photo of the TSW on an autumn morning, by Terry Rees:

A reminder from FOCA: the canal operations of Parks Canada end their boating season on Thanksgiving Monday
  

Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
Happy Thanksgiving!October 2013
2013 FOCA Fall Meeting:
"Water Woes: Higher Highs & Lower Lows"
with feature speaker Bob Sandford
image courtesy EPCOR
used with permission
    
When: Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 from 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Where: Toronto International Centre - conference centre

FOCA will also provide updates on issues that matter to waterfront property owners. Click here for the meeting agenda. For more about Bob Sandford, click here...

and you will also receive: 1 FREE ticket to the Fall Cottage Life Show (=up to $15 savings) happening next door in Hall #5 of the Toronto International Centre. Plan to make a day of it on Saturday November 2nd!

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Changing Climate - What you need to know

summer weather FOCA recently asked freshwater expert, Bob Sandford: What does a changing climate situation mean for our waterfront communities?

Bob's answer: "There is a great deal we don't know about our freshwater systems that streams and lakes will teach us as temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change.

"If you have a house on a lake or river in Canada, you are going to have a ringside seat to observe and measure these changes, which we are only beginning to anticipate and do not yet fully understand."

(Note: this is an excerpt from a FOCA interview with Bob Sandford, fall  2013. The full interview will be available later this fall on the FOCA website, and via Water Canada magazine online.)

Remember to register for Lake Links
   
a past Lake Links event
How time flies: There is only one week remaining until the annual Lake Links Workshop in Perth on Saturday, October 19th!

Are you coming?

Famed opinion researcher Angus McAllister will offer stimulating ideas for reaching and engaging lake residents in your area. Everyone will walk away with some new insight, tools, strategies and motivation for getting people to help you help your cause.

FOCA's own Terry Rees will also be a featured speaker on the topic of recent Ontario regulatory changes, the roles of government and citizens, and what we need to do now to manage our lakes for the future.

Get more details and registration info by clicking here... Only $15 to attend. FOCA will see you there!

Say it ain't so: Time for Cottage Closing Tips 
 
If you are shutting down the cottage for the season, FOCA offers the following reminders:
  • Secure windows and doors - close curtains or blinds; put up shutters if necessary to protect the interior from marauders (animal or human)
  • Leave no valuables at the cottage - electronics, personal items, tools - unless you are prepared to lose them!
  • Confirm your local "keyholder" person to respond to any alarms, weather damage, thefts or animal problems. Record their contact info and give them yours.
  • For snow machines remove track and keys; ensure boats are covered and locked with outboard motors locked and slightly disassembled; disable ATVs. Leave nothing on a trailer unless it is locked or disabled.
  • Record the serial numbers of anything of value you decide to leave behind
For info on shutting down cottage electrical systems, refer to additional tips from the Electrical Standards Association: Click here for the tips...

Happy Thanksgiving!  
FOCA wishes everyone a very safe and happy long weekend.

PS - If you capture a great picture or two, please send it along to FOCA.

image courtesy FOCA member Darlene C. of the Crane Lake Association


The FOCA office will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013.

FOCA  #201-159 King Street, Peterborough, ON  K9J 2R8
info@foca.on.ca       705-749-3622         www.foca.on.ca
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