Big Rideau Lake Association

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Big Rideau Lake Association

The Big Rideau Lake Association (BRLA) is a non-profit organization with roots back to 1915.

05/10/2026

Research like this matters. 🌊

We’re proud of the partnership between the Big Rideau Lake Association and the Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation (RLEF), and the important work being done to help protect the health of Big Rideau Lake and Upper Rideau Lake for future generations.

Through research, water testing, habitat monitoring, conservation projects, and ongoing environmental initiatives, RLEF continues to support science and action that directly benefits our lake community.

Protecting the lake takes all of us, and partnerships like this make a real impact. 💙💚

For more info:

https://www.rlef.ca/our-work/research/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

05/06/2026

Summer on Big Rideau is almost here ☀️🌊

Mark your calendars for another incredible BRLA season packed with community events, family fun, and lake traditions:

🧹 June 6 — Cow Island Clean Up
🚤 June 27 — Cow Island Launch Event
🏕️ June 29 — Camp Starts
🎆 July 1 — Canada Day Fireworks
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Aug 1 — Family Day
⛵ Aug 8 & 9 — Sailing Regatta

And don’t forget — Cow Island Day Camp is already seeing some weeks sell out! Kids and grandkids will spend their summer exploring the lake, making friends, learning about nature and water safety, and creating memories they’ll never forget.

There’s something special about summers at Big Rideau ❤️

05/01/2026

Big news for Cow Island 👀

The new Ian & Joanne Taggart Family Sports Court is officially in the works and coming in 2026 — and it’s such a great addition to the lake.

This is going to be one of those spots everyone actually uses. Whether it’s kids learning, a quick game after dinner, or a full-on
competitive match… it’s built for all of it.

They’re aiming for a late Spring 2026 opening, with events planned this summer to start bringing the community together.

And just a reminder — you do need to be a BRLA member to access Cow Island.

Love seeing projects like this come to life out here 💚

Our Lake, Our Legacy

04/27/2026

Big things happening for Big Rideau Lake this season 🌿

The Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation (RLEF) and the Big Rideau Lake Association (BRLA) are teaming up with a shared goal — protecting the lake we all love and making sure it stays safe and enjoyable for years to come.

One of the biggest focuses this year is Cow Island Day Camp. It’s more than just a summer camp — it’s where the next generation learns to appreciate and take care of the lake. And that kind of education matters.

This season, the focus is not only on strengthening environmental and water safety programs, but also on something super important behind the scenes — improving sanitation on the island. Better washrooms and a proper septic system will support a growing number of campers while helping protect the lake and surrounding environment.

It’s all about keeping Big Rideau Lake safe, clean, and thriving — for our kids and everyone who gets to enjoy it 🤍

For more information:

https://www.bigrideaulakeassociation.com/cow-island?mc_cid=739da57b7e

To donate:

https://www.rlef.ca/donate-cow-island-projects?mc_cid=739da57b7e”

03/23/2026

Big topic for our lake community right now 👇

The proposed Alto High-Speed Rail could run through parts of Rideau Lakes — and they’re asking for feedback before anything moves forward.

There are definitely some pros (less traffic, more sustainable travel), but also real concerns around environmental impact, wildlife, and our waterways.

This is one of those things that could affect all of us — cottagers, homeowners, boaters, everyone.

If you haven’t looked into it yet, now’s the time.
Take a minute, check out the route, and share your thoughts.

👉 Link in our storey to learn more + complete the survey. (also check your emails for these links.)

https://www.altotrain.ca/en?mc_cid=53cca4d636&mc_eid=3b3ac96f61

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALTOPROJECT

03/20/2026

Your BRLA membership comes with some pretty great perks 👀

As a member, you get access to exclusive discounts from 40+ local corporate partners—everything from restaurants and marinas to home services around the lake. These offers are updated throughout the year, so there’s always something new to take advantage of.

You’re also automatically a member of FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations), which gives you access to valuable resources, tools, and perks to help you manage and enjoy your lakeside property.

And a big thank you to our 2026 Corporate Partners—your support helps keep programs running and brings new initiatives to the lake community every year.

So… have you got your membership yet?

👉 Visit our website to view the full partner list and start using your perks

https://www.bigrideaulakeassociation.com/brla-membership

03/12/2026

There are a few things every Big Rideau Laker just gets. 🌊

Sunsets that stop you mid-sentence. 🌅
Loons calling across the lake at night. 🦆🎶
Waving at every passing boat like they’re long-lost friends. 👋🚤

Roasting marshmallows while watching the sun drop behind the trees. 🔥🍫
Kids spending half their summer at Cow Island Camp. 🏕️🌲
And someone tubing behind their dad’s boat yelling “FASTER FASTER” 😂🛟

What would YOU add to the list?
Drop your most “Big Rideau Lake” moment in the comments 👇😎

03/05/2026

We recently asked some locals to share photos they’ve taken around Big Rideau Lake — and wow, the response was incredible. 📷

From peaceful sunsets and paddles to wildlife sightings, float planes, northern lights, fishing stories and quiet winter mornings, these moments capture what makes this lake such a special place. 🌅🛶🐟❄️

Big Rideau truly is beautiful in every season.

👉 Swipe to see some of the photos locals shared with us.

If you have a favourite Big Rideau Lake memory or a photo you’ve taken on the lake, we’d love to see it! Send it to us through a DM and we may feature it in a future post. 💬

03/03/2026

The sound of loons calling across the lake is one of the most iconic parts of cottage life on the Rideau Lakes. 🦆🌅

In 2025, members of the Big Rideau Lake Association are volunteering with Birds Canada’s Canadian Lakes Loon Survey to monitor loon pairs and track their reproductive success throughout the summer.

By observing nesting pairs and monitoring the health of the loon population, volunteers help researchers better understand how the species is doing and whether action is needed to protect loon habitat on the lake. Protecting loons helps protect the health of our entire lake ecosystem. 🌿💧

Interested in learning more or getting involved?

🔎 Learn about the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey:
https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/canadian-lakes-loon-survey

🙋‍♀️ Want to join our team of volunteers?
[email protected]

02/25/2026

🌊 Summer 2026 Internships – Now Hiring!

We’re looking for two awesome post-secondary students to join us on Cow Island this summer.

☀️ Camp Coordinator
Help lead Cow Island Summer Camp, organize activities, work with kids, and be part of an incredible community program.

🌿 Cow Island Operations
Hands-on, outdoors, on-the-water role supporting island prep, maintenance, events, and overall operations.

Details:
• $20/hour
• 35 hours/week
• June–August
• Must be a BRLA member
• Transportation to Cow Island required

If you (or someone you know) love being outside, working with people, and want a summer that doesn’t feel like “just a job” — this is it.

📩 Apply by March 20, 2026

Camp Coordinator:
[email protected]

Cow Island Operations:
[email protected]

Tag a student who needs to see this 👇

Address

Portland, ON
K0G1V0

Website

http://www.bigrideaulakeassociation.com/

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