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2024 Ontario Lake Stewards Magazine | |
It has arrived! Download your copy of the 2024 Ontario Lake Stewards Magazine, FOCA’s annual publication packed with cottage country news. This edition is brimming with articles about wildland fire safety, lifejackets and PFD regulations for boaters, lake planning for associations, preventing the spread of invasive species, woodstove safety, healthy shoreline tips, and more hot topics. Download it now (PDF, 7 MB) | |
Support FOCA's Communications Efforts | |
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Help FOCA continue to communicate about thriving and sustainable waterfronts across Ontario for future generations, through publications like the annual Magazine and Elerts. Become a Friend of FOCA or make a one-time or recurring donation today.
Your support matters!
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Stay connected all summer long with 5G Home Internet.
Say hello to easy connectivity at the cottage this season 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.
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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. | |
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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 with speakers on water quality monitoring, identifying aquatic plants, septic system re-inspections, and shoreline naturalization resources. Members attend at a reduced rate! Register from links on the event webpage.
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FOCA webinar: Seize the Time or Take Your Time - Succession Timing
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?
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Pay the $30 non-member fee per registrant, then register using the link above.
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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.
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Road Association Resources
Many community groups in rural Ontario manage roads that are either on private lands, on unassumed municipal allowances, on Crown land, or some combination of all of the above. When property owners collectively rely on an access road to get to their properties, it is common for them to come together as a Road Association to act as volunteers managing road maintenance responsibilities, communicating with members, and collecting fees as necessary.
Road Association insurance is an important part of protecting these volunteers! Learn about who is insured, how a policy could respond in case of a claim, and more in our overview: Road Association Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 2 pages) and reach out to Cade Associates for a quote for your group. Email to clientservices@cadeinsurance.com or call 1-844-223-3178 (416-234-9980 in the GTA).
Does your rural waterfront community have this type of road, but no association yet? FOCA offers developing groups a digital resource called "Starting & Building an Effective Road Association" to help get you started and set up for success. To access it, contact the FOCA office with your road name, lake name, and township indicated.
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FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government | |
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Transport Canada Updates: VORR & Floating Accommodations
Over the past year, FOCA has alerted members to Transport Canada (TC) public consultation periods on issues including the proposed modernization of the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR), and long-term anchoring of floating accommodations.
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TC has recently completed their analysis of feedback from each of these consultations and has posted what they heard about VORR modernization and long-term anchoring, and the next steps in each case. For long-term anchoring, there will be a second consultation period to collect more feedback from stakeholders. Get background and links to additional information on FOCA’s Boating webpage: https://foca.on.ca/boating/
(image of floating accommodation: Gloucester Pool Cottagers’ Association, 2022)
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FOCA Champions Safe & Affordable Rural Living | |
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Are you Prepared for a Wildland Fire Event?
Although we’ve seen a quieter forest fire season so far here in Ontario, it doesn’t take long for forest vegetation to dry out and become available to burn. Is your family prepared if a wildland fire forces you to leave the area?
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Create an emergency plan for your household and keep it accessible for everyone. FireSmart Canada also offers an excellent last-minute checklist available on FireSmartCanada.ca. Make sure to monitor local conditions through the Interactive Fire Map and, if time permits, scan around your home and property and take steps to remove combustible materials, especially in the 1.5m area around your home. Check your vents, roof, and exterior walls to prevent embers from entering your home. Also ensure you have an emergency kit with everything you need to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.
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High Water Levels
July saw several high-water warnings for parts of Ontario. FOCA reminds you that any waterway has the potential to be dangerous during extensive rain or strong wind events. Exercise caution, and find local information for various parts of the province from links in the “Latest News” section of our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/water-levels/
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MPAC Property Valuation Tool
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has launched a “Property Pulse Dashboard” tool to empower homeowners to make informed decisions about residential properties with sales data by municipality and property type, including waterfront properties. Access the tool from a link on FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/property-taxation-assessment/#mpac
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Boating Licence & PCOC Requirements
FOCA has recently been contacted by members who were asked for these boating documents during on-water OPP marine unit stops, so have yours handy to avoid fines!
Further to our message in last month's Elert, Transport Canada (TC; source of the image) has posted additional online tools for boaters to look up information about who needs a Pleasure Craft License (PCL); how to check your PCL expiry date (you'll need the numbers from the side of the boat); and how to replace a lost Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) from your original course provider. Some important tips:
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a Pleasure Craft Licence has to be renewed every 10 years
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a PCOC has no expiry date
- if you sell your boat, don't cancel the licence; instead, transfer it to the new owner's name within 90 days.
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July 2024 message from: DockinaBox
Need a new dock system or maybe a boat lift - or possibly both? Now is the time!
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DockinaBox® has developed the highest quality boat dock systems on the market. Our all-aluminum floating docks and pipe docks consistently exceed expectations. With docks proudly made in Canada, we also have a huge inventory of vertical boat lift and PWC lift options to choose from.
Summer Sale on NOW: save up to 20% (mention FOCA!). With deposit, orders can be ready within 2 to 3 business days. Some conditions apply. View our online brochure: https://dockinabox.com/online-brochure for the full product line.
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FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & Rivers | |
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Invasive Grass Carp Capture: Lake Ontario
A second invasive Grass Carp was found in Ontario waters this summer, this time in Jordan Harbour on Lake Ontario (near St. Catherines) on July 3, 2024, as a result of the Asian Carp Program’s early detection surveillance activities. The fish was analyzed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and determined to be a triploid (sterile) male, therefore no on-the-water operations are planned, although DFO crews continued their operations for the remainder of the week and no additional Grass Carp were found. This fish was nearly 1 metre long and weighed over 11 kg.
Please be our eyes on the Great Lakes this summer! If you believe you have spotted an invasive carp, report it online at: https://www.eddmaps.org/ or call the Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711. Learn how to identify the invaders from tips posted on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/carps/ (image: DFO)
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IsampleON
The 2024 IsampleON (Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program for Lakes Education Ontario) program is underway! This year we have volunteers on 5 lakes sampling for invasive zebra mussels and spiny water flea, using both traditional plankton haul net methods, and new eDNA water sampling techniques. Thank you to our volunteers for sending us images of your efforts! Learn more about the program on FOCA's webpage: https://foca.on.ca/isampleon/
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Phragmites: Caterpillar Control?
FOCA is watching with interest the recent news about a potential biocontrol for invasive Phragmites, using particular species of caterpillars. Get a link in the “Latest News” section of FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/phragmites/
(Image: Ontario Invasive Plant Council)
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Algae Blooms
There have already been a handful of reports of suspected or confirmed algae blooms on Ontario waterways this year. FOCA notes that not all algae are bad! In fact, algae are an important part of lake ‘food webs’ and a necessary part of ecosystem integrity. However, a blue-green algal bloom (also called cyanobacteria) can harm humans, pets and animals. What should you do if you spot a suspected blue-green algae bloom? Find the answer on FOCA’s webpage under "The Issue" header: https://foca.on.ca/algae/ (image from a past year, from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks)
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Invasive Species Expanding Ranges
An international team of scientists has released a study that concludes non-native plants and animals are expanding their ranges 100-times faster than native species, noting humans accelerate the spread of non-native species. Read about the study from a link in the “Latest News” section of our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/invasive-species/
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Reducing Exposure to PFAS in Fish
In mid-July, the US Environmental Protection Agency published updated regulations and recommended US states monitor for twelve PFAS and other contaminants including lead, cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and amphetamine. Learn more about PFAS, and get a link to the new US recommendations from FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/pollution/ (image: Kirk Doughty)
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Our Warming Climate
As CBC News reported earlier this month (source of the image), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has drawn a link between the June heat wave in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada and climate change, noting their analysis indicates the mid-June heat wave was made 2 to 10 times more likely because of the human influence on climate change. More than 100 heat records were smashed on June 19, 2024, alone. See the link to the article in the "Latest News" section of FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/climate-impacts/
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Tackling Nanoplastic Detection
In early July, WaterCanada reported that a McGill-led research team has developed the first real-time, on-site technology capable of detecting and deciphering nanoplastics from all other particles in water. Link to the article from the “Latest News” section of FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/plastics/
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Partner Updates & Regional Notices | |
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Rideau Canal Residents' Survey
If you live within 5km of the Rideau Canal, Carleton University would like your participation in a short survey on shoreline conservation, as part of a larger study on perspectives on shoreline stabilization options for the Canal. Participate in the survey before the end of August 2024. (Image: Ontario Bike Trails Website)
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Gravenhurst "Community Connect"
The Gravenhurst Fire Department has a new digital “Community Connect” system, and is encouraging residents to create a profile for their household to help emergency services protect them and their property during safety incidents or major disasters. The secure platform allows residents to share information about pets, elderly residents, or other specifics that can be accessed by first responders when needed. Participation is free and voluntary. Learn more: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/on-gravenhurst
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Kawartha Shoreline Re-Naturalization
FOCA’s partners at the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association (KLSA) invite waterfront residents in the Kawarthas to participate in 2024 shoreline assessments (happening now) and re-naturalization planting (this Fall), as part of the Natural Edge program of Watersheds Canada. For just $250, you receive a tailored planting plan, plants and materials delivered, and volunteer assistance for planting to transform your shoreline into a thriving ecosystem that combats erosion, deters geese, and looks beautiful! Email kim.ong@klsa.info to learn more.
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Haliburton Accommodation Tax
The County of Haliburton wants to hear from residents as plans get underway for the roll out of a Municipal Accommodation Tax. Members of the public are invited to fill out a survey and/or attend a public information session about how funds could be allocated and what the strategic priorities are. Visit the County website for details. The engagement sessions will take place over Zoom on August 14 (6pm) and August 28 (2pm). To register for a session or share your feedback if you are unable to attend, email: aingram@haliburtoncounty.ca
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Stoney Lake Fish Tracking Project
Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 2-4pm at Viamede Resort – interested residents from Clear, Stoney, and Upper Stoney Lakes in the Kawarthas are invited to an update session about the Trent Aquatic Research Program (TARP) and the Stoney Lake Fish Tracking Project with presentations by scientists. No registration is required; arrive by car or boat. To review last year’s tracking information, visit the Raby Lab webpage: https://www.rabylab.com/stoneylake
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Cataraqui Conservation Surveys
Members of the public, including those from outside the watershed who may visit Cataraqui Conservation properties, are invited to participate in two online surveys to share views on the new Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy and Conservation Area Strategy. Access the survey link by August 7, 2024 from this info page.
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FOCA on the Road - Event Recaps | |
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Member & Partner Events Attended in June:
June 15, 2024 - FOCA's Manager of Communications, Michelle Lewin, participated in the annual meeting of the "Kawarthas Alliance" of lake associations and Township and County representatives, to discuss common issues and share success stories.
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June 22, 2024 - Michelle also spoke on FOCA's behalf to our members at the Crowe Lake Waterways Association meeting in Marmora.
June 29, 2024 - Michelle participated in the AGM of the Association of Stoney Lake Cottagers on a soggy day on Juniper Island (image at the side).
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Board Members representing FOCA
July 6, 2024 - Thank you to FOCA Board Member Michael Peterson for representing us and speaking about FOCA’s work and member benefits at the AGM of the Big Rideau Lake Association in eastern Ontario (image at the side).
July 13, 2024 - Thank you to FOCA Board Member Katharine Devlin for representing us and speaking about FOCA's work and member benefits at the Honey Habour Association on Georgian Bay!
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Children's Water Festival, Kennisis Lake
July 13, 2024 - FOCA's Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator, Gavin Vance, represented FOCA at this outdoor family event in Haliburton, hosted by our member group, the Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners' Association. In the image at the side, Gavin explains to a group of avid future Lake Stewards how to use a Secchi disk, before inviting them to try their hand at supervised water clarity sampling!
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FOCA on the Airwaves
July 16, 2024 - FOCA's CEO Lesley Lavender spoke on "The County Grapevine" edition of 99.3 County FM radio, about trends and developments in Ontario cottage country, and FOCA's ongoing work on behalf of healthy waterfronts.
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Round Lake Property Owners AGM
July 27, 2024 - FOCA's Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator, Gavin Vance, represented us at the outdoor AGM of our member group, the Round Lake Property Owners Association, near Renfrew.
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DID YOU KNOW:
Even if FOCA is unable to attend your local event, we can supply you with a short written overview, slides, and/or a 10-minute recorded video presentation about our work and your member benefits. Contact us for these resources!
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FOCA Serves Lake & Road Associations | |
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Association Best Practices
Nonprofit Law Ontario has released updated information for incorporated membership organizations about Board and membership best practices and compliance tips. Visit FOCA's webpage for details: https://foca.on.ca/association-bmps/
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.
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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 - like the new Rogers Preferred Pricing plan, 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.
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Capturing Family Memories
We hope your summer is filled with wonderful family memories! One great way to preserve them is in photos. For truly candid family photos, check out award winning photographer Jordan Lyall - FOCA members will remember her as the event photographer from FOCA's 60th anniversary celebrations last Fall. In thanks for all she did then, we're sharing this news now. No poses, no outfits, no pressure - just enjoy your time at the cottage together while she captures the memories. Check out "Real Life Family Photo Sessions" and connect with Jordan today; tell her FOCA sent you.
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The FOCA office will be closed on Monday, August 5th for the civic holiday.
Enjoy the long weekend!
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