Code Red Cell Phone Alerts
At our Annual General Meeting, Councillor Marianne Stickland informed us of the new alert system developed in partnership with South River/Machar Township. To sign up for serious weather, forest fire and other alerts in our area go to strongtownship.com and you will be prompted to register. (It will also notify you of alerts anywhere in Ontario you may be.)
Sundridge has a New Community Learning Garden!
Everyone is invited to learn or share their knowledge about gardening in our area, thanks to the Near North Enviro-Education Centre.
The Septic System - What Do I Need to Do this Year?
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, of which we are a member, relayed some interesting information at their Spring 2018 meeting regarding the maintenance of septic systems. This study, conducted between 2015-17, shows that approximately half of Ontario systems looked at were over 30 years old and 68% needed some repairs to ensure performance.
It seems that a large number of septic systems in Ontario are in need of a check up. Do you know how old yours is? When was the last time someone came to have a look to see if it was holding its contents, the tank was not cracked and the pipes were not leaking? |
For more information on what septic system maintenance is all about, and what owners need to do to protect their property investment, we recommend this 4-minute FOCA video, right:
Google “septic maintenance” to locate licensed companies in our area for your next 3-5 year visit from the “honey truck.” |
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Did You Know? Anti-Bacterial Soaps are not Good for your Septic Bed
It’s true! If you have a septic tank, choose regular old soap rather than anti-bacterial soaps and cleaning products. Your septic system needs bacteria to dispose of the solid waste in the system. For this reason, the LBPOA has asked Foodland to restock regular hand soaps and other products so consumers with septic tanks can make the best choice for us.
Boating Laws have Changed in the Last Few Years
In particular, you may be surprised to see what you need to have in your boat or canoe at all times. Keep up with the latest in this OPP info sheet:
Renting Your Property?
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations has released a new guide to help property owners remember all the details they need to know to rent out their cottage. Have a look! www.foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Responsible-Rental-Ownership.pdf
They have also published posters designed for renters. Reprinting is permitted if they are helpful to you:
They have also published posters designed for renters. Reprinting is permitted if they are helpful to you:
Passing on the Cottage to your Family
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association is continuing their popular series of seminars on succession, full of expert advice. For information, locations and to register, go to foca.on.ca/cottage-succession/. Attendance is free to all of us as members of FOCA through the LBPOA.
Hours at the Dump
The dump on Forest Lake Road is now closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. In addition:
Electricity Prices in Rural Ontario
As members of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA), concerns about high electricity rates have been raised on our behalf with the Ontario government. To keep up to date with news on planned cuts to the high cost of hydro, go to https://foca.on.ca/electricity-pricing/?utm_source=FOCA+Elert+May+2017&utm_campaign=FOCA+Elert+May2017&utm_medium=email
Boating Safety Quiz - How do You and Your Family Score?
Take this quick and fun boating quiz to see what you might need to teach your kids. Thanks to discoverboating.ca for sharing it with us. www.discoverboating.ca/boating/safe-boating-quiz.aspx
Don’t Forget to Replenish your Supplies for Power Outages
More to Come!
This section will continue to be updated regularly. If there is more information or more resources you feel we should include, please send us an email using the icon below. We appreciate your feedback.