ORFA Facility Focus Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:20:05 -0400 https://orfa.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 ORFA Facility Focus yes b901a407-8a97-53d2-a420-1f3328e64a53 Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fg58e6cmd5top5s0q8vu4cmyds6k?.jpg ORFA Facility Focus Recreation Operational Melting Pot of Issues Recreation Operational Melting Pot of Issues Recently, the ORFA Provincial R&D Group met virtually to discuss topics that members are raising as issues and challenges while ORFA staff presented their priorities to the group for awareness and feedback. The Provincial R&D Group consists of representatives from every region of the province. This network allows the ORFA to instantly connect with frontline practitioners on emerging issues, share ideas and challenges. In this podcast, the Director, Training, Research and Development highlights a provincial wide challenge as hockey groups request an extension on spring ice for tryouts, cross ice barrier installation and storage woes, recreation being drawn into assisting with community social issues, how climate change is challenging recreation operations, the TSSA OE Advisory getting close to going live and what that means as well as membership training wants and needs.

]]> Recently, the ORFA Provincial R&D Group met virtually to discuss topics that members are raising as issues and challenges while ORFA staff presented their priorities to the group for awareness and feedback. The Provincial R&D Group consists of representatives from every region of the province. This network allows the ORFA to instantly connect with frontline practitioners on emerging issues, share ideas and challenges. In this podcast, the Director, Training, Research and Development highlights a provincial wide challenge as hockey groups request an extension on spring ice for tryouts, cross ice barrier installation and storage woes, recreation being drawn into assisting with community social issues, how climate change is challenging recreation operations, the TSSA OE Advisory getting close to going live and what that means as well as membership training wants and needs.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-12506984 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400 1478 4 27 full false The "Grass Root" Start of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) The "Grass Root" Start of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) In this podcast, ORFA Director Training, Research and Development speaks with Guelph Turfgrass Institute’s (GTI) Communications and Outreach Coordinator Dr. Sara Stricker about the “grass root” start of the GTI, its growth and future goals. The ORFA has had along relationship with the GTI and has partnered to bring education and training to ORFA members so they can understand the science, chemistry and best practices for both natural and artificial turf. ORFA’s Ground Management and Operations course includes 2-days of introductory education that has prompted some ORFA members to register for the GTI turf short course and the more comprehensive 2-year diploma program. Turf management impacts every aspect of recreation facility operations. The demand for safe and functional sports turf will only grow making awareness by all facility managers on the basic concepts and approaches an important part of their professional development.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA Director Training, Research and Development speaks with Guelph Turfgrass Institute’s (GTI) Communications and Outreach Coordinator Dr. Sara Stricker about the “grass root” start of the GTI, its growth and future goals. The ORFA has had along relationship with the GTI and has partnered to bring education and training to ORFA members so they can understand the science, chemistry and best practices for both natural and artificial turf. ORFA’s Ground Management and Operations course includes 2-days of introductory education that has prompted some ORFA members to register for the GTI turf short course and the more comprehensive 2-year diploma program. Turf management impacts every aspect of recreation facility operations. The demand for safe and functional sports turf will only grow making awareness by all facility managers on the basic concepts and approaches an important part of their professional development.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-12192520 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500 2112 4 26 full false Not Your Supervisors BAR Course Not Your Supervisors BAR Course In this podcast, ORFA’s Director of Training, Research and Development looks back at the history of refrigeration training for ice rinks and the evolution that the Association has undertaken to get to where we are today. He answers the question that members are asking… is “BAR On Line Self Study” for our staff the right pathway? Spoiler alert….200+ member registrations seem to say yes!

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Director of Training, Research and Development looks back at the history of refrigeration training for ice rinks and the evolution that the Association has undertaken to get to where we are today. He answers the question that members are asking… is “BAR On Line Self Study” for our staff the right pathway? Spoiler alert….200+ member registrations seem to say yes!

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-11351075 Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400 962 3 25 full false ORFA Moves to No Final Test at the End of In-class Training Courses ORFA Moves to No Final Test at the End of In-class Training Courses In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the evolution of ORFA course final assessments while sharing the options that are coming on-line that will provide members with more flexibility to complete the final step in the training process. No longer does a member have to complete the final course assessment at the end of a in-class session – they now can have up to 30 days to complete it.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the evolution of ORFA course final assessments while sharing the options that are coming on-line that will provide members with more flexibility to complete the final step in the training process. No longer does a member have to complete the final course assessment at the end of a in-class session – they now can have up to 30 days to complete it.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-11290793 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0400 710 3 24 full false The History and Importance of User Fees The History and Importance of User Fees In this weeks podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director discusses recreational user fees. The current Hockey Canada saga includes the use of registration (user) fees for something their members deemed inappropriate. User fees are always a sensitive topic. Historically, the industry has not taken a business approach to setting these necessary fees and the result is a lack of ongoing investment in the facilities. Finding a balance between the user and non-user who are often both paying every time a rental occurs is a facility managers responsibility. Comparing apples with apples so that senior management can make informed decisions is our responsibility. 

]]> In this weeks podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director discusses recreational user fees. The current Hockey Canada saga includes the use of registration (user) fees for something their members deemed inappropriate. User fees are always a sensitive topic. Historically, the industry has not taken a business approach to setting these necessary fees and the result is a lack of ongoing investment in the facilities. Finding a balance between the user and non-user who are often both paying every time a rental occurs is a facility managers responsibility. Comparing apples with apples so that senior management can make informed decisions is our responsibility. 

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-11166873 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0400 826 3 23 full false Good Bye Guelph, Hello Professional Development Programs! Good Bye Guelph, Hello Professional Development Programs! In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the training event held each spring at the University of Guelph and explains that this format no longer works as we move forward. The Annual Spring  & Fall Professional Development Programs are the new format that will drive how business will be conducted moving forward. Past President Tony Brenner would always say that “the only real constant is change”… this change will allow ORFA members help decide where the Association is headed.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the training event held each spring at the University of Guelph and explains that this format no longer works as we move forward. The Annual Spring  & Fall Professional Development Programs are the new format that will drive how business will be conducted moving forward. Past President Tony Brenner would always say that “the only real constant is change”… this change will allow ORFA members help decide where the Association is headed.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-11086874 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0400 1025 3 22 full false What is the Safest Ice Thickness? What is the Safest Ice Thickness? In this podcast, the Technical Director explains the history of ice thickness calculations. If you want to know how the “industry best practice” of 1.5 inches was arrived at and why it may not be the safest ice thickness in 2022.

]]> In this podcast, the Technical Director explains the history of ice thickness calculations. If you want to know how the “industry best practice” of 1.5 inches was arrived at and why it may not be the safest ice thickness in 2022.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10926196 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400 675 3 21 full false When Can Users Actually Be Allowed Back in the Facility after an Electrical Disruption When Can Users Actually Be Allowed Back in the Facility after an Electrical Disruption Often when the facilities electrical system stabilizes after a disruption our users are eager to get back in the facility. Determining when the doors can in fact be reopened takes some thought and planning. In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director explores the question of “when can we safely let users back into the building”? He looks at operational consideration such as emergency lighting system recharging capability to meet the Fire Code requirements and other facility factors that need to be considered as part of these important facility SOP’s.

OTHER RESOURCES: Technical Corner June 27, 2022

]]> Often when the facilities electrical system stabilizes after a disruption our users are eager to get back in the facility. Determining when the doors can in fact be reopened takes some thought and planning. In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director explores the question of “when can we safely let users back into the building”? He looks at operational consideration such as emergency lighting system recharging capability to meet the Fire Code requirements and other facility factors that need to be considered as part of these important facility SOP’s.

OTHER RESOURCES: Technical Corner June 27, 2022

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10884211 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0400 594 3 20 full false A Walk Down Memory Lane with STAR A Walk Down Memory Lane with STAR As part of the ORFA 75th anniversary celebration ORFA CAO John Milton and TD Terry Piche recently caught up with current USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher and Dave Wescott owner of All-Star Arena’s to reflect on the start of the Canadian/US ice rink facility training relationship. Early in the 2000’s USA Hockey had a vision as to how they could assist rink owners in their efforts to grow the sport and provide safe and serviceable facilities. Rather than “reinvent the wheel” a decision to approach ORFA to partner in this effort was made and the rest is history. Tune in to hear how this relationship started and grew from STAR to the US Ice Rink Association and how Pat and Dave nurtured the vision to meet the objectives.

]]> As part of the ORFA 75th anniversary celebration ORFA CAO John Milton and TD Terry Piche recently caught up with current USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher and Dave Wescott owner of All-Star Arena’s to reflect on the start of the Canadian/US ice rink facility training relationship. Early in the 2000’s USA Hockey had a vision as to how they could assist rink owners in their efforts to grow the sport and provide safe and serviceable facilities. Rather than “reinvent the wheel” a decision to approach ORFA to partner in this effort was made and the rest is history. Tune in to hear how this relationship started and grew from STAR to the US Ice Rink Association and how Pat and Dave nurtured the vision to meet the objectives.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10848202 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400 3758 USA Hockey, STAR, Serving the American Rinks, USIRA, ORFA 3 19 full false The Role of The Certified Playground Inspector The Role of The Certified Playground Inspector In this Podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director untangles the legal requirements associated with playgrounds and play spaces. These facilities are an important part of every communities outdoor recreational environments. Creating an operational and maintenance plan that is balanced with an assert management plan is essential in today’s litigious world. There is no doubt that there is a roe for a certified play space inspector but having one on staff might not be the best investment.

]]> In this Podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director untangles the legal requirements associated with playgrounds and play spaces. These facilities are an important part of every communities outdoor recreational environments. Creating an operational and maintenance plan that is balanced with an assert management plan is essential in today’s litigious world. There is no doubt that there is a roe for a certified play space inspector but having one on staff might not be the best investment.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10764579 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400 1146 3 18 full false Aquatic Staffing Challenges are Placing Pool Operations at Risk Aquatic Staffing Challenges are Placing Pool Operations at Risk ORFA’s Technical Director speaks with Amanda Nadeau from Timmins, Tiffany Vis from Thunder Bay and April McNamara from Parry Sound on how the Pandemic and loss of Canadian Red Cross aquatic training programs are impacting their ability to provide service. There has been a 2-year in service recertification pool gap and a loss of trained lifeguards that are going to limit aquatic programs and services across the province and beyond. 

]]> ORFA’s Technical Director speaks with Amanda Nadeau from Timmins, Tiffany Vis from Thunder Bay and April McNamara from Parry Sound on how the Pandemic and loss of Canadian Red Cross aquatic training programs are impacting their ability to provide service. There has been a 2-year in service recertification pool gap and a loss of trained lifeguards that are going to limit aquatic programs and services across the province and beyond. 

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10731912 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400 2041 3 17 full false Understanding Training Understanding Training In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director goes down the “what is training” rabbit hole while looking back at ORFA’s evolution in training, professional development and certification over the past 75 years. As a supervisor you need to consider do I want an employee who has graduated from the Harvard of the industry or a pop up trainer? The ORFA pathways have been designed by practitioners who work in the industry full time. Not all training is equal or carries the same weight when called into question. Want to know what you're buying… listen to this episode of Facility Focus Podcast.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director goes down the “what is training” rabbit hole while looking back at ORFA’s evolution in training, professional development and certification over the past 75 years. As a supervisor you need to consider do I want an employee who has graduated from the Harvard of the industry or a pop up trainer? The ORFA pathways have been designed by practitioners who work in the industry full time. Not all training is equal or carries the same weight when called into question. Want to know what you're buying… listen to this episode of Facility Focus Podcast.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10640296 Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1060 3 16 full false The 1992 Westray Mining Accident Still Influences Recreation Today The 1992 Westray Mining Accident Still Influences Recreation Today The May 9th, 1992 Westray mining explosion that claimed 26 lives resulted in accountability change across Canada as Bill C-45 was created to help ensure that those directly responsible for the health and safety of others are held criminally accountability should they fail to act appropriately. In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the Westray accident and the legal wranglings that occurred post event that had Canadians coast to coast demand change. He also overlays the Westray event over the Fernie BC refrigeration plant explosion and shares that 5-years after the October 17, 2017 accident that the BC RCMP investigation remains open and active and speculates that B-C45 could be playing a role.

]]> The May 9th, 1992 Westray mining explosion that claimed 26 lives resulted in accountability change across Canada as Bill C-45 was created to help ensure that those directly responsible for the health and safety of others are held criminally accountability should they fail to act appropriately. In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director looks back at the Westray accident and the legal wranglings that occurred post event that had Canadians coast to coast demand change. He also overlays the Westray event over the Fernie BC refrigeration plant explosion and shares that 5-years after the October 17, 2017 accident that the BC RCMP investigation remains open and active and speculates that B-C45 could be playing a role.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10523152 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400 965 3 15 full true How ORFA Thinks About Change How ORFA Thinks About Change In this podcast ORFA’s Technical Director shares how the ORFA arrives at industry best practices by clarifying ORFA’s role which does not include evaluating any product or service that is available in the marketplace. The conversation includes a discussion on the question of “is it time to rethink hot water flooding”? If we look back at how we have changed many of our operational approaches but not really changed flood water temperature maybe it is time to re-evaluate what works – but that’s up to the ORFA which is in fact our members not the staff in Suite 102 at 1 Concorde Gate in Toronto. Have a listen.

]]> In this podcast ORFA’s Technical Director shares how the ORFA arrives at industry best practices by clarifying ORFA’s role which does not include evaluating any product or service that is available in the marketplace. The conversation includes a discussion on the question of “is it time to rethink hot water flooding”? If we look back at how we have changed many of our operational approaches but not really changed flood water temperature maybe it is time to re-evaluate what works – but that’s up to the ORFA which is in fact our members not the staff in Suite 102 at 1 Concorde Gate in Toronto. Have a listen.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10302708 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400 957 3 14 full false Providing First Aid to the Public is a Moral Decision Not a Legal Requirement Providing First Aid to the Public is a Moral Decision Not a Legal Requirement In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director Terry Piche chats about the first aid responsibilities and misconceptions of recreation services as it is a unique work environment that balances both worker and public safety. Understanding the potential return on investment for quality First Aid and CPR training and on site equipment was once again highlighted in a recent event at a Collingwood Arena. Are facility staff expected to respond as EMS when the publics health at risk. The ORFA recognizes the frontline staff who responded to this event but also wishes to point out the leadership of supervisory staff by not only investing in staff training and on site equipment but also for their commitment to ensure that all the moving parts to this responsibility were in fact properly maintained. Understanding compliance and moral response is a supervisors obligation to discuss with their team.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director Terry Piche chats about the first aid responsibilities and misconceptions of recreation services as it is a unique work environment that balances both worker and public safety. Understanding the potential return on investment for quality First Aid and CPR training and on site equipment was once again highlighted in a recent event at a Collingwood Arena. Are facility staff expected to respond as EMS when the publics health at risk. The ORFA recognizes the frontline staff who responded to this event but also wishes to point out the leadership of supervisory staff by not only investing in staff training and on site equipment but also for their commitment to ensure that all the moving parts to this responsibility were in fact properly maintained. Understanding compliance and moral response is a supervisors obligation to discuss with their team.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10302703 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400 942 3 13 full false A History of Plant Room Logbook Readings A History of Plant Room Logbook Readings In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director shares what he didn’t know was legally required, some of the historical gaps and the roles and responsibilities of refrigeration plant stakeholders as it relates to plantroom logbook information. Read ORFA Technical Corner on this topic.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director shares what he didn’t know was legally required, some of the historical gaps and the roles and responsibilities of refrigeration plant stakeholders as it relates to plantroom logbook information. Read ORFA Technical Corner on this topic.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10143814 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0500 834 3 12 full false Facility Procurement Management 2022 Facility Procurement Management 2022 ORFA’s Technical Director, Terry Piche chats about the gifts that the “light bulb salesperson” used to bring in the olden days to the benefits and challenges of having a purchasing department to navigate in todays workplace. When buying any equipment in our industry just because it walks like duck and quack likes a duck doesn’t always mean it is a duck.

]]> ORFA’s Technical Director, Terry Piche chats about the gifts that the “light bulb salesperson” used to bring in the olden days to the benefits and challenges of having a purchasing department to navigate in todays workplace. When buying any equipment in our industry just because it walks like duck and quack likes a duck doesn’t always mean it is a duck.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10078729 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500 987 3 11 full false Covid 2022 – Ice (OHF), Fired and Ottawa Vandalism Covid 2022 – Ice (OHF), Fired and Ottawa Vandalism In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director chats about the OHF/ORFA Return to Play joint statement and what this type of relationship could mean to the future of our industry. He discusses why an employer has the right to release workers that are unvaccinated and the vandalism that occurred in Ottawa during the recent protests. Lots of recreational brain food to digest in this session.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director chats about the OHF/ORFA Return to Play joint statement and what this type of relationship could mean to the future of our industry. He discusses why an employer has the right to release workers that are unvaccinated and the vandalism that occurred in Ottawa during the recent protests. Lots of recreational brain food to digest in this session.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-10012905 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500 792 3 10 full false The Right to Disconnect from Work – Bill 27 The Right to Disconnect from Work – Bill 27 ORFA Technical Director, Terry Piche discusses the history of staying connected at work.  Specifically, the evolution of recreation staff being a constant point of contact by phone or other electronic means during work or non-work hours.  This constant point of being connected appears to replace strong training programs or assists in meeting the required “supervising” provision requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The introduction of Bill-27 is governments attempt to get our attention to finding work/life balance and their role in supporting workers when this balance can not be achieved. It is best that a facility manager understands the issues and tries to get ahead of this common workplace situation before a Ministry of Labour, Training and Development inspector becomes involved. ORFA Resource

]]> ORFA Technical Director, Terry Piche discusses the history of staying connected at work.  Specifically, the evolution of recreation staff being a constant point of contact by phone or other electronic means during work or non-work hours.  This constant point of being connected appears to replace strong training programs or assists in meeting the required “supervising” provision requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The introduction of Bill-27 is governments attempt to get our attention to finding work/life balance and their role in supporting workers when this balance can not be achieved. It is best that a facility manager understands the issues and tries to get ahead of this common workplace situation before a Ministry of Labour, Training and Development inspector becomes involved. ORFA Resource

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-9926232 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 890 3 9 full false Low Pressure-High Charged Ice Sheet Refrigeration Plants Low Pressure-High Charged Ice Sheet Refrigeration Plants ORFA’s Technical Director speaks with CIMCO staff on a variety of topics that impact ice sheet refrigeration plant operations. Not every podcast will have a return on investment but this one does. Any member who has refrigeration plant operations or maintenance responsibilities will benefit from taking the time to listen to this information.


]]> ORFA’s Technical Director speaks with CIMCO staff on a variety of topics that impact ice sheet refrigeration plant operations. Not every podcast will have a return on investment but this one does. Any member who has refrigeration plant operations or maintenance responsibilities will benefit from taking the time to listen to this information.


]]> Josh Bell, Corporate Service Manager, Tim Carley, Corporate Service and David Fauser, Director of Sales, CIMCO Refrigeration and Terry Piche, Technical Director, ORFA Buzzsprout-9684174 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0500 6514 2 8 full false An Open Discussion About Electric Ice Resurfacer’s An Open Discussion About Electric Ice Resurfacer’s Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, ORFA Technical Director talks with all three of Ontario’s ice resurfacer providers about where electric ice resurfacer  technology began, its current growth and what the future holds. He also chats with a municipal and private ice sheet manager who have shifted away from fossil fuel to battery power. What was learned will help shape future ORFA Certified Ice Technician course materials. There is no doubt the future is going battery - learn how it will impact our industry. 

]]> Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, ORFA Technical Director talks with all three of Ontario’s ice resurfacer providers about where electric ice resurfacer  technology began, its current growth and what the future holds. He also chats with a municipal and private ice sheet manager who have shifted away from fossil fuel to battery power. What was learned will help shape future ORFA Certified Ice Technician course materials. There is no doubt the future is going battery - learn how it will impact our industry. 

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-8618388 Mon, 31 May 2021 11:00:00 -0400 4831 2 7 full false Changing How We Use Recreation Changerooms During the Pandemic Changing How We Use Recreation Changerooms During the Pandemic In this podcast, ORFA Technical Director Terry Piche looks at the (new) roles, responsibilities and challenges associated with reopening recreation facility changerooms. The podcast evaluates the poor history of maintaining these areas, while trying to apply higher expectations of cleaning, disinfection and sanitizing. Other issues include HVAC operations and using non traditional areas to allow users to prepare for their rental. Recreation professionals need to “change” the way they have been using facility changerooms.

]]> In this podcast, ORFA Technical Director Terry Piche looks at the (new) roles, responsibilities and challenges associated with reopening recreation facility changerooms. The podcast evaluates the poor history of maintaining these areas, while trying to apply higher expectations of cleaning, disinfection and sanitizing. Other issues include HVAC operations and using non traditional areas to allow users to prepare for their rental. Recreation professionals need to “change” the way they have been using facility changerooms.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-5432698 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0400 890 1 6 full false RFAM - Recreation Facility Asset Management Software RFAM - Recreation Facility Asset Management Software Terry Piche, ORFA Technical Director, speaks with Zack Tarantino, Marmak, to share updates to RFAM - Recreation Facility Asset Management software.

In 2015, the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and Marmak partnered in developing an inventory repository for recreation assets. RFAM has become an asset management solution of choice by recreation associations across Canada to help their members manage facilities and open spaces.

RFAM is a user-friendly web based software application, designed specifically for facilities and parks staff. This system helps staff capture inventory, request maintenance, create work orders, run an electronic warehouse, and track condition and efficiency of assets.

Public and private owners, regardless of their size, need to inspect their facilities and open spaces throughout the year to ensure these assets pose no safety risks to their community. Continuous wear and tear in combination with normal depreciation makes it essential that each organization be able to prove regular inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure protection from legal claims.

RFAM replaces the tedious task of continually updating spreadsheets or logbooks and eliminates the guesswork, thereby empowering staff to work more efficiently while still maintaining detailed records.

]]> Terry Piche, ORFA Technical Director, speaks with Zack Tarantino, Marmak, to share updates to RFAM - Recreation Facility Asset Management software.

In 2015, the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and Marmak partnered in developing an inventory repository for recreation assets. RFAM has become an asset management solution of choice by recreation associations across Canada to help their members manage facilities and open spaces.

RFAM is a user-friendly web based software application, designed specifically for facilities and parks staff. This system helps staff capture inventory, request maintenance, create work orders, run an electronic warehouse, and track condition and efficiency of assets.

Public and private owners, regardless of their size, need to inspect their facilities and open spaces throughout the year to ensure these assets pose no safety risks to their community. Continuous wear and tear in combination with normal depreciation makes it essential that each organization be able to prove regular inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure protection from legal claims.

RFAM replaces the tedious task of continually updating spreadsheets or logbooks and eliminates the guesswork, thereby empowering staff to work more efficiently while still maintaining detailed records.

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-4897697 Fri, 07 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0400 1078 1 5 full false The Realities of Re-entry and Reopening Costs The Realities of Re-entry and Reopening Costs After more than 100 days of lockdown recreation infrastructure is beginning to come back to life. This does not mean that COVID-19 is gone – it means that there is currently less of a risk. As facility managers focus on re-entry and reopening the realities of lost revenues and increased costs to provide expected levels of protection are becoming the latest challenge. This Podcast looks at the challenges ahead for recreation managers as they try and balance worker and user safety. 

]]> After more than 100 days of lockdown recreation infrastructure is beginning to come back to life. This does not mean that COVID-19 is gone – it means that there is currently less of a risk. As facility managers focus on re-entry and reopening the realities of lost revenues and increased costs to provide expected levels of protection are becoming the latest challenge. This Podcast looks at the challenges ahead for recreation managers as they try and balance worker and user safety. 

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-4474136 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:00:00 -0400 1160 1 4 full false Recreation Facility COVID-19 HVAC & Air Quality Recreation Facility COVID-19 HVAC & Air Quality As recreation facility managers consider how best to restart their buildings, the environmental air exchange systems will need careful consideration. In this Podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director highlights the different elements associated with maintaining safe air exchange, the need to form a strong working relationship with trained and certified HVAC technicians and, the importance of knowing  what frontline staff can and cannot do by way of work on these complicated systems. Safe air exchange has always been an important recreation facility operational responsibility – COVID-19 has amplified these obligations.

]]> As recreation facility managers consider how best to restart their buildings, the environmental air exchange systems will need careful consideration. In this Podcast, ORFA’s Technical Director highlights the different elements associated with maintaining safe air exchange, the need to form a strong working relationship with trained and certified HVAC technicians and, the importance of knowing  what frontline staff can and cannot do by way of work on these complicated systems. Safe air exchange has always been an important recreation facility operational responsibility – COVID-19 has amplified these obligations.

]]> https://orfa.com/FFP003-2020-06 Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-3976541 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0400 1127 HVAC, covid19, covid, corona virus, facilities, orfa, recreation, air quality, arena, recreation facility, facility manager, orfa, faciliy focus, podcast 1 3 full false Confusion Erupts Surrounding Recreation Facility Conflicting Reopening Directives Confusion Erupts Surrounding Recreation Facility Conflicting Reopening Directives This Podcast discusses members confusion surrounding different provincial directives regarding use of recreation facilities effective the first week of June 2020. The original identification that brick and mortar recreation infrastructure would be part of the last stages of provincial approval for access was followed by provincial leadership stating that “figure skaters could return to the ice”. This caused some members to scramble to meet this approval. Here is what we know is happening

]]> This Podcast discusses members confusion surrounding different provincial directives regarding use of recreation facilities effective the first week of June 2020. The original identification that brick and mortar recreation infrastructure would be part of the last stages of provincial approval for access was followed by provincial leadership stating that “figure skaters could return to the ice”. This caused some members to scramble to meet this approval. Here is what we know is happening

]]> Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Buzzsprout-4013597 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0400 598 1 2 full false Recreation Facility COVID-19 Recreation Facility COVID-19 As ORFA members look forward to getting back into their facilities, ORFA’s Technical Director, Terry Piche talks about where we were, where we are, and possibly where it is we are heading as an industry when we come back to life. This podcast discusses what information is available to practitioners and reviews the tools the ORFA has gathered and built to assist in both the reentry and reopening stages for recreation facilities. It includes an appeal to all members to assist in rebuilding and shaping how we will function post pandemic by sharing experiences. Please listen and share so that we can grow stronger as an industry!

]]> As ORFA members look forward to getting back into their facilities, ORFA’s Technical Director, Terry Piche talks about where we were, where we are, and possibly where it is we are heading as an industry when we come back to life. This podcast discusses what information is available to practitioners and reviews the tools the ORFA has gathered and built to assist in both the reentry and reopening stages for recreation facilities. It includes an appeal to all members to assist in rebuilding and shaping how we will function post pandemic by sharing experiences. Please listen and share so that we can grow stronger as an industry!

]]> https://orfa.com/FFP001-2020-05 Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, Technical Director, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc Buzzsprout-3862301 Thu, 21 May 2020 15:00:00 -0400 1835 covid19, covid, corona virus, facilities, orfa, recreation, 1 1 full false