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Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
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Update: FOCA's Government Relations group
FOCA is very concerned about proposed changes to legislation affecting a wide range of environmental acts that have been introduced in "omnibus bills" at both the federal and provincial levels.
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FOCA's Terry Rees at Queen's Park, 2012
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This "streamlining" tactic circumvents the normal public and parliamentary review processes, and may undermine the rules and processes we rely upon to protect our local waterfronts and to manage development.
Affected Acts include the Federal Fisheries Act and the Provincial Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Lakes and River Improvements Act and the Public Lands Act.
FOCA is remaining vigilant at the government level, and also urges you to contact your local officials to express concerns about these changes.
Click here to keep up to date on Hot Topics affecting waterfront property owners, and to access links to your local politicians.
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Breaking News
Thursday, May 17, 2012: FOCA has learned that Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff are today being informed of the decision of the Government of Canada to close operations at the Experimental Lakes Area in Kenora, Ontario.
This closure, if it proceeds, will mark a significant setback for scientific research and will impede the ability of scientists to be able to understand the effects of human impacts on aquatic environments, by eliminating one of the only facilities in the world where whole-ecosystem experiments can be conducted.
Concerns about this decision should be sent directly to:
Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield keith.a...@parl.gc.ca
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SAFE AT THE COTTAGE:
Be FireSmart and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safe
A record amount of Ontario forest burned last year, and there is an ever-present risk of fire in cottage country. Please join our 'Peace of Mind for your Piece of Heaven' safety campaign today, and enter the "Safe at the Cottage" contest for your chance to win great prizes, including:
HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST:
1) Get an edge for your contest entry with tips about being CO safe and FireSmart at: Peace of Mind for your Piece of Heaven.
2) Visit Facebook and "like" Safe at the Cottage. (click here to access the page)
3) Share a photo or description on Facebook, showing how you made your rural property CO Safe and FireSmart, to be entered for a chance to win.
Contest opens today and closes at 5pm on August 31, 2012.
Visit facebook.com/safeatthecottage for complete contest rules & regulations.
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We've got great faces for radio... 
Keep your ears open this long weekend as FOCA will be on the airwaves in parts of cottage country!
SUNDAY:
Listen for the live kick-off of the "Safe at the Cottage" fire safety campaign, with radio spots on the Moose FM from the waterfront in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.  Join FOCA's Communications Coordinator, Michelle Lewin, on the waterfront in Huntsville from 10am-2pm on Sunday, May 20th. Drop by and say hello; she'll be handing out prizes and talking FireSmart and carbon monoxide safety. We hear the local fire department intends to give her a "lift!"
MONDAY:
For those early-morning risers among you, plan to enjoy CBC Radio One's new "On the Dock" program, each holiday Monday during the summer. The first program airs Victoria Day, Monday, May 21st from 6am - 8:30am, including segments with FOCA's Executive Director, Terry Rees.
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Water Words 
Preventing water problems is the key to ensuring the long term health of our lakes and rivers. Understanding and appreciating water, and our impacts on it is the first step.
How are we doing? Click the cover at the right to read the recent article by FOCA's Terry Rees in Water Canada magazine to learn more.
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Calling all Boaters
Plan to participate this Saturday, May 19th in the "Ready, Set, Wear It" Life Jacket Day. Organizers are hoping to beat the 2011 World Record of 1,685 life jackets worn / inflated! Register your event, big or small, to get in on the count. Here's a little inspiration from an Ottawa crew from last year, including canine companion (click image):
Also, FOCA welcomes the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) as our newest Corporate Sponsor. CPS reminds you to wear your lifejacket, beware of cold water risks and take a boating skills course. Organizations like CPS , local sailing schools and paddling organizations offer boating courses to improve your safety knowledge, vessel handling and navigation skills. Call 1-888-CPS-BOAT or visit www.cpsboat.ca for information.
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Keeping the 'Family' in the Family Cottage
FOCA's popular Cottage Succession Seminar Series is back! Plan to attend for information about passing the cottage to the next generation. Our feature speaker is Peter Lillico, Estate Planning Lawyer, with over 30 years experience and a special interest in estate and cottage planning. Come and get some expert advice.*
The Round Lake Association and FOCA will host a program with Peter Lillico:
- Havelock: Sun. July 29th, 10am-12pm at the Round Lake Community Hall (north of Havelock).
We welcome our returning partners at cottagesuccession.ca, Tranter and Associates Financial Planners, who are sponsoring the events at the following venues and will join Peter in the seminars:
- Gravenhurst: Sat. July 7th, 10am-12pm (location T.B.A.)
- Bancroft: Sat. July 28th, 10am-12pm at the North Hastings Community Centre
Visit the Cottage Succession pages of the FOCA website for more information as it becomes available.
* There is no charge to attend these FOCA events;
however you must pre-register, as space is limited.
Contact FOCA at 705-749-3622 or in...@foca.on.ca to register.
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Muskoka Summit on the Environment
Plan to attend the upcoming two-day Muskoka Summit on the Environment in Bracebridge, June 6-7, 2012. The program is titled: " Perspectives on Biodiversity Loss: from Science to Policy."
Structured to accomodate all levels of knowledge, the Summit will feature speakers highlighting the issues & trends, and will examine policy options for future action. Click here for more information and to register...
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