Decision makers, particularly those in municipalities, need to pay attention to cottagers, given the impact they have on the economy.
That message comes from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), following a report it released, which unveiled some notable numbers.
Officials with the association say in the report that nearly $11.5 billion was spent in 2021 by a quarter of a million waterfront property households across Ontario.
The report also says that more than 150,000 jobs are generated annually in Ontario by the contributions of waterfront property household spending.
“This is important context for decision-makers at all levels, particularly our municipal partners,” says Ian Crawford, President of FOCA.
It also says the average waterfront property household spending in 2021 was just under $45,000.
Terry Rees, FOCA’s Executive Director, says the report tells cottagers that it’s important they vote in municipalities where they own property.
The voting period is already underway in Muskoka. In all six municipalities, voters can fill out their ballot online or by phone. The final day to vote, which is when everyone can vote in person, is on Monday, Oct. 24.
With files Stephen Patrick