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O.R.F.A. eNews
JUNE/JULY 2005 Click here for more information on O.R.F.A. Logbooks
Click here for more information on O.R.F.A. Logbooks
Click here for more information on Municipal Alcohol Policy Guide
Click here for more information on Facilities Library Resources
Click here for more information on O.R.F.A. Awards

WELCOME NEW
O.R.F.A. MEMBERS

INDIVIDUAL
Adam Silver
North Bay, ON

Edward Kurcz
Summit, IL

George Araujo
Simcoe, ON

Emmett A. House
Hamilton, NY


STUDENT
Kyle Stitt
Brampton, ON


CORPORATE
Poppa Corn Corp.
Mississauga, ON

ASSOCIATION NEWS
2005 REGIONAL INFORMATION SESSION DATES
Greater Napanee - Oct. 6, 2005
Midland - Nov. 30, 2005


2006 O.R.F.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS
Please be reminded that further to Article 11 of the Association's Constitution, nominations for the 2006 Executive term of office will open Sep. 1 and close Oct. 1. O.R.F.A. will circulate and post formal nomination forms in mid August for your consideration. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this volunteer opportunity.


2005 BURSARY FUND DRAWS
We are pleased to report that a total of $1,433 was collected at this years Annual Professional Development Program in support of a student bursary award initiative. A special thank you is extended to all who participated and allowed us to generate these funds!


FACILITY ALERT - PORTABLE GENERATOR AWARENESS
Just in case you did not review the June 13, 2005 notification - please click here!


ONTARIO TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM 2006
The O.R.F.A. is once again pleased to act as one of the co-sponsors for the 2006 annual symposium that will take place February 20-21, 2006 at the University of Guelph. Look for more detailed information to be released in the Fall.


BIKEWAY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SESSION
O.R.F.A. is pleased to act as a co-sponsor of an upcoming training session which will be conducted at Ontario Place October 20, 2005 in partnership with Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Velo Quebec and the Ontario Parks Association.


RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT
Employers have a duty under section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. This includes developing hot environment policies and procedures to protect workers in hot environments due to hot processes or hot weather. There are several resources available to help you develop a HEAT STRESS guideline to train your workers.

MOL Heat Stress Guidelines [more]
IAPA Heat Stress H&S Fast Facts [more]
CCOHS OHS for Hot Environments [more]
WSIB Heat Stress Alert [more]
CSAO Heat Stress Datasheet [more]
OSSA Safety Check Sheets: Working in the Heat and Cold [more]




  TRAINING CALENDAR
DATE EVENT/LOCATION
JULY EVENT
Jul. 4-7 Ice Making & Painting Technologies Course, Greater Napanee, ON
Jul. 11-14 Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course and Basic Refrigeration Course, Kalamazoo, MI
Jul. 11-14 Basic Refrigeration Course, Sudbury, ON
AUGUST EVENT
Aug. 1-4 Ice Making & Painting Technologies Course and Basic Refrigeration Course, Council Bluffs, IA
Aug. 8-11 Ice Making & Painting Technologies Course, Listowell, ON
Aug. 15-18 Basic Refrigeration Course, (OPS. C.C.) Lindsay, ON
Aug. 22-25 Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course and Basic Refrigeration Course, Rockville, MD
Aug. 22-25 Basic Refrigeration Course, Greater Napanee, ON
Aug. 29-Sep. 1 Basic Refrigeration Course, London, ON

REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES
OR IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROVIDER
O.R.F.A. continues to solicite both "Expressions of Interest" to act as training hosts for our 2005 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
NATIONAL ARENA CENSUS

The Canadian Recreation Facilities Council’s Provincial/Territorial member associations, Hockey Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Sport Canada are in the process of updating the National Arena Database created in 2002. Information gathered will be used to create a National Arena Census.
The information gathered in this project will allow for updating of existing information and will also be used to develop statistics on the state of arenas across Canada. The National Arena Census will provide a general overview of the type and condition of arenas in Canada, as well as identify any renovation plans for the near future.
Participation in this project is extremely important to ensure that information collected is both accurate and reflective of the needs of Canada’s arenas. Further, the information will help to ensure that owners and operators are heard at the national level. Please visit www.crfc.ca for more details or to complete your arena questionnaire online.

JOINT CRFC/O.R.F.A. MEMBER ALERT -
A FEDERAL MINISTRY OF RECREATION, SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Prime Minister Paul Martin recently announced the appointment of Mr. Paul DeVillers, M.P., as Parliamentary Secretary to provide him with advice regarding the co-ordination of federal government activity related to recreation, sport and physical activity.
Currently, there is no federal department encompassing these areas, but rather, an array of programs in several federal departments (Heritage, Culture, Sport, Environment, Communities, Indian and Northern Affairs). Mr. DeVillers is scheduled to make his recommendations to the Privy Council Office within a week or two.
The Privy Council Office’s response to the recommendation will be affected by the level of support received from recreation facility owners/operators, provincial/territorial and municipal governments and not for profit organizations operating in this sector. Recreation Facility Operation and Infrastructure needs are to be identified as an early policy priority.

Recommendation to members:
  • Canadian Recreation Facilities Council (C.R.F.C.) and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (O.R.F.A.) strongly supports the creation of a new federal ministry;
  • The new ministry would be in a position to provide more coordinated leadership in our sector and would bring coherence to federal effort and funding;
  • The new ministry should address the dilemma of aging recreational facility infrastructure as an early policy priority.

Mr. DeVillers is expected to deliver his report to the PCO – June 30th or shortly thereafter. Letters or other expressions of support would be valuable and should be directed to Mr. Devillers during July 2005.
CRFC along with its provincial/territorial members request that an email response or letter to Mr. DeVillers @ paul@pauldevillers.com supporting the creation of a new ministry of recreation, sport and physical activity be coordinated. Please ensure that Recreation Facility Operation and Infrastructure issues are identified in your communication as an early policy priority.


FACILITY WATCH
Fireworks Safety: July 1 Canada Day is a public holiday under the Employment Standards Act 2000. With Canada Day Celebrations taking place all over, be reminded of the hazards surrounding the use of Fireworks. The Office of the Fire Marshal issued the following communiqué with the hope of discouraging the use of fireworks at small neighbourhood gatherings. Includes safety tips and news release. [more]


Fireworks recall notice (CPSC) [more...]
AGCO - The Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario issues bulletin on Social Gaming Events: Locations acceptable for the conduct of Social Gaming Events must meet the following standards: [more...]
You can also access a full version of the Lottery Licensing Manual.

Accessiblity in Ontario New Law Now in Effect: [more...]
Standards could include:

  • Accessible pedestrian routes and entrances into buildings
  • Lower counter heights at cash registers to accommodate wheelchairs
  • Large print menus in restaurants for the visually-impaired
  • Staff training in serving customers with learning disabilities

Brownfields Redevelopment Toolbox for Canadian municipalities is available from about Remediation. [more...]
Brownfields are derelict, dysfunctional or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Despite the complexity of developing these properties, they are often in desirable and strategic locations – in the heart of urban communities, on scenic waterfronts, in or near downtowns. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 153/04 of the Environmental Protection Act. Risk assessment reports must be prepared and submitted to the Ministry of the Environment followed by a public consultation according to mandatory requirements as set out in the Regulation. The City of Orillia is proposing a multi use recreation facility (MURF) on a designated brownfield site. To review the feasibility study, site plan and the results of their risk assessment visit their website. [more]
A risk assessment is a scientific technique which estimates the risk posed to humans, plants, wildlife and the natural environment from exposure to chemical contaminants.


Ontario Rural Economic Development (RED) program, invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships, and is a key part of Ontario’s Rural Plan. Chatham Kent receives support for Marketing Strategy For Regional Recreation/Education Wellness Complex. [more...]

Hockey Canada launches Adult Recreational Hockey. [more...]

Young Worker Safety & Awareness: Do you remember your first few days on the job? How much did you know then? The O.R.F.A. continues to bring you information on Young Worker Safety throughout the spring/summer season. Last year over 49,000 young workers were injured in Ontario. Providing as much information to young workers about their job, their responsibilities and their rights as an employee, could save their life.

Employing Young Workers:
Tips for Employers [more]
Tips for Supervisors [more]
Tips for Young Workers [more]


Keeping Young and New Workers Safe: With summer job season already here, the Ontario government is strengthening enforcement to prevent injuries among young workers and workers new to their jobs. Ministry inspectors have been directed to focus on sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that oblige employers to give young and new workers the information, instruction and supervision needed to work safely. [more]
To provide young workers with an overview on Health & Safety with resource from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. [more]


You Spill You Pay passes third reading Bill 133
Ontario now uses environmental penalties as a compliance and enforcement tool. Bill 133 gives Ministry of the Environment directors the authority to impose a penalty of up to $100,000 a day to companies responsible for unlawful spills and emissions. Fact sheet for Communities [more]
Note:
The Ministry of the Environment has confirmed that the environmental penalties provided in Bill 133 do not apply to municipalities. The following provides useful clarification for municipalities. AMO Bulletin requests clarification from MOE: [more...]


The Building Envelope Breakdown
By examining the way a building was designed and constructed, as well as the repairs that have been made during its lifetime, facility managers can help pinpoint the sources of many problems. [more]

Outdoor Workers
While air pollution is often invisible and can go unnoticed, it is a health hazard. Outdoor workers need to be especially aware of air pollution. [more]
Other Potential Hazards for the Outdoor Worker Include
Heat Stress (MOL) [more]
West Nile Virus (MOL) [more]
(CCOHS) [more]
Chemical Safety (CCOHS) [more]
Equipment Hazards (various outdoor equipment and portable hand tools) CCOHS offers some equipment hazard tips. [more]

Zamboni A closer look at two proud "zamboni" drivers who maintain the ice at the Aspen Ice Gardens. [more]

Tech Tip
Ice depth readings: Instead of stumbling with a measuring tape when performing ice depth readings, merely cut 6-inches off of an old measuring tape and fasten it to the top of a clip board. The drill is used and once it has reached depth the workers finger identifies the depth level and the drill is quickly flipped up onto the cut measuring tape on the clip board for an accurate reading. The clip board also holds a ‘draft drawing of your surface’ to collect depth measurements which are then cleanly transferred into the log book once complete” (this tip was shared during a recent Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operations Course).
Pool Tip: To determine whether water loss is due to evaporation or a leak, when the pool is closed, set a (weighted) pail on a pool step and fill it to a level to match the level of the pool water, thereby keeping the temperature of the water in the pail the same as the pool water. Check the level again before re-opening; if they are still the same, the loss is likely due to evaporation, if the pool is lower, it's likely due to a leak. (Doug Paton, Aquatics Consultants Inc.)
 
ONTARIO RECREATION FACILITIES ASSOCIATION INC.
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