Your first stop for information on starting an association is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA). Over its 40-year history, FOCA has amassed an enormous body of expertise and literature on issues affecting Ontario cottagers. Its website at www.foca.on.ca is particularly helpful for start-ups, with downloadable articles such as "How to Form Your Own Association," "Do-It-Yourself Incorporation," and "By-Law Consideration and Content."

Often it's some critical issue, like a lakewater quality problem or a development threat, that galvanizes a group of cottagers, says FOCA past-president Darrell Selsky. Once formed, an association can begin to present a united front, even if it doesn't yet represent a majority of the property owners on a lake, and stands a better chance of combatting problems than do the lonely individual voices of cottagers. Speaking from experience, he recommends that start-up associations incorporate themselves from the get-go, under Ontario's Corporations Act. It doesn't cost much and it takes care of a variety of liability issues.

As for launching social activities, Selsky says organizing events such as annual picnics or fishing derbies are a great way for kids to get to know one another. Or you might plan a kids' play day on someone's property, or ask several cottage neighbours over for a wine and cheese party, serving juice and snacks to the little people. Once you've got a network of interested cottagers, a newsletter will help keep everyone up to date.