The larger our numbers, the louder our voice when we tackle taxes, water quality, development, boat safety, and other important issues. It’s called clout, and it works. The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) is only as strong as its membership base. We need your on-going support to carry on our proud legacy of 116 years.

The MLA’s mission is to promote the responsible use, enjoyment and conservation of the unique Muskoka environment. Our vision is that, through the achievement of our mission, present and future generations will benefit from our efforts.

Our efforts are concentrated in 5 areas:

1. Direct Political Involvement The MLA attends local Council meetings and District meetings to communicate our mission and the needs of waterfront property owners. This past summer we attended several meetings to communicate the importance of reducing taxes, governments living within their means, and reducing their debt levels.

2. Safeguarding Water Quality Unlike other programs, the MLA’s Water Quality Initiative focuses on the near shore, where we swim, play, and often access drinking water. If problems are detected, we immediately get the authorities involved. This past summer the MLA continued our general awareness water quality seminars to tell about phosphorous and how we can proactively reduce it. We also continued a Community Stewardship Support program for communities to learn more about the possible sources of phosphorous. Our goal is to share with all members how we can all become good stewards of our water.

3. Protecting The Environment The extraordinary evolution of cottage country necessitates a diligent watchdog who understands the laws around land use, building compliance, golf course runoff, etc.; the MLA attends public meetings and gets our views known. This year we have been actively involved in the Port Carling Boundary expansion (against it) and the proposed development on Mirror Lake which is part of the Indian River between Port Carling & Lake Muskoka (against the waterfront development)

4. Issues Leadership The MLA is proud to be a lead organizer in the CAPTR (Coalition After Property Tax Reform) movement, we initiated the Coalition on Acid Rain and we founded the Muskoka Heritage Foundation.

5. Safe Boating We’ve led the way in running Safe Boating Courses and we’ve recently introduced Boat Driver Training courses.

We also promote the fun side of cottaging through self-funded activities that many members enjoy, such as our famous aquatic regatta, sailing regatta, antique boat show, bonspiel, seedling day and the highly acclaimed Yearbook - there are lots of reasons to be an MLA member.

But suffice to say, if it involves political, water quality, or environmental challenges, we’re there, on your side. Your membership fees also support regular E-News updates and our website aimed at keeping you informed.  This year we continuing to go green and posting news as it happens on our website and sending regular E-News updates.

Even if they share the cottage, we ask all those who are married or over thirty years of age to join as members in their own right.

This year you can join or renew your membership securely on our website.   Simply click here and pay easily with Paypal.

If you prefer to join via mail or fax, please click here for our membership application and mail it with a cheque or credit card information to: MLA, P.0. Box 298, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0.   You may also contact our office in Port Carling (705-765-5723).

The annual family membership is $95.00.

Please note, that all new memberships must be accompanied by the application form.

Your Membership is more important than ever. While volunteers do much of the MLA’s work, we need resources to get our side of the story out to Municipal Government, District Council, developers and the Provincial Government. We have to keep up our efforts in tax reform, water testing, environmental issues, land use, boat safety and other areas.

That’s what we’d like you to do today:

• Consider making a donation to the MLA with your payment. You can earmark the funds for a specific purpose and a charitable tax receipt will be issued. To recognize this important contribution to the MLA the MLA Commodore’s Recognition Awards Programme are featured in our Yearbook and on our website.

• Encourage your neighbours and family members over 30 years of age old to get involved and join the MLA. Simply call the MLA office and give us their name and mailing address and we’ll send them our complimentary Welcome package and your best wishes. Help increase our membership and our influence.

The larger our membership, the louder our voice and the more resources we have to address environmental issues, water quality, development, taxes, boat safety and the other issues that are important to you. The more members we have, the more we can do for Muskoka!