Frequently Asked Questions
COTTAGE VACATIONS
To qualify for a cottage session at Waupoos, your family must meet the following criteria:
1. At least one child is 16 years of age or under.
2. For Summer sessions only: This is the only family vacation longer than two nights away from home from June to Sept of the current year.
3. And either The family meets the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut Off (LICO),
OR
Mobility limitations of at least one family member restrict vacation options to the accessibility provided at Waupoos Farm,
To apply for a cottage session, print and fill out the appropriate application form (forms available here).
Fax to 613-822-4526, email to contact@waupoos.com, or mail to
The Waupoos Foundation
2050 Rideau Road,
Ottawa, ON K1X 1B1
Although Waupoos Family Farm is founded on Catholic spirituality, there is no requirement for visiting families to have any religious affiliation. We welcome people of all faiths and beliefs. Times of prayer form part of every session, as does the celebration of Catholic Mass. Visitors are welcome to participate in these activities if they so choose.
Daytime guests are welcome between 1:00 and 8:00 PM.
Please notify the office or the Farm Team if you are planning to have an overnight guest. Extra fees apply for overnight guests.
Payment can be made by email transfer, (send to contact@waupoos.com) cash, or money order. We do not accept cheques.
Each family is restricted to one session per season (fall/winter, spring, summer), within a given year.
First priority is given to new applicants. There is no limit to how many years you can apply for sessions as long as you still meet the income restrictions and your children meet the age criteria.
We generally offer an Open House, during each cottage vacation for anyone interested in visiting. Typically these events are held on Saturday afternoons, but watch our website and social media for details.
Families need to bring food and drinks for the length of the vacation, as well as clothing, toiletries and towels (towels for the bathroom and in summer, for the pool).
The "What to Bring" list provides a detailed list of what you need to bring.
Unfortunately, we do not allow any pets to come to Waupoos Farm. Families need to make other arrangements for all family pets.
DONATIONS
Household and gardening items are generally needed. We don't accept clothing donations. To see our general needs, check our Wish List If you have a specific item you would like to donate, please call 613-822-2189 or email us at contact@waupoos.com
Our administrator would be happy to inform you of our current needs. We require that all items donated be free of pet dander and smoke.
Some of our needs vary seasonally. If you'd like to be kept up to date on opportunities to donate, please join our mailing list.
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEERING
Waupoos depends on the generous involvement of volunteers.
Volunteer tasks include cottage cleaning and maintenance, grounds maintenance (grass cutting, snow removal, gardening), event planning, hosting cottage sessions, and helping with specific activities such as Farm clean-up days or Christmas morning brunch.
To be informed of the farm's specific needs, please watch our social media, join our mailing list or email us contact@waupoos.com
Yes, we apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding to hire summer students to assist with our summer vacations in July and August.
Watch for advertising on our website and on social media in the winter.
If you want to join the Farm Management Team as a resident family, please email us at contact@waupoos.com. We can send you an information package for prospective resident families.
Members of the Board of Directors are elected at our General Meeting, usually held in Fall. If you are interested sharing your skills and submitting your candidacy for the Board of Directors, please email us at contact@waupoos.com.
GROUP RENTALS
Yes, Waupoos facilities are available for group rental from September to June (inclusive), except during cottage sessions.
Only the lodge, chapel, and grounds are available for rent in January, February and March. To learn more about renting our facilities, please call our office at 613-822- 2189 or email us at contact@waupoos.com.
Waupoos Family Farm is an ideal location for retreats, strategic planning meetings, team-building workshops, or family reunions For daytime activities or overnight stays, we would be happy to welcome your group to the farm. Our facilities include five private cottages, lodge, chapel, and outdoor recreational facilities. The lodge, chapel, and one cottage are wheelchair accessible. Cottages are closed from January to March.
We do not organize retreats for groups and we do not provide catering or meals. We simply provide the space for groups to use for their events.