About Us
Mandate
The Upper French River Cottagers Association is dedicated to improving communication, services, and representation both among our members and with regional government and local communities. We take an active role in maintaining the traditional quality of life and the natural environment in and around the Upper French River. Our association serves cottagers on the Upper French River from the mouth of Lake Nipissing, including Sandy Island and surrounding small islands and along both north and south shores of the river, to the the Chaudiere control dams at Dokis First Nation.
Governance
The UFRCA, founded in 1992, was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit business in 2007. The association is administered by a 9-person Board of Directors that is elected at the Annual General Meeting. Directors are elected for a 1-year term and may be re-elected for subsequent terms. The Officers are elected by the Board and include President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Each member of the Board typically chairs one committee. The present committees are Membership, Social and Events, Communications, Newsletter, Security and Municipal Liaison, Environment, Dokis Liaison, Park/MNR Liaison, and History.
Association members are urged to participate by attending UFRCA-sponsored events or activities, volunteering on a committee, and by attending the Annual General Meeting (historically the Sunday morning of the August Civic Holiday weekend). At the AGM, members hear reports from the Board, discuss and vote on a variety of topical issues, approve financial reports and the budget, and elect the Board of Directors for the coming year.
What We Do
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Represent cottagers on issues that arise with OPP, West Nipissing Police, West Nipissing Fire Department, West Nipissing Municipality, North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, MNRF, French River Provincial Park, etc.
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Provide regular e-mail updates and newsletters and this web site to communicate with the membership on a variety of topical issues
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Sponsor programmes and activities such as Adopt-a-Campsite, Dock Sales, and other social events
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Conduct the Annual General Meeting where you can vote anhave a voice among cottage owners with concerns similar to yours
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Provide to members newsletters and on request the Membership Directory of fellow cottagers and the Cottage Histories document.
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Engage in various environmental programmes: water testing in partnership with FOCA, and French River Provincial Park; and other initiatives to preserve the environmental sustainability within the mandate of the UFRCA.
