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register now - FOCA Fall Seminar: Healthy Shorelines

Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9am-noon by Zoom webinar - Join FOCA for a digital seminar about shoreline health. Our expert speakers include:

• septic system re-inspections by Paisley McDowell of EnVision Consultants
• shoreline naturalization resources and algae information by Robert Pye of Watersheds Canada
• water quality monitoring reports by Gavin Vance of the Lake Partner Program
• identifying aquatic plants by Kaleigh Mooney, author of FOCA's Guide to Aquatic Plants in Ontario.

Also, the Board of Directors will provide an overview of FOCA's forthcoming 3-year Strategic Plan, and highlights from our recent survey.

FOCA Members attend at a reduced rate! Register from links on the event webpage.

Extend the summer with 5G Home Internet at the cottage.

Say hello to easy connectivity at the cottage with Rogers 5G Home Internet, powered by Canada's largest and most reliable 5G network. Just Plug & Play to connect and get online in minutes. See rogers.com/5GHI-support for more details.

Visit rogers.com/5GHI to try it risk-free for 30 days.

FOCA Members: remember that we have a new Rogers Preferred Pricing Plan with amazing offers. Login on the FOCA Benefits webpage for access details, or contact the office for assistance to access the special rates and all your member benefits.

An update from our partners in risk management - administrators of

the FOCA Association Insurance Program and CottageFirst

Cottage Insurance Tips

Cottage country properties are usually very different from homes in the city, which makes it important that you and your insurance provider understand the unique needs of your cottage property. While no two cottage insurance policies will be exactly alike, read our tips sheet (PDF, 2 pages) for some important considerations to review, to make sure your cottage and your family are properly protected.

FOCA members have exclusive access to CottageFirst, the group insurance program built for cottage owners. Bundle your home, cottage, boats, cars, and other personal policies – and save! Get comprehensive best-in-class coverage and peace of mind. Contact Cade Associates Insurance Brokers for a quote: www.cottagefirst.com or call 1-844-223-3178.

next FOCA webinar: Seize the Time or Take Your Time - Succession Timing Options

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 7-8:30pm by Zoom webinar - Register to join FOCA and estate lawyer Peter Lillico for a “deeper dive” into issues of timing for your family's cottage succession plan. This talk provides an overview of updated taxation issues associated with transferring the cottage to the next generation, and funding solutions depending when the transfer will happen: now, later, gradually, or upon death of the cottage owner(s). The talk concludes with a deeper dive into the use of trusts as an asset protection plan.

MEMBERS register for free here; remember to tell us your FOCA affiliation when you register! Not a member, but still want to attend this cottage succession seminar?

• Pay the $30 non-member fee per registrant, then register using the link above.
• Or become a Friend of FOCA (our paid annual supporter category) to receive free access to all FOCA Cottage Succession events over the coming year, plus additional supporter benefits.

Water Soldier in Lake Simcoe

The Water Soldier Working Group has confirmed the presence of an aquatic invasive plant called water soldier in Lake Simcoe waters for the first time. Read the news release (PDF, 4 pages, source of the image at side) from our partners at the Invasive Species Centre (ISC).

Learn how to recognize water soldier - the ISC posts information here. Think you've spotted water soldier? Be cautious of the sharp, serrated leaves and wear gloves if you are hand-pulling water soldier. Take photos and note your location, then report online to EDDMapS or call 1-800-563-7711.

Boater Pathways - Preventing the Spread

"Pathways of Spread" are ways invasive species transfer from one place to the next. This includes pests that could hitch a ride in firewood moved from one region to another, garden plants brought to new areas where they prove to be invasive, trail use where seeds or organisms get picked up on clothes or gear, and boating or fishing if invasive species are transferred to a new waterbody in a boat, trailer, bait bucket, live well or bilge.

To prevent the movement of invasive species, Ontario has regulated watercraft and their equipment as "carriers" under the Invasive Species Act since 2022. Remember to "Clean, Drain, Dry" - it's the law. Learn how, here.

You must clear your boat and equipment of any visible aquatic vegetation or debris, and drain any standing water in the body, before moving it to another waterbody. Further, don't dump bait when fishing, as improper disposal could lead to an invasion. Ontario is divided into 4 Bait Management Zones with baitfish rules and regulations. Access the map at the side, and learn more from the Province, here.

Login for FOCA Member Benefits

Please note that all our Member Associations and our annual supporters - the "Friends of FOCA" - have been onboarded to FOCA's MemberPress system for web logins. As a result, the old generic "focamember" login has been discontinued.

Association Member Families: Your association renewal contact has a link (specific to your association) that you can use to set up your own unique Username and Password as a Sub-Account of your association, in order to access all the member benefits and members-only materials on the FOCA website. Please ask your association representative to reach out to FOCA if they need assistance locating the association's link.

FOCA members are encouraged to login on the Benefits webpage to access the discount codes for all member benefits and offers from our sponsors and partners - including the new Rogers Preferred Pricing, AEDs from Action First Aid, Canadian Canoe Museum & Cottage Life Magazine subscription discounts, and the CottageFirst group insurance program for your cottage, boat, car, and more.

Not yet a member? Find out more about the many benefits of joining FOCA: https://foca.on.ca/member-services/

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