CLCA

Current/Relative News

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Hydro Rates - January 2022

• The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approves Hydro One’s proposed 10-year phase in of eliminating “seasonal class” and this change begins January 1, 2023. This approach is intended to limit the total bill increase for affected seasonal customers, including those with low average monthly consumption, to 10% (maximum) per year. In its decision the OEB clarified once again that, though separate from this rate decision, eligibility for rebates through the Rural and Remote Electricity Rate Protection (RRRP) and Distribution Rate Protection (DRP) continues to apply only to Hydro One’s rural year-round residential customers (i.e., Low Density – R2 class). A year-round residential customer requires eight months of continuous occupation of a dwelling over the year. FOCA reminds everyone that if they believe they qualify for year-round residential status that should submit a completed declaration form and supporting material to Hydro One.

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Bait Management Zones - January 2022

• The Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) announced that Ontario has established four Bait Management Zones (BMZs) to protect our lakes and rivers from invasive species and fish diseases. Effective January 1, 2022, baitfish or leeches (whether live or dead) must not be transported into or out of a BMZ. For the map and more info, visit: www.ontario.ca/bait

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Clean, Drain, Dry Your Boat - October 2021

• The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) has finalized amendments to Ontario Regulation 354/16 under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 to regulate watercraft as a carrier of invasive species.  The changes also classify 13 species as either prohibited or restricted invasive species. The objective of this proposal is to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species which can occur through the movement of watercraft overland to other waterbodies in Ontario and to other provinces and states. The rules are based on the Clean, Drain, Dry practices which have been promoted through education and outreach efforts across North America, by FOCA, and others.

  • Boaters are now required to remove drain plugs, drain all on board water and remove any aquatic plants upon removing the watercraft from a waterbody. 

  • Prior to reaching a launch site for a body of water, the watercraft, watercraft equipment and any vehicle or trailer used to transport the watercraft or watercraft equipment must not have an aquatic plant, animal or algae attached to it

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