Message from FOCA
Dear Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
(FOCA) members,
Since 2002, the Lake Links workshops have been an
opportunity for representatives of lake associations and other stewardship groups
in Eastern Ontario to come together with government and non-government
agencies to listen to speakers, share information, and address common
lake community issues and concerns.
FOCA is pleased to be involved with this dynamic process, and to be
helping to sponsor this year's event.
In the past, these workshops have covered topics
like: how to fundraise for projects and engage your lake community;
proper care and maintenance of septic systems and wells; water quality, and invasive
species. Lake Links
strives to address issues that matter most to Eastern Ontario lake
communities, and provides a forum to discuss and share ideas and
actions.
This year, Lake Links will be held Saturday October
20th, 2007 in Perth, Ontario.
The Lake Links Planning Committee is working hard
to bring you a successful event this year. We’re looking
forward to seeing you there!
The committee is also seeking your input to make
this event truly successful. In order to continue
the long standing success of the annual Lake Links Workshop, the Lake
Links Planning Committee is requesting feedback from Eastern Ontario
Lake Associations on possible topics to be covered this
October. Based on workshop participant feedback
from 2006, listed below are 5 topics that could be discussed at the
workshop. As not all topics will be covered, we would
appreciate your input, by way of reviewing the following
list, and ranking your priority for
these topics from 1 to 5: 1
- being a topic of high priority/interest to
be discussed at the workshop5 -
being a topic of low priority/interest
to be discussed at the workshop ***Please let us
know if you have any other lake based issue(s) you think should be
addressed at this or future Lake Links workshops. We ask that you send
your feedback if possible by Friday,
July 6th
to Muriel info@watersheds.ca
at the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds.*** Thanks
for your time, and we'll see you at Lake Links!
Sincerely, The Lake Links Planning Committee,
Sincerely, The Lake Links Planning Committee,
1.
Topic: Septic
re-inspection Programs
Possible Speaker(s): Health Unit staff/ Septic
Office/other
·
Speakers will discuss success and results of different programs
Charleston LakeRideau TownshipTay Valley Township
South FrontenacOther
·
Discussion on differences in program set up and how they work
EnforcementIncentive programs or home owner support
·
Tools on how to start a program in your area
Criteria that is required in getting a program
started
·
Discuss lakes that have had blue green algae blooms (Three Mile Lake
case study) and the importance of re-inspection programs as one tool of
many other lake stewardship actions to maintain and enhance the health
of lake communities
2. Topic: Municipal Official Plans and bylaws – looking forward Possible Speakers(s): Matt Craig, RVCA, Tom Beaubiah, CRCA
·
Research good examples of wording and actions in both Official Plans
and by-laws that support sustainable development and protection of the
watershed
·
Case Study of a development problem that was addressed in an effective
way·
Look at different by-law enforcement techniques/examples
o
Increased taxes
o
Incentive
programso
Holding fees
3.
Topic: Land Trusts
Possible Speaker(s) – RWLT/
RVCF/other
·
How property owners can donate properties to area land trusts
·
How the
process
works·
Tax breaks, benefits and conservation
4.
Topic: How to increase
memberships in Lake Associations
Possible Speaker(s): Lake Associations –
go around with ideas
·
Email lists, Mail outs and
newsletter·
Membership dues – too much? Too
little?·
Setting
membership
goals·
How to
gain business
memberships·
Attracting volunteers
5.
Topic: Aquatic Weed Growth
Possible Speaker(s): ?
Strategies for dealing with aquatic weed growth on
lakes (i.e. evaluate the relative benefits of mats, cutting, pulling,
chemical control)
·
MNR aquatic weed control
manual·
Permit
processes
·
Examples of lakes that have attempted aquatic weed control
Thanks
for your on-going interest and all the best for a safe and productive
summer 2007!
Regards,
Terry
Terry Rees,
Executive Director
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
#18 - 156 Duncan Mill Rd.
Toronto, ON M3B 3N2
Phone 416-429-0444
email trees@foca.on.ca
Fax 416-429-4944
Visit us at www.foca.on.ca , and be sure to sign up for our electronic newsletters, for all the latest information for cottagers and cottage associations.
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
#18 - 156 Duncan Mill Rd.
Toronto, ON M3B 3N2
Phone 416-429-0444
email trees@foca.on.ca
Fax 416-429-4944
Visit us at www.foca.on.ca , and be sure to sign up for our electronic newsletters, for all the latest information for cottagers and cottage associations.
FOCA - Proud members of the Stewardship Network of Ontario