Spring 2025 Newsletter
| IPPERWASH BEACH STAKEHOLDER MEETING CICA is hosting a Stakeholder Meeting on June 14th to provide a calm and welcoming space for discussing issues that lessen enjoyment and preservation of our beautiful Centre Ipperwash beach. As an organization that represents both lakefront and non-lakefront property owners in the area (about 50 per cent in each owner category), CICA has been distressed about increasing tensions around beach access and usage over the past few years. To help keep the meeting organized and ensure it’s time well spent, we have hired Angelo D’Ascanio, an experienced mediator and attorney from London (https://scottpetrie.com/mediation-services/), who will serve as a neutral facilitator for the meeting. He has a strong interest in, knowledge of and love for cottage country, and is not serving in a legal capacity. Angelo plays two key roles: one, to listen to the concerns of key stakeholders and citizens ahead of the meeting. Angelo has been reaching out to some community members interested in expressing their point of view. While Angelo will not be able to interview everyone, all input received is being documented and shared with him. And two, to lead the meeting, where people can share facts and express different viewpoints, start to understand and respect the views of others, and then work towards potential solutions. This meeting will not be about legal definitions of private property or beach use rights, which is beyond CICA’s mandate. Meeting details: When: June 14, 2025, 10 a.m. Where: Thomas Hall, Thedford Legacy Centre (map here)  OPENING YOUR COTTAGE For those of you who are seasonal denizens of Ipperwash, it’s time to start thinking about opening up the cottage for the coming season. Readying your place for warmer weather is more than just a chore — it’s the start of a new season of relaxation and connection. By following these tips, you’ll have your retreat ready in no time, leaving you free to soak up the joys of cottage life. Happy opening! 1. Inspect the exterior: Start with a thorough walk-around. Check the roof for missing shingles, inspect the chimney for damage, and clear debris from gutters. Look for signs of animal activity or storm damage on walls, windows, and doors. Addressing these issues early prevents costly repairs later. 2. Turn on utilities: Before you settle in, restore essential services. Turn on the water supply slowly to check for leaks and inspect pipes for winter damage. Reactivate electricity and test outlets, lights, and appliances. If you use propane, ensure tanks are filled and connections are secure. 3. Clean thoroughly: Cottages can accumulate dust, mold or critter residue over the off-season. Sweep floors, wipe down surfaces and clean windows for a fresh start. Don’t forget to air out bedding, cushions, and furniture. A deep clean sets the tone for a comfortable stay. 4. Check for pests: Mice, squirrels or insects may have made your cottage their winter home. Look for droppings, chewed wires, or nests in attics and storage areas. Set traps if needed, seal entry points, and consider professional pest control for persistent issues. 5. Test heating and cooling systems: Even in spring, nights can be chilly. Test the furnace, fireplace, or space heaters to ensure they’re functional. If your cottage has air conditioning, check filters and run the unit to confirm it’s cooling properly. Clean systems work more efficiently. 6. Inspect plumbing: Frozen pipes are a common winter issue. Run faucets to check water flow and look for leaks under sinks or in basements. Flush toilets to ensure they’re working and test the hot water heater. If you drained the system for winter, refill it carefully. 7. Re-stock supplies: Replenish essentials like non-perishable food, cleaning products, and first-aid kits. Check expiration dates on items left from last season. Stock up on firewood, batteries and light bulbs to avoid mid-stay shortages. A well-stocked cottage is a stress-free one. 8. Maintain outdoor areas: Clear fallen branches and trim overgrown bushes. Inspect decks for loose boards or rot, and ensure outdoor furniture is sturdy. If you have a lawn, give it a quick mow to tidy up the property. 9. Test safety equipment: Safety first: check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries if needed. Inspect fire extinguishers for pressure and expiration dates. If your cottage is near water, ensure life jackets and flotation devices are accessible and in good condition. 10. Prepare for fun: Finally, get the cottage ready for enjoyment. Dust off kayaks, bikes and fishing gear and check them for wear. Set up outdoor games, string lights, ready fire pits to create a welcoming vibe. A little prep ensures your cottage is a haven for making memories. BEACH SIZE Right now the beach at Ipperwash is even wider than it was last summer – when it was massively wide. While predicting lake levels (and by extension beach width) is subject to several variables, researchers in both the U.S. and Canada have forecast levels no higher than last year, and likely a little lower. Which means a very big beach again. As of March 2025, levels in Lake Huron-Michigan (which are grouped together because they’re hydrologically connected) are slightly below the long-term average. By mid-January 2025, levels were projected to continue a seasonal decline, dropping 7–9 inches through April 2025, reaching 5–6 inches below the long-term average. Great Lakes water levels typically reach their lowest point in late winter and rise through spring into summer due to snowmelt, precipitation and reduced evaporation. Lake Huron-Michigan is expected to begin its seasonal rise through April, potentially increasing by 2–3 inches per month through summer under average conditions. Summer 2025 outlook: Based on forecasts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environment Canada, Lake Huron-Michigan is likely to be near or slightly below its long-term summer average by June-August 2025, assuming typical water supply conditions. The probable range is within ±6 inches of the average, reflecting natural variability. NEW STREET LIGHTS ON ARMY CAMP ROAD  If you’ve driven down Army Camp Road in the past few weeks, you’d have noticed how bright it is. Really bright. The extra light stems from a CICA request to the municipality to brighten up the dangerously dark stretch of Army Camp Road as it approaches the turn onto East Parkway Drive. We asked for four lights, which would be more than sufficient for safety’s sake. Well, we got four lights. Plus 13 more. We’re not sure where wires got crossed, but there are now 17 street lights illuminating the northern portion of the road, which is now brighter than the Las Vegas strip. We recommend SPF-60 sunblock and a good pair of Ray-Bans if you’re heading down there at night.  BENEFITS OF BEING A FOCA MEMBER 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. Theseresources 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  PLANTERS ARE COMING BACK April showers bring May flowers, and this year they’ll bring back our planters. The end of May marks the return of the decorative and commemorative planters to their usual locations: – Army Camp Road/East Parkway Drive – East Parkway Drive/Ipperwash Road – West Parkway Drive/Ipperwash Road – West Parkway Drive/West Ipperwash Road – Arbor Acres And following the success of last year’s memorial plaque sponsorship, we are once again offering the plaques, which are fixed to the planters as an elegant and poignant way to remember loved ones. There are 11 different images to choose from and up to three lines of text. The plaques are 2” by 8”. For those interested, order forms can be found here or available online at Memorial Plaque – Order Form – CICA (centreipperwashcommunity.ca). IN MEMORIAM Community Members who have passed recently. Remembered, not forgotten.  Pamela Kidd  Bob Simpson If we have overlooked anyone and you would like them remembered please get in touch via info@centreipperwashcommunity.ca and we will make sure to include them in our next newsletter. NEW BEACH SIGNAGE In April, Infrastructure Ontario began upgrading the large signs at the major parking areas along East and West Parkway Drives. The refresh is something CICA has been requesting for years and was sorely needed. Two new signs now greet visitors at each of the parking areas. The signage near the roadside displays the operation hours for the lot, as well as the beach amenities on-site.  The sign at the beach approach shows the basic do’s and don’ts for visitors via pictograms. Since some of the pictograms may not be widely recognized, here’s what each means:  Top row, L > R: No lifeguard on duty; no open fires; no fireworks; no motorized vehicles Middle row, L > R: No camping; no littering; no glass containers; no horseback riding IMPORTANT DATES Saturday, June 7: Dumpster/Trash 2 Treasures Day Saturday, June 14: Beach Stakeholder Meeting Tuesday, July 1: Canada Day Walk Saturday, July 26: Beach Art Contest Saturday August 9: AGM Sunday, August 31: Last Sunset of Summer Wednesday, December 3: CICA Christmas Dinner Grab and Gab – Wednesdays 9 a.m. from May 14 to October 8 at Ipperwash Beach Club NOT A MEMBER OF Centre Ipperwash Community Association (CICA)? Join now to stay in touch and help contribute to Ipperwash. For less than a dollar a week, you can help us promote the interests and values of Ipperwash. Help us build a stronger voice for your community. Join CICA |