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Dear Members and Neighbours,As the loons return and the docks go in, it’s my pleasure to welcome you back to Dillon Cove for another beautiful summer season.Last year, when we launched the Dillon Cove Cottagers’ Association, we asked each of you for a significant contribution—$500—to help cover legal fees, insurance, and our new website. We know that was a big ask, and your incredible support made it possible to get everything up and running. Thanks to your generosity and strong participation, returning members won’t pay any fees this year—membership is on us.For new members joining in 2025, we’ve also lowered the fee to $400—so now’s the perfect time to encourage your neighbours and friends to join. It’s important to note that this includes a $300 initiation fee and $100 Annual Membership dues. With returning members not paying fees in 2025, we are all joining on an equal basis. (i.e. our $400 initiation fee less our $100 fee holiday for 2025 = $300 initiation fee).You may remember the initial reason we came together was concern over the potential sale of the local marina. We’re happy to report that the marina has since been purchased by a reputable marina group (the same folks who run Kilbear), and with that, the risk of losing essential services like docking and parking has been resolved.That said, some may wonder if the association is still needed. Personally, I’ve really valued being part of this community—not just as a voice on local issues, but also to connect with fellow cottagers. Our summer social last year was a hit—and let’s be honest, those iconic Dillon Cove hats (courtesy of Carol and Jackie) were the must-have accessory. We’re still getting requests! Who knew cottage chic was a thing?We’re already planning another get-together this summer, and we hope to see even more of you there.Beyond the social side, our voice at the township continues to matter. We believe the DCA’s important mission will continue to deliver value to its members long into the future. Jim Meekison, Mike Botha and Colleen Arsenault met with members of Carling township including Kevin McILwain, Lisa Cook and Mayor Susan Murphy. Details of this meeting can be found on the website at www.dilloncoveassociation.com. Jim and I have also had communications with Councillor Kelly on other topics like permanent houseboat docking in and around Franklin Island, and the environmental concerns in Sand Bay. The current staff and council are willing to meet with us and listen to our concerns, we intend to keep these lines of communications open. We don’t know what issues might come up next—but with a strong association, we’re ready for anything.So let’s keep the momentum going:
• Stay involved.• Share your thoughts and updates. We would love to hear from you, are there other membership benefits you would like to see?• And please invite others in the cove who aren’t members yet to join us.The more of us there are, the stronger we’ll be.Moving forward we will be sending further communications as the summer approaches. We will be having an AGM to elect board members, we will also be posting the date for the party on our website. Looking forward to another great season together.Warm regards,Jeff
The association and all of its members would like to extend a huge thank you to Jim and Carolyn for hosting our First Annual Dillon Cove Association Picnic on Edgar Island! What a treat to have everyone together, meet our neighbours and share great food and good times! See you again next year!
Bring your family or a guest and join us on August 10 from noon to 4pm for the 1st annual Dillon Cove Picnic!
Come and Meet your Neighbours! Games and Swimming! Bring your own Picnic!
PLEASE BE ADVISED OF THE CHANGE OF LOCATIOIN DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER! THE PICNIC WILL NOW BE HELD ON EDGAR ISLAND. IF YOU NEED DIRECTIONS OR HELP NAVIGATING AROUND THE ROCKS, PLEASE CONTACT CAROLYN KEYSTONE AT 416-300-3316.
If you have not yet sent your RSVP but would like to attend, please call or text the number above to confirm attendance.
What a treat it is to have this view!
What is the purpose of the Dillon Cove Association (“DCA”)?
The DCA was established to create a common voice to address the collective needs and interests of the Dillon Cove area and to foster community spirit.
The DCA will focus on a variety of initiatives, including:
Advocating for the interests of Dillon Cove residents on local matters.
Enhancing community safety and security measures.
Organizing events and activities that promote community engagement and cohesion.
Facilitating communication and collaboration among residents, local businesses, other local associations and the municipality.
Preserving the natural beauty and recreational spaces of the area.
The DCA is committed to ensuring the Dillon Cove community remains a vibrant and enjoyable place for all its members.
Was the DCA formed because of the pending marina sale?
The pending sale served to highlight that there are issues unique to the Dillon Cove community and that local residents would benefit from an organization that is focused on protecting and promoting these interests. The DCA is being formed at a critical time where the access, service and community provided by the marina can no longer be taken for granted. Furthermore, we believe its important mission will continue to deliver value to its members long into the future.
If I join the DCA, does that mean I no longer need to support the Georgian Bay Association (‘GBA’) or the West Carling Association (‘WCA’)?
No, each organization has a distinctive and important mandate. Accordingly, the best way to continue to support the different objectives of these Associations is to maintain your membership.
There are several cottagers’ associations – GBA, WCA, among others. Why join the DCA?
The DCA is the only organization exclusively focused on the unique needs of the Dillon Cove community.
Will the DCA play some role in buying the marina?
No, the DCA was not formed to purchase the marina. The DCA was established to be a strong voice and advocate for local interests and to foster community, now and in the future.
What are the fees for the DCA?
First year membership is $500. This includes a $400 initiation fee and $100 Annual Membership dues. The initiation fee is a one-time fee for the cost of setting up the Association. The Annual Membership dues cover ongoing costs including fees to government agencies, costs for setting up and maintaining the website and membership database, legal and accounting fees, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
Why are the fees higher than other associations? Will this always be the case?
The DCA is a not-for-profit organization, and its membership fees are designed to cover expected costs. We are still in the early stage of setting up the association, and we will need enough funds to cover the initial set up costs plus the first-year operating costs. We expect our membership base to be small relative to other cottagers’ associations, given the relatively small geographic footprint. Each year fees will be reassessed.
What is DCA’s membership year?
The DCA’s membership year runs from April 1 through March 31.
How do I join?
To join, first visit our Signup form. Once accepted you will have access to update your personal information, including contact details and be given instructions on how to pay for your membership.
New Community-Focused Association Launched to Enhance and Preserve the Dillon Cove Community Experience
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