Highlights from the FOCA Elert

Letter from the FOCA CEO

Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, Including New Fines

Under the guise of enabling 1.5 million homes to be built over the next 10 years, the Province has continued to make sweeping changes to the regulations governing land use planning in Ontario. On April 1, 2024, changes to the Conservation Authorities Act took effect that favour development, and have removed the right of public appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal in planning decisions, including Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws. The changes do include stiffer penalties for permit violations: individual landowners are liable for a fine of up to $50,000. Read about the changes and recent fines, on our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/land-use-planning  

Short Term Rentals (STR)

The Municipality of Dysart et al has adopted a municipal accommodation tax (MAT) and STR bylaws expected to come into effect on October 1, 2024. The 2% MAT in Dysart will be the lowest to date in the County of Haliburton (two other lower tier municipalities set a 4% rate, and one is awaiting a final bylaw). Also, the Town of Gravenhurst has launched a new searchable map showing STR licenced properties and their permit numbers, “to ensure safe and efficient practices”. Read these updates and earlier news, on FOCA’s webpage: https://foca.on.ca/rental/

Floating Accommodations

Effective May 1, 2024, Parks Canada has imposed Mooring Restrictions on floating accommodations on the Trent-Severn Waterway, following a public consultation period on the issue earlier this year. Get background on this topic, including what to do if you see a floating shipping container on an Ontario waterway, from our webpage: https://foca.on.ca/floating-accommodations/ (image: Gloucester Pool Cottagers Association)

What is FireSmart?

FireSmart is a national program that leads the development of resources and programs to help Canadians increase their resilience to wildland fire. Whether you’re at the beginning of your FireSmart journey or already well on your way, FireSmartCanada.ca has all the resources you need!

Start your education journey with FireSmart 101 to gain knowledge on the basics of FireSmart. For those looking to take the next step to become a local FireSmart promoter, consider the online level 1 FireSmart Ambassador Training. These programs will provide you with the tools and insights you need to start spreading the FireSmart message and to help make your home and cottage more resilient to impacts from wildland fires.

End of Boat Flare Disposal Program

In other boating news from our last meeting as part of the Ontario Recreational Boating Advisory Committee (ON-RBAC), FOCA learned that Transport Canada (TC) will no longer fund the Safety Education and Flare Disposal Program that CanBoat (formerly called the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron) has administered for some years. CanBoat reported recently that the funding had been used to cover the costs of flare shipping and disposal, insurance, and other program expenses; without it, the program has ended. Read CanBoat’s announcement on the issue. (image: SmartBoater.ca equipment webpage)