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FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations,
the voice of the waterfront for the past 60 years.
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FOCA Serves Lake & Road Associations
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upcoming event: FOCA AGM & Spring Seminar
Saturday February 26, 2022
9:00am - 12:00pm by webinar
Note the date: this event is scheduled one week earlier than in past years.
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With the health and safety of our members, Board, staff, and guest speakers the top priority, FOCA has decided that our 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Spring Seminar will be held as a digital event by Zoom webinar, rather than in-person.
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We have lots of news to share for 2022! Join FOCA for important policy and environmental updates, the AGM at 10:00am, presentation of the FOCA Achievement Award to the 2021 recipient association, and guest speakers. In accordance with our bylaws, Official Notice of the business to be conducted during the AGM will be circulated to members by January 27, 2022. A full agenda for the Spring Seminar will be circulated in February. In the meantime read the overview and find the link to register, here: https://foca.on.ca/2022_agm_spring_seminar/
What your fellow members say about this event:
“Being new to my lake association executive, I attended for first time and was impressed with the number of resources available.” ~ a 2021 virtual AGM & Spring Seminar attendee
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FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government
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Opportunities for Rural / Northern Ontario in a Post-COVID World
FOCA is on hand (virtually) at the 2022 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference, January 23-25, where a new "Model of Innovation and Resilience" has been published. Read about recommendations for the future success of rural communities, and link to the full report from our webpage:
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Register to vote in the 2022 Ontario Elections
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with theOntario Provincial Election and Municipal Elections happening just a few months apart.
Remember: in Municipal elections, you are entitled to vote in eachmunicipality where you or your spouse owns property.
Are you registered to vote in the 2022 Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24th? To ensure you are on the list, and all your information is accurate, visit: voterlookup.ca
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Electricity Rates
On January 18, 2022 the Province announced a temporary lowering of electricity rates. Find out how much and for how long from a link on FOCA's Electricity Pricing webpage:
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Proposed transport of nuclear waste
Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization has proposed a plan to move 30,000 shipments of spent nuclear waste through Ontario cities and farmland by truck or rail to either Ignace or South Bruce. Read more in the CBC article posted to FOCA's webpage: https://foca.on.ca/nuclear-waste-management/
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FOCA's Gold level sponsors
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Sponsors support our work, please support them.
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FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & Rivers
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upcoming webinar:
Septic Systems in Ontario
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 (12:00pm - 1:30pm EST)
Join FOCA and Make-Way Environmental Technologies for a "Lunch and Learn" webinar for homeowners about septic systems, with an overview of the types of septic systems permitted in Ontario, and creative solutions for difficult sites. There will also be a discussion of rainwater harvesting solutions, and the final half hour will be devoted to Q&A. Pre-registration is required, but this webinar is free thanks to event sponsor Make-Way Environmental Technologies, certified installers of the Enviro-Septic system. Register now! Feel free to share the registration link with your neighbours:
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Bait Management Zones established
The Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) announced that Ontario has established four Bait Management Zones(BMZs) to protect our lakes and rivers from invasive species and fish diseases. Effective January 1, 2022, baitfish or leeches (whether live or dead) must not be transported into or out of a BMZ. For the map and more info, visit: www.ontario.ca/bait
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Great Lakes ice predictions
The Great Lakes annual winter freeze got a slow start this winter, with ice coverage well below average according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). However, the recent deep-freeze has improved predictions for maximum ice coverage (estimated a mere 10 days ago at only 12.3% of the lakes' total surfaces) to something closer to the annual average. Find out how much that is, and what current predictions suggest, in the Jan.19/22 GLERL blog.
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Lake Huron shoreline, Jan.2022. Photo credit: Angela Predhomme, courtesy GLERL.NOAA.gov
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Keeping Ontario's drinking water safe
Water Canada has published an article written by FOCA's Terry Rees and Theresa McClenaghan of the Canadian Environmental Law Association, identifying crucial gaps in the current state of implementation of the Clean Water Act to protect source water, 20 years after the legacy of the Walkerton Inquiry. Get the link to the article on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/source-water-protection/
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FOCA Champions Safe & Affordable Rural Living
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Snowmobile Safety Week
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reminded everyone during Snowmobile Safety Week (January 15-23, 2022) to ride responsibly, for your own safety and for the safety of those who share the trails with you. Understand trail status signs (click the image at the side for details) and get more info and links to safety tips and videos in the messaging from OPP and OFSC.
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Septic industry standards update
The Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) reports that the Canadian Standards Association is improving the safety of septic system and holding tank access ports, with mandatory safety screens. Get more on this topic and related information here: https://foca.on.ca/septic-systems/
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Rideau Canal Permits on sale
Dreaming about the 2022 boating season already? If you enjoy travel on the Rideau Canal, you should be. Until March 31, 2022, save 20% on lockage and 10% on mooring in 2022 when you bundle them together with a seasonal permit package. Details are online here.
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FOCA's Silver level sponsors
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Sponsors support our work, please support them.
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Partner Updates & Regional Notices
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upcoming digital event:
2022 ReFrame Film Festival
January 27 - February 4, 2022
The mid-winter celebration of independent documentary film and media art returns for its 18th year. For the first time, ReFrame virtual programs will be available for streaming across Canada!
FOCA is pleased to be a Community Partner Sponsor for the film Microplastic Madness about pre-teens taking a deep dive into reducing plastic pollution in their lives, school, and city.
And, as part of " The Earth Sustains Us" series (5 films) is a short film about some FOCA members and partners in the Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee, working to protect an Old Growth Forest in Peterborough County.
Pay-what-you-can standalone tickets are available for all the virtual screenings (while supplies last), here: https://watch.eventive.org/reframe2022
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upcoming webinar:
Lake Simcoe: Aquatic Invasive Species and New Boater Regulations
Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7:00pm
Join FOCA's partners at the Invasive Species Centre for a webinar about aquatic invasive species in Lake Simcoe, as well as the new clean, drain, dry boater regulations. Get details and register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j1Vwc7uQTVy0h4c _2qqYzA
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upcoming webinar series:
The Best of Two Worlds: Lessons for sustainability from Indigenous ecological knowledge and western science
Wednesdays at 4:00pm
from January 26 - February 23, 2022
Learn from western and Indigenous environmental professionals' approaches to stewardship of the environment. Speakers (in order of weekly appearance) are Norman Yan; Susan Chiblow; Neil Hutchinson, Richard Nesbitt, Brenda Parlee & Caroline Coburn; David Pearson; and Henry Lickers. Learn more and register here:
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upcoming event:
2022 Invasive Species Forum
February 1-3, 2022 - The theme of the virtual forum is "Action, Innovation, and Outreach" and will feature speakers from around the world.
FOCA's Terry Rees will participate in a panel aboutEducation, outreach and community science on Thursday, Februray 3rd (Session 3-C from 2:45pm to 5:10pm). While registration for the virtual event is full, the event may be livestreamed, and session recordings are expected to be available on the Invasive Species Centre YouTube page after the event. For more, visit the Forum webpage.
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Georgian Bay & North Channel bursary available
Georgian Bay Land Trust is now accepting applications for the 2022King Family Bursary in support of projects that promote knowledge and appreciation of Georgian Bay and the North Channel's environment, history, communities, or culture. Learn more and apply by February 15, 2022: gblt.org/bursaries
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Muskoka Stewardship Recognition
The Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) has launched the Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program to help area non-profit organizations reward watershed stewards! Register by January 31st, 2022 to receive a Recognition Package for your great local steward, including a gift card to Hidden Habitat native plant nursery. Get details here.
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Kawarthas Tree Seedling Sale
Landowners in the Kawartha Conservation (KC) watershed can improve the biodiversity of their property by ordering and planting tree and shrub seedlings from KC's 2022 Seedling Sale. Order by March 18th, for pickup at Ken Reid Conservation Area on April 29 or 30th. A portion of the cost per seedling is subsidized by Forests Ontario.
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More on the subject of what to plant, and where, from KC:
For watershed residents with open areas, coniferous trees (evergreens) can be some of the easiest species to grow, generally in areas with lots of sun and wind exposure. It is recommended if you are planting a large number of trees, that you plant 70-80% coniferous trees. Deciduous trees, or trees that lose their leaves in the fall, are generally less hardy during the seedling stage, and prefer areas of low exposure. Shrubs, typically shorter than trees, offer a great way to provide diversity and habitat on your property; they are an option where hydro wires and other overhead utilities are a concern. (image: KawarthaConservation.com)
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Apply for neighbourhood "FireSmart" funding
Lake Associations and other volunteer groups are invited to apply for up to $500 from FireSmart Canada for events to be held this year to reduce wildfire risk and increase preparedness. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will be recognized nationally on Saturday, May 7, 2022 but your event can be held through October 31st. Get details and a link to the application, here: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/programs-and-education/wildf ire-community-preparedness-day /
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Association Members: Do your members know about ALL their FOCA benefits?
All members of our Member Associations are entitled to access a series of discounts, special offers and other member benefits. Get the details (and login for information about the access codes), here: https://foca.on.ca/member-services/benefits/ You'll need your FOCA Member login for this and other member materials on the website. Don't have, or can't recall, the login? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and we'll reply during business hours.
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FOCA's Bronze level sponsors
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Sponsors support our work, please support them.
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Enjoy Winter Walk Day this February 2nd, 2022
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Connect with our channels:
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 705-749-3622 | https://foca.on.ca
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