Outdoor Burning in Tiny Township 2016

Outdoor Burning in Tiny Township:

Full details on the Tiny website

http://www.tiny.ca/Pages/Fire--Emergency-Services.aspx

But here is a quick summary

Fire Permit Information

New in 2016!! The burning of leaves is strictly prohibited

Fire permits can be purchased through the Township of Tiny Office, at 130 Balm Beach Road West, Perkinsfield (9:00 am to 4:30 pm) Monday to Friday.

They can also be purchased for $20.00 cash only at the 6 (six) following locations:

1) Lafontaine SuperMarket, 345 rue Lafontaine Road West, Lafontaine

2) Wyevale Jug City, 870 County Road 6 South, Wyevale

3) Mailloux Jug City, 594 Champlain Road, North West Basin

4) LA Hill Esso Station, 2 Lafontaine Road East, Lafontaine

5) R&P Gas, 2236 County Road 92, Elmvale

6) Country Corner Variety, 1 County Road 6 South, Perkinsfield

You can also download a copy of the Fire Permit application and rules, by clicking on the link located on the left side of this page entitled "Fire Permit Application".

It is the applicant's responsibility to know if a Fire Ban is in effect.

For FIRE BAN INFORMATION contact the Township of Tiny office at (705) 526-4204 ext 226 or check the Fire Rating Symbol on the Home Page

REMEMBER IT'S ILLEGAL TO BURN WITHOUT A VALID FIRE PERMIT

Did you know?

That IF you wish to burn a pile that's larger than 1 meter in diameter or height that you require a special permit?

Burning in a 45 gallon drum or barrel also requires a Fire Permit, NO EXCEPTIONS

Social Media for the Cottage Associations Part 2

I have been cottaging pretty much since I was born. I have great memories of events organized by the Clearwater Beach Ratepayers Association when I was growing up. Since about 2000, I have had the pleasure of serving my cottage association. First as a volunteer for a number of years at our Fun Day/BBQ, then joining the board in a number of capacities, Secretary, then Vice President and now President. Part of the job of the board of a Cottage Association is keeping your members informed. Social Media can give you a great tool kit for both getting information and sharing it to your members.

This is the second of several posts on using Social Media for a cottage association. This post is the first of 2 focusing on the kinds of information you may want to pass along to your members.

The idea behind this series is that it is not so much a "this is what and how to do it' manual, but more a here are a bunch of ideas/tools you can pick and chose from. You need to figure out what works for you and your association. I will be using the sources that I use for my association as examples, you should be able to find similar sources in your area.


This will not be a static post, I will update it as errors are found or when someone sends me information that fits in. If I have missed a tool or source that you use, please let me know. I am always looking for ways to better serve our association. 


Information

There are many of kinds of information that you may need to or want to pass on to your members. This is part 1 of a quick list and an overview of some of them:

Taxes
This is a topic that comes up every year. We are locate in Tiny Township which is in Simcoe County which is in province of Ontario located in Canada. Our property taxes are determined by both Tiny and Simcoe. So starting in January, I try to keep an eye on budgeting process for both Tiny and Simcoe. The both have good websites and the local paper do a good job on reporting budget debates. The other item that determines our property taxes is the valuation of your property which is determined by Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The MPAC website is a great one, lots of good information there on how the system work and what to do if you think your assessment is wrong. FOCA has had them speak at seminars. just before the start of the last two assessment cycles.


By-law's
Generally local by-laws can have a big impact on the cottage. 

Zoning changes can have an impact on the value of your members property.

Tiny Township enacted a new by-law banning the burning of leaves starting in 2016. This was in response to a number of incidences where the township fire department had to respond to leaf burning fires that got out of control. We posted about it as soon as we found out about it and we will repost about it sometime in April just to remind everyone before cottage opening time. 

If you find out about proposed changes you can fight them if your association feels they are detrimental to your cottage values. We found out about a plan to put in a number of street lights on our road. We did not think it was a good plan. We talked to another association that would be affected too and to several individual property owners that would be impacted as well. We started a email/letter writing program and several members went to and presented to council, and we were able to defeat the proposal. If we had not found out about it in the early stages who know how it would have played out.

Provincial & Federal Government
These levels of government have an impact too. 

If you have a lot members who fish in your association changes to the fishing rules and regulations for your area may be of importance. Those who only fish once or twice a year a less likely to keep up on the any changes..

If you are on or near the Trent-Severn or the Rideau waterways the Federal Government will have a huge impact on your boating enjoyment. I know a lot of boaters were not happy when they cut the number of lock crews and changed the hours of operation. 

The Provincial government's cover:

• Air and water quality
• Climate change
• Fish and wildlife 
• Maps 
• Environmental assessments 
• The electricity system 
• Health care services and locations
• Crown Land
• Northern development
• Ontario parks
• Fishing and hunting
• Tourism
• And much more

The Federal Government covers:

• Natural resources
• National Conservation Plan
• Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
• Culture
• History
• Sports
• Canada's Coast Guard
• And much more

There is some overlap in their rolls.

Road construction
Road work affects all of us... 

If your municipality is going to be working on the road behind your cottage this summer maybe you do not want to schedule your 2 weeks at the cottage during the planned time of that work.

Is the main street in your local town going to have major work this summer? If so let your member know.

Is the province planning major work for the main highway to your area? Let your members know early and often...  

     Here is a link to an post I did about work that is being planed for Hwy 400 in the 
Bradford area over the next few years.  http://bit.ly/1VoHK0t  It will have an impact on the Friday night drive to the cottage. By letting your members know early they can start thinking about options. If they are to the west of the 400 there are a number of options to explore and see what works best for them. If you are to the east, not a lot of options unless you want to drive around Lake Simcoe, or take Yonge Street north, or drive west past the 400 then go north. 

Safety
Your local fire department can keep you up to date on current fire hazard level. In Tiny they have a link on the front page of the township side to the current fire hazard level. If the level is extreme there may even be a fire ban. They also post fire safety tips. Even if the tips seem to be old news to you, there may be new people in your association that do not know about them.

Your local police department is a source of information. They can let you know if there are a rash of break-ins or any scams going on in the area. In Tiny the OPP are the local police force, I also follow the Midland, Barrie, and South Simcoe forces. 

If you are on the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence river, following the Canadian Coast Guard is a very good idea. In the winter you can find out about ice breaking operations in your area. Lots of good information for new boaters is on their site.

Weather alerts are very important. Tornados and Ice Storms are just two examples very bad weather events. I try to repost weather alerts for our area as soon as I see them. 

Weather forecasts
     Weather is a major driver for what you are going to do that the cottage. 

     I usually take a screenshot from my one of my weather apps and post it on our Facebook page showing the 7 day forecast on wednesday before a long weekend. it can start a conversation of "saturday night is not looking great, let's move the party to sunday night". On the long weekends you tend to have more days and nights to plan and a little more flexibility on going to and coming home from the cottage. How many of us add a day on to the long weekend?

Just a reminder you need a fire permit to burn outdoors.

Just a reminder you need a fire permit to burn outdoors.

Fire Permit Information
Fire permits can be purchased through the Township of Tiny Office, at 130 Balm Beach Road West
(9:00 am to 4:30 pm) Monday to Friday.

They can also be purchased for $20.00 cash only at the 6 (six) following locations:

1) Lafontaine SuperMarket, 345 rue Lafontaine Road West, Lafontaine
2) Wyevale Jug City, 870 County Road 6 South, Wyevale
3) Mailloux Jug City, 594 Champlain Road, North West Basin
4) Adamson Gas Station, 120 County Road 6 South, Perkinsfield
5) Marc's Hardware, 520 Cedar Point Road, Lafontaine
6) LA Hill Esso Station, 2 Lafontaine Road East, Lafontaine

You can also download a copy of the Fire Permit application and rules, by clicking on the link located on the left side of this page entitled "Fire Permit Application".

It is the applicant’s responsibility to know if a Fire Ban is in effect.

For FIRE BAN INFORMATION contact the Township of Tiny office at (705) 526-4204 or check the Fire Rating Symbol on the Home Page,

REMEMBER IT’S ILLEGAL TO BURN WITHOUT A VALID FIRE PERMIT

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week kicks off Saturday

http://bit.ly/1uJvaNg Orillia Packet and Times


Now is the time to check your smoke alarm. Lets be safe during the heating season

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

Flying lanterns a fire hazard for cottages

Flying lanterns a fire hazard for cottages

There is one thing that has lit a fire under cottagers, it’s fire raining down from the sky.

“What kind of idiot would set an uncontrolled flame floating over cottages and forests to land who knows where?” asks Terry Rees in reference to the popular airborne lanterns that are powered by an open flame in the bottom, much like a hot air balloon. Also known as Chinese, sky, and flying lanterns, they are often released, dozens at a time, at weddings and other parties.

More at 

http://bit.ly/16oz4wv Cottage Life

Thank you Penny C. and Terry R. for bringing the issues to light.

Fire safety tips for the cottage

Fire safety tips for the cottage
http://bit.ly/15MGQiR Cottage Life 


Outside the cottage

Store fuel, firewood, and other combustible materials at least 10 metres from the cottage.
Keep roof and rain gutters free of dried leaves and pine needles. Install a screened cap on your chimney.

Keep firefighting tools (a bucket of water or sand, shovels, and a garden hose) handy when you’re having a bonfire or burning brush.


Inside the cottage

Learn how your smoke alarms work and test them at least monthly Ontario’s Fire Code requires them on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Regularly replace the batteries and replace the alarm itself every eight years. If you have a wood or fossil-fuel-fired appliance, or attached garage, install a carbon-monoxide alarm.

Develop a fire-escape plan. Designate family members who are responsible to help guests, people who may have trouble getting out on their own, and pets. Keep keys and cell phones in a handy place, so they can be found during a hasty exit. Once everyone is out and accounted for at a meeting place, call 911 or your local emergency number and report the fire.

And Many More

http://bit.ly/15MGQiR Cottage Life

Ask you local Fire Department for advice too

ZERO TOLERANCE RESIDENTIAL SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM

Tiny Township ZERO TOLERANCE RESIDENTIAL SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM

http://bit.ly/12Ktfas  Tiny Township

A heads up on this new program that starts in the New Year. Please make sure you have the needed Smoke Alarms and that they work!

“After so many years of promotion and public education initiatives, it is incomprehensible to me that anyone would not understand the importance of working smoke alarms in protecting the lives of themselves and their loved ones and act accordingly,”says Fire Chief Tony Mintof.
Penalties for non-compliance range from a ticketed fine of $235.00 to a charge under the Provincial Offences Act that carries a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one (1) year imprisonment.

Cottage destroyed by fire November 12th 2012

Cottage destroyed by fire 

http://bit.ly/VYL44U Barrie Examiner 
According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP, officers were called to an uninhabited cottage on Fairlain Road East after a fire started in a shed and spread to the cottage around noon.
  
Please be careful if you have a wood stove, fire place or are just burning leaves outside, nobody wants to lose their cottage or life.... 

Fire Safety Talk at the AGM

A Big Thank You to Dino Pangratti from the Tiny Fire Department for his talk at the AGM, and fire extinguisher simulator he brought. I think many of us learned something.

Fire Ban Over

Press Release from Tiny Township

http://township.tiny.on.ca/ws_par/groups/public/@pub/@tiny/documents/web_content/wspar_039025.pdf

Tiny Township

If you are planing a fire please be safe

The August FOCA Elert is out and on the web

The August FOCA Elert is out and on the web.

Some of this months stories:

Fire News: the Heat is On
Prolonged hot and dry weather this summer has meant high fire risk for much of woodland Ontario. Click here for links to the Current Fire Situation from the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the MNR.

Boater Assist        
Boater Assist Canada is a new service - think of it as "CAA for the water" - being offered through our friends at Boating Ontario and the Ontario Marine Operators Assocation.

and more, use the link below

http://bit.ly/NmLkYx FOCA

You can sign up to have the FOCA Elert sent right to your email box on the FOCA web site. http://www.foca.on.ca

Fire Ban August 11 2012

Look's like the Fire Ban is still in place. You can get up to date information:

Fire Hazard Rating Sign posted at the following location:
Toanche Fire Hall (Champlain Road and Toanche Trail),
By visiting the Township website at www.tiny.ca
By calling the Township Office at (705) 526-4204

Water and fire bans stand until significant rain falls July 30 2012

Water and fire bans stand until significant rain falls

http://bit.ly/Mw1Xfz Midland Freepress

Hope we can get enough rain over the next few days to get the ban lifted.

Fire Ban in Tiny Township

Just a reminder

Fire bans remain in place
http://bit.ly/LRKUHR Midland Freepress

COMPLETE FIRE BAN IN EFFECT
http://bit.ly/N7JDI6 Tiny Township

WATER BAN NOW IN EFFECT
Due to the hot dry weather, a complete water ban is now in effect. Outdoor water use is not permitted at any time.  Tiny Township
     I am guessing it only applies to those on the Township water systems.

Hope we can get some more rain be fore the long weekend. Lots of brown grass around the beach.

When I see the ban has been lifted I will let you know.

Fire Ban July 5th 2012

There is a fire ban on in the Town of Penetanguishene and the townships of Tiny and Tay
Drought and extreme heat reason for fire bans

http://bit.ly/L5Jw41 Midland Freepress

Check the Midland Freepress or the Tiny Township sites to see when the ban is lifted.

Be Safe This Summer

Make a DIY Fire-Starting Wafer

Make DIY Fire-Starting Wafers with a Candle and Cotton Pads 

http://bit.ly/MaU9R8 LifeHacker

Sounds great for starting bonfires at the cottage, 

Peace of Mind for your Piece of Heaven

Received the "Peace of Mind for your Piece of Heaven" flyers from FOCA on Friday. They will be distributed with the Clearwater Beach News by our Section Directors in July and August.

Fire Safety Tips, Mail-In Rebate's for Smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide from Kidde and information on the Safe At The Cottage contest. There are some very nice prizes to be one.

A big thanks to Michelle Lewin @ FOCA for sending them out to me.

Now to get to work on the Clearwater Beach New 2012 edition so it will be ready on time.

http://www.facebook.com/safeatthecottage

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

Enter to Win!

Take pictures “before and after” your fire safety projects this summer and you could win in the Safe at the Cottage Contest.

Simply “like” the Safe at the Cottage Facebook page (www.facebook.com/safeatthecottage) and upload a photo and description showing how you made your property more fire or CO smart, indoors and out. You could win great prizes including a cool new tablet, one year of free satellite internet service from Xplornet, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from Kidde Canada, and more! Enter today.

For more information
http://bit.ly/KY1vUx Boater News