ORFA E-NEWS - VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2

CAO'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the summer issue of the 2009 ORFA E-News series. It continues to be our goal when publishing each issue of E-News to create awareness of the rising issues and trends that affect our sector, while at the same time, allowing members and readers an insight into Association activities. I encourage you to take a moment to review information contained within this issue of E-News as a way of keeping abreast of recent changes to our profession.

Remembering Frank Westoby November 15, 1915 - April 3, 2009
I also wish to pay special tribute to Mr. Frank Westoby. Frank was one of the Association's founding members and passed peacefully at his home on April 3, 2009. Frank was a sixteen year Board Member, Past President, Life Member, co-founder of the Association magazine and instructor at many an Association training event since 1956. [more...]

Archived article: Dundas Arena: Arenas, Pools & Recreation June 1955. [more...]
Update: In December 2000, Mr. Westoby helped celebrate the arena’s 50th anniversary with a new name: J. L. Grightmire Dundas Arena.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION RECEPTION 2009

From the founding fathers of the Ontario Arena Association, through to our current organization, a great number of our members have volunteered their time and expertise to help enhance competencies and shape policies and procedures for the betterment of the recreation facility industry…a fact that does not go unrecognized.

The following individuals were recognized at the 2009 ORFA Awards & Recognition Banquet: [photo gallery more...]

Federal Budget Stimulates a New Sport
and Recreation Building Initiative

With the recent Federal Budget, Finance Minister Flaherty and Sport Minister Lunn have taken direct aim at the long standing infrastructure deficit in sport and recreation with a new $500 million fund, to be expended in the next 2 years, to renew and build facilities in our communities…

Budget 2009: Canada's Economic Action Plan [more…]
ORFA Responds to Federal Budget [more…]

FCM List of 2009 "Shovel Ready" Municipal Infrastructure Projects (updated) [more…]

RINC PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE

Under the RInC program, municipalities, First Nations, community organizations and other not-for-profit or private groups that have projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011, are invited to apply for funding. RInC's objectives are to provide an immediate, targeted stimulus to the economy and help mitigate the impacts of the global economic recession by increasing construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. This program also encourages participation in physical activity and community building by upgrading and repairing recreational facilities [more…]

Update as of June 26, 2009 - There was an overwhelming response to the RInC and Ontario REC programs, and many worthwhile projects can proceed to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Government of Canada is providing the full amount for Ontario, $195 million over two years, rather than the $68 million originally announced for this construction season. [more...]

ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE NEW CHARTER FOR RECREATION AND PARKS FOR JUNE IS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

CHARTER for Parks and Recreation in Ontario
In celebration of June is Recreation and Parks Month, Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), Ontario Parks Association (OPA), Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario are endorsing and launching the Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario. The Charter is a true milestone for Recreation and Parks and for the citizens of Ontario.
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orfa certification announcement
The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and the Canadian Red Cross – Ontario Zone have partnered on the development and delivery of a brand new training program leading to a new professional designation, Certified Aquatic Professional (CAP)[more...]

SUMMER SEASON OPENER

Another pool season is now upon us here’s your seasonal maintenance checklist. When opening and closing your pool for the Consider how current you are in each of these operational responsibilities as you begin the 2009 pool season. Seasonal Pool Operator Checklist [more…]

RECENT ORFA MEMBER NOTICES

Heat Stress [more...]

Cell Phones And Personal Entertainment Devices In The Workplace [more...]

Charter for Recreation and Parks [more...]

Tax Harmonization [more...]

Ministry of Labour - Young Worker Blitz [more...]

Aquatics Certification Program (CAP) [more...]

Fuelmaker Update [more...]