. We ask you to e-mail Lynn at bltremain26@hotmail.com to report any balloons you collect and then dispose of them properly. |
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Have you thought about succession planning for your cottage?
It may not be the most pleasant idea to consider as we reflect on another beautiful summer and look toward next season. 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 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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Communication and Family Dynamics
Clear communication with heirs prevents disputes. A 2020 Ontario Court of Appeals 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’s2025 seminar series with Peter Lillico offer valuable guidance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| CICA Christmas Party – Wednesday, December 3, at Ipperwash Beach Club |
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