WELCOME NEW
O.R.F.A. MEMBERS
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INDIVIDUAL/STUDENT
Lauren Buchanan, Woodstock, ON
Chris Cook, Welland, ON Howard
Jamie Cressman, Murillo, ON
Lisa Holcombe, Melbourne, ON
Deryk Lee, Stoney Creek, ON
Knight, Windsor, ON
Rose Wodchis, Mississauga, ON
GROUP
Township of Bonnechere,
Valley, Eganville, ON
CORPORATE
Barry-Bryan Associates (1991) Limited,
Whitby, ON
Secural Environmental Products,
Vaughan, ON
Sport Systems Canada Inc. ,
Almonte, ON
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
O.R.F.A. DESIGNATION PROGRAM
New Designation Recipients
Congratulations is extended to the following individuals who have recently been awarded one of O.R.F.A.’s professional designations:
Jim Capling, CIT
Real Clement, CIT
David Fideau, CIT
Glenn Herod, CIT
Harold Horner, CIT
Kevin Hughson, CIT
Sandy Jackson, R.R.F.A.
Deryk Lee, R.R.F.S.
Stephen Mesich, CIT
Terry Newhouse, CIT
Doug Nolan, CIT
David Oreskovich, CIT
Michael Pigeau, CIT
Marc Roy, CIT
Scott Strachan, CIT
J. Craig Strapp, CIT
Lee Towsley, CIT
Darren Verstraten, CIT
Jeremy Winchester, CIT
Frank Zimperi, CIT
1) CIT, CAT and CPT Applications...PDF
2) Designation Program Brochure...PDF
NRCAN ENERGY EFFICIENT WORKSHOPS FOR ARENAS
A special thank you is extended to the more than 250 participants who attended workshop opportunities delivered across the province sponsored by Natural Resources Canada. Workshop registrations remain open for March 16th in Thunder Bay and March 31st in Ottawa
INVESTIGATING A PROVINCIAL MODEL FOR “TRAINING, RECOGNITION AND CERTIFICATION FOR THE RECREATION SECTOR”
An exploratory session sponsored by the Ontario Parks Association (OPA), Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) was conducted on December 7, 2005 pursuant to a previous Sector Scan on Recreation Certification and Recognition Programs completed by ARD Consulting Services for the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation in January 2005. The previous report examined the level of support within the recreation sector for the exploration of a model of certification, recognition & accreditation and formed the foundation for a move forward exploratory meeting of interested organizations.
Invitations were issued by O.R.F.A., PRO and OPA to the organizations/agencies that had been part of the above noted scan to participate in a one day session to explore experiences, interests, needs and possible joint action. The session was facilitated by Raf Di Cecco, President, ARD Consulting Services Ltd. and was designed to provide opportunities for the groups to:
- Learn about each other’s work in certification/recognition/accreditation,
- Explore common needs,
- Discuss possible visions for what might be done together, and
- Develop a go forward agenda if this was the wish of the group. [more]
EXPO 2006
The O.R.F.A. EXPO is the Association’s largest and most successful tradeshow opportunity for companies who specialize in products and services targeted to the recreation industry.
The EXPO will be held on May 3rd, 2006 at the Gryphon Dome at the University of Guelph.
51st ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
May 1-4, 2006 – University of Guelph
Providing leading-edge, industry related training to meet the changing demands of the workplace.
Offering training courses in:
- Management
- Aquatics
- Buildings & Grounds
- Ice
Full Brochure [more]
Summary & Registration Form [more]
MEMBER REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Anyone who has a recycling success story that works is encouraged to share their story with a fellow member by contacting Cathy Seguin, City of North Bay at Cathy.Seguin@cityofnorthbay.ca
O.R.F.A. ANNUAL REPORT
A summary of Association activities and projects is highlighted in the 2005 O.R.F.A. Annual Report.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT
Snow Load Analysis For Public Building Roof Systems
With the types of roofs and ages of most recreational roofs, all business operators and municipalities must be very vigilant in inspecting their roof decks for over-stressing due to heavy snow and/or water loads. [more]
Structural Assessments Reminder
Ministry of Labour no longer sends out reminders for building owners to conduct periodic structural assessments (previous term was every 5 years). It is the employer’s obligation to ensure that work areas and workers are safe. It is up to every building owner to have a structural assessment completed and then, based upon this assessment follow through with recommendations by a professional engineer. They too will assist in most appropriate method for remedial actions. Some wooden structures have opted to an annual inspection while newer construction may go 5-years +. [more]
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TRAINING CALENDAR
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| MARCH |
EVENT/LOCATION |
| Mar. 14 |
Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Ice Rinks Workshop, Sudbury, ON |
| Mar. 16 |
Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Ice Rinks Workshop, Thunder Bay, ON |
| Mar. 20-23 |
Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course, St. Catharines, ON |
| Mar. 27-30 |
Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course, Milverton, ON |
| APRIL |
EVENT/LOCATION |
| Apr. 3-6 |
Parks Maintenance & Operation Course, Norwood, ON |
| Apr. 10-13 |
Parks Maintenance & Operation Course, North Bay, ON |
| Apr. 3-6 |
Ice Making & Painting Technologies Course and Basic Refrigeration Course, Frisco, TX |
| Apr. 3-6 |
Aquatic Facility Operations - Level 1Course, Marathon, ON |
| Apr. 10-13 |
Basic Refrigeration, Toronto, ON |
| Apr. 10-13 |
Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course, Cobourg, ON |
| Apr. 18-21 |
Ice Making & Painting Technologies Course, London, ON |
| Apr. 24-27 |
Ice Technician Awareness Course, Ottawa, ON |
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REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES
OR IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROVIDER
O.R.F.A. is currently in the process of soliciting both "Expressions of Interest" to act as training hosts for our 2006 Calendar of Training Events, as well as providing specific "In-House training quotations" to meet your operational needs. For more information, please contact: Terry Piche, Technical Director at 416.426.7062.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
ENERGY EFFICIENT & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ICE RINK WORKSHOPS
Over 250 participants have currently registered for 5 different workshop across the province. Sponsored by Natural Resources Canada-CTEC Varennes .
THE RETScreen INTERNATIONAL CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT ANALYSIS TOOLS
Are now available in both English and French, with many also available in 19 other languages. In addition to the RETScreen Software that can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emission reductions for various types of technologies, the tools include product, cost and weather databases, a detailed online user manual, a college/university-level training course (e.g. slides, instructor's voice & notes), and over 85 case studies on real projects. All of these tools are available free-of-charge at the RETScreen Website: www.retscreen.net/ang/menu.php
 JUNE IS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH
Just over four months left for planning your June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) activities! Visit www.recandparksmonth.ca to list your events on the Events Calendar and to check out what others are doing across the province
LEGISLATION
Ontario's General Minimum Wage - Set to Increase February 1, 2006. [more…]
Confined Space Regulations –
Come into affect September 2006. To find out more about the Industrial Sector [more…]
Extending Greenbelt Protection –
Ontario Government Permanently Protects Crucial Headwaters in Rouge River Watershed. [more…]
CSA Draft of the next Playground Standard – Open for public review until April 1, 2006. The official public review draft can be found at [more…]
Ergonomics – Inspectors to begin touring Ont. businesses in April [more…]
Playgrounds – Let Them Be Kids Initiative is a first of its kind, nation-wide program that helps communities build playgrounds in areas of need, while also building community capacity amongst citizens and laying a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow. [more…]
FOCUS ON FACILITIES
FCM Green Municipal Fund - New funding opportunity for municipal energy project implementation! Green Municipal Fund Energy RFP opens February 8, 2006. New GMF Request for Proposals Process [more...]
CO Detectors - PEI Recreation Facilities Association calls for mandatory CO detectors. [more…]
Preventing Workplace Pains and Strains - Pains and strains can be serious and disabling for Ontario workers, causing pain and suffering ranging from discomfort to severe disability. The consequences are far reaching and can affect every aspect of a worker's life. [more…]
Leaf Blower Recall - Due to laceration hazard [more…]
Twelve Dead In Polish Roof Collapse - Where 12 people were killed and about 80 injured when a snow-laden roof collapsed at an exhibition hall. Earlier this month, 15 people died at an ice skating rink in the town of Bad Reichenhall in southern Germany when a 34-year-old roof collapsed under the weight of fallen snow. These incidents serve to remind building owners on the importance of monitoring snow loads and any signs of structural distress. [more...]
Winter Floor Care - Pro Tips from SWISH [more…]
Facility Shortfall - Why Toronto, the largest Minor Hockey city in the country doesn't have a Showcase Facility to call its Own. [more…]
Workplace Inspections - Are evaluations of a workplace to identify what existing hazards exist and what may turn into a hazard. They are only effective when the findings of the inspection are used to determine what needs to happen to correct problems and the corrective action is taken. Considerations for developing an inspection plan for a workplace from the WSIB [more…]
Gypsy Moth - City of Mississauga has hired independent expert consultant BioForest Technologies Inc. to assist with the development and implementation of a program to control the Gypsy Moth outbreak expected this spring. Mississauga is committed to developing a proactive, well-researched and comprehensive plan to deal with the gypsy moth population. [more…]
Digital Excuses According to a recent VitalSmarts survey, more than 87% of those polled admit using hi-tech means to resolve a workplace confrontation is not effective. Moreover, 89% say e-mail, text messaging, and voice mail can get in the way of good workplace relationships. Technology has the heightened potential to lead reasonable, rational and decent people down the path of innuendo, supposition and inference until they author the best email that they will ever live to regret. [more…]
Ice Maintenance - Rink workers and activists face of at Dufferin Grove Park over badly maintained ice [more…]
Recalls -
Fire Extinguishers
Leaf Blowers
Stihl Chainsaws
TECH TIPS
Refrigeration:
“Kill Switch” Testing
Did you know that a logged annual test of the “Emergency External Plant Shutdown System” is required by all refrigeration plants? T.S.S.A. has been asking for this annual test of the “kill switch” for some time now. The “kill switch” is located in the firebox and vestibule. All safety devices should be checked and tested annually then logged as complete. It is recommended that the firebox electrical switch and emergency stop switch be inspected and tested annually during start-up. This can be logged using O.R.F.A.’s Refrigeration Plant Maintenance document [more…]
Playgrounds:
Winter weather conditions reduce the effectiveness of surfacing materials for outdoor play areas. These conditions should be considered by owners/operators. Create a seasonal maintenance schedule as part of your regular maintenance program. Be sure to include and document any special preparations for winter. Doing this is another step towards creating a safe play environment and minimizing injuries. Play hills are one of the most popular facilities in a playground and are used in both summer and winter. If any hill can be expected to be used for tobogganing, there should be no obstructions such as trees, benches, or play equipment present at the foot of, on the slope. (Note: the National Standard for Playgrounds in Canada is Children’s Playspaces and Equipment CAN/CSA-Z614)
In "Terms" of Facilities - Terms, phrases and definitions relevant to your operation…
Controls -- Measures designed to eliminate or reduce hazards or hazardous exposures. Examples include: engineering controls, administrative controls, hygiene practices, and work practices. Hazards can be controlled at the source, along the path to the worker, or at the worker.
Administrative Controls - Measures that limit or reduce the period of exposure to a biological, chemical or physical agent, or ergonomic hazard.
Some examples are:
- job enrichment
- job rotation
- work/rest schedules
- work rates
- periods of adjustment
Engineering Controls - Measures that limit or reduce exposure to toxic substances, physical agents, mechanical hazards and other types of hazards. Examples of engineering controls include: ventilation, isolation, elimination, enclosure, substitution and design of the workplace or equipment.
[source: Glossary of Occupational Health & Safety Terms. IAPA. 1999.]
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