Why water levels are so low in cottage country

Why water levels are so low in cottage country

Welcome to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay’s new low-water reality, one that’s draining dollars from cottagers and businesses, potentially sucking the life from wetlands, and pushing the International Joint Commission (IJC) to recommend that the Canadian and US governments boost the water level by as much as 25 cm. “Something should be done,” says Guest, whose grandfather bought the Severn Sound property in 1903. “If this continues, our bay will dry up.”

http://bit.ly/15DN4CY Cottage Life

Well worth the read

Art on the Bay - Exploring Artistic Inspiration Around Georgian Bay

Art on the Bay - Exploring Artistic Inspiration Around Georgian Bay

Across the country the wilderness, spectacular scenery and animals of Canada’s National Parks have served as inspiration for artists for over a century. Georgian Bay Islands National Park is rekindling the traditional link between the park and the arts with their Artist in the Park program which has successfully run for more than five years at several other national parks.

http://bit.ly/13Dr1OQ Canadian Yachting

Looks like a lot of interesting art and other things to see and do.

Hydro One Fraud Alert: Telemarketing

Hydro One
Fraud Alert: Telemarketing

Have you received telephone calls from individuals or telemarketers claiming to represent Hydro One soliciting business, selling "energy-saving" products, or asking to confirm a planned power interruption? If so, be aware that these calls are fraudulent. Hydro One does not use telemarketers to contact our customers, never uses toll-for-service telephone numbers, and never sells products over the phone. 

Read the full article 

http://bit.ly/12qsj8G Hydro One

Great Lakes “plasticization” linked to cosmetic products

Great Lakes “plasticization” linked to cosmetic products

http://bit.ly/1cUuHKz Cottage Life

"But new research has discovered a new threat that plastic poses to our water systems—one that’s showing up in increasing concentrations in our Great Lakes." 
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Not good at all. 

Restore Our Water International will be in our area to provide an update for North Simcoe communities

From this weeks Mayor’s Weekly Update
To be added to Mayor Marshall’s email distribution list please email Stacey Cooper at scooper@penetanguishene.ca

Saturday July 6th

Restore Our Water International will be in our area to provide an update for North Simcoe communities regarding what can be done about the severely low water levels in Lakes Michigan/Huron/Georgian Bay. Restore Our Water International (ROWI) has grown to more than 15,000 shoreline owners and business interests. Their keynote speaker is Roger Gauthier, Chair of ROWI. Roger is a retired Senior Hydrologist who spent 30 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Also presenting is Dr. Pat-Chow-Fraser from McMaster University in Hamilton and of course Mary Muter. There are two sessions for you early birds you can catch the meeting at the Tiny Rec Centre at 10 a.m. or if the afternoon is better for you can attend the 3 p.m. meeting in Port McNicoll at their Community Centre.

http://bit.ly/12mPRfy

SIMCOE MUSKOKA HEALTH UNIT POSTS BEACH ADVISORIES

Status Update

By Barrie Examiner

HEALTH UNIT POSTS BEACH ADVISORIES

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has posted several beach advisory notices.

Notices have been posted for the following: Leonard's Beach in Innisfil; Peter Petersen Park Beach in Midland; and Con. 12 west beach in Tiny Township.

An advisory is a warning to swimmers, but it is not a beach closure. 

During an advisory, a beach is posted with warning signs when the water contains levels of bacteria that indicate there may be an increased risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and stomach disorders. 

People may still choose to swim during an advisory but it may be best to avoid swallowing the water, and ducking or dunking their heads underwater.

Testing is done at least weekly by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and the results are listed on their website. 

To access the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach advisories and notices visit www.smdhu.org 

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

Low Water Levels on the Great Lakes

Low Water Levels on the Great Lakes

http://www.charts.gc.ca/notice-avis/2013/2013-05-02-eng.asp


Double Check Your Charts Before You Head Out on the Great Lakes this Summer

The 7 most grillable veggies

The 7 most grillable veggies

http://bit.ly/129pSv3 Cottage Life

Not sure which veggies are the easiest and most delicious for grilling? Here are seven that you can’t miss with!

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Getting Hungry Just Reading it 

Sun Media closes Midland operation; other papers remain unaffected

Sun Media closes Midland operation; other papers remain unaffected
The Midland Free Press, which has been a source of news for Midland and surrounding area since 1879, has closed.

"Decisions such as these are never easy and occur only after considerable review," said Rob Leuschner, Regional Publisher/Director of Advertising for The Free Press along with the Barrie Examiner, Orillia Packet & Times and Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin. "The Free Press in Midland has existed for 134 years and during that time has been an important media choice for many readers and advertisers within the community."

http://bit.ly/14o4TDx Orillia Packet and Times

I will miss the Free Press. It was a great little paper, it allowed me to keep up with what was going on around the cottage.