Founded in 1894, the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) was established by a prominent group of citizens from Toronto and Hamilton who summered in what is now the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Its goals then were to protect and promote the interests of the residents, to preserve the healthful sanitary condition and scenic beauty of the area and to encourage aquatic sports. Early concerns included transportation (rail and steamships), fishing and hunting, sanitation and sewage, and property taxes; issues that remain just as prevalent today, albeit for different reasons. Throughout the years the MLA has remained active in the protection of the environment. Water quality monitoring began in the 1960’s and continues today. The MLA was instrumental in the creation of the Coalition on Acid Rain which successfully lobbied for laws regarding acid rain in both Canada and the United States in the 1980’s. Land use development is closely scrutinized and local government and developers have been strongly influenced by the MLA’s input. Recreational safety has always been of great importance to the MLA, which, through education and example, has encouraged safe and respectful boating practices for over 100 years. The first annual regatta was held at the Windermere Hotel on Lake Rosseau and was reported to be the most successful regatta in Muskoka history. At that time it included motor boat and sail boat races, as well as swimming and paddling events. Motor boat races have long since ceased, and sailing is now celebrated at its own regatta. In 1920, a group of MLA members purchased a property and opened the Muskoka Lakes Golf Club (now the Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club), which became the permanent home of the annual MLA regatta. After almost 125 years, the aquatic regatta remains the longest continuously run regatta in Canada. The MLA, Canada’s oldest cottage association, continues to promote the responsible use, enjoyment and conservation of the unique Muskoka environment.