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O.R.F.A. eNews
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Sponsor of the 2008 Annual Professional Development Program - Sunday Evening Social & Welcome Reception

FOR OTHER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES [more...]



WELCOME NEW
O.R.F.A. MEMBERS

CORPORATE
Joe Johnson Equipment, Innisfil, ON  www.jjei.com

Capital Sports Mgmt., Kanata, ON 
www.bellsensplex.ca

GROUP
Cold Lake, City of, Cold Lake, AB    www.coldlake.com

STUDENT
Jeff Linton, Guelph, ON

INDIVIDUAL
Sammy Smith, Ridgeway, ON.
Donald MacDermid, Whitby, ON.
Joe Fuscaldo, Maple, ON

ASSOCIATION STAFF
Welcome to our most recent additions to our administrative team:
Remo Petrongolo, Director, Business Development and
Sharon Dias, Administrative Assistant.

Special thank you and best wishes is extended to Helen Morrison who has served the Association and our membership over the last three years.  Helen has elected to leave the Association to pursue other family and home business opportunities.


ASSOCIATION NEWS

O.R.F.A. 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Congratulations is extended to the members of the 2008 O.R.F.A. Board of Directors who have been called to serve the membership.


O.R.F.A. 2007 ANNUAL REPORT
2007 Annual Report


O.R.F.A. 2008 EXPO
The O.R.F.A. EXPO is the Association’s largest and most successful tradeshow for companies specializing in products and services targeting the recreation industry. [more...]

We are excited to announce that the 2008 EXPO will be held on April 30, 2008 at the Gryphon Dome, Guelph, Ontario in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Professional Development Program being held from April 28 – May 1, 2008.  As a 2007 EXPO exhibitor and member, we are offering you First Right of Refusal and Early Bird rates* for 2008.

* First Right of Refusal and Early Bird rates apply only to current O.R.F.A. Corporate Members

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact Hubie Basilio at 416-426-7062 or by emailing
expo@orfa.com
.


O.R.F.A. DESIGNATION PROGRAM
The following individuals have received one of O.R.F.A.'s different professional designations.

1) CIT, CAT and CPT Applications...PDF

Master List of CIT's, CPT's, CAT's.

CIT
Paul English
Rick Russell
Darryl Tune
Michel Labonte
Michael Olynchuk
Norm Nahdee Jr.
Brandon Hunting
Glenn Price
Janine King
Kevin Hayes
Paul Macdonald
Alain Goldfinch
Andrew Laton
Arthur McConnell
Michael Blackmore
Douglas Lampman
Robert Edwards
Marco Guenther
 Jeff Ewing
Steve Loureiro
Mike Campos
Tyler Davis
Denis Paulin
Thomas Baynton
Michael Kingswood
Real Deschatelets
Todd Ross
Nic Larsen

CPT
Scott MacKinnon

2) Designation Program Brochure...PDF

Master List of other Professional Designations.


RSP
Jennifer Hammond-Doormaal

RRFO
Tim Welsh
Mike Young

RRFS
Andrew Kovacs
Steve Holmes
Derrick Neelands

RRFM
Dennis Seymour

RRFA
Cliff Berge
Rob Lilbourne


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 2008 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.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT:

The Operating Engineers Regulation: How it Applies to Arenas in Ontario
Do you know the minimum requirements under the Operating Engineers Regulation 219/01(OER)? What do arenas in Ontario need to know about ‘Refrigeration Operator Class "B” [more...]

FACILITY ALERT:
Ice Resurfacer Awareness [more...]

 
PAST ALERTS - Click here

Sledge Hockey Accessibility: Design Guidelines For Arenas as Issued by the Canadian Recreation Facilities Council (CRFC) and Recognized by Hockey Canada [more...]


PROUD MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN RECREATION FACILITIES COUNCIL


ORFA.COM

WHAT's NEW ON THE O.R.F.A. WEBSITE

    TRAINING CALENDAR
FEBRUARY EVENT LOCATION
February 12 Ice Resurfacer Safety and Plant Room Entry Workshops (FULL) Peterborough, ON
February 14
9:00am - Noon
Basic Housekeeping and Sanitation/
Dealing with Violence in the Workplace Workshops
North Perth, ON
February 11-14 Basic Refrigeration Belleville, ON
February 15 SIRO - Safe Ice Resurfacer Operator East Gwillimbury, ON
February 19-22,
25-29, March 3
O.R.F.A./CIMCO Refrigeration Operator
(Class B) Preparation Course
Concord, ON
February 19-20 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium Guelph, ON
February 21 Let's Cut-Ice Workshop Hamilton, ON
 
 

E-NEWS HIGHLIGHT

DIFFERENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION FACILITIES ANNOUNCED

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES - The Centre for Sustainable Community Development offers financial services and resources to Canadian municipal governments to improve environmental performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [more…]  

Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) - The Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) is playing a big part in the Ontario government’s ambitious plan to renew public infrastructure in communities throughout the province. This $300 million initiative under ReNew Ontario is a one-time, application-based program this year that is intended to address community infrastructure priorities and support as many projects as possible across Ontario. The MIII compliments other provincial investments that support a strong and resilient economy, continued growth and better quality of life in a wide range of communities across Ontario. [more...]

Other awards, grants and incentives available to municipalities - a detailed list of funding sources for Ontario municipalities.  [more...]

Communities ask: What would you fix first? McGuinty Government Funding Local Priorities
The McGuinty government’s $300-million Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative will help communities restore and revitalize public infrastructure. This could result in safer local roads and bridges, cleaner, safer water, better waste management systems, upgraded sports, recreation and community centres, and more, to provide both public facilities and services that make Ontario an attractive place to live, work, and invest.  [more...] 


ONTARIO MINISTRY OF ENERGY ANNOUNCE NEW GRANT

Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive (OSTHI) Helping Recreation Facilities to Save Energy and Money

"Wondering whether you could improve the energy efficiency of your recreation facility and save money at the same time? You can through the Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive (OSTHI).

Under this provincial government program, eligible ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) sector organizations that install a qualifying solar thermal heating system can get a rebate on as much as 25 per cent of the cost, to a maximum of $80,000. Eligible are businesses, industries, schools, universities, municipalities and hospitals.

The OSTHI is delivered in conjunction with Natural Resource Canada's federal ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program. Together, the programs can provide qualified applicants with up to 50 per cent of the cost of installation, to a maximum of $160,000.

[more...] [more...]


AWARENESS

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association has arranged for economical and comfortable return travel to the National Arena Symposium to be held in Quebec City May 2 to 4, 2008. [more...]

 

The European-designed luxury highway coach is equipped with large panoramic windows, a sound and video system, a washroom and plenty of room for luggage. The highway coach will leave the University of Guelph on Thursday, May 1st at 5:00 pm arriving at Laval University in Quebec City at approximately 2:00 am on Friday morning. The bus will leave Laval University at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 4th and arrive at the University of Guelph at approximately 2:00 am Monday morning. 

 

The early-bird fare, valid until March 31st, is $175.00 plus 5% GST per person. After March 31st the fare will be $200.00 plus 5% GST per person. Travel reservations must be booked through the O.R.F.A. using the reservation form accompanying this notice. Seating is limited to 48 persons. Register early!

 

Travelers are responsible for arranging and paying for their own hotel accommodation and symposium registration. Visit www.crfc.ca for complete hotel and symposium program information.

 

NOTE: Priority reservations will be given to delegates attending the 53rd Annual Professional Development Program (APDP) at the University of Guelph. Assuming space availability, secondary consideration will be given to O.R.F.A. members not attending the APDP and who wish to depart from a major city/town located east of the City of Guelph along the Highway 401 corridor. For more information, contact the O.R.F.A. office at (416) 426-7062.

 



ONTARIO TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM LOOKS AT THE NEW GREEN

Guelph, ON - The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium(OTS) is  returning to Rozanksi Hall at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario on Tuesday, February 19 and Wednesday, February  20, 2008.  Speakers from both industry and academia will provide valuable insight regarding turf topics reflecting the OTS 2008 theme - The New Green.  The 17th annual Ontario Turfgrass Symposium will allow delegates to participate in informative and engaging sessions reflecting the many important trends in turf management.  Golf course staff, sports turf/recreation and lawn care workers and sod growers can all benefit from the variety of topics, specifically: new dandelion biocontrol, induced resistance to turfgrass diseases, gray-water recycling and managing sports field energy consumption.

OTS provides a great opportunity to network  with colleagues in the turf business - exchanging ideas and practices that promote premium turf health. Attend OTS and discover emerging trends in the turf business in Ontario, across the country and internationally.

Visit the conference website at http://www.open.uoguelph.ca/ots/ or call 519.767.5000 for more information.
 



HEALTHY WORKPLACES CONFERENCE

The Healthy Workplaces Conference 2008 is about encouraging people to be innovative to meet the challenges today for a healthy more productive tomorrow. Association members are offered the opportunity to save $50 on your registration to the Healthy Workplaces Conference.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this great opportunity please register using the affiliate code OUT609.

There is space created on the registration form to enter your affiliate code for the savings.
  


ORFA MEMBERS MATTER!

O.R.F.A MEMBER LEO BROERE of Bracebridge on Family Day

Feb 18th is our first look at a new STAT…the newly minted Family Day! Our Collective Bargaining agreement does not contemplate this, as it is a surprise day that could not have be predicted at time of printing. There are two schools of thought on this in our closed loop of Managers in my department. One side allows that we (all dept. staff) all belong to families and as such, might enjoy a long weekend to 'play' with them, so close the buildings and treat it like a true stat such as Christmas/Boxing Day/New Year’s day etc. The other side allows that in order for a true fun celebration of Family time to take place, our facilities should be open and scheduled to allow for Family swims/skates/workouts, etc. Since our Ice/Pool contracts were drawn up and vetted before this declaration, there are some logistical considerations to factor in here as well. I'm asking you to consider this, if you have not already done so. Please let me know what side of this discussion that you fall on and if you like, I'll share your response with others. I appreciate your time and consideration. Send your comments to Leo Breore by email: LBroere@bracebridge.ca

ORFA MEMBER THERESA KLACHAN of Aylmer on Facility and Ice Rental Surveys

Does your facility utilize an User Survey to obtain feedback from Facility Patrons. ORFA member Theresa Klachlan, East Elgin Community Complex is interested in finding out whether facilities use this type of survey. If you would like to share your experiences please forward comment to Theresa Klachan, General Manager East Elgin Community Complex tklachan@eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca

ORFA MEMBER GUS STAHLMANN of Guelph is a real trail blazer. [more...]

A retirement celebration for Gus was held January 24, 2008 in the City of Guelph.

ORFA MEMBER LINDA CHIUPKA of Marathon seeks quality used Baseball equipment
I have a man who is trying to start a league baseball program in Marathon for peewee and mosquito aged children.  He is actively looking for sponsorship, but since we are a small community and the same businesses are asked repeatedly, it is going to be difficult for him to raise enough money to get a diamond ready and purchase equipment.  I’m wondering if anyone has a source for good quality used baseball equipment that they are going to be replacing soon.  Send your comments to Linda Chiupka lchiupka@town.marathon.on.ca

The ORFA is always open to member comments about any issues affecting today's recreation facilities. info@orfa.com
ORFA members matter!


O.R.F.A. NOTICES

SNOW LOAD REMINDER

Winter is here and at this time O.R.F.A. reminds owners and operators to assess the risk of snow build up on roofs. [more...]

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires an employer to ensure that a roof "is capable of supporting all loads to which it may be subjected without causing the materials therein to be stressed beyond the allowable unit stresses established under the Building Code Act" [s. 25(1)(e)]. The Occupational Health & Safety Act, section 9 (23) further requires that "all physical conditions of each building be inspected for safety at least once a month". The Ministry of Labour (MOL) makes the following recommendations and a local MOL Office should be consulted if additional information and or clarification are required:

Owners of workplaces and/or employers at workplaces where there is snow on the roof of buildings should have the roofs assessed by a professional engineer to determine whether:

  • the snow load is significant, or
  • there are any visible signs of structural distress, for example, twisting, bending or cracking.
  • If snow is excessive or a roof shows signs of distress, the owner or employer should implement a safe snow removal procedure. A snow removal operation should avoid producing any uneven or concentrated loading on the roof.
  • Areas onto which snow will be dumped from a roof should be secured to prevent access.
  • Also, workers on a roof must use fall-arrest or travel-restraint equipment in accordance with the fall protection requirements of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (RRO 851, s. 85).
  • A civil or structural engineer should be consulted: (1) to determine whether snow loads are excessive; (2) to determine whether there are signs of structural distress; (3) to obtain a removal procedure that will not cause more structural problems; or (4) to reinforce a structure that is overstressed. The Ministry of Labour no longer releases reminders to owners of such obligations (MOL Bulletin of Apr.4/97) and it is therefore an owner responsibility to have structural inspections performed on an as required basis by a structural engineer.

ICE RESURFACER SAFETY

Review the following Safety Alert courtesy of the City of London surrounding the injury of a worker who was performing a blade change. [more…]

ORFA Members should review a copy of ORFA’s Suggested Procedure for Blade Changes and the Ice Resurfacer Awareness document.

Accident Investigations are important after a workplace injury or near-miss  to help determine the contributing factors and root causes of an injury or illness. [more...]


RECENT MEMBER NOTICES

  • Public Review of Legislation Banning Cosmetic Use of Pesticides [more...] [more...]

  • Ice Groomers Hazard: This notice is shared in partnership with the Ministry of Labour to alert you to some serious incidents involving Snowmobile Trail Groomers. Even though you may not have direct responsibilities for this kind of equipment, you may be in a position to share with others within your community. Please be aware that two previous fatalities occurred in 1999 and 2001 when groomers broke through the ice and their occupants drowned. [more...]

  • Please find attached your invitation and registration form to become one of the many companies that will participate in the 2008 EXPO, to be held Wednesday April 30, 2008 at the Gryphon Dome, University of Guelph as part of the Association's 53rd. Annual Professional Development Program. [more...]


LEGISLATION and ENFORCEMENT

Family Day a public holiday UNDER Employment Standards Act, 2000 [more…]

Injured worker benefits increasing on January 1st, 2008. Workers who have been injured on the job in Ontario will receive the second of three increases in their benefits of two-and-a-half per cent as of January 1, 2008 plus a further increase of two-and-a-half per cent will be made on January 1, 2009. Combined, these increases exceed the current rate of inflation. These increases apply to those who are permanently, partially disabled. [more...]

Windsor company fined $50,000 for ignoring orders [more…]

Reminder that the New 2007 Fire Code is now in effect [more…]


RECALLS

  • Air compressors from Campbell Hausfeld [more…]
  • CPSC warns winter storm victims to use portable generators outdoors only [more...]

TECH TIPS

Fire Exits and Housekeeping

Every building has a certain number of exits in strategic places to allow for quick exit in the event of a fire. According to the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, those exits must remain unobstructed and usable even when a building is undergoing construction. If you can't avoid blocking an exit during a construction project, you must create an alternative one. Keeping fire exits accessible reminds us how important good housekeeping practices are. Good housekeeping contributes to productivity, efficiency, and, most importantly, safety.

Remember to

  • gather and remove debris as often as necessary to keep traffic and work areas clear

  • keep stairways, passageways, and gangways free of material, supplies, and obstructions

  • pick up, store, and dispose of tools, materials, or debris that can cause tripping or other problems.

  • keep materials stacked, piled, or otherwise stored to prevent tipping and collapsing

  • store materials away from overhead powerlines.

 (Source: You can contact the Construction Safety Association of Ontario for more details about house-keeping) [more…]

Winter Hazards for Construction: Ice and Snow

  • Clean ice and snow from access areas and work platforms. Make sure that stairs, ladders, and scaffold planks are clear.
  • Use sand, salt, or other de-icing material to prevent slips and falls. Simply turning icy planks over may not be enough. Ice often forms on the underside of planks and other platform materials.
  • Watch your footing. Steel beams, decks, and platforms may be clear in sunny areas but icy in the shade. The same goes for plywood decks.
  • Remove icicles, especially when the temperature starts to warm up. If icicles can’t be removed, rope off the area below them and put up warning signs.
  • Clear frost and snow completely from all windows, mirrors, and lights on vehicles and heavy equipment.
  • When possible, keep your arms free to cushion a fall.
  • When setting up signs and barriers for traffic control, allow extra distance so that motorists can spot warning signs and slow down or stop in time. Visibility and braking distance can be greatly
    reduced in winter.
    (Source: Construction Safety Association of Ontario)

Ice Resurfacer Water Fill Nozzles
When filling the Zamboni (ice-surfacing machine) with heated water, it isn't unusual for the operator to allow some spillage. This wastes water and the energy used to heat the water. To reduce the chances of this happening, heavy-duty water fill nozzles with automatic shut-off features can be installed. The fill nozzles work just like those used at gas stations to prevent over-filling; they will automatically shut off the water when the Zamboni tank is full, preventing water spillage. (Source: City of Toronto energy program initiative www.toronto.ca)


TERMINOLOGY
In "Terms" of Facilities - Terms, phrases and definitions relevant to your operation…

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Air Barrier: A barrier usually consists of a membrane to prevent the uncontrolled flow of air throughout the building envelope.

Ambient Temperature: Temperature (usually the air) surrounding operating equipment.

Atmospheric Pressure: Pressure exerted because air has weight. Under normal conditions this pressure is 14.7 lb./sq. in. (101.2 kPa).

Relative Humidity: A ratio, expressed as a percent, of the amount of water Vapor in an air space compared to the amount of water Vapor that the air space could hold at a given temperature.

Dew point: The temperature at which the air (space) becomes saturated.  When air is cooled to the dew point, water Vapor condenses into liquid form (provided its latent heat is removed).

Source for definitions: Energy Management Manual for Arena and Curling Rink Operations. SaskPower Copyright 2006.


FACILITY EXTRAS…

Workplace Health and Safety: Fire Protection
[more...]

Workplace Health and Safety: Preventive Maintenance [more...]

Human Resources: Breaking Convention [more...]


FOCUS ON FACILITIES
FACILITIES and more - A lot has been going on in and around recreation facilities. Take a look
...

City of Guelph puts the Rzone into practice at City facilities: Encouraging safety through respect and responsibility. [more...] 

Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships Deerhurst Resort Huntsville, ON. [more...]

Recreation Facilities nowhere left to play. [more...]

Repairs underway at YMCA as swimming pool and hot tub tiles bubble and peel. [more...]

Closer to putting shovel in the ground - Woolwich Memorial Centre. [more...]

Mississauga joins the WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities. Over the coming weeks and months, municipalities across Ontario will add their names to the growing list of Ontario cities and towns making public commitments to safer workplaces and communities.  [more...]

The ORFA is saddened to hear of the death of Don Demorest, owner of White Ice. Don passed away after he and five other people were exposed to high carbon monoxide levels. [more...]


 
ONTARIO RECREATION FACILITIES ASSOCIATION INC.
1185 EGLINTON AVENUE EAST, SUITE 402, NORTH YORK, ONTARIO, CANADA   M3C 3C6

T.416.426.7062   F.416.426.7385   EMAIL: INFO@ORFA.COM

©2008 ONTARIO RECREATION FACILITIES ASSOCIATION INC.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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