FOCA Elert ~ July 2021
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations,
the voice of the waterfront for nearly 60 years.
FOCA Serves Lake & Road Associations
Be #WakeAware
In response to ongoing member comments and concerns about the effects of boat wakes, FOCA is very pleased to announce the release of a new video and companion website: https://www.bewakeaware.com/ with information for all water users about the impacts of wakes, and educational resources to use and share.
The Be #WakeAware campaign is a joint initiative of the Muskoka Lakes Association, Safe Quiet Lakes and FOCA. Please share the website information and the video link with your waterfront community. The video YouTube address can be copied and pasted:
https://youtu.be/X3bYBPbP0qk
FOCA 2021 Virtual Fall Seminar
for Associations

HOLD THE DATE!

Saturday, November 6, 2021
by webinar (9:00am - 11:30am)

Stay tuned to the Elert for details and the registration link, coming later this summer.
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 info@foca.on.ca, and we'll reply during business hours.
FOCA's Gold level sponsors
Sponsors support our work, please support them.
FOCA Advocates for Responsive Government
Border announcement
The Government of Canada has announced it will soon open the border to fully vaccinated travellers, starting with Americans in early August, followed by other foreign nationals tentatively in early September. Get details about this and other updates on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our communities, here:
Electricity Pricing
On July 16, 2021 the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued a new Procedural Order granting Hydro One a 4-week extension to reply to outstanding questions about the implementation of the elimination of the Seasonal Rate Class, moving the timeline back by a month. Read the Order and get background information on FOCA's webpage:
Fines Issued for Bylaw Infractions
Local municipalities establish Official Plans and Bylaws to uphold community standards, environmental protection and safety. When faced with contraventions, enforcement becomes a commitment to uphold these standards, including dedicating the resources to see it through.

FOCA notes a significant recent video statement and related media release from the Township of Muskoka Lakes, stating: "Following the issuance of Stop Work Orders, multiple property owners and their contractors have been charged under the Tree Preservation By-law and Site Alteration By-law." We are inspired by this action and hope other municipalities follow suit on this, and other, bylaw infractions.
FOCA Champions Affordable & Safe Rural Living
Boat Safety message from OPP
FOCA and our members are saddened by recent tragic boating accidents on Ontario's waterways. In the words of Provincial Marine Coordinator Sgt. Dave Moffatt, the 2021 season has been "terrible". Please see an important video message from Sgt. Moffatt, posted to our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/safe-boating/
Cottage Succession
FOCA and estate lawyer Peter Lillico have been teaching families about successful cottage succession planning for the past decade! Our traditional in-person events have shifted to digital for 2021. Thank you to our member associations who are the local hosts of these seminars. Upcoming events include:

  • August 14, 2021: “Cottage Succession A to Z” webinar for the Chaffey's Area Lakes Association and the Buck Lake Association
  • September 14, 2021: "Camp Succession A to Z" webinar for our Thunder Bay area associations, hosted by the West Loon Lake Campers' Association
  • October (TBD): "Trusting the Cottage" webinar about trust techniques; this session will be open to ALL FOCA members.

Live attendance at FOCA's Cottage Succession webinars is free as part of your Association's annual membership in FOCA! Contact your association for registration details for the August and September events listed above.

For more information, or to purchase access to recordings of past seminars, visit: https://foca.on.ca/cottage-succession/
Forest Fire Danger
Much of Northwestern Ontario is under a high forest fire danger rating, with some community evacuations also occurring. One example, ‘Kenora 51’ fire was reported as “not under control” at end of day Thursday, and mapped at over 170,000 hectares. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires#section-2 for updated information about the current forest fire danger regionally, and fire restrictions across the province. Also, consider downloading a new app called FireFringe: https://www.firefringe.com/
Cottage Fire Safety Reminder
The Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Chief has credited working smoke alarms for helping to save lives in a cottage fire in Tobermory earlier this month. The fire started just before 4 a.m. and the family was able to collect pets and safely exit the cottage before fire completely destroyed the building.

The Fire Chief reminds short-term renters and cottage visitors to test smoke alarms and make a fire plan if staying at a cottage unknown to them. "When it is dark, or on fire and full of smoke, it adds a whole extra layer to trying to get out," so make sure you practice two ways to exit the cottage, and check the smoke alarms to ensure they are working as soon as you arrive. The news and image comes from the Owen Sound Sun Times (Post Media).
FOCA's Silver level sponsors
Sponsors support our work, please support them.
Welcome!
FOCA welcomes Gridiron Power as our newest Corporate Sponsor. Contact them for backup power generators you can rely on:

"When it comes to protecting your home and family, you want peace of mind. You want a standby generator that will not fail you and those you love, when you need it most. 10kW, 12kW and 20kW units are currrently stock in Ontario."

Connect to be put in touch with your local dealer: https://gridironpower.ca or call 1-877-829-0013
FOCA Promotes Healthy Lands, Lakes & Rivers
Lake Partner Program
FOCA is pleased that the Lake Partner Program is in full operation for 2021, and our many volunteers are encouraged to continue your sampling for this season, following all Public Health advice and restrictions in your area. Volunteers are also reminded you can review FOCA's sampling tips video: https://youtu.be/8NUFVK8eQ6Q

Our goal is to continue to engage our hundreds of volunteers and build our collective knowledge about the province's fabulous aquatic resources. Many thanks to all the volunteers that keep this program going! Find out more, here:
event recap: Invasive Phragmites
June 29, 2021 - Brooke Harrison from Georgian Bay Forever joined FOCA for a 'lunch & learn' webinar about invasive Phragmites: its characteristics, its spread and its controls. FOCA Members can access the event recording here: 

FOCA is proud to be part of the Green Shovels collaborative, supporting important strategic efforts to manage this invasive plant.
reminder: Photo Contest
As part of the IsampleON program of invasive species awareness, monitoring and education, FOCA and our partners at the Invasive Species Centre remind everyone to submit a picture to the IsampleON Photo Contest by August 31, 2021. The photo should show what you are protecting (i.e., your favourite waterbody!) or how you are protecting it from invasive species. Click the image at the side to open a PDF poster explaining the contest steps, or go directly to the submission portal on Survey Monkey. All entrants will be included in a draw to win a great lakeside prize pack.
Partner Updates & Regional Notices
event recap & ongoing webinar series:
Ontario Biodiversity Summit
On July 15, 2021 FOCA's Terry Rees participated in a panel discussion at the Ontario Biodiversity Summit on 'Restoring Aquatic Biodiversity'. The recording will eventually be posted here (scroll down to "Restoring Aquatic Biodiversity" section).

Find out more about how nature can help us address climate change and biodiversity loss. Attend one or more of the 2021 Ontario Biodiversity Summit virtual sessions, continuing through September. Get details & register for sessions here.
Lake of the Woods - Lake Level Survey
The Lake of the Woods Control Board is interested in feedback from property owners affected by low spring water levels between March and May on Lake of the Woods (LOW), Lac Seul, the Winnipeg River or English River. Participate in the survey by August 31, 2021. Details and the survey link are posted online here.
Algal Bloom Studies in Muskoka
The District of Muskoka has retained consultants to conduct causation studies in five area lakes - Bass, Echo, Stewart, Leonard and Three Mile - to attempt to determine what has caused algae blooms or elevated phosphorus levels in recent years. This follows a pilot project in Peninsula Lake, conducted in 2019.
(file image: Ministry of Environment, 2011)
Cyanobacteria Blooms
For those interested in taking a 'deep dive' (figuratively-speaking only!) into harmful algal blooms, the latest Issue of the North American Lake Management Society's publication 'LakeLine' is devoted to the subject. Download a copy of LakeLine (PDF, 44 pages)
Lakes Appreciation
The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) thanks everyone who has been celebrating "Lakes Appreciation Month" this July! FOCA is a proud member of NALMS.
Great Lakes Survey
The International Joint Commission Great Lakes Water Quality Board invites you to complete a survey about issues related to the Great Lakes and water quality including your opinions, values and beliefs about the Great Lakes, as well as your concerns and suggestions for the future. Participate in the survey by August 15, 2021:
For our Municipal Partners...
As reported recently by Water Canada, a new partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will receive $500,000 in funding to allow municipal leaders to access NOAA training and workshops to help fortify coastal habitate, increase capacity and design restoration projects. Read the news on Water Canada's website.
FOCA's Bronze level sponsors
Sponsors support our work, please support them.
FOCA is Building Capacity
Welcome, Cheryl!
FOCA welcomes Cheryl Abernethy who has assumed the role of Programs Coordinator for a number of FOCA's 2021 environmental programs.

Find our more about Cheryl, and all the FOCA team, here:
FOCA Fosters Community
"New to cottaging" video resource from FOCA
We know lots of folks are having their FIRST cottage country experience this year, and may be thinking about buying or building a cottage. FOCA has created a video with key information about choosing an area, understanding the nature of your property, considerations for buying or building, and ways to get the most out of the experience including connecting with the local lake association! Click the image below to view:
The video link is: https://youtu.be/degdS-i5hDk

Please post and share this information to help those in the early stages of their decision-making to start their waterfront experience sustainably and in harmony with their new community and the environment.

This, and other important information for new cottagers is available on FOCA's new webpage: https://foca.on.ca/cottage/ - share this!

Final Thoughts
Read about your provincial association
2020 was a unique and challenging year, but FOCA and our waterfront communities emerged stronger and more committed than ever before. Find out how we did this, and learn more about our strategic priorities and how we serve you, including feedback from your fellow members about FOCA's important role:

Please share this digital resource with everyone in your waterfront community!
Find out more about YOUR ROLE, today.
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