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