Lake Associations: A Short Video In late 2017, FOCA proudly released a new short film created for us by Chelsie Xavier-Blower of the Fleming/ROM Environmental Visual Communication program. The video, titled “Lake Associations,” was filmed in Ontario cottage country during summer 2017 with the assistance of many of our member groups and supporters. View it here: https://youtu.be/ MaKrVAaWweo. Thousands of you have already responded to this beautiful film by sharing and commenting on it, on social media. Please continue to circulate the video link on your website, or use it as part of an association membership drive, to help explain the vital role of lake associations! Ongoing FOCA Policy Files “WATCH, INFORM, EDUCATE” Land Use and Planning FOCA informed members about the province’s overhaul of the land use planning appeals system, replacing the long-standing Ontario Municipal Board with Local Planning Appeal Tribunals, limiting matters that can be appealed and who can participate. FOCA notes that this change gives municipalities more planning power, limits the types of appeals possible, and will require more diligence on the part of community members! FOCA applauded regional members who fought successfully in 2017 against large-scale waterfront developments, such as at Minaki Lodge near Kenora, and the Fraser Wetlands in the Kawarthas. See: https://foca.on.ca/land-use- planning-news-references/. Pesticides FOCA heard from members this summer about an increase in the use of broadcast spraying (e.g., against mosquitoes). FOCA recommends avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers in cottage country, particularly near the water! View this video for more information: https://youtu.be/ JPWDXou0PAg. Flying Lanterns Flying Lanterns are never a good idea, particularly when released over forested areas! FOCA has been speaking out since 2013 on this issue, and municipalities are now beginning to set bylaws against their use. Follow developments: https://foca.on.ca/flying-fire-lanterns/. Against Antibacterials and Microplastics FOCA supported banning the use of microplastics, due to impacts on fish and water quality. In Feburary, FOCA joined over 50 public interest organizations urging the government of Canada to prohibit triclosan in consumer products, to protect the environment and health. Late in 2017, FOCA received notice from the government of developments, including a consultation period on the subject, continuing into early 2018. Follow developments: https://foca.on.ca/ foca-calls-for-antibacterial-chemical-ban/ and https://foca.on.ca/microplastics-at-alarming-levels-in- canadian-lakes-and-rivers/. Great Lakes Toxins FOCA joined 40 organizations, under the banner of the Canadian Environmental Law Association, to write to Canada and the US about reducing toxins. See: https://foca.on.ca/ slow-progress-on-great-lakes-toxins/. Nuclear Safety FOCA joined over 40 public interest organizations in “A Call for Public Safety,” to express concern for Ontario’s nuclear emergency plans, to protect people from Fukushima-scale accidents. See: https://foca.on.ca/ ontario-prepared-nuclear-emergency/. Cottage Rental FOCA supports responsible, sustainable rental practices that recognize the limits of cottage properties for commercial use and community considerations. See: https://foca.on.ca/responsible-cottage-rental/.