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Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
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Shoreline Protection provided by
Fisheries Act: Under Threat!
Since 1975 there have been provisions (Section 35) in the Federal Fisheries Act to protect fish habitat in Canada, powers that the Federal Government is proposing to remove from the Act.
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underwater image by
A. Metelka, Blackstone Lake
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This is a most serious and short-sighted course of action that impacts not only our fisheries but also our healthy lakes, rivers and shorelines, and the populations (human, plant and animal) that our surface waters provide for.
Read more in this press release and article from the Globe and Mail (March 22nd).
Speak up for the protection of our valuable aquatic habitats today! Contact your member of Parliament.
Background:
FOCA and Fisheries & Oceans Canada have a long history of protecting water and near shore habitats, including collaborative publications like the popular Shore Primer and Dock Primer, FOCA's Shoreline Owners Guide to Healthy Waterfronts and programs like Docktalk. Much of this is based on our shared interests in healthy and thriving fish populations, protecting the conditions to allow fish and other aquatic life to thrive, and more formally on the obligations in the Federal Fisheries Act.
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Recap: FOCA Annual General Meeting
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VP Carole Russell reviews financials at the FOCA AGM
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We had a full house for the Annual General Meeting on March 3rd, 2012 in Toronto.
There were great presentations about changes to the Mining Act, Carbon Monoxide safety, turtles on your waterfront, a new Cottage Life Magazine deal for members and much more, including the FOCA Business Meeting where Association representatives voted on current business.
Did you miss the event or want a summary? Click here for a brief overview...
* FOCA members can contact the office for the full-length Event Summary including links to the slide presentations.
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Don't miss the...
FOCA saves you $3 on tickets when you order online with our Promotion code:
FOCA50YEARS
Associations: tell all your members
FOCA will be in Hall 3A, booth #2328
See you there...
Stop by the booth and find out about the new "Make Your Lake Great!" contest, for a chance to win $5,000 toward physical improvements for your own lake association (produced by Cottage Life, FOCA and BOATsmart! Canada).
And see more, below, about our special exhibit at the show...
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New Mining Act Regulations now out for public comment: Have your say!
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Stephen DeVos, Ministry of Northern Development & Mines, FOCA AGM, March 2012
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For 10 years, FOCA has been participating in the reform of the centuries-old Ontario Mining Act, to address the concerns of waterfront property owners, bring it up to contemporary standards, and to better reflect the rights, obligations and expectations of all stakeholders.
FOCA has fought for:
- relief for people who owned ONLY their surface rights (and NOT their subsurface mineral rights)
- better consideration of landowners and other stakeholders adjacent to Crown Land mining or explorations activity
- a more transparent and public process, with an opportunity for the Crown to intervene and/or mitigate potential impacts on behalf of landowner issues, and environmental protection. Learn more...
To go directly to the Environmental Bill of Rights posting on the proposed Plans and Permits regulation, click here...
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Be FireSmart this Spring
Spring has sprung early this year. Are you already tempted to start your property clean up? Here's what you need to know: Spring is the most dangerous time to conduct any outdoor burning. Do you know why, and what you should do about it? (Hint: For safety's sake, postpone burning until "green up" has taken hold in mid-June.)
Test your knowledge: 1) The legal time to burn is two hours before sunset, or later, until two hours after sunrise, or earlier. TRUE / FALSE *
2) Can I use a burn barrel in a rural area? YES / NO
Check your answers here, and get other important Spring FireSmart tips from FOCA and our partners at the Ministry of Natural Resources AFFES.
*Subject to local restrictions or burn permit requirements.
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Do you know your "water footprint"
How have you been celebrating the 2nd annual Canada Water Week? 
This year's theme is "discover your water footprint." As Canadians, our footprint is almost double that of our British counterparts. So what's a water footprint? Learn more here...
FOCA is a partner with Living Lakes Canada, a network fostering stewardship of our freshwater resources.
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A veteran and a 20 pounder, The Roy Family fonds, Peterborough Museum & Archives
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Calling All Art Lovers and Cottage Fans
As part of FOCA's 50th anniversary celebrations this year: We need your help!
Please donate to FOCA today in support of our exhibition Postcards from the Edge of Cottage Country, which will be at the Cottage Life Spring Show next week.
The exhibition celebrates the heritage of cottage life, with a light-hearted look back at wonderful photos loaned by the Peterborough Museum and Archives, artifacts from the Canadian Canoe Museum, and memorabilia from FOCA and Cottage Life Magazine.  Also, artist Charles Pachter, a proud Simcoe Lake cottager, has loaned artwork to us.
This has been a big production for FOCA, and we have only one week left to raise enough money to defray the costs of transport, installation, staffing, etc.
Can you help? Our goal is to raise $1,000 in 7 days. Every bit helps. Please support us with a donation.
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In Other News
~apply before April 9th for a BEAN International Biodiversity Day Grant of up to $500 for eligible events scheduled around May 22, 2012. This year's theme is marine biodiversity. More info...
 ~get ready to golf! with Cottage Dreams on Monday, May 28th for the 6th Annual Cottage Classic at Devil's Pulpit Golf Club. Click the image at left for more info...
 ~Boat and Places magazine - FOCA and the publishers of Boats & Places have negotiated to extend the free magazine offer to FOCA members through 2012. Your Spring issue should arrive shortly. If you are not yet receiving your free mailed copies, get in touch with the FOCA office: in...@foca.on.ca. Also remember that you get discounts on DVD purchases. Use our online code: FOCA.
(Associations: remind all your members to access FOCA membership benefits and information.)
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Association Members - We're counting on you
to share this email with everyone in your association membership!
REMEMBER: Send this message onward safely with a click:
* FOCA encourages everyone to join their local Association. *
In turn, we encourage those groups to be members of FOCA.
Individual and corporate support is also welcomed.
Not yet a FOCA member? JOIN US TODAY.
Support our work to protect Ontario's waterfront.
Your lake. Your lifestyle. Your legacy.
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
#201 - 159 King Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 2R8
phone: (705) 749-3622 fax: (705) 749-6522 in...@foca.on.ca
www.foca.on.ca
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