Resident Information Guide

BIG CANOE
NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION GUIDE
Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association
Physical Location:
Brownstone Centre, Suite 209
171 Foothills Parkway
Marble Hill, GA 30148
Mailing Address:
10755 Big Canoe
Jasper, Ga 30143
Office Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday - Friday
bigcanoehoa.org
hoacommunications@bigcanoehoa.org
770-893-1594
© 2014 Big Canoe Homeowners Association (rev 9/14)
Welcome to Big Canoe!
The Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association (HOA) has
developed this booklet to help you quickly get oriented
to our community.
I. MOVING TO BIG CANOE
1. Information Resources

The Big Canoe Directory, published by your HOA, is a
“must have”. The directory lists phone number, E-mail,
street address, mailing address and lot number of any
homeowner who wishes to be listed. It also includes
frequently called phone numbers and E-mail addresses,
a Big Canoe Road Map, and information about Big
Canoe Chapel, amenities, clubs, activities, volunteer
organizations, Smoke Signals (Big Canoe’s award
winning monthly newspaper), Dawson and Pickens
Counties. The Directory is free to HOA members. You
can learn more about the benefits of HOA membership
at bigcanoehoa.org. Annual dues are $50. You can join
on-line, by visiting the HOA office, or by calling 770-8931594.

Big Canoe Road Map will help you navigate the Big
Canoe community. Copies are available at the gates, at
the POA office (located at 12 Wolfscratch Drive) and in
your HOA directory. Wall maps are available for $10 at
the HOA office.
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2. Utilities

Landline phone service. Because Big Canoe is in two
counties, we receive telephone service from two
separate service providers. Generally, Big Canoe
residents who live in Dawson County connect through
the 579 exchange, and their service provider is
Windstream (800-347-1991). Big Canoe residents who
live in Pickens County are connected through the 268
exchange, and their phone company is TDS Telecom
(770-735-2000). All Big Canoe residents are in the 706
area code. From either exchange, a call to the Atlanta
metropolitan calling area (404, 770 and 678, and parts
of the 706 area codes) is toll free and does not require a
“1” when dialing. However, a call to most exchanges
within area code 706 is a toll call and does require a “1”.
When making a call, all ten digits of the phone number
must be dialed.

Cell Phone. Cellular service is available in Big Canoe,
but coverage can be spotty. Most residents find AT&T
has the best coverage.

Electricity. Amicalola EMC (706-253-5200)
amicalolaemc.com provides electricity. Report power
outages to 706-253-0359.

Water. Water service is provided by Big Canoe Utilities,
(706-268-3400). The Waterford neighborhood gets
water from Pickens County (706-253-8718).

Gas. There is no natural gas service to Big Canoe. Gas
appliances and fireplace logs require propane from a
tank on your property. The HOA has established The
Big Canoe Propane Consortium which negotiates a
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group propane price for Big Canoe users. Contact the
HOA for information.

Cable TV. Windstream (800-251-6412) is the provider
of cable service for all of Big Canoe.

Satellite TV. Receiver services are available for those
who have unobstructed view of the southwestern sky.
Contact Direct TV at directv.com -- (800-280-4388) or
Dish Network at dishnetwork.com -- (888-656-2461).
3. Setting up U.S. Postal Services

The US Postal Service does not provide home delivery in
Big Canoe. Residents can receive mail via a secure box
system housed in the Postal Facility located in
Wolfscratch Village in the center of Big Canoe. To get a
new box number, you must first call the Jasper Post
Office at 706-253-4300 with your physical address
information. Then, go to our Postal Facility where they
will give you your keys. The Postal Facility is generally
open between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Monday through Saturday. Noon is the best time to visit
if you need to talk with a clerk. Stamps and package
mailing services are available at the full service Post
Office located at 12813 Highway 53 in Marble Hill (near
Foothills Village).

Every Big Canoe residence has THREE addresses:
First, all U.S. Postal mail is delivered to your Big Canoe
postal box, which has an assigned 5-digit box number in
the form “XXXXX Big Canoe, Jasper, GA, 30143.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not write “PO BOX” in your address.
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Your second address is your Street Address, used for
parcel deliveries made by UPS or FEDEX (which,
ironically, DO deliver directly to your physical street
address). The street address is also used as a 911
locator as it represents thousandths of a mile from the
end of the street. This address must be shown
horizontally on your street post.
We suggest you use the following four-line address
example that includes both your Big Canoe box number
and the street address, especially if you are not sure
which shipping mode the sender may use:
John and Mary Doe
123 Wilderness Parkway
10999 Big Canoe
Jasper, GA 30143
Your third address is your Lot Number. This represents
the lots established by Big Canoe’s developer. You will
need to remember this number as it is used for POA
Billing and charges to your Big Canoe account. You can
get an account card from the POA by calling 706-2681092. With your card, you get 10% off clubhouse food
purchases.
4. UPS and FedEx
United Parcel Service (UPS) has a drop box in the Postal
Facility. The last pick up is at 4:00 PM Monday – Friday.
The closest FedEx drop box is located at the Chevron
station in Marble Hill.
5. Voter registration
Voter registration forms are located in the information
racks at the Big Canoe Postal Facility.
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6. Automobile Identification for gate entry
Big Canoe is a controlled-access community. Residents
are identified by a transponder on their automobile
windshield that electronically activates the gates. These
transponders may be obtained at either entry gate
using your POA ID card or your property warranty deed
along with vehicle registration in the resident’s name
and proof of auto insurance.
7. Bringing Guests to Big Canoe
The POA provides an Online Visitor Management
System at bigcanoeguest.com. This allows you to
designate permanent guests (such as family members),
temporary guests, deliveries, construction, etc. You can
set up your account to get e-mails and/or text messages
when your guests pass through the gate, view guest
history, and track usage. You can also create turn-byturn directions to your house from either gate. Call
Public Safety at 706-268-3376 to set this up.
8. Key Releases
Call POA accounting at 706-268-1114 if you want to
leave a key to your home with Security for release to
authorized individuals. There is an annual $25.00 fee
for this service.
9. Schools: Pickens County students must attend schools
in that county. Dawson County residents, however, can
elect to attend either Dawson or Pickens County public
schools. Buses pick up students at the Wildcat
Recreation Area parking lot (near the North Gate).
Wildwood Christian Academy is an accredited
independent school serving pre-k through high school
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students. It is located at 695 Whitley Rd South, off
Steve Tate Highway in Marble Hill. Check them out at
wildwoodchristianacademy.com or call 770-893-3300.
II. COMMUNICATIONS IN BIG CANOE
1. Using the Internet
The HOA provides a computer with DSL connection in
the Fitness Center lobby. Wi-Fi access is also available
at the Clubhouse for users with wireless connectivity.
High speed DSL internet service for your home is
available through your telephone provider. If you plan
to use a dial-up connection, check with your Internet
service provider (ISP) to get numbers without toll
charges.
2. Cable Channel 12
Big Canoe events and amenity hours and information
are broadcast on this Windstream Big Canoe cable
system channel only. Channel 12 is not available on
satellite TV.
3. POA Website
The POA website at bigcanoepoa.org provides
comprehensive amenity, activity calendar and
governance information.
4. HOA Website
A wealth of current events, activities, and other useful
information is available on the Big Canoe Homeowners'
Association website at bigcanoehoa.org.
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5. Chapel Website
Big Canoe Chapel’s website at bigcanoechapel.org
provides information about worship services, activities,
and contacts.
6. Consolidated Website Access
Access to the HOA, POA, Smoke Signals and Big Canoe
Chapel websites has been consolidated at
bigcanoetoday.com. Put this link in your internet
browser “Favorites” for quick access.
7. Big Canoe Directory
The HOA publishes the Big Canoe Directory annually in
January. Your listing includes name, phone number, Email address (optional), Postal Facility box, street
address, and lot number. The deadline for listing
information in the print directory is September 30. HOA
members can access a continually updated Directory
online. To provide or update your information, E-mail
hoacommunications@bigcanoehoa.org, visit the HOA
website at bigcanoehoa.org or call the HOA office at
770-893-1594.
8. Area Phone Books
Bulk quantities of surrounding north Georgia
community phone books and yellow pages are
periodically dropped at the Big Canoe Postal Facility.
9. Newspapers
Smoke Signals, Big Canoe’s award winning community
newspaper, is a free monthly publication by the HOA.
You can pick up a copy at the Postal Facility as well as at
local surrounding area sites. You can reach Smoke
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Signals staff at smokesignews@bigcanoenews.com or
770-893-1594.
Smoke Signals Online at bigcanoenews.com is the
online version of the newspaper with breaking news
and archived stories from the newspaper’s current and
back issues.
Inside the Gates published monthly by the POA is
available on the POA website and at several locations in
Big Canoe.
Pickens County Progress (706-253-2457) is the Pickens
County weekly and is available by mail.
Dawson Community News (706-265-3384) is the
Dawson County weekly.
Dawson News & Advertiser (706-265-2345)
10. E-Blasts
You can opt in (or out) to periodically receive
communications from the POA and HOA. This is a great
way to keep informed about what is happening in Big
Canoe. For the HOA, please visit the Communications
tab on the HOA website, bigcanoehoa.org, or contact
Kim Cooper, kcooper@bigcanoenews.com. For the POA
e-blasts, contact the POA at 706-268-3326.
III. ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
1. Activities
Big Canoe is a community of active people. Besides the
many amenities, there are numerous organizations and
programs for residents eager to pursue their interests
and talents with other members of the community.
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There are also many opportunities for residents to
volunteer their time and talents. You can find out more
about these activities in Smoke Signals and the local
papers, and through the POA, HOA and Chapel. Contact
information is also in the Big Canoe Directory.
2. Amenities
Call the POA at 706-268-1092 for amenity membership
questions.

Marina – Lake Petit is the primary recreational
boating and fishing lake. The Marina offers
pontoon boat rentals, paddle boards, kayaks, Jon
boats, and canoes. Call 706-268-3303 for boat
rentals, fishing permits, boat slips and boat racks.

Fitness Center -- An indoor facility that sports a full
array of exercise equipment, an indoor lap pool, a
racquetball/squash court and an aerobic exercise
room. Call 706-269-3441 for fitness membership,
daily rates, spa services, classes and hours.

Golf -- Features 27 holes of golf, a practice range,
putting and chipping greens, and a Pro Shop in the
Lake Sconti clubhouse. There are many
opportunities to participate in groups and organized
events. Call 706-268-3323 for tee times, lessons,
and clinics.

Tennis/Pickleball -- Located in Wolfscratch Village
near the Chapel offering both hard and clay tennis
courts, pickleball courts and indoor tennis courts at
the Fitness Center. Call the Tennis Center at 706268-3367 for court reservations and lessons.

Bocce -- Courts are located in the Wildcat
Recreation area. Bocce court scheduling is available
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through the Tennis Center. Information about the
Big Canoe Bocce League is at bigcanoebocce.com.

Swimming -- Big Canoe has two outdoor pools, one
located near the Fitness Center and one at the
Wildcat Recreation Center near the North Gate. In
addition to a sand swimming beach, Lake Disharoon
offers canoeing, paddleboats, rock slide, and a
snack bar. Contact the Swim Club at 706-268-3317
or the Wildcat pool at 706-268-3880.
3. Children’s/Family Activities
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Canoe Cubs at www.canoecubs.com is a place for
kids and families in the Big Canoe area. The site is
updated regularly with family things to do in and
around the Big Canoe community.
You can find other kids activities by clicking on the
“Programs” tab on the HOA website or going to
bigcanoehoa.org/programs/kid-s-activities
Summer Day Camp: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays in June and July. Contact the Chapel
Office.
Golf, Tennis and Fishing Summer Camps. Contact
the respective amenities.
Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts. Contact the
Chapel Office.
4. Dining in Big Canoe: The Black Bear Pub is open for
lunch and dinner, and features a covered Veranda area
and a beautiful view of Lake Sconti. Call 706-268-1253
for reservations to-go orders and hours of operation.
Duffer’s (706-268-3273) is located by the golf cart area
and offers breakfast and lunch items as well as snacks.
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5. Worship
Big Canoe Chapel is a multi-denominational Christian
congregation that welcomes all faith traditions. Call
706-268-3203 or go to bigcanoechapel.org, for worship
times and Chapel sponsored organizations and
activities.
Information about worship opportunities outside Big
Canoe is available in Smoke Signals, local newspapers
and on bulletin boards in the Postal Facility.
6. Organizations & Clubs: There are many
opportunities to become involved in clubs, activities
and volunteer organizations. Check out the Big Canoe
Directory for contact information.
7. Big Canoe Events and Activities:
Here is a sampling of activities in Big Canoe:
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Easter Egg Hunt
Mountain Twilight Concert: a great picnic event
held in early September
The Knowledge Series hosts speakers on a wide
range of interesting topics
Terraces Concerts held throughout the Summer
July 4th Celebration: Family activities during the
day; Fireworks show over the dam after dark.
Oktoberfest: Fall celebration
“Trunk or Treat": Halloween tailgate party for kids
and adults
Travel Club to learn about travel and destinations
Flu shots
Blood drive
AARP Defensive Driving Program
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8. Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative has been formed to
help provide residents with non-emergency, nonmedical services wellness services such as temporary inhome assistance, local transportation, home delivered
meals and programs for families.
9. Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild: All women in Big
Canoe are invited to attend the Guild's monthly
meetings and take part in the many outreach activities
serving others here in our community, as well as our
neighbors in Pickens and Dawson Counties.
10. Dinner for 8: This is a great way to meet new friends
and enjoy an evening together. Four couples gather at
each other’s houses for four months. If you would like
to join a new group, please call Susan Willson at 7 0 6 5 7 9 - 2 6 4 0 or email her at eliz8190@yahoo.com.
11. Ridgerunners: A social organization for all women
providing friendship and fun with an educational
perspective. Monthly meetings followed by lunch and
other functions such as the Spring Fashion Show and
Luncheon and the Christmas Luncheon. Ridgerunners
also sponsors book clubs and bridge groups. Contact
numbers are listed in the Big Canoe Directory.
12. Big Canoe Animal Rescue: BCAR provides rescue,
shelter, training and adoption services for stray dogs
found in Big Canoe. Contact them at 706-268-1346.
13. Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship: Meets every Friday
morning at 7:00 AM for Christian fellowship,
presentations, and discussion. Check out their website
at ngafmmf.info.
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14. Squires and Stags: A men’s forum providing monthly
breakfast meetings featuring stimulating current topics
and interesting speakers.
15. Trails: Big Canoe’s trails feature hundreds of acres of
green space that include streams, waterfalls and lakes.
Rhododendron, mountain laurel, ferns, and native
azaleas are commonly seen along the trails. Deer,
turkey, and birds are abundant, along with the
occasional black bear (do not approach!). Pick up a
trails map at the POA office or the Fitness Center.
16. Wildcat Recreation Area: Offers facilities for
baseball, soccer, basketball, bocce courts, an outdoor
pool, walking trails and a dog park.
IV. HOA and POA
1. The POA: Big Canoe Governance
The Big Canoe POA is the authorized governing body for
Big Canoe. Learn more about the POA at their Web site,
bigcanoepoa.org, call 706-268-3346 or stop by the POA
offices located at 12 Wolfscratch Drive. Open POA
Board of Directors meetings start at 9:00 AM on the
third Wednesday of each month.
2. HOA: Enriching Life in Big Canoe
The Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association is a voluntary
organization supported by its members through $50
annual dues. The purpose of the HOA is three-fold: (1)
to be an advocate for its members; (2) to promote the
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health, safety and welfare of its members; and (3) to
enhance and preserve our quality of life through:
 Publishing the annual Big Canoe Directory and
community map.
 Sponsoring activities, events and programs that are
entertaining, family oriented, promote a healthy
lifestyle, and save owners money.
 Identifying and promoting open dialogue on social,
political and environmental issues that impact life
both inside and outside Big Canoe.
 Publishing Smoke Signals, Big Canoe’s newspaper.
You can contact the HOA at 770-893-1594 or check out
the website at bigcanoehoa.org.
3. Trash Disposal: Big Canoe residents use a centralized
trash collection system located near the North Gate for
household trash and garbage, cardboard, and singlestream recycling for paper, plastic, glass, etc.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, furniture,
appliances and other bulky items can be brought to the
POA facilities parking lot (behind the regular trash
dumpsters). Charity services provide trucks for
donations of reusable items. A large dumpster is also
available for throw-away items of any size. Periodically,
secure shredding services are available as well.
4. Architectural Control: Before making any change to
the exterior of your home or landscape, including
pruning or removing trees, call the POA Architectural
Control Department at 706-268-3394 to work out a plan
that meets Big Canoe’s rules and covenants.
5. Storage Yard: Call the POA at 706-268-5546 to arrange
for storage space for boats, RVs, etc.
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NOTES
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Quick Reference:
Emergency
HOA
Smoke Signals
POA – Administration
– Membership
– Accounting
Public Safety
Public Works
Fire Department
Architectural Control
Black Bear Pub (and to-go orders)
Clubhouse
Duffers
Golf Pro Shop
Fitness Center
Swim Club
Wildcat Pool
Tennis
Marina
Big Canoe Chapel
Terraces Concerts
Ace Hardware
Amicalola EMC
Blossman Propane
United Water
TDS Telecom
Windstream Telephone
Windstream Cable
Dish Network
Direct TV
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911
770-893-1594
770-893-1594
706-268-3346
706-268-1092
706-268-1114
706-268-3376
706-268-3390
706-268-1792
706-268-3394
706-268-1253
706-268-3326
706-268-3273
706-268-3323
706-269-3441
706-268-3317
706-268-3880
706-268-3367
706-268-3303
706-268-3203
770-893-1299
770-893-4111
706-253-5200
770-386-6268
706-268-3400
770-735-2000
800-347-1991
800-251-6412
888-656-2461
800-280-4388
Quick Reference:
Big Canoe Today
bigcanoetoday.com
Smoke Signals
Website
Email
bigcanoenews.com
smokesignals@bigcanoenews.com
HOA
Website
Email
bigcanoehoa.org
hoacommunications@bigcanoehoa.org
Website
Email
bigcanoepoa.org
info@bigcanoepoa.org
POA
Big Canoe Chapel
Website
Email
bigcanoechapel.org
chapel@bigcanoechapel.org
Gate Access Management
bigcanoeguest.com
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