The seeds of MACO were sown early in 1991. Dave Craig and Bruce Sloan called every association they could contact, to talk to them about joining forces to protest as a group, the unfair tax load assigned to recreational property owners.
The inaugural meeting was held December 10, 1991, with about 15 interested representatives present. Bruce Sloan chaired the meeting and they chose the name “Manitoba cottage owners association” They elected a committee of 5,. Bruce Sloan, Delta: President; Dave Craig, Twin Lakes Beach, Acting Past Pres.: Stan Malec, Gull Lake, Treasurer: Al Cantor, Loni Beach, Gimli; Brian Klaponski, Alexander; and one alternate, Ed Link, Laurentia Beach.
The first General Meeting was held April 15/1992, where these cottagers recognized that owners and lessees of recreational properties had no unified means of voicing their concerns to government- or raising any strong objections to unfair taxation. and discriminatory policies. Of major concern was the high annual cost of school taxes. Children of seasonal residents could not attend school in the division where the cottage was located, and there was no provision for a voice through a vote for trustees or representation on a school board., and so MACO was born. The above directors were elected and Ian McIntosh and Doug Neal were added.
The first executive meeting was held June 24, 1992. The association was incorporated by the firm Simpkins Gallagher at a cost of $85.00. Bruce Sloan purchased 3 government books @ $179.00 to be used to locate Rural municipalities and cottage associations. MACO has grown and is working for many cottage associations representing well over 5,000 cottage properties as well as the many property owners in currently unorganized cottage areas.
As of this date we have a blanket insurance policy, which enables member associations to purchase individual policies to cover their own liabilities at a great savings. We have been successful in bringing about the need for new water and sewage legislation to save and improve the environment, and preserve sensitive aquifers. Also we promote cottage watch programs.