Winter Driving

Emergency kit could be a life-saver 
http://bit.ly/sRP7LM Midland Freepress
Great Idea do you have one? If you are driving to the cottage and/or the back roads it would be a good thing to have one in your car.

Spring Planting Start Now

Think about next spring, now, for seedlings.

http://bit.ly/sgHbjZ  Midland Freepress

Want to plant some new trees around you cottage/home, order them now.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all. See you in the Spring at the beach

Season's Greetings from FOCA

Season's Greetings from FOCA
Link to the FOCA Card http://bit.ly/rtWf0h

Remember to subscribe to the FOCA news letter
http://www.foca.on.ca

OPP considering billing local forces if called in to help

OPP considering billing local forces if called in to help
http://bit.ly/svKLcs Midland Freepress

Liability insurance 'unsustainable': AMO

http://bit.ly/sQ2Ro9 Midland Freepress

Liability insurance is a major issues for various groups.

SHOPPING LOCAL

At a time of year when we all try to be a little more generous of heart, we can help our pocket books and the area economy by...SHOPPING LOCAL

http://bit.ly/uMc7HC Midland Freepress

Lots of great local gifts to give if you are in the area.

FOCA Elert - November 2011

Read the latest FOCA Elert

Get holiday gift ideas and an update on current events and issues affecting waterfront property owners in Ontario.

FOCA Elert - November 2011

Topics include:

a summary of the FOCA Fall Seminar (including links to the presentation slides)
an update about the Lake Partner Program
holiday gift ideas
and more...
Remember: you can always access past Elerts on the FOCA website:

http://www.foca.on.ca/news_and_events/584

Festival of Lights

The Midland Mirror

Festival of Lights, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Penetanguishene Centennial Museum. Live entertainment, crafts, photos with Santa.

It's time: Fall Cottage Life show!

It's time: Fall Cottage Life show!
 
This weekend:
Friday Nov.25 - Sunday Nov.27
The Great Outdoors and DIY event
at the International Centre (Toronto airport)
Find FOCA in Hall #3, Booth 2015
...right next to our friends from the Canadian Canoe Museum and Trantor & Associates, sponsors of the 2011 FOCA Cottage Succession Seminar Series.

Got a question for the experts? Bring it along!
Need a FOCA coffee mug or sweatshirt for a special holiday gift? Plan to pick one up there.

Cottage Life FALL Show

Cottage Life FALL Show - Toronto, November 25 - 27, 2011
At the International Centre


http://cottagelife.com/21020/shows/fall-cottage-life-show

SHOW DAYS

Friday, Nov. 25: 11 am–8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 26: 9 am–6 pm
Sunday, Nov. 27: 10 am–5 pm

FOCA Insurance Programs

FOCA Membership benefits. One of the most valuable is access to special insurance options. For over 10 years, FOCA has provided risk management and insurance programming support for Ontario’s waterfront community associations.

New in 2011
FOCA Member's Cottage and Watercraft coverage.

Please see page 21 of the FOCA Fall News Letter

http://www.foca.on.ca/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/demo_images/FOCA_RTM_Newsletter_FINAL_Fall_2011.pdf

Asian Carp: The Latest News

Asian Carp: The Latest News
Has the Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes begun? The official answer seems to be, “not yet.” Although there have been anecdotal reports of carp in Lake Erie and beyond the electric barriers to Lake Michigan at Chicago, there is no evidence carp have reproduced in the Great Lakes. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) watches and evaluates the risk of an Asian carp invasion into Canadian waters. FOCA remains in contact with DFO and GLU (Great Lakes United) about this situation.

Read the article starting on page 8 of the FOCA Fall News Letter
http://www.foca.on.ca/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/demo_images/FOCA_RTM_Newsletter_FINAL_Fall_2011.pdf

The harshest month

The harshest month

November is an unforgiving month on the Great Lakes. More shipwrecks take place in November than in any other month.

http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3364326 Midland Freepress

If you are going boating this month please be careful

PROPERTY TAXATION

PROPERTY TAXATION

In 2011, FOCA carries on as a leader in property tax reform, continuing our long-term interests that were initially delivered through WRAFT (Waterfront Ratepayers After Fair Taxation) and CAPTR (Coatlition After Property

FOCA’s position on the residential property tax system is as follows: “downloading” by the Province onto municipalities, and hence property owners, is higher in Ontario than all the rest of Canada. This amplifies the problem with tying municipal tax obligations solely to MPAC determined property values.

For more information please read the page 4 of the FOCA Fall News Letter link below

http://www.foca.on.ca/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/demo_images/FOCA_RTM_Newsletter_FINAL_Fall_2011.pdf

An Update from Hydro One

An Update from Hydro One

In early 2011, FOCA wrote to the President/CEO of Hydro One Inc., outlining our concerns about the higher costs of the “seasonal” rate class which is applied to the property of many of our members. With changing demographics, many “cottagers” are making their cottages their permanent residence. So, seasonal customers are often next door to a permanent resident and paying delivery charges significantly higher than their neighbour.
Why are my seasonal rates higher than year-round residential rates?


In July, Hydro One provided a written response that we have posted to the FOCA website: www.foca.on.ca/rural- services. 
      
In accordance with government regulation, rural year- round residential customers receive cost relief as part of the monthly Rural and Remote Rate Protection subsidy. Without this subsidy, delivery rates for serving rural year-round residential customers would on average be higher.

In addition, Hydro One has provided the following Q&A on the subject:

Why does Hydro One have seasonal rates?

Delivery rates are developed using the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) approved cost allocation model, which allo- cates the costs to serve across the various rate classes (residential, seasonal, general service, etc.) served by Hydro One.”

“Unlike other utilities, we serve a large number of seasonal customers. A seasonal customer is someone who owns a residential property, in addition to their primary residence, typically in a rural or remote location. Our seasonal rate class allows us to recover the costs associated with deliv- ering electricity to these customers.” 

Read the full article in the FOCA News Letter starting on Page 24 Link to the PDF below
http://www.foca.on.ca/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/demo_images/FOCA_RTM_Newsletter_FINAL_Fall_2011.pdf

New! FOCA Newsletter - Fall 2011

Read the latest FOCA "Report to Membership" Newsletter (Fall 2011) with articles on blue green algae, what to do if you need a new septic system, updates on our programs and "hot topics" files, and more.

A print copy of this Newsletter is sent to all FOCA Individual members as well as the Executive of all our member Associations.

http://www.foca.on.ca/news_and_events/579

Well worth the read

Waterfront zoning is unnecessary, puntive: citizen

Waterfront zoning is unnecessary, puntive: citizen

http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3356131 Midland Feepress

Midland is looking at this. I hope Tiny does not. We already have 2 levels of government looking at the Shore Line, do we need a third?

Hydro rates switch to winter pricing

Hydro rates switch to winter pricing 


http://bit.ly/t0B7Dy Toronto Sun


Save money do not cook dinner until after 7PM

FOCA COTTAGE AND BOAT INSURANCE

FOCA, in association with Atrens-Counsel Insurance Brokers Ltd., is pleased and proud to announce a NEW insurance program available to FOCA members at a preferred rate.

FEATURING:

* Best-in-class coverage for cottages and watercraft
* Replacement-cost coverage
* Designed for cottage owners, by cottage owners!
* FOCA membership benefits

Hundreds of associations already trust Atrens-Counsel for superior group liability protection for their volunteers and directors. Now, we proudly introduce a program for FOCA member cottages and watercraft that is a cost-effective option for cottagers.

Check out the information on the FOCA web site

http://www.foca.on.ca/FOCA-Cottage-Craft-Insurance

I do not know how these rates compare to your current rate, but if you are up for renewal check it out.

You can keep up to date with all the our membership with FOCA brings by subscribing to their Elert emails. You can sign up on the FOCA home page

http://www.foca.on.ca/ 

Things todo Oct 30 2011

from The Midland Mirror

Waffle brunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Midland Legion. Cost $5. Sunday pool at noon. Museum tours by appointment from 1 to 4 p.m.

FOCA's late October Elert is out

FOCA's late October Elert is out. 


http://www.foca.on.ca/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/demo_images/FOCA_Elert_25October_2011.pdf


There is very good information in the Elert's, you can subscribe on the FOCA web site

Thousands of dead birds wash ashore in Ont.

Thousands of dead birds wash ashore in Ont.
http://bit.ly/s63Y2C Toronto Sun

Type E botulism to blame for bird deaths, MNR says
http://bit.ly/v4ipnt


Very Sad

Discovery Harbour hosts its third annual “Haunted Harbour” event

Discovery Harbour hosts its third annual “Haunted Harbour” event evenings October 26, 27 and 28, promising a fun and spooky evening for the entire family.
More information on their web site
http://www.discoveryharbour.on.ca/dh/en/SpecialEvents/HalloweenDay/index.htm
Looks like fun for younger crowd

Going to be at the cottage Halloween weekend?

Going to be at the cottage Halloween weekend?
Halloween Spooktacular at Centennial Museum
http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3340009
Looks like a fun time

How to close up the cottage in 2 days

How to close up the cottage in 2 days  
http://cottagelife.com/14197/diy/tips-diy/close-up-the-cottage-in-2-days?utm_source=Cottage+Life+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d3897d1d9c-UA-971217-11&utm_medium=email
from the Cottage Life email news letter


It looks like a good list, but it depends on you cottage as to wether or not you need to do anything else

Ontario hydro rates going up

Ontario hydro rates going up
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/17/ontario-hydro-rates-going-up Toronto Sun

Fall is here and so is the wildlife

Fall is here and so is the wildlife  from the Midland Freepress

http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3331682

Be careful out there

Clearwater Beach Mailing Address Update

It has been a week of changes - Welcome to Tiny L9M 0C1  


Thank you to Kathryn Hammond Britten for the update. 

Cottage Succession Seminar

Cottage Succession Seminar - Toronto October 27th, 7 - 9pm
If you were unable to make it to one of the six Cottage Succession seminars organized by FOCA this past summer - this is your chance! We will hold the last seminar of the series on October 27th from 7 - 9pm at the York Reception Centre in Toronto.

http://www.foca.on.ca/news_and_events/569

Freecycle event offers items at no charge

Freecycle event offers items at no charge
http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3316236

If you have some stuff around the cottage or house that works but you do not need it any more, drop it off.  Look around you may find things there that you want.

* Important Update from FOCA * About Voting in your Cottage Riding

* Important Update from FOCA * About Voting in your Cottage Riding

In the past couple of days, FOCA has heard concerns from members about difficulties encountered at some advanced polling stations when they tried to vote in their cottage ridings.

http://www.foca.on.ca/Hot_Topics   and click on the FOCA ERELT link for more info

Corporate Sponsors

A Big Thank You to Delva and Michelle Lacroix of ReMax Georgian Bay Realty Ltd.
A Big Thank You to Clare and Evelyn Boudreau of EHL Homes.
Their generous donations help the Association in putting on the AGM - Funday this year.

Set Up and Clean Up

Thank you to the many volunteers who came early and/or stayed late to help with the setup and cleanup of various events of the day.
With out their help we could not put the AGM-Funday on.

Yet Again A Big Thank You to Louise C. and the rest of the great group at Marygrove. Their cooperation every year helps makes the AGM, Picnic & Fun Day the success it is every year.

Announcer

A big Thank You to Peggy Breckenridge for being our  Announcer for the day and for covering the Registration desk durning the AGM

Tiny case sets precedent

Tiny case sets precedent
http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3313686 Midland Free Press

I am not a lawyer, and it is a short article, but it does seem to look good for those who have beach property.

Ghislaine Hatton

A Huge Thank You to Ghislaine Hatton for 17 years of work with Ratepayers Association. This year she put the Beach Directory and the Canvasser packages together.

She has decided to retire from the association. We thank her for all her hard work over the many years.

Ghislaine receiving her prize in the baking/cooke contest. 

Corn on the Cob

Thank you to the Sam Sapiano and the Sapiano family for the great work on the Corn.
Normally I only have 1 cob of corn but if Sam and family are doing the cooking I am in for 3 or 4 cobs. Great work yet again.

Trophies and Ribbons

Thank you to Past President Cynthia Strandholt for making the arrangements for the great Fishing Contest Trophies and the many ribbons for the Baking/Cookie Contest

Here is one of the great ribbons

Running 50/50 Draw and Raffle

Thank you to Marianne Clayton and Sue Montgomery for running the Raffle Table this year.
Thank you to Karen Milligan for running the 50/50 Draw this year.
Thank you all the runners who ran around selling the various tickets.

BBQ Yum

Thank you to Jane Ariss and her family for taking over the BBQ running this year.
Thank you Jill, Dave and Steve Barber for helping out with the cooking.

A great job done by all involved.

Raffel Prizes

Thank you to Joanne Wright and Dawn Strandholt for great Raffle prizes they selected.
Thank you to Sue St. Amant and Kevin Leonard for the prize's they donated.
If I missed any anyone who donated a prize, I apologize for missing you.

Can I vote at the cottage this election?

From the FOCA Web Site

* Ontario's provincial election = October 6, 2011 *

"Can I vote at the cottage?"

Yes! If you own multiple properties, you can vote EITHER at your permanent residence OR at your seasonal residence.

http://www.foca.on.ca/Hot_Topics 

Lots of info on the various party's positions on issues that effect cottagers. Check out the infomation on the FOCA site via the link above. 

In 2011 Parks Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary

A walk in the park http://www.midlandfreepress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3299709 Midland Free Press

I love visiting Georgian Bay Islands National Park.  For those with a boat it is a fun ride most days over to the various islands that make up the park.

From fishing the various inlets and coves, to having lunch at one of the campsites, and several overnight camping adventures on the main island. I wish we could get one of our boats in the water, I would love to go and see the many changes on the main island and the other islands.

Issues from the 2011 AGM - Septage

This issue prompted a lively discussion at the AGM.


From the Tiny Township web site:
Septage Management Study
Information about the Township of Tiny Septage Management Study will be posted as it becomes available. In each section, the most recent information will be posted first.
http://township.tiny.on.ca/residents/CURRENTPROJECTS/SeptageManagementStudy/index.htm


This will hit all of us in the wallet at some point. Tax's will go up and/or cost of pumping your septic tank will go up.

Issue from the 2011 AGM - Possible Insurance Savings

Tiny has been upgrading their Fire Department, you may qualify for a break in your insurance. 

"The Township of Tiny Fire Department has a Tanker Shuttle Accreditation, please print the document linked to the previous title and submit to your insurance. This document COULD mean a discount to you for your home insurance." 
Link to the Tiny Page 
http://township.tiny.on.ca/residents/FIREEMERGENCYSERVICES/InsuranceInformation/index.htm

Please share your experiences with your insurance and the new accreditation.

One of our member reported a 5% savings with the new accreditation.
An other member has reported a $400.00 savings with the new accreditation.

Issue from the AGM - New Noise Bylaw

One of the other items that came up at the AGM was the new Noise By Law in Tiny Township. 


Here is a link to it 
https://docushare.tiny.ca/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-248571/11-065%20to%20regulate%20Noise%20within%20the%20Township%20of%20Tiny%20and%20to%20repeal%20By-laws%2096-84,%2007-032,%20and%2010-075..PDF

Issue from the 2011 AGM - Postal Box's

Our Postal Box's


An official ‘complaint file’ has been set up with Canada Post regarding the green mail box's so if anyone would like to contribute to the complaint please cite this number. 


If you would like to see the mail box's upgraded please call 1-800-27-1177 re. service file #101222202 and advise them that our mail box's are in bad shape and need to be replaced.

Terry Breckenridge is now planning to approach the Ombudsman.

Children's Games

A Big Thank You going out to Ruth Barber for the great work on the Children's Games.

And A Big Thank You to Isabelle Angers Barber for her work at the prize table for the Children's Games.

See the photo's on the Photo's page to see more of the fun

Bears

Some information on helping to Bear Proofing you cottage. I did not hear of any bears in our area this summer but play it safe when closing up this fall.

http://cottagelife.com/30216/environment/wildlife/how-to-deal-with-bears

http://cottagelife.com/1733/blogs/pennys-blog/good-advice-for-avoiding-bears

If you can get a copy of the October 2011 Cottage Life, there are several good articles on bears

2011 Fishing Contest

Fishing Contest Winners

Nicole Barber won ‘Junior Bass’ for a 1.3 lb fish.

Josh Nail won ‘Junior Salmon’ for a 8.5 lb fish

And a Huge Thank You to Sam Sapiano for running the Fishing Contest.
Looking forward to next years contest. You can enter now for the 2012 Contest

Wayne presenting Nicole with her trophy for  ‘Junior Bass’ for a 1.3 lb fish.

Wayne presenting Josh with his trophy for ‘Junior Salmon’ for a 8.5 lb fish

Horseshoe Tournament

The winners for the Horseshoe tournament are:

1st place - Bruce Clayton & Mike Henshaw

Runners up - Randy & Kate (Sorry I do not have their last names)

And a big Thank You to Peter Ridout and Raz Bifolchi for their running of the tournament

Issue from the 2011 AGM - The Switch to Digital TV

One of the items we talked about that the AGM was the switch to Digital TV in the area. 


Peter Ridout reported that he no longer received channel 16 CBC. 


I played around on Sunday September 4th and did some testing. Here is what I found


Analogue Channels
08 = CBC
11 = CTV
13 = TVO
21 = CTV Great Picture
34 = French 
51 = TVO


Digital Channel
7-1 = Global


You can get more information at this link  http://bit.ly/pNAC1w 


Depending you your TV you may need to rescan the channels and/or try repositioning the antenna.  

Cookie/Baking Contest 2011

Winners of the 2011 Cookie/Baking Contest

Adult 
1st prize, Jill Barber
2nd prize, Jean Hatton
3rd prize, Ghislaine Hatton

Teenager
1st prize, Isabella Wright
2nd prize, Isabelle Angers Barber
3rd prize Ellen Siebell-Achenbach

Youngster
1st prize Diego Trott
2nd prize Lauren
3rd prize Molly Milligan


Thank you to all those who entered but did not win. I tried most of the entries and they were very good. 


A Big Thanks to all involved in the Cookie Contest
Head Judge was James Barber
Senior Judges were Nicole Barber and Matthew Wright
Apprentice Judges were Kevin Barber and Laura Barber.
Laura Barber also served as Personal Assistant to the Coordinator Wayne Yetman
Wayne put a lot of time in to the planing for the contest. 


The judges had to try all of the treats, maybe next year you have to pay to be a judge? Humm open auction, it might just work.... 

58Th Anual General Meeting

We had our 58th AGM and Fun Day on Saturday September 3rd.


Yet again we were not rained out. We had some light showers right at the end of the afternoon, but there was no impact on the fun.


The food was great as we have come to expect. Thank you to the Ariss and Barber Families for their BBQ work.


Thank you to the Sapiano family for the great work on the Corn.


Thank you to Jacque R and Joanne W for their work on the condiments.


A Big Thank You to Louise C. and the rest of the great group at Marygrove. Their cooperation every year helps makes the AGM, Picnic & Fun Day the success it is every year.


There are more thank you's and winners to come. Photo's too