FOCA Elert December 2007

Spring is in the air

Cottage events are a sure sign that summer is around the corner. Looming Provincial and possibly Federal elections also means we are hearing many new policies and ideas that may affect our waterfronts…

FOCA Spring Seminar coming up March 24
FOCA’s annual members event is fast approaching, with another great lineup of topics and speakers of interest to FOCA members and particularly our Lake Stewards. To find out more information and to register click here.

News on property tax reform in Ontario!
On March 9, 2007 Ontario's Progressive Conservative (PC) leader John Tory announced his party platform on property tax reform. The cornerstone of the PC platform is a proposal to limit yearly assessment (not TAX) increases to maximum 5%. This approach is consistent with the recommendations that FOCA, WRAFT, and CAPTR have discussed with Ontario Finance Minister Sorbara, numerous MPP's, and senior Ministry of Finance staff over the past 3 years. This policy announcement from leading political contenders is a significant milestone, and can be attributed to our efforts over the past several years.

We look forward to hearing the Liberal plan for reform from Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara when he delivers the 2007 Ontario Budget on March 22, 2007.

FOCA at the Spring Cottage Life Show March 30, 31, and April 1
FOCA staff and volunteers will once again be at the Spring Cottage Life Show, so be sure to drop by and talk to us about Working Together to Keep your Lake Great. This year you’ll find FOCA in Hall 4A, Booth # 2700, near the Cottage Wildlife Centre.

Don’t miss the special FOCA presentation “What’s up with Property Taxes”, presented as part of the Cottage Ownership Seminar Series in Hall 3, being held Friday at 4:15pm, and Sunday at 1pm.

Mining and property rights update

Despite 4 years of intensive effort within the Minister's Mining Act Advisory Committee (MMAAC) as an ardent champion for private property rights and less intrusive mining and prospecting practices, FOCA is still awaiting action. The MMAAC recommendations were incorporated in the new Mineral Strategy for the Province, which has been approved by cabinet.

FOCA remains concerned that the Provincial government has to date failed to bring legislative reform to the 100-year-old Mining Act. We continue to work with the Ministry to develop and refine the recommendations of the MMAAC in the hope that the result will be a better-regulated relationship between the Mining and Prospecting industry, and private landowners throughout Ontario.

For more information, and to make your voice heard, visit the Mining and Exploration section of the FOCA website.

For details on other news and information from cottage country, visit www.foca.on.ca often.