The Floating Accommodations not Vessels Coalition, which is comprised of representatives from GBA, various cottage associations, municipalities, and government representatives, has developed a position paper aimed at helping Ontario municipalities regulate or restrict Floating Accommodations (FAs) within their jurisdictions. FAs, such as modified shipping containers or wood-framed structures on flotation devices, pose significant environmental, navigational, taxation, and zoning concerns. They can release toxic materials and contaminants into surrounding waters and lakebeds, and their unregulated presence can compromise the safety and enjoyment of Ontario's lakes and rivers. The position paper outlines two potential regulatory strategies for municipalities to consid

The recent passage of Ontario's Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 has ignited a firestorm of opposition from First Nations Leadership and environmental advocates. The omnibus bill, aimed at opening mining opportunities in Ontario’s Ring of Fire, makes massive changes to the requirements for protecting endangered species and archaeological sites in the province. Furthermore, it empowers the government to designate 'special economic zones' that are exempt from provincial regulations and municipal by-laws to expedite development. A Joint Call to Action: Georgian Bay Association and Georgian Bay Forever GBA and Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) have issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment and concern over the passage of Bill 5

The Lake Partner Program (LPP) has been renewed for the next five years! Thanks to the support of hundreds of volunteer Lake Stewards and advocates like you, FOCA has secured a signed agreement with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to continue this vital water quality monitoring program. The LPP is a volunteer-based water quality monitoring program that helps track the health of Ontario’s lakes. In 2024, 629 volunteer Lake Stewards monitor 546 lakes at 917 sites across the province. The program relies on Ministry-backed lab testing and coordination support to function. With nearly three decades of effort invested, the program’s collapse would leave lake associations and waterfront advocates without essential insights to protec

Get ready to reel in some fun! Ontario is celebrating Canada Day with a week-long free fishing event from June 28 to July 6, 2025. During this time, Canadian residents can fish without a license, making it an excellent opportunity for beginners and seasoned anglers alike to enjoy the province's beautiful waters. What You Need to Know: Dates: June 28 to July 6, 2025 Eligibility: All Canadian residents Regulations: Follow conservation catch limits, size limits, and sanctuaries Identification: Carry a government-issued ID showing your name and date of birth Make sure to check the Ontario Fishing Regulations Guide for specific rules and guidelines. Find out more about free family fishing here.

Lake Michigan-Huron remains 9 inches below its level at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 0, 1, 1, 0 & 3 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie are lower by 7, 9, 7 & 5 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lake Ontario is up 6 inches. Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are both 6 inches below their long-term June averages. Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 3 & 2 inches above their long-term June averages. All the lakes remain well below their June record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are expected to rise by 3, & 1 inches, respectively. Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are

June 21 is National Indigenous People’s Day, a day for all Canadians to honour and celebrate the legacy, diverse cultures and exceptional contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. In collaboration with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21st, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, in recognition of its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. How will you mark the day? Commit to learning about the people who’s traditional territory we live on. Here are some great resources: Shawanaga First Nation has an interesting history of The First Peoples of Georgian Bay Georgian Bay Biosphere has an extensive collection of resources for cultural learning Learn more about the Anishinabek Nation Read

A recent incident on Lake Ontario serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety while paddling. Two women were rescued by the Coast Guard after drifting on paddleboards for four hours after the wind shifted and calm conditions turned to heavy winds and waves. Unfortunately, the pair didn't have life jackets and had failed to check the weather forecast before heading out. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Not wearing life jackets: a crucial safety measure that can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations, even for good swimmers Failing to check the weather: ignoring weather forecasts can lead to being caught off guard by changing conditions Stay Safe on the Water: To avoid similar situations, paddlers

We're excited to share the launch of the fourth edition of the Your Lakes, Your Views survey from Safe Quiet Lakes! This year's survey is a crucial step in understanding the experiences of those who enjoy our beautiful Bay. Why This Survey Matters The Safe Quiet Lakes survey takes place every four years and focuses on what you value most about your cottage experience. The insights from these surveys lead to a better understanding of the activities, issues and concerns of lake users in the region. By participating, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of our lakes and boating experience.   Georgian Bay-Specific Data This is the second time Georgian Bay has been included in the survey, and we're eager to gather more data specific to our region. The results have a

What are sea lampreys and why are they problematic? Sea lampreys are an ancient form of a jawless fish with a toothed, funnel like mouth, that suck blood out of fish. They entered the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence Seaway. During the 50’s, Lake Huron’s commercial fishing industry was verging on collapse. In particular, one of the most valued species, Lake Trout, a favorite sea lamprey meal, was nearing extinction. The good news is Lake Huron’s sea lamprey population (once the largest in the Great Lakes with over 700,000 in the 1940’s and 1950’s) has been declining. For example, in 2015 the population fell to 70,000, well below the target of 90,000 set by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC), established in 1954 to oversee a Great Lakes sea lamprey control

The message from traditional Indigenous teachings is that catch and release is disrespectful to the fish (it can also harm their ability to eat properly after they are released) and one should only fish respectfully, which includes eating the fish we catch. Now it seems there is another reason to question this practice. Some bass are smarter than we might think, learn to avoid lures and can pass that knowledge down through the generations! Who knew! - Read more here. -

What’s your name and what’s your connection to Georgian Bay? Sheila Williams and I (Celesta Bjornson) are the co-presidents of the Bay of Islands Association (BICA) and have been enjoying our summers in the Bay of Islands since we were toddlers. My family is from Pittsburgh and we originally found the Bay of Islands in the 1950s by vacationing at a fishing lodge called Moredolpton Lodge. Sheila's family is one of the founding families of the Bay of Islands. Her grandfather discovered the Bay of Islands in early 1900s while working on the lakers, travelling from southern Georgian Bay to the North Channel, transporting lumber back south. He fell in love with the area and purchased an island around 1924 and began building a cottage. Why is being a Guardian of the Bay important to yo

Luc Voorn is a cottager in the South Channel and a passionate advocate for Georgian Bay. He currently serves as the Membership Chairperson for the South Channel Association (SCA), Editor of the SCA “On the Waterfront” newsletter, and as Director, Friends of the Massasauga Park. This past summer (2019), he was nominated as a Guardian of Georgian Bay for his ongoing enthusiasm and efforts to protect and preserve the Bay. Note from Jamie Drayton, GBA Chair of Guardians of Georgian Bay Committee My Dad used to take us camping. His lure to get us to bathe was to promise us ice cream if we ran into the water first thing in the morning for a swim. I recall the water being absolutely freezing at 7 o’clock in the morning… I don’t recall ever getting any ice cream. A few years l

Boating from October through June offers a very different experience steeped in solitude and excellent fishing. It is a beautiful time to be on the water. But boating during this season also requires extra attention to detail and the ability to be self-sufficient given that there are fewer boaters around should you require assistance. Here are some helpful tips from the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters to make off-season boating safer for you. Check the weather forecast. The weather can change quickly and storms can be more violent. Fog is also more common. Ensure that your boat and engine are in good working order. Ethanol-based fuel can allow water contamination in the tank. The use of a fuel additive prevents water in the f

As nominated by Heather Sargeant  My Phragbuster Hero About 5 or 6 years ago, at an event jointly put on by the Georgian Bay Association, Georgian Bay Forever, and featuring Dr. Gilbert, an ecologist with Phragmites expertise , I first learned about invasive Phragmites and the harm it can have on wetlands. I decided to investigate if Phragmites was a threat in Woods Bay (my favourite area of Georgian Bay), and that’s when my journey tackling this plant began.  I wasn’t sure if a plant across from the family cottage was indeed the invasive type, and so I was nervous and queasy about leading people to help me cut it.  What if it was the native plant, and I’d taken all these people out to cut down something benign? One of my neighbors told me there was a hero on Georgian

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is asking motorists to look out for vulnerable turtles on our roadways. Road surfaces provide an attractive source of warmth for these cold-blooded reptiles, particularly in the spring and early summer. During this time, turtles are mating and nesting; in late summer and early fall, newly hatched turtles are travelling from their nests to nearby wetlands. The Nature Conservatory of Canada has an informative video and tips for safely moving turtles. Watch the video and read the tips here.

Here are some things to think about around Fire Safety at the cottage: Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working. Have a list of local emergency numbers posted for all to see. Include all pertinent cottage location information.   Have the right fire extinguishers in the right places. Have an individual fire plan for evacuation. Make sure your plan has two escape routes. Respect local fire ratings. Have a fire pump and use it regularly to ensure it is in good working order. At the very least have a list of neighbours to call for assistance. Follow your association’s emergency plan if it exists. Make sure you have insurance. Make sure you understand what it covers and that it is adequate to rebuild and covers contents AND fire de