(Members may access the plan via the Member pages.)
Hospitality Lives Here!
News & Updates
Our 2009 Conference was a rousing success.
Left, author and B&B luminary Pamela Lanier with Jay Karen, CEO of PAII; Centre, yes... it's your Board of Directors making the most of our theme, "Bringing the 60s back to Wasaga." Right: Joey Purpura belts it out as Neil Diamond.
Click on the flip-book image above to open in full-screen mode.
Thanks to our 2009 Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor:
Silver Sponsors:
Accessibility News
A resolution has been reached in the recent case where a Bed & Breakfast found itself before the courts and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for refusing accommodation to a sight impaired person with a seeing eye dog due to allergies. The resolution was of a financial nature, and was not definitive about setting policy or official precedent for future complaints, as the settlement preceded any final ruling.
Learn more about this situation, and privacy, personal and property rights issues at the FOBBA Conference in November.
Notes from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
Some good news...
“The government does not plan to impose requirements for retrofitting existing buildings at this time. Also, the government does not intend to require Ontarians to make their existing or new single family houses accessible at this time.”
So said an email we received on July 14 from the Accessibility Directorate. It’s significant provided it sticks. The email continues:
“The public review period to make comments on the SDC’s Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard is from July 14, 2009 to October 16, 2009.
“Once the public review period is over, the standards development committee will reconvene to consider your feedback. They may make changes to their initial proposed standard based on the feedback prior to finalizing a proposed standard for submission to the Minister of Community and Social Services.
“Those interested in reviewing the SDC’s proposed standard or participating in the accessibility standards development process can find more information on the Ministry of Community and Social Services' website at ontario.ca/community.
“In September, public consultation sessions will be conducted across the province. To participate in a consultation session please call 1-888-482-4317 or toll-free 1-888-335-6611, or email public.review@oliverwyman.com.”
S.S. Bella is on board
FOBBA is please and proud to welcome our first floating member B&B, the SS Bella, captained by Eric Chevrette and first mate Julie. Obviously this is a unique situation and our Star Rating system was not designed with a boat in mind. However, Bella meets or exceeds all FOBBA standards. It is an outstanding boat and promises a unique B&B experience at the hands of an experienced sailor and accomplished French Chef, all set against the magnificent Toronto skyline.
Water regulations for small drinking water systems that serve the public have been switched from the Ministry of the Environment to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care as of December 1, 2008. FOBBA has advocated long and hard for this step, and we look forward to working with local Health Units to implement the protocols of Regulation 319/08.
There is currently some question as to how Bed & Breakfasts will be required to test under the new regulation. FOBBA has taken the position that we are private residential dwellings by definition, and that this entitles owners to the same rights and privileges as any rural homeowner, including testing private water samples through the public health labs.
This is a current and ongoing issue. We will keep members informed about the status of our discussions with government. If you are a FOBBA member, you can read more about this emerging issue here.
If you are a B&B host but not a FOBBA member, please consider joining. In the meantime, here is a synopsis of what we recommend regarding action on small drinking water regulations.
FOBBA has achieved significant Provincial recognition since its formation in 1987. Our Federation represents B&Bs at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), and through our stakeholder networks and provincial contacts, we provide input to tourism policy, tourism initiatives and regulatory proposals that affect B&Bs and the Ontario hospitality industry.
The FOBBA Fire Code Committee has hired a recognized Fire Safety Engineer, Stephen Tomlin P.Eng., to represent members in discussions with the officials at the Fire Marshall’s Office. There is also a Deputy Minister who is to act as an intermediatory. This is an on going action and changes are taking place for hotels at the moment.
FOBBA is working with the Ministry of Tourism to assist with the implementation of the new Ontario Tourism Strategy (see www.tourism.gov.on.ca) and subsequently have been present at discussions about it.
One of FOBBA's significant achievements is our rating system, which is under regular review, and is adopted by members on a voluntary basis. The FOBBA Rating System is now the accepted standard for Bed and Breakfasts in Ontario.
For information about entering Canada from the US through land border crossings, please click here.
FOBBA is please and proud to welcome our first floating member B&B, the SS Bella, captained by Eric Chevrette and first mate Julie. Obviously this is a unique situation and our Star Rating system was not designed with a boat in mind. However, Bella meets or exceeds all FOBBA standards. It is an outstanding boat and promises a unique B&B experience at the hands of an experienced sailor and accomplished French Chef, all set against the magnificent Toronto skyline.