By George Offshack
Notice of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday, 17 June 2023
10:00 A.M.
250 Limerick Lake North Shore
Adoption of the Agenda – George O.
Fire Smart – Cindy Fuerth
(Limerick Township Fire Prevention Officer)
Financial Report – Mary Argue
Limerick Estates & Land Escapes – Council Rep.
Invasive Species – Kyle Kieper
Loon Survey – Pauline Platt
Mining update – Ed Offshack
Summer Activities – Mary A. & Alan C.
Re-appointment of the Board for 2023-24
Fire Chiefs Jack Donnelly and Greg Maxwell called a total fire ban for Wollaston, Limerick, and Tudor and Cashel. Public notice has gone out to the radio, facebook and website. This ban took effect at 7 a.m. June 2, 2023 until further notice.
NO OPEN AIR BURNING IS PERMITTED – INCLUDING COOKING AND WARMING FIRES, BURN BARRELS, AND OPEN FIRE PITS. ANY INDIVIDUALS WHO CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS FIRE BAN WILL BE FINED. DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF BLOWDOWN FROM THE DERECHO LAST YEAR, THE FOREST FIRE RISK IS VERY HIGH IN THESE TOWNSHIPS.
Victoria Tisdale, Dipl. M.M., Dipl. M.A.
Clerk-Treasurer
Township of Limerick
89 Limerick Lake Road
Gilmour ON K0L 1W0
613-474-2863 x202
Hi Everyone,
The days are getting warmer and longer and the official start to cottage season has arrived. The snow
piles have melted and the ice is out of the lake.
2022 was a summer that many of us would prefer to forget. The May wind storm caused once in a
century type damage around the lakes. Hopefully 2023 returns to our usual assortment of more normal
thunderstorms and 24 hour power outages, not 14 day outages.
Last fall a small sub-committee of the Limerick Waterways Ratepayers Board helped with Kim Carson’s campaign for mayor of Limerick Township which as we all know was successful. Nice to once again have a mayor who is sympathetic to waterfront landowner issues. In addition, Jan MacKillican and marina owner Shawn Pack also sit on Limerick Council.
The LWRA is once again planning several summer activities. Unfortunately, the traditional August BBQ
will NOT be held, but the very popular canoe races will be the morning of August 5th and the sailboat
race will be the afternoon of Sunday, August 6th at 2 p.m. sharp. Please keep an eye out on the website and also on the bulletin boards at the marina for more information as the time gets closer. Several Board members and cottagers have pledged to begin conducting the annual loon survey for “Birds Canada” once again (previously done for many years by Linda and Pat Sheppard) and we are always working on invasive species prevention.
The LWRA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being combined with a “FireSmart” educational seminar on June 17 th at 10 AM. The meeting and seminar will be held at the Ed Offshack / Kyle Kieper cottage at 250 Limerick Lake North Shore. All welcome.
FireSmart is a provincial program about making your seasonal residence more fire resistant which is of keen importance to us with all of the fallen timber from last year’s storm.
This is also an opportunity to ask questions about our municipal emergency services capabilities.
Municipal council has done a great job in watching out for our interests with regards to the Limerick
Estates project, the new Land Escapes use of their lands, and of any proposed local mineral exploration
or extraction efforts. (of which there are none active at this time)
Please take a few minutes to renew or join the LWRA to help support the organization continue its work
to keep our lakes beautiful, safe, and enjoyable for all of us.
Membership dues are $50 per cottage and can be paid by E-transfer to Limerickwaterways@gmail.com
or through Paypal using this link:
If you prefer to pay by cash or cheque please email limerickwaterways@gmail.com for the mailing
address or to arrange a lake drop off location.
You can find our website at https://limerickwra.wordpress.com/ where you can find current news and the paypal link.
George Offshack, LWRA President
Welcome to the Long Weekend!FOCA Elert ~ May 2023Having trouble viewing this email? Click to view as a webpage insteadWe have tonnes of news! Make sure you see all the updates – you’re at the end when you see this image again. Long Weekend Boating Safety & UpdatesProposed Changes to Vessel LicensesThere are proposed changes for licensing a pleasure craft within the Small Vessel Regulations. A pleasure craft licence is issued by Transport Canada (TC) and contains a unique licence number used to identify a vessel. Notable proposed changes are a new ($24) charge to issue the license, which will now be valid for 5 years. Public input is invited by TC until July 12, 2023. Full details and a link are available on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/boating/ under the “Latest News” heading. Safe Boating AwarenessMay 20-26, 2023 – the May long weekend marks the start of Canadian Safe Boating Awareness Week. According to the the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) more than 60% of boaters who drowned did so in water less than 10 degrees celcius, and 43% were less than 2 metres from shore.The keys to safe boating, shared by our partners at the CSBC are as follows:wear your lifejacketboat sobertake a boating coursebe prepared – you & your vesselbe cold water safe.In Related News…Many boaters have experienced a bad but survivable situation with an accidental fall overboard. If you have a story to tell, CSBC wants to hear it, to help fellow boaters across Canada. Was the fall in cold or warm weather? What was your attitude about wearing a lifejacket before your experience? Did the fall change your perspective? Send your stories to cheryl@playsafeproductions.com and mention you saw this notice in the FOCA Elert! Boating AppAlso consider downloading the CSBC’s “Weather to Boat” app which provides current weather and up-to-date forecasts.The app includes maps, buoy station readings, marine weather warnings and alerts, an electronic trip plan feature, a geo-referenced list of marinas and boat launches, required safety equipment and pre-departure checklists.It even has a Kids Zone with games to keep children entertained out on the water while learning boating safety. Best of all? It’s free!Get your cottage ready with reliable and fast internetSpring is here! Stay connected at the cottage with powerful WiFi coverage and reliable Ignite Internet, powered by wireless home internet technology.Call us at 1-833-606-0265 to discuss the packages and check availability at your address, or visit the Rogers booth at your nearest cottage show. See you there! ..> Haliburton Home Show (June 2-4, 2023)..> Millbrook Fair (June 8-11, 2023)..> Orillia Spring Boat Show (June 9-11, 2023) FOCA Champions Safe & Affordable Rural LivingUpdate on Ontario Broadband and Cellular availability  As part of the province’s commitment of nearly $4 billion to enable access to high-speed across the province by the end of 2025, the Ministry of Infrastructure has launched a new Ontario high-speed internet map.Search by street address, or zoom in to your cottage area and click the map to discover details of provincially funded high-speed internet projects that are pending or active, as well as the location of existing high-speed internet service availability. Ontario enters Wildfire SeasonParts of Northern and Central Ontario are in high or moderate first risk level at the moment, emphasizing the need for safe outdoor burning, especially where the trees and forest floor have not yet greened up. (image: @GravenhurstFire tweet on May 15, 2023)As of May 17th, the Fire Chiefs of Haliburton County have issued a County Wide Fire Ban as dry conditions, high heat, and the lack of forecasted precipitation has led to an extreme fire risk. Aside from conditions here in Ontario, much of Ontario, Quebec, and even the Maritimes will experience hazy, smoke-filled skies in the coming days as wildfires continue to burn in British Columbia, Alberta and the North West Territories. For Kenora and region, the Northwestern Health Unit has issued an advisory for those with breathing problems, as a result of the smoke. (image: Ontario forest fire danger ratings map at May 17, 2023) Watch for WaterbombersWhen you are out enjoying Ontario’s waterways this long weekend and throughout the 2023 fire season, remember that waterbombers need room to scoop water from lakes. Boaters who venture too close can obstruct firefighting efforts and create a dangerous situation for themselves and pilots. Waterbombers will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard. Help fight wildland fires by staying clear of waterbombers while out on the water. Download an information sheet about waterbombers and share this with others at your waterfront! Electrical Safety Since 2019, Ontario has seen a staggering 310% increase in powerline contacts by the general public. To help educate Ontarians and keep them safe, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is bringing awareness to the deadly hazards of powerlines. While many powerline contacts can be attributed to weather-related events that cause tree branches and limbs to fall on powerlines, almost a third involve accidental powerline contacts from recreational activities like tree pruning, high reach equipment and outdoor home renos with the potential for many of these activities occurring while people are attending to their cottages. For more information, including other electrical safety tips for cottage owners, visit ESAsafe.com/cottagesafety Water Levels: Monitoring ConditionsDespite several dry days across Ontario this week, parts of cottage country remained under flood watches or warnings, including in the Mississippi Valley where the Ottawa River and nearby waterways may have peaked, but remain under a Water Safety Statement. Find real-time information about your area on the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program’s online map. Quinte Shoreline Conditions Statement In related news, on April 28th, 2023 Quinte Conservation (QC) issued a Shoreline Conditions Statement (SCS) that remains in effect as of May 19. An SCS indicates a flood outlook (early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather and lake conditions) and provides water safety information. QC serves municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers, and Prince Edward County. Click here for the most recent updates from QC and learn more about flood safety and preparedness from FOCA’s Water Levels webpage. Property Owners’ Liability: changes on the rise FOCA has been hearing from residents across the province that municipalities are ramping up their risk management planning. In particular, some are requiring liability coverage for parties who occupy or encroach on public lands. This includes the use of some Crown or municipal lands for private roads or landings for water access properties, or even as a condition of certain private property zoning or permitting.These changes are evolving with time and as rural waterfront property usage shifts from seasonal to more permanent residency, including winter snow plowing. FOCA continues to help lake and road associations to structure and grow effective volunteer associations, including taking stock of their own risk management and governance practices. Learn more on our webpages:https://foca.on.ca/risk-management-insurance/https://foca.on.ca/road-issues/https://foca.on.ca/association-bmps/NOTE: Some of these materials are only available to members of our current Member Associations, and you will need the member login to access them. Don’t have, or can’t recall the login? Contact us for assistance during business hours. Not yet a member? Find out why you should be!upcoming events: FOCA Cottage Succession SeminarsFOCA is thrilled to be on the road again with estate lawyer Peter Lillico, helping families plan for the intergenerational transfer of the cottage! We hope you’ll join us at one of our 2023 events. Here’s the event calendar, so far:Sat., June 3rd in-person for Hastings Highlands FOCA member groups including the Baptiste Lake Association, Diamond Lake Cottage Owners Association, Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners, Lake St. Peter Property Owners’ Association, Mink Lake Property Owners Association, Papineau Lake Cottagers Association, and the Salmon Trout Property Owners AssociationWed., June 7th by webinar for the Bennett & Fagan Lakes AssociationWed., June 14th by webinar for the Severn River Association of Property OwnersWed., June 21st by webinar for the Farlain Lake Community AssociationWed. Sept. 6th by webinar for the Big Basswood Lake Property Owners’ AssociationLearn more about the topic, get registration details, or purchase access to a digital recording of a previous session, here: https://foca.on.ca/cottage-succession/ FOCA’s Gold Level SponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them.FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government Land Use Planning in Ontario: so many changes afoot!First there was the province’s Bill 23 (October 2022) which our members heard about at the 2023 FOCA Spring Seminar. Now there’s Bill 97(April 2023). Does the new bill make matters worse, or improve the situation for shoreland planning protections? Read FOCA’s take on this and other land use planning matters on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/land-use-planning/ Floating AccommodationsAs part of FOCA’s ongoing concerns about floating accommodations on Ontario waterways, we want our member Association to know that sample letters have been created and shared with us, for you to send to the federal Minister of Transport, and to your municipality asking them to take action as well. There is also a House of Commons paper petition circulating, asking Transport Canada to classify both existing and new float homes within Ontario as float homes – NOT vessels. If you or your local association is interested in joining fellow associations already participating in this advocacy effort, visit https://foca.on.ca/floating-accommodations/ for more information and related links.Boathouse or Aerodrome?FOCA knows there have been a number of instances of waterfront development in Ontario that have sought to skirt planning rules and regulations by disingenuously proposing buildings that are actually boathouses as other federally-regulated aviation-related undertakings, such as aerodromes. FOCA believes this is a gratuitous and inappropriate application of the exemptions that are in place for genuine aviation infrastructure, and represents a threat to good planning and orderly waterfront development with appropriate oversight and planning input.  Our member group, the Three Mile Lake Community Club in Armour Township, is in the midst of countering such a threat (at the side is an aerial view of the “aerodrome” under construction at the lower left of the image, and looks a lot like a dock with 4 boat slips). Transport Canada is reviewing the situation, and the association has created a petition that requires 500 signatures in order to be read in the House of Commons, hoping to stop such incidents from happening. If you wish to add your name to the petition, FOCA encourages you to access it here by June 25th at the latest. Minden Emergency Room closingOn April 20th, 2023 Haliburton Highlands Health Services announced the Minden hospital emergency room will close on June 1st, citing “serious staffing shortages”. FOCA contacted the Mayor of Minden Hills, and wrote to the Ministers of Health and of Infrastructure, as well as the local MPP to express our concern about the planned closure. Access to primary care and emergency services should not depend on one’s postal code. Read FOCA’s letter and the response we received from MPP Laurie Scott, on our Rural Services webpage.(image: HaliburtonEcho.com) Short Term Rental developments Many municipalities are debating how to handle short term rentals (STR) in their jurisdictions. In April, the City of Kawartha Lakes council voted to move ahead with a STR bylaw, implementing a soft start to the program for 2023. Meanwhile the City of Orillia has not yet passed a bylaw but council did agree in April to move ahead with regulations soon. Port Colborne council came to a similar conclusion at their April council meeting. Get links to all the latest news from FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/rental/ and remember to share FOCA’s STR Report with your municipal partners! Members can login on the website to download a copy, or municipal partners can request a copy directly.FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & RiversLake Partner Program season is underway!Our Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator, Gavin Vance, reports from Dorset that all the returning Lake Partner Program volunteers have now been sent their sampling kits for 2023 (unless you joined the program in the last couple of weeks, or recently reported a change in your mailing address). Thank you to our hundreds of volunteers across the province who make this program happen each year. Be safe, and happy sampling!As well, some kits (from volunteers on the Canadian Shield that only sample once, in May) are already returning to the lab! (image: Gavin at the Dorset post office, collecting returning kits for analysis at the lab) Invasive Species InvestmentThe Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith recently announced an investment of $1 million in the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy Canada to help combat the damaging and costly impacts of invasive species in the province. FOCA is excited that part of this investment will go towards our ongoing work on invasive species management through the IsampleON Program and 2023 Phragmites Program. Read the province’s media release by clicking here. (image: invasive Phragmites, FOCA) IsampleONFOCA is very pleased to announce that the Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program for Lakes Education Ontario (IsampleON) is continuing in 2023!FOCA will be selecting additional lakes this year, using volunteer citizen scientists (that’s you!) to help collect water samples from selected waterbodies. Utilizing the latest in eDNA detection technology, FOCA will be working with select lake associations through the summer of 2023 to broaden our collective understanding of the spread of harmful invasive species.Target species this year include European water chestnut (Trapa natans), and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides). The region of greatest concern for spread, and the monitoring target for 2023, is broadly the eastern and central portions of Ecoregion 5E (roughly Ottawa through Parry Sound-Muskoka). Access a map of the target region and the application form on FOCA’s webpage, and apply by May 31st! Invasive Species AwarenessFOCA and our members are proud to be on the front lines, preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways and forests. May 14-20, 2023 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Everyone has a role to play! Share the word on social media. Learn more here & access social media graphics to share. Funding Available: Invasive Species CentreMay 19, 2023 – the Invasive Species Centre is launching a new granting program to support action on invasive species across Ontario. Applications for Microgrants (maximum $2,000), Accelerated Impact Grants (max. $10,000) and Transformative Action Grants (max. $25,000) are due June 7, 2023. For more information visit: www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/grants. Clean + Drain + Dry!Last year the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry regulated watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.) as a potential carrier of invasive species, under the Invasive Species Act. Boaters need to take action to look for and remove plant or other invasive ‘hitchhikers’ from boats before moving between waterbodies. Learn more about the regulations, and how they will help us prevent and slow the spread of invasives: https://foca.on.ca/invasive-species/ upcoming event: Water Canada SummitJune 7-9, 2023 – Ottawa. FOCA’s Executive Director Terry Rees will be one of the featured experts at the 2023 Water Canada Summit, themed “Water Connects”. Learn moreabout the lineup of influential water voices scheduled to speak.FOCA’s Silver Level SponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them.Celebrating 60 Years of FOCAOur Shared HistoryOn January 7th, 1963, 125 people representing 40 cottage associations met and decided the time was right to form a provincial association. By the spring of 1963, the organization was called The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations. Today, FOCA represents 50,000 families in more than 525 lake, road, river, camp, and residents’ associations.  Were you involved with FOCA in the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s? We are looking for photographs from that era of our organizational history. If you have images of past FOCA events or directors, historic pictures of your own lake Association in action through the decades, or images that capture the essence of cottage country, please share them with FOCA this year!YOUR ROLE: Upload your images to our community photo project: “Ontario Cottaging through the Decades.” Please use this link and share it with other cottage country enthusiasts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FOCAimages2023Each month throughout 2023, we’ll share some of the submitted photos in the Elert.Here’s another amazing photo submission: This image (ca.1906-1908) depicts the Hoidge family arriving at Gull Lake(Minden area) by horse and carriage, having disembarked the train running from Toronto to Gelert.Thank you for the submission, Marilyn Hagerman! Marilyn has just published a book focusing on cottage families that have owned property on Gull Lake, Minden for more than 80 years, and families who have had local roads named after them. Connect with Marilyn about her book at CottageCulture@outlook.com There are many ways YOU can contribute to FOCA’s 60th anniversary celebrations:submit pictures to our archival photo projecthold the date & plan to join us for our 60th anniversary celebration event on Saturday, September 23rd in Peterborough, Ontario make a donation today to support the future of FOCA’s work on behalf of waterfront OntarioPSSST! Pass it on. Be part of our campaign to refer a friend or an association to become a new FOCA Member, and you could win a prize this year.Thank you for your ongoing support. Volunteers like you make this organization strong.Partner Updates & Regional Notices Waterways: Opening Dates & Lock UpdateThe locks of the Trent Severn Waterway(TSW) and the Rideau Canal open for the boating season this Friday, May 19th, 2023. TSW has released an update about the Kirkfield Lift Lock, which was closed early last season, due to a mechanical failure. While repairs have continued, Parks Canada wishes to advise boaters that expedited single-chamber lockages will be in place for the beginning of the 2023 boating season. Read the update online.  Lake Huron Invasive Species webinarWed. May 31st, 2023 at 11am – register for this one hour public webinar about Lake Huron’s most unwanted creatures. The event is hosted by the Lake Huron Partnership, co-led by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more and access the registration link by clicking here. KLSA Water Quality Report released On May 6th, 2023 FOCA participated in the Annual General Meeting of our affiliate group, the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association (KLSA) who have announced the release of their 2022 Annual Lake Water Quality Report, titled “Learning from our Lakes”. The report includes feature articles about ice loss, water temperatures and dissolved oxygen monitoring, shorelines, eutrophication, carbon storage, phosphorus sequestration, invasive species, and more. Download a digital copy from their website: https://klsa.wordpress.com/published-material/ CHA Lake Stewards MeetingAlso on May 6th, 2023 FOCA was pleased to attend the meeting of one of our affiliate groups, the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA). Their annual lake stewards meeting was held this year near the shores of Eagle Lake. Almost 100 lake representatives attended to learn more about the interrelated impacts of climate change, dropping calcium levels, invasive species and more, and to hear about new approaches to monitor and better understand the health of our lakes. For more information about CHA and their work visit: https://www.cohpoa.org/ Westport “Lawn B Gone” eventFriday June 2nd, 2023 at 7pm (Westport) – as part of the first annual “EcoFest” celebration in Westport (June 2-3), Sean James, a professional gardener, will make a presentation about beautiful alternatives to the ‘green desert’ (i.e., grass). The event has been organized by the Better Together Circle. Get details on their Facebook page.FOCA’s Bronze level sponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them.FOCA Serves Lake & Road Associationswebinar recap: Cardiac Safe Communities & Your AssociationMay 10, 2023 – Is your cottage community prepared for cardiac emergencies? If you missed our “lunch and learn” webinar about the importance of automated external defibrillators (AED) and how to create a cardiac safe cottage community, watch the recording that has been posted to FOCA’s Emergency Preparedness webpage in the “Latest News” section. Highlights of this webinar session:hear real cardiac arrest save storiesfind out more about AEDs – when they are needed and why they are importantwatch a quick AED demo, and learn how to take care of your AEDlearn about 24/7 outdoor AED access options for a cottage community.Please share this webinar information widely with your cottage community! ASSOCIATION TIP: Give a Report About FOCA at your AGMHelp your fellow members understand the work that FOCA does year-round on their behalf, and the benefits they have access to because of your Association’s annual membership in FOCA. Contact the office to ask for a short set of slides: “About FOCA” and a script you can use to explain in 5 minutes why your annual contribution is money well spent!Final ThoughtsGift Idea: “Friend of FOCA”Looking for a unique gift? Whether you’re a bit late for Mother’s Day (doh!), or planning ahead for Father’s Day, you can now give that special person the gift of being a Friend of FOCA for the coming year! They’ll gain access to member resources and benefits, and you’ll be supporting FOCA’s work for waterfront Ontario. We all win. Click here for this card Click here for this card#StepIntoNatureThe Ausable Bayfield Conversation Authority is encouraging people to use trails and conservation areas to prevent and manage illness. Their #HealthyHikes campaign launched during Mental Health Week from May 1-7, 2023 and continues through October. At one of their properties, the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area, the Lambton Shores Nature Trails organization has installed a “Wind Phone” on the trail, to help those who are grieving to “speak” to the people they have lost. The phones are not connected to a phone system and there is no dial tone. The idea of a wind phone comes from Japan. Learn more from ABCA and remember to #StepIntoNature this long weekend!FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for the past 60 years.~FOCA Office Hours: Please note the FOCA office will be closed on Monday, May 22nd, 2023 for the Victoria Day holiday weekend. Connect with our channels: Find out more about YOUR ROLE, today.info@foca.on.ca | 705-749-3622 | https://foca.on.caDid someone forward this to you? Join over 19,000 fellow subscribers:Click here to get FOCA Elerts delivered to your inbox, monthly.FOCA believes everyone has the right to hear about issues that affect waterfront Ontario. Those who have an existing relationship with FOCA may receive email from us, based on principles of Express or Implied Consent in Canadian Anti Spam legislation. You can unsubscribe from Elerts at any time, using the ‘Safe Unsubscribe’ link below. |
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Two days ago on Canning Lake, a friend’s cottage burned to the ground. It was five doors down from another friend’s cottage which was not affected. The volunteer fire department saved the other nearby cottages.
Now a total ban on fires in Haliburton due to super dry conditions.
Be careful with fire!
David Fowler
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MEET AND GREET
3:00PM Monday, April 17th
LIMERICK COMMUNITY CENTRE
7645 HIGHWAY 620
Light refreshments provided.
WE WANT TO MEET WITH YOU!
Please help us to collect your input for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in LIMERICK TOWNSHIP
What’s your Vision? What ideas do you have?
EVERYONE WELCOME!
George Offshack attended the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and generously provided us with the following summary of the items covered. The most important part is the “Underused Housing Tax” filing. Since most of us on the lake own another house, or live somewhere else, the cottage could be subject to the Underused Housing Tax. It happens that our postal code at the lake is exempt from the tax, but you have to apply for the exemption. It is not automatic.
Topic 1: the new “Underused Housing Tax” which went into effect in 2022. The aim of the tax is to discourage buying residential housing units and letting them sit empty. The tax is more aggressive for foreign owners than Canadians. Limerick Township (postal code K0L 1W0) shows up on the charts as exempt from the tax, but the property owner has to apply for the exemption. There are different forms for non-resident and resident filings for the exemption. Here is the link to more information from CRA about vacation properties: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/uhtn5/exemption-vacation-properties.html. There are links within that document to download the proper forms.
While on the subject of taxes, it appears that the 2016 MPAC assessments will continue to be used for a few more years.
Topic 2: Proper cleaning of boats to prevent the spread of invasive species is now law. Not sure how that will ever be enforced, but if a CO happens to be at the launch ramp they can write a provincial offence for attempting to launch a non-clean boat.
Topic 3: There is a widespread movement in the province to “get the lead out” of fishing tackle. It is a good idea to go through your tackle box and see if you can properly dispose of your lead weights and replace them with any of the new, non-lead substitutes. Nothing formal in the regulations here, just a suggestion. The Province claims that the number one cause of premature loon death is ingestion of lead fishing weights.
Topic 4: There was a presentation by a land use planning expert about the effects of Bill 23 on cottage country. In our case Limerick Estates is already significantly regulated and should continue that way. With the lake still being considered “at capacity” the other provisions of Bill 23 should not have much, if any effect on the lake. There are provisions that make it harder to declare something a significant wetland, and reduces setbacks from existing wetlands. This could allow for some larger cottages to be built, but that is still a buy-tear down-rebuild process on Limerick.
Topic 5: There were two presentations that linked together. One was about making rural homes more resilient to climate change involving flood, fire, and heat. That presentation fit nicely into a presentation about the “FireSmart” program. Firesmart is a fire survivability program. It is not about fire prevention, but is about making your home or cottage better able to survive a fire that surrounds it. More information and brochures from the province will be available in the future. There is a grant program that accepts applications in the late fall that the LWRA will apply for to cover the cost of Firesmart education in coming years.
Topic 6: Quite an interesting presentation on the spread of Lyme Disease in the province. A 2018 map shows that it has not quite reached northern Hastings County as of then, but it is on the way. It has traveled up the Rideau and Lyme disease is prevalent in the Ottawa region already. Much like the Firesmart suggestions, prevention of Lyme disease rests with the homeowner to keep ticks away from where you play outdoors. Black legged ticks dry out quickly, so they like to stay in the shade and especially in wet leaves. A nicely cut lawn around the cottage discourages them. At least clear brush and rake the leaves. These particular ticks do not jump or fly, you must touch them for them to attach. The actual disease is carried by mice and chipmunks (not deer) and the ticks are being spread far and wide by migrating waterfowl. At one point a few years ago Lyme disease spread 54 km toward Ottawa in just one year. Deet is effective in repelling ticks.
Other topics mentioned briefly: Transport Canada is seriously looking at making wearing PFDs mandatory as 87% of drowning victims were not wearing a PFD. Guess this might be like seatbelts for us old folks who remember cars without them.
The province is looking at regulations about camping on a lake. (not on the shoreline but actually on the surface of the lake) Not a big issue for us yet, but a definite problem in more crowded areas.
More information on these topics is available on the FOCA website at: www.foca.on.ca
FOCA Elert ~ February 2023Having trouble viewing this email? Click to view as a webpage insteadMake sure you see all the updates – you’re at the end when you see this image again: FOCA Serves Lake & Road AssociationsLast call to register: in person registration closes this Friday!FOCA AGM & Spring Seminar on Saturday, March 4, 2023 – In person at the Bayview Golf & Country Club, and by webinar (image below: Andy Metelka) Join us for FOCA’s 60th anniversary Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Spring Seminar for Member Associations, as we “come out of our shells” this year and return to more in-person events. Register now2023 Spring Seminar topics: FireSmart principles for your waterfront community, by the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry”Tick Talk” – tracking the spread of ticks that carry Lyme disease in Ontario, by the Canadian Lyme Disease Research NetworkLand use planning in a Bill 23 world – what it means for cottage country, by the Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law AssociationProperty resilience in the face of climate change, by the Director of Flood and Wildfire Resilience of the Intact Centre on Climate AdaptationBiodiversity and resiliency: a Call to Action for Nature, by the Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council.FOCA priorities, programs, and hot topic updates; and we will present a member Association with the 2022 FOCA Achievement Award.Register hereNOTE: in-person registration is limited and closes February 24th at noon. About the AGM: The AGM will be held at 10:00am. Each current Member Association is encouraged to send a representative to vote in the AGM, either in-person or by webinar participation. Official notice of the Annual General Meeting was sent by email to all titled Member Association representatives with a current email address on file as of February 2nd, 2023.FOCA’s Gold Level SponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them. Welcome our newest sponsor: Incinerating Toilets Inc.FOCA welcomes Incinerating Toilets as our newest Gold Sponsor. Come and speak with them at the sponsor displays at the upcoming FOCA Spring Seminar on March 4th (see event details at the top of this Elert). Incinerating Toilets Inc. provides a world class, waterless, environmentally friendly, propane and electric toilet solution by Cinderella Eco. The Cinderella incineration toilet is an easy to use, easy to install, plumbing-free solution. It can be used year round with little maintenance.Whether you are living on or off the grid, this is the best alternative to a septic or composting toilet solution.Only ash remains; roughly one cup of ash for one week of use by a family of four. Learn more here.FOCA 2022 Year in ReviewRead the 2022 FOCA Year in Review for our reflections on the year that was, and also about FOCA’s enduring role in waterfront Ontario:2022 FOCA Year in Review (download PDF, 12 pages)We encourage our member Associations to share this information with everyone at the waterfront! Print copies will be available to pick up at the FOCA Spring Seminar on Saturday, March 4th. FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government Underused Housing Tax FormAs an update on our January Elert notice about the Underused Housing Tax (UHT): the UHT tax form has finally been posted by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). If you owned residential property in Canada on December 31, 2022, and are neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident, you will need to determine if you are exempt or affected by this tax. According to CRA’s website: “Even if your ownership of the property qualifies for an exemption and you do not owe any tax, you still must file a return” by April 30th each year, which may involve applying for a CRA individual tax number. Get information and a link to the tax form on FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/focas-property-tax-position-overview/Bill 23 ImplementationThis update was circulated this week by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority: “As of January 1, municipalities can no longer seek advice from conservation authorities (CAs) to determine if planning applications may impact water quality in local lakes and rivers. Planning applications will still be circulated to CAs to get important advice on impacts to flooding, erosion, wetlands and unstable soils (known as natural hazards) but, provincial regulations now prohibit CAs from providing additional advice on ecological impacts to the watershed, even if requested by municipalities. CAs are working with municipalities and applicants to help them transition, and moving forward, CAs will continue to work with individuals, developers and municipalities to assess natural hazard risks and how to mitigate them. To learn more about [RVCAs’] regulations and responsibilities visit www.rvca.ca/regulations-planning.”For more about “Land Use Planning in a Bill 23 World” register for the FOCA Spring Seminar (at the top of this Elert) to hear from the Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association.FOCA Champions Safe & Affordable Rural Living Proposed Lifejacket Regulations: Public Comment PeriodAt the most recent Ontario Recreational Boating Advisory Committee meeting, FOCA heard from Transport Canada that by April 2023 they will begin seeking public opinion on the proposal for mandatory wearing of PFDs (personal flotation devices) on recreational boats. The public review will take place through the Let’s Talk Transportation website. Look for more details in coming editions of the FOCA Elert! Cottage Country CrushWhat are the implications for rural communities when more folks stay in Ontario cottage country for longer than in the past? FOCA is quoted throughout this article, “Cottage country populations are booming. Are rural areas ready for the wave of new residents?” In case you missed it in the newly-released March/April edition of Cottage Life Magazine, you can read it online here.FOCA wants to help new-to-rural waterfront folks to get oriented and connected to their communities; please share our video resources and tips, posted to our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/cottage/FOCA’s Silver Level SponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them.FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & RiversOntario’s Biodiversity Needs Your Help!As longstanding members of the Ontario Biodiversity Council, FOCA works tirelessly to inform our thousands of followers about the importance of nature to our communities, our health, and our economy. Our Council is seeking your input to ensure that Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy (OBS) and plans reflect your perspectives. Find out more, and provide your input on the OBS by March 27, 2023 here:https://ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca/ontarios-strategy/renewal/  Low Great Lakes Ice CoverSatellite images show before and after record-low levels of ice cover, likely due to higher air temperatures in the Great Lakes region. See the story, and the accompanying imagery (toggle side-to-side to see the change) here:https://www.newsweek.com/great-lakes-ice-cover-record-low-space-1782339 Partner Updates & Regional Notices 2023 Spring Cottage Life ShowMarch 23-26, 2023: Cottage season can’t be that far behind when we have the annual Spring Cottage Life Show around the corner. Plan to join FOCA and hundreds of exhibitors at the International Centre for the event.We would like to give you the gift of a $3 discount on the General Admission ticket price! Use special code: FOCAS23 when you buy your tickets online ahead of time. Quinte Shoreline Renaturalization ProgramA natural shoreline is an investment in water quality and biodiversity, and helps to prevent erosion. As part of Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge Program, Quinte Conservation is offering a subsidized shoreline planting program to residential property owners in their region, who want to restore their shorelines with native species plantings. Learn more from QC here, and apply today!(image: quinteconservation.ca)Communities Fight to Save OPP DetachmentFeb. 21, 2023 – French River/Noëlville – French River mayor claims OPP were preparing to close detachment without consulting (CBC News – Sudbury) Early Bird TSW Lockage PermitsIf you boat through the locks of the Trent Severn Waterways, you’ll want to access reduced pricing on your 2023 seasonal lockage permit – purchase by March 31st. Short Term Rentals: CKL SurveyThe City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) announced it has completed its Short-Term Rental (STR) survey with over 1000 submissions, one of their top engagement results! Results are posted on the CKL website, and a Public Information Session has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Get links to this, and related STR news, from FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/rental/ ROM Wildlife Photo Contest & OfferOn view through April 23, 2023, visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to see the exhibit “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” with breathtaking new photographs of the natural world.Save 15% off ROM admission until April 30th, with the special promo code: FOCAAlso, share your own images in the ROM Wildlife Photo Contest that closes March 12, 2023. You could win a camera kit courtesy of Henry’s, and more.FOCA’s Bronze level sponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them.FOCA is Building Capacity Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator Please join us in welcoming Gavin Vance, the new FOCA Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator who will be working in Dorset assisting with the Lake Partner Program!Learn more about Gavin and all our FOCA team here: https://foca.on.ca/about/team/ and learn more about the Lake Partner Program on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/lake-partner-program/Celebrating 60 Years of FOCAOur Shared HistoryOn January 7th, 1963, 125 people representing 40 cottage associations met and decided the time was right to form a provincial association. By the spring of 1963, the organization was called “The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations”! Among the earliest issues discussed were: water quality and water safety, taxation, municipal election voter rights, land use planning and (the lack of) by-law enforcement.Today, FOCA represents 50,000 families in more than 525 lake, road, river and residents’ associations across Ontario. Were you involved with FOCA in the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s? We have few photographs from that era of our organizational history. If you have images of past FOCA events or directors, historic pictures of your own lake Association in action through the decades, or images that capture the essence of cottage country, please share them with FOCA this year!YOUR ROLE: Upload your photos to our community photo project: “Ontario Cottaging through the Decades.” Please use this link and share it with other cottage country enthusiasts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FOCAimages2023 Each month throughout 2023, we’ll share some of the submitted photos in the Elert!Here’s another photo submission:This picture was taken in 1975 at Limberlost on Lake Solitaire (Township of Lake of Bays) by Tom McDonnell. Can you spot the small happy hour visitor on the table? Click here to open a larger copy of the image.There are many ways you can help FOCA celebrate our 60th anniversary:submit your pictures to our photo project (immediately above)join us at one of our 2023 events (register for the AGM & Spring Seminar at the top of this Elert) make a donation in support of FOCA’s ongoing work on behalf of waterfront Ontario! FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for the past 60 years.Connect with our channels: Find out more about YOUR ROLE, today.info@foca.on.ca | 705-749-3622 | https://foca.on.caDid someone forward this to you? Join 18,000 fellow subscribers:Click here to get FOCA Elerts delivered to your inbox, monthly.FOCA believes everyone has the right to hear about issues that affect waterfront Ontario. Those who have an existing relationship with FOCA may receive email from us, based on principles of Express or Implied Consent in Canadian Anti Spam legislation. 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| Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations | #201-159 King St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8 CanadaUnsubscribe alancoxwell@gmail.comConstant Contact Data NoticeSent by communications@foca.on.ca powered byTry email marketing for free today! |
| To LWRA: You are receiving this update because we have you on file as the representative of a FOCA member lake or road Association. We have three important, time-dated updates for you:  New Economic Impact Report released: FOCA is excited to release a first-of-its-kind Commissioned Report, that articulates the important economic impacts on the Ontario economy of expenditures by waterfront property owners (WPO). The Report concludes that an estimated $11.44 billion was spent in 2021 by a quarter of a million waterfront property households in this province. For every 10 waterfront properties, on average 6.3 jobs are created in the Province of Ontario, of which 5.4 jobs are in the waterfront property community itself. Read FOCA’s Media Release about the Report, download the Infographic, and use your member web login to access a copy of the 27-page Report which includes a breakdown of expenditures by region (Table 4) and by upper tier municipality (Appendix D), posted here: https://foca.on.ca/wpo~In light of this, and with the municipal election next Monday, October 24, 2022, FOCA’s Executive Director, Terry Rees, has a message for all waterfront Ontario families: “We should all participate in the democratic process, and vote like our lakes and our lake communities depend on it.”Please share this message with your fellow waterfront neighbours!  Member Survey: Association Benchmark DataJust Launched! Each FOCA Member Association is encouraged to participate in our new FOCA Association Benchmark Data Survey, which helps us take the pulse of our Associations every few years so we can identify trends and changes and help associations thrive. Access it here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FOCA22Associations Are your Association’s membership numbers up, down, or steady over previous years? What level are your dues at, and when did you last review them? What are your recent successes, activities, and top challenges? Please assign one representative per Association and ask them to complete the survey by November 9th at the latest, so your responses can be included in the summary presentation that will take place at the FOCA Fall Seminar (more on that, below).Some Quick Results from recent FOCA surveys: Do you ever rent out your waterfront property? (710 respondents; FOCA survey June 2022) How did recent use of your waterfront property in the past couple of pandemic years compare to previously?(512 respondents; FOCA Sept. 2022)50% said their usage was up. 13% said their usage was down and the rest was roughly the same. Looking ahead to 2023, assuming no travel restrictions, how much time do you anticipate spending there? 34% expect to use it even more than they did during the pandemic! Upcoming FOCA webinar: 2022 Fall Seminar for Associations – “Gathering Momentum” on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 9:00am – 12:00pm by Zoom webinar. We encourage every member Association to designate a representative to join us for a half-day of important and useful information! The 2022 Agenda includes: FOCA survey results on cottage country’s top issues, trends among those new to cottage country and Association benchmark statistics. The author of the new Economic Impact Report will present their findings. Sneak peak at FOCA’s new website with a custom member login system. Learn about accelerating your municipal partnerships, land use planning, and new healthy shorelands resources, plus, updates on FOCA’s Board working groups on Short-Term Rentals and Private Roads, programs, and your member benefits. $40 per FOCA member ($70 non-members) includes event recording Register for the Fall Seminar now. What your fellow members said about the 2021 Fall Seminar webinar:“Very well organized. Professionally presented. Good mix of current information.” “These events always get me thinking about new things.” “Topics of interest, further resources, clear and easy-to-read slides, timing is kept tight.” “Value was excellent – and is a huge reason why I encourage other members from our lake association to attend.” “Get involved, knowledge is key!” FOCA Resources for your next meeting or Newsletter: FOCA has created an overview video that explains our ongoing work and the benefits of membership. We also have a small digital ad that you can tip into your next Newsletter or add to your website. Finally, we have an article (pre-formatted as a half-page vertical PDF) that you can pop into your autumn or winter newsletter. The topic is Shifting Baselines: forgetting what once was. Here’s a quick excerpt: Every generation is handed a world that has been shaped by their predecessors – and then seemingly forgets that fact…Contact the FOCA office for the link to a cloud folder where you can download copies of the ad, article, or the video file so you can run it from your device without needing access to internet streaming in order to show it to fellow members. A half-page article (excerpt):  A 1/4 page ad: A short video about FOCA’s work & member benefits: FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for 60 years.info@foca.on.ca | 705-749-3622 | https://foca.on.caGet connected on all our channels: |
| Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations | #201-159 King St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8 Canada |
FOCA Elert ~ September 2022 Having trouble viewing this email? Click to view as a webpage insteadFOCA Events Register now: FOCA Fall Seminar on Saturday, November 19, 2022 by webinar 9:00am – 12:00pmOur annual Fall Seminar for Lake and Road Associations will be held by webinar this year, and the theme is “Gathering Momentum.“ Join us for the release of a significant report about the economic impact of waterfront property owners across Ontario, updates on FOCA’s top priorities, results from our recent surveys, and the launch of our revised website including a new login process for members-only benefits and resources. Also, get association tips for engaging with your incoming municipal council as they head into their next 4-year term, with an emphasis on land use planning issues. Register now. FOCA Champions Safe & Affordable Rural Living  Cottage Closing TipsIf you are a seasonal waterfront user, you’re probably already thinking about the close, as the cool weather settles in around us. Get FOCA’s Top 10 Tips for cottage closing: https://foca.on.ca/cottage-closing-tips-from-foca/ (Did you already know about #9?)  OPP reminder: Off Road Vehicle safetySgt. Dave Moffatt, Off Road Vehicle Coordinator of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported in early September that 19 people have already died in off road vehicle collisions this year. FOCA encourages all riders to watch a quick but important reminder about off road vehicle safety in this Twitter video posted by the OPP.  Lake Erie High Water ConditionsLake Erie has been under a Flood Watch since early September, and Shoreline Conditions Statements have been issued this week for several locations along the north shoreline. Access the online Ontario Flood Mapfor links to related messages. Adapting to Rising Flood RiskIn related news, a report by Canada’s Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation was released in August, stating that the total residential flood risk in Canada is now estimated at $2.9 billion per year. The majority of risk (89%) is concentrated in a small number of the highest risk homes (10%). Additionally, the report notes that 9 in 10 Canadians living in high-risk areas remain unaware of their flood risk. Access the digital report on this webpage. Cottage Succession PlanningThank you to our associations that have been the hosts of our webinars this year. We have one remaining session coming up:September 28th – a deeper diver into “Targeting Tax” hosted by the Chandos Lake Property Owners Association.FOCA members attend these webinar events at no charge! (A $40 value.) Get details, links to register, and access to purchase recordings of past talks on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/cottage-succession/ FOCA’s Gold level sponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them. FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government All Candidates MeetingsWith the Ontario municipal elections only a month away, many all-candidates meetings are taking place in townships across the province. Remember: in municipal elections you are entitled to vote in each municipality where you or your spouse owns or rents property. Get all the details, and links to find out more about your own local candidates, on FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/vote-for-your-future-municipal-elections/image above: FOCA’s Executive Director (and local resident) moderated an all-candidates meeting on August 31st in Havelock Belmont Methuen Township  Protecting Freshwater ShorelandsFOCA is on the steering committee of the ‘Planning for our Shorelands’ project at Watersheds Canada. Our team has been developing Best-Management Practices (BMP) resources and a forum related to shoreland policy and land use to inform and unify municipalities in their efforts to conserve critical shoreland habitats. Learn more about the project here: https://watersheds.ca/planning-for-our-shorelands/ related: Shoreland Planning Resources releasedThe steering committee of the Planning for our Shorelands project is pleased to release 2 new resources designed to help facilitate more resilient and healthy waterfront communities:Environmental Net GainShoreline Naturalization Planting Plan templateThese publications will help your municipality, and you as a property owner, to enjoy healthy and resilient waterfronts in your own community. Visit our webpage for the links to download copies of these guides: https://foca.on.ca/land-use-planning-overview/ related: Engagement Webinar Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 12:00-12:30pm: Join us for a webinar presentation: “Engaging Municipal Elected Officials to Protect our Freshwater” hosted by Watersheds Canada.Register for the webinar here. related: Shoreline By-lawIn related municipal news, on August 24, 2022 Haliburton County council passed a shoreline preservation by-law that has been under debate and study for more than two years. The by-law enforces permitting processes and restricts certain activities within 20 metres of a shoreline. It will be enforced starting April 1, 2023. Read more in Haliburton Highlander coverage (source of the image at the side) other news: New on-land Boathouse BanIn other municipal news, as reported by the Peterborough Examiner earlier this week, two neighbouring municipalities have passed a ban on new on-land boathouses on Jack Lake, following a consultant’s report. FOCA Member Benefits: a highlight CottageFirst insuranceFOCA members can benefit from “bundling” their personal insurance for home, cottage, boats, cars and more in the CottageFirst insurance program. Exclusively available to members of FOCA, the CottageFirst program is underwritten by Travelers Canada and is administered by Cade Associates Insurance Brokers. Members have reported improved cottage country coverage at competitive prices. Learn more and request a quote: https://cadeinsurance.com/cottagefirst/Remember to check out all the current member benefits for your Association, and our member families, here: https://foca.on.ca/benefits/. If you need help accessing your benefits, email us. FOCA’s Silver level sponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them. FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & Rivers New Report: Safe Drinking Water for AllTwenty years after the release of the two reports of the Walkerton Inquiry, Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) has assessed the status of the 121 recommendations made by Justice O’Connor. Safe Drinking Water for All: a Status Update on Walkerton’s Legacy, 20 years after Release of Inquiry Reportsevaluates whether the recommendations continue to be implemented effectively, or if there have been any failures to meet the original objectives. Many of FOCA’s concerns about gaps in rural and remote protection feature prominently. Septic System Resources REVISED: SepticSmart! resourceFOCA has worked with our industry partners over the past several years to update the popular SepticSmart! brochure for homeowners living with an onsite wastewater system. We are very pleased to announce the release of the revised SepticSmart! brochure, and encourage everyone to read it to learn more about your own onsite wastewater system. Get a link to this and related resources on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/septic-systems/  Septics Webinar & Overview VideoOur partners at the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) have been marking Septic Awareness Week (September 19-23) with the release of a variety of homeowner resources, including a 5-minute video overview of Do’s and Don’ts for septic systems, and a longer webinar that provides more detail about the components, operation and maintenance of septic systems.  Connecting with Septic Industry Professionals In related news, FOCA’s Executive Director spoke to septic system installers at a recent Regional Meeting of the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA)about communicating with waterfront property owners and our shared commitment to keeping these systems functioning properly. Also on the presenter list was Mike Dolbey of the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association, talking about the impact of pathogens and phosphorus on local water bodies. Need to find a septic system professional? Start on OOWA’s interactive map. Invasive Species Freshwater JellyfishA non-native jellyfish species that has been in Ontario for some years has recently been found for the first time in Ramsey Lake in Sudbury by scuba divers. Visit our webpage for a link to the CTV News Northern Ontario article, including video of the freshwater jellyfish, as well as an article about these jellyfish in our 2017 FOCA Lake Stewards Newsletter: https://foca.on.ca/invasive-species/ Asian CarpsCould you identify the four species of Asian carps? Visit FOCA’s webpage to download a handy 2-page infographic about Silver, Bighead, Grass, and Black Carp. Also learn what to do if you sight one. Be part of the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species in Ontario! Great Lakes News  Great Lakes Untamed Premiering Monday, September 26, 2022 (9:00pm ET) on TVO channels and YouTube: a three part natural history series about the North American Great Lakes. Learn how the lakes were formed, how animals, plants and people have been shaped by the extremes of this vast watershed, and explore how climate change is challenging the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. Watch the trailer now. Learn more and access the full broadcast schedule here.  Great Lakes Public ForumSeptember 27-29, 2022 – Niagara Falls & virtual. FOCA will be attending this important forum, where the Governments of Canada and the United States meet every 3 years to discuss and receive public comments on the state of the Great Lakes, and binational priorities for science and action. Most of FOCA’s Ontario-wide membership is situated within the extensive Great Lakes Basin. This year’s Public Forum holds special significance as it falls on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 1972 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States. Get more information here: https://www.glc.org/event/2022-09-great-lakes-public-forum/ Public Input on Great Lakes Water Quality ProgressThe International Joint Commission (IJC) wants public feedback on the latest Great Lakes progress report of the Canadian and American governments. Read the notice from the IJC (PDF, 2 pages) that explains the various ways you can add your comments to the process.  Studying Sources of AlgaeThe Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) worked with American researchers studying phosphorus nutrient loading in Lake Huron, and its impact on lower Great Lakes. The study used satellite imagery to locate sediment plumes flowing from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River. The water in the plumes was then tested for suspended solids and total phosphorus which can lead to algal growth, fish die-offs due to less dissolved oxygen in the water, and even the release of toxins that can threaten public health. Read more here. Other Partner Updates & Regional Notices register: Lake Links webinarSaturday, October 22, 2022 – FOCA is once again pleased to be a sponsor of this annual gathering of lake association representatives. Traditionally held in person in Perth in eastern Ontario, this year’s event will be held by webinar and is focused on: “Challenges and Solutions for Lake & River Health” – How Associations have recognized threats on their lakes and rivers, and what steps they have taken to address them. Register here. hold the date: Fall Cottage Life ShowNovember 11-13, 2022 at the International Centre, Mississauga. FOCA will be pleased to participate in-person at the Cottage Life Show for the first time since the pandemic! Watch for more information in the next FOCA Elert. FOCA’s Bronze level sponsorsSponsors support our work, please support them. FOCA Serves Lake & Road Associations apply now: FOCA Achievement Award – Nominate your association for the 2022 Award!The FOCA Achievement Award is presented annually to a FOCA Member Association to celebrate the successes of the FOCA community, and to encourage peer sharing of best practices. The Award has been given out since 1996. Large or small associations can apply, and accomplishments should be current, but can include long-standing efforts. Apply by November 30th. The award will be presented at the FOCA Annual General Meeting of Members, scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023. Get details and the application form, and see information about past recipients on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/foca-achievement-award/ Final Thoughts  last call: FOCA survey FOCA’s current survey asks questions about usage of your waterfront property. Did you use it more, less, or the same amount as usual, during the past two years? Do you have year-round access? Are you on an island? A private road?Also, we received hundreds of responses in our June survey about the top current cottage country issues. See what made the “top 10”, and help us decipher which ones should be at the very top of the list, in this new survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FOCAsurvey2_2 which closes on September 30th. FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for the past 60 years.Find out more about YOUR ROLEinfo@foca.on.ca | 705-749-3622 | https://foca.on.caConnect with our channels: Did someone forward this message to you? Join 15,000 fellow subscribers:Click here to get FOCA Elertsdelivered to your inbox, monthly. FOCA believes everyone has the right to hear about issues that affect waterfront Ontario. Those who have an existing relationship with FOCA may receive email from us, based on principles of Express or Implied Consent in Canadian Anti Spam legislation. You can unsubscribe from Elerts at any time, using the ‘Safe Unsubscribe’ link below.  |
| Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations | #201-159 King St., Peterborough, K9J 2R8 CanadaUnsubscribe alancoxwell@gmail.comConstant Contact Data NoticeSent by communications@foca.on.ca powered byTry email marketing for free today! |
Limerick Waterways Newsletter 