ASLC Code of Conduct

Purpose

The Association of Ston(e)y Lake Cottagers (ASLC) is a welcoming, inclusive community that brings people together through swimming programs, social events, day camps, youth entrepreneurship and other activities.

This Code of Conduct has been created to:

·       Establish Clear Expectations: It sets clear expectations for behaviour, ensuring safety, respect, and inclusivity among members.

·       Promote Trust and Integrity: By defining ethical guidelines and organizational values, it fosters an environment of integrity, respect, and accountability.

·       Mitigate Risks: It provides a reference point for resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts, helping to mitigate potential legal issues.

·       Enhance Culture: A well-defined code of conduct cultivates a culture that aligns with the ASLC's core values, promoting ethical behaviour across all activities.

·       Support Community Growth: It encourages positive interactions and encourages accountability, which is essential for attracting and retaining members, staff and volunteers. This includes water stewardship – protecting the lake itself.

These reasons collectively contribute to a thriving and respectful Ston(e)y Lake community environment.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for behaviour in all ASLC spaces, both on-site and online. For greater clarity, this Code of Conduct applies to all ASLC property, including (but not limited to) Juniper Island spaces in and around the Pavilion, the Washrooms, the Pagoda, the Store, the Cement/Government/Boat/Swim Docks, ASLC owned/operated boats, as well as boats used for ASLC purposes (e.g., transporting Programs staff/participants to/from Juniper) and other locations visited while representing ASLC or as part of an ASLC activity (e.g., on field trips, Tennis Courts, to an ASLC event hosted at a member’s cottage), etc.

This Code of Conduct is an ongoing, fluid document, which will be reviewed annually and updated when required (e.g., when laws and policies change). 

Responsibility

The ultimate responsibility for this policy belongs to the ASLC Board of Directors, headed up by the President. You can find the name of the current Directors, including the President, on the ASLC website (aslcmembers.ca). Please note that some board members leave (and others join) the board each year, usually at the Annual General Meeting at the beginning of July. There may be a short delay before board member details are updated on the ASLC website in July.

Who this Code of Conduct Serves

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone – participants, parents/guardians of participants, staff, contractors, volunteers, families and visitors.

 

How we deliver on this Code of Conduct

1. Respect for All

We treat all people with dignity, kindness, and respect.

Harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at any time, whether in person, via online platforms, group chats or social media.

Harassment, involves engaging in a course of vexatious (i.e., annoying or troublesome) comment or conduct which is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Sexual harassment involves engaging in harassment because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Bullying is aggressive behaviour that is typically repeated over time. It is behaviour which is meant to cause harm, fear, distress or create a negative environment for another person. It involves a power imbalance between the victim and perpetrator and can be carried out in several ways, some of which are face-to-face and others which are indirect: physical bullying, verbal bullying and social bullying.

Discrimination involves not individually assessing the unique merits, capacities and circumstances of a person and instead, making stereotypical assumptions based on a person’s presumed traits that has the impact of excluding persons, denying benefits or imposing burdens. As set out in section 1 of Ontario’s Human Rights Code, every person has a right to equal treatments with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex/pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.

Racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise degrading language or jokes have no place at ASLC and are strictly forbidden.

 

2. Safe and Supportive Environment

Everyone shares responsibility for maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment.

All participants and staff are expected to:

  • Comply with posted safety rules and instructions relating to fire alarms, lightning warning systems and any other safety and security systems on the premises.

  • Speak and act respectfully toward others

  • Use appropriate language at all times

  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves

  • Unless explicitly required for the role, during programs and while on duty, ASLC staff, contractors and volunteers are expected to keep personal cell phones and other devices away, on silent mode, and not use them for calls, texting, social media or games. An exception may be made in case of emergency, or with the prior approval of a supervisor.

·       Not post photos/videos (e.g., on social media); and not take photos/videos of minors without both their consent and parental consent

·       ASLC staff, contractors and volunteers must not use personal devices or social media in a way that undermines ASLC’s reputation, breaches confidentiality or conflicts with their duties.

·       Report any unsafe or concerning behaviour to a staff member or board member immediately (see ASLC Confidential Reporting Process).

  • Refrain from coming to the island or participating in events when they or their children are ill with a contagion in order to protect the health and welfare of other members and employees.

  • No illegal activity on the premises will be tolerated

    • Note: In Ontario, there is a standard, unposted speed limit of 10 km/h within 30 meters (100 feet) of shore. This rule applies to all power-driven vessels. This is a particular safety concern in the area around the swim docks, where large wakes can endanger young children in the early stages of learning to swim. 

 

3. Positive Participation

We value cooperation, good sportsmanship, and encouragement.

All participants are expected to:

  • Join activities with a positive attitude

  • Encourage others rather than criticize

  • Respect equipment, property, and shared spaces

  • Take responsibility for their actions

 

4. Integrity and Responsibility

Those representing ASLC – whether as staff, board members, campers, swimmers, volunteers or young entrepreneurs – are expected to act honestly and responsibly at all times.

This includes:

  • Using ASLC facilities and resources appropriately

  • Handling money and property with care

  • Being accountable for commitments and attendance

  • Demonstrating fairness and respect in all business and social interactions

 

5. Upholding Our Values

ASLC reserves the right to take appropriate action when this Code is not followed.

Depending on the situation, this may include:

  • A verbal or written warning

  • Contacting parents or guardians (for minors)

  • Temporary or permanent suspension from programs or activities

  • Change to, or termination of, a contract according to the contract terms

We encourage learning and reflection when mistakes occur – but we also take seriously our obligation to protect community safety and uphold ASLC’s values.

 

6. Working Together

Everyone has a role in creating a welcoming, inclusive community.

If you witness or experience behaviour that goes against this Code:

  • Speak up, if it feels safe to do so

  • Tell an ASLC staff member, instructor, supervisor or board member

  • Use the confidential reporting process available at the Programs Office or by email

  • No one will face negative ASLC employment consequences for reporting a concern in good faith

All concerns will be handled respectfully and in confidence wherever possible.

Together, we can make ASLC a place where everyone – from young swimmers and teen entrepreneurs to families and seniors – feels valued, safe, and proud to belong.

 

Related Policies, Procedures and Codes of Conduct:

·       ASLC Child and Youth Protection Policy

·       ASLC Confidential Reporting Process

 

If you have any questions, you can reach out to the ASLC board via email at: Governance@aslcmembers.ca