The FOCA March Elert is out

The FOCA March Elert is out

Some of the highlights

If you are planning to go to the Spring Cottage Life Show, click through and get the code to save on you pre order tickets

This week was World Water Day (on March 22nd), an international observance and an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others, and take action to make a difference. The sustainability of our precious lakes and rivers is our collective responsibility, and water features prominently in the new UN

New Electricity Pricing for 2016 and beyond:

Within the next month, Hydro One customers will be receiving 2016 electricity bills that reflect the change to "all-fixed" distribution rates. Find out more about new electricity pricing

FOCA was pleased to have senior representatives from MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) at our Spring Seminar on March 5th. MPAC spoke about the new property assessments which are rolling out over the next few months, regional trends in waterfront assessments, and changes coming to the "Request for Reconsideration" (RfR) process for property owners wishing to challenge their assessments.

http://bit.ly/1pCHUFh FOCA

FOCA Elert - January 2016

The January FOCA Elert is out

Some of the topics/items covered

After concerns last year about municipal plans for septage management, FOCA wrote an article on the topic in the recent edition of the OOWA Onsite Newsletter.

April 1-3, 2016 - Spring Cottage Life Show, Toronto. Come visit the FOCA booth at this season-starting event!

The OPP and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs issued a joint release last week, on the topic of safe snowmobiling.

Parks Canada has announced that avid boaters can take advantage of their "Early Bird Offer" until March 31st: receive 10% off mooring with the purchase of a seasonal lockage & mooring package ($1 off per foot), or one free night of mooring with the purchase of a 6-day permit.

Click on the link below to see the Elert.

http://bit.ly/200bTSM FOCA

You can sign up to get the FOCA Elert delivered to you email in box.

November FOCA elert

November FOCA elert

FOCA was recently presented with the "Leadership and Service - Education and Outreach" award from the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), at their 35th annual symposium in Saratoga Springs, NY.


FOCA recently wrote to the new federal Ministers in key departments, to remind our government leaders of Ontario's important waterfront issues, and that we are watching on behalf of our members across Ontario.


See a complete list of Federal representatives, and read FOCA's letters to MPs, here:
http://foca.on.ca/federal-election-2015/
'Tis the season for woodstoves, so FOCA reminds you to ensure there are functioning fire AND carbon monoxide (CO) detectors at your permanent and seasonal residences. Click here for tips to beat CO, the silent killer.


November is Radon Gas Awareness Month. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can't see, smell or taste, and is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Find out more here about radon here:


Click here to see the full elert
http://bit.ly/1Qpatj2 FOCA

FOCA Elert - October 2015

FOCA Elert - October 2015
http://bit.ly/1WAwUU7 FOCA
Lots of great information, here are some of the highlights

With less than a month to go before the Federal Election, FOCA encourages you to make your voice heard - by VOTING on October 19th.

FOCA has sent an Open Letter to the Federal Party Leaders, posing questions on some of our priorities.

Visit FOCA's Federal Election webpage (http://foca.on.ca/federal-election-2015/) to read FOCA's letter, access links to the info you need about relevant "waterfront" issues as well as some questions FOCA wants you to ask your local candidates, and other handy voter information.

Bill 66: The Great Lakes Protection Act (GLPA) - FOCA appeared before the Legislative Committee on September 23rd, in support of the Great Lakes Protection Act, 2015. FOCA appreciates the Bill's focus on setting targets, measures and timelines, and strong community involvement in its implementation. Find out more from FOCA, here: http://foca.on.ca/new-great-lakes-protection-act/

Bill 37: The Invasive Species Act - This bill, to give the government more powers to fight invasive species, passed second reading with a 95 to zero unanimous vote. FOCA has submitted comments in favour of the Bill. Read our comments and follow the issue here: http://foca.on.ca/invasive-species-act-for-ontario/

Bill 52 - Anti-SLAPP - This bill, the Protection of Public Participation Act, to curb "strategic litigation against public participation" (SLAPP) lawsuits in Ontario, passed second reading and was sent to committee. Learn more here: http://foca.on.ca/slapp-protection-of-participation-act/

Former Bill 85 - Ontario Not for Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) - The Province has delayed this legislation once again. This Act, when it finally arrives, will have implications for many FOCA-member Associations. Read more on the subject, here: 
http://foca.on.ca/onca-on-hold/

Septemer FOCA elert

The latest FOCA elert is out
http://bit.ly/1JRwSmo FOCA

Hydro
As directed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) earlier this year, Hydro One responded in early August with their plan to realign their customer classes, and provided their proposal about how to lessen the year-over-year impacts to their customers.

 In the face of TRIPLE DIGIT increases coming for some low-use Hydro One customers, FOCA has recently contacted the OEB to voice our concerns.

Learn more on FOCA's Electricity Pricing pages:


Federal Election
Canada's Federal Election will take place on October 19th, 2015. Did you know:
 you might be able to designate your cottage riding as your vote location for this election?
there are ways to cast your vote before election day?
Get information and updates from FOCA about key topics in the upcoming election, here:
  
and much more

FOCA Elert - July 2015

FOCA Elert - July 2015


Find out about:

Lake Partner Program

Algonquin Land Claim AIP signed

Hydro rates

OPP report Boating Fatality Numbers

Cottage Succession Seminar: live or on DVD

Preventing Lyme Disease at the cottage

New Air Quality Notifications for Ontario

FOCA joins call for action on Great Lakes toxins

Trent Severn Waterway funding announcement

The FOCA Board of Directors

and much more

http://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FOCA-Elert-July29-2015.pdf

FOCA Elert - February 2015

FOCA Elert - February 2015

http://bit.ly/1ux2kko FOCA

Register now for the AGM!

Members: join us for the FOCA Annual General Meeting and Spring Seminar on Saturday, March 7th in Toronto.

This is an important opportunity to network with fellow associations from across Ontario, and to interact with our expert presenters on hot cottage country topics, including legal tools and tips, organizing for success, and safety and crime prevention. And don't miss the presentations from our featured member associations!


Next FOCA Webinar:

Due to popular demand, we will be hosting another webcast of FOCA's Cottage Succession event, "Keeping the Family in the Family Cottage," on April 17, 2015. Sign-up details will come in next month's Elert - stay tuned for details!

Great Lakes Water Level updates

The International Lake Superior Board of Control says water levels in the lake are at a 17-year high, and that Lakes Huron, and Michigan are similarly at multi-year highs for the month of January. See more about the Great Lakes and this recent news here: http://foca.on.ca/great-lakes-strategy-and-action/


Recap of the Toronto International Boat Show

The 2015 Toronto International Boat Show was a great opportunity to gear up for the coming boating season, in the midst of a dark January!

More than 70,000 boat enthusiasts took in the show. FOCA was pleased that so many of our members took advantage of our free passes. We saw familiar faces and met lots of new and enthusiastic boaters.

and much more

Last FOCA news updates of 2014 in the December Elert

Last FOCA news updates of 2014 in the December Elert

http://bit.ly/1GrleLA FOCA


Webinar #2: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 - Environmental Commissioner of Ontario - the Environmental Bill of Rights and You

This webinar will help FOCA members interested in participating in environmental law-making that impacts your waterfront experience and communities - through Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR).

FOCA members: Watch your Inbox for sign-up details in mid-January!


Boat Show

We are very excited that FOCA will be part of the "Boating Community Program" at the Toronto International Boat Show from January 10-18, 2015, where we will be meeting boaters, and dreaming of an early summer... Plan to join us there.

LAST CALL for free tickets!

FOCA has 2 free tickets to the Boat Show for each and every one of our member associations. Thanks to all the Associations who have already contacted us to claim their tickets.

IMPORTANT: Associations MUST email FOCA by December 31, 2014 with the designated names for the 2 tickets, which will be held at the entry to the Boat Show.


New Municipal Councils now in place

December 1st was the first day for the newly sworn-in municipal councils in Ontario.

Congratulations to all the successful candidates now sitting as councillors, mayors and reeves. FOCA looks forward to a long and productive relationship between local government and the waterfront property-owning community, represented through local cottage, lake and road associations.

A message from FOCA to Municipal Councils:

We encourage you to utilize the considerable resources within local residents' associations!

As stakeholders in nearly 300 Ontario municipalities, FOCA's 50,000 members not only provide a significant amount of local property tax revenue (over $800-million/year), but also have important perspectives on local living, land use planning, economic development and maintaining sustainable local environments.

A message from FOCA to our members:

We encourage you to make yourselves known to your elected officials; they are making decisions that will affect you and your community for the next 4 years! One important time to get involved is during the municipal budget process.

The October 2014 FOCA elert

The October FOCA elert is out

This months topics include:


Municipal Elections = October 27th

Mail in ballets are being distributed in many rural Ontario municipalities now.


Ontario Ministries set priorities

On September 25, 2014, for the first time, the Premier of Ontario openly released "mandate letters" for each Provincial Ministry, providing a window on the direction of the current government as part of efforts to be the "most open government in Canada."


Cottage Closing

Say it isn't so: time for closing up the cottage for the season? Get tips from FOCA, as posted recently by the Insurance Bureau of Canada in their blog, "Get in the Know:"


Federal, and Ontario Environmental Auditors release reports

The week of October 6th saw the release of reports from both the Federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.


It is Fire Prevention Week

The fire service reminds us that working smoke alarms save lives. Please test yours this weekend!

http://bit.ly/1D0pBve FOCA

Special Updates for FOCA Members Elert

Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
Special Updates for FOCA Members Elert

Hot Topics for 2014:

Looking for material for your local association meeting or upcoming newsletter?

Read the Event Summary and review the slide presentations from the 2014 FOCA Annual General Meeting and Spring Seminar, held March 1st in Toronto:

Looking for a speaker for your local association meeting?

Contact FOCA to be connected to the following partners who have offered some availability to attend local AGMs this summer:

Recent Survey Results: Cottage Country Waste Management

Thank you to all who participated in the January 2014 FOCA survey! Working with the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education, we investigated challenges and barriers to waste management in rural municipalities across Ontario. Communication between residents and municipalities emerged as a key factor. Larger municipalities appear better-equipped to provide education or special disposal options for electronic waste, large furniture and more.

New FOCA Survey: Hot Topics for 2014 + Cottage Usage Trends

Please take a few minutes to participate in FOCA's latest survey by clicking this link:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/FOCAsurvey2014

The first half of the survey includes questions about the issues that may be facing your association this year. The second half has been generously sponsored by our corporate partners at Xplornet, to better understand how and when we use the cottage, and what role, if any, internet service plays in the mix.


Link to the Full Elert here

http://bit.ly/SeyLSz FOCA

FOCA Elert September 2013

FOCA Elert September 2013
Join FOCA on Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 from 3:30-6pm for the FOCA Fall Meeting featuring special guest speaker Bob Sandford, at the Toronto International Centre. 

NOTE: Your $40 registration to the FOCA Fall Meeting includes 1 free entry ticket for Saturday, Nov. 2nd to the Fall Cottage Life Show, happening next door in Hall #5 of the Toronto International Centre. 

==

Blue-Green Algae
FOCA, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the Central Algoma Freshwater Coalition are working together to better understand the factors that cause blue-green algal blooms. Lake Stewards in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario have been collecting algae samples and water quality information this year. This data will be used by the MOE to begin to identify the conditions that trigger excessive algal growth and why blooms occur in some lakes but not others. 

==
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety for Fall 

With colder weather upon us, remember that carbon monoxide (CO) safety is a priority. "If your cottage has any potential source of CO - wood or gas fireplace or woodstove, an oil or gas or propane heating system or appliance - your only protection is a CSA-approved CO alarm," notes Carol Heller, a fire safety expert with Kidde Canada. 
==

And much more 

http://bit.ly/1biftUF FOCA

FOCA's June 2013 Elert is out

FOCA's June 2013 Elert is out

http://bit.ly/18gSW89 FOCA

Welcome to Summer!

Here's the outlook from The Old Farmer's Almanac: "Summer will be cooler and rainier than normal, with the hottest temperatures in early to mid-July, late July, and mid-August."summer weather 

Beware of Flying Fire  

FOCA continues to advocate for safe burning practices. We warn you about the dangers of "flying lanterns," and  Cottage Life blog applaud our colleagues at the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association, who have garnered media interest in the subject.

Great Lakes Water Levels

International Joint Commission The International Joint Commission has announced public hearings on its new water management proposal for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River water levels. 

Warning: Lyme Disease in Ontario  

A FOCA member wrote to us recently, warning about the dangers of Lyme Disease to people and pets in Ontario:

Our Golden Retriever contracted Lyme disease apparently from a tick. She is on meds and we are hoping for a complete recovery. We are not sure where she got this as we live in Markham, but visit and spend time every week at our cottage ... We were oblivious to all of this and believe everyone needs to know.

The Health Unit reminds you to "know the bug, know the bite" that can spread it.

And Much Much More

Countdown to the Long Weekend! FOCA Elert May 2013

Countdown to the Long Weekend! FOCA Elert May 2013
http://bit.ly/105h99a FOCA


The Victoria Day long weekend marks the start of Safe Boating Awareness Week, May 18-24th.


Emergency Response in Ontario - FOCA seeks answers
In the aftermath of recent flooding events, FOCA has questions about community preparedness in Ontario. 


Nuclear Dump Site Proposal - Public Review Phase
FOCA is concerned about any adverse effects to human health or the environment, including Lake Huron and the Great Lakes, from the proposed long-term storage of nuclear waste north of Kincardine, Ontario, about 1 km inland from the shore of Lake Huron, and 700m below ground. 


Check 'em and Replace 'em  
Put these 2 items at the top of your long weekend checklist:
check the batteries and the expiry dates on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
make and practice a fire escape plan with the family. Click here for tips... 
Once you've checked your alarms, you can quickly and easily enter to win online in this year's contest. Click here for the link... FOCA is proud to be a program partner in the 2013 Peace of Mind for Your Piece of Heaven campaign for fire and CO safety. 


Important Reminders 
Don't move firewood. Drain your bilges!
Invasive and harmful animals and plants can hitchhike on wood, in your bilge water, and on trailers. To protect our precious forests, lakes and rivers, make sure you are not part of the problem. Learn more about invasive species and prevention strategies here.

And Much More