GBA’s current Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2025 can be viewed here.
Plans, priorities and committee structures are reviewed and updated from time to time as required, and details can be found on the GBA website, as referenced in the Strategic Plan.
GBA AGM 2024
GBA held its 108th Meeting of Members on April 6, 2024. Summaries and highlights of the wide range of issues and topics that we deal with on behalf of our members were presented and discussed. You can view the presentations here.
The scheduled closure of the EMS paramedic station in MacTier has raised concerns among residents. The Concerned West Muskoka Citizens group believes the proposed Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) is not a suitable replacement as the PRU cannot transport patients or provide two-paramedic care, which is essential in emergencies. MacTier's location within the Township of Georgian Bay is important due to its year-round and seasonal population. The group also claims that moving the service to a station 30 minutes further south will delay care and increase response times potentially endangering lives. Additionally, the group says the decision was made without public input, raising questions about the district's commitment to transparency and safety. Residents are urging the District of Muskok
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is observed annually on the first Saturday in May. Communities are encouraged to host events and work on projects that raise awareness of wildfire risk and develop strategies to increase resilience to it. Groups can apply for a $500 award to fund a Wildfire Community Preparedness event or project that can take place any time between May and October 2024. FireSmart Canada in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), Co-operators and the Provincial and Territorial wildfire agencies are supporting this annual event by sponsoring the $500 award. In 2024, 378 neighborhoods and groups received funding in 2024 across 10 provinces and two territories. Neighbourhoods, commun
It happens and it can happen to anyone! These two recent incidents in Ontario's wilderness underscore the importance of taking all the necessary offseason safety precautions: A 66-year-old Mono Township man owes his life to wearing a life jacket! Mid morning on November 7 during a solo boat ride on the Bay, the man went overboard into chilly 10.5°C southern Georgian Bay waters near Sturgeon Bay. He inflated his life jacket, which allowed him to tread water and swim for over an hour before he was able to reach a shoal. Residents nearby noticed the man's yellow life jacket from 400 meters away. They alerted authorities, prompting a swift response from the OPP Marine Unit. Rescued at 2 p.m., the hypothermic man received medical trea
The Georgian Bay Land Trust has announced Andrew Young as its new Executive Director. Young most recently served as Executive Director of Outward Bound Canada and prior to that, as Vice President of Programs and Services for Diabetes Canada. Young is an avid camper and loves the outdoors. His family are cottagers in Tiny Township and have canoed the southern, eastern, and northern waters of Georgian Bay for the past twenty-five years. Andrew Young will take over the Executive Director duties effective January 6, 2025, from Bill Lougheed, who will retire at the end of this year after 11 years leading the Georgian Bay Land Trust. GBA looks forward to working with Andrew and wishes Bill all the best in retirement!
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 8 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 down 2, 4, 6, 4 & 6 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 7, 8, 3, 2 & 2 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes St Clair & Erie are 6 and 7 inches, respectively, above their long-term November averages, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron & Ontario are 8, 4 & 5 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their November record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are expected to fall by 2,Â
GBA has an opening for a Project Coordinator to support our Vision 2050 project. We are offering a six-month, part-time contract position that requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This is a vital role that offers the opportunity to actively participate in a major, forward-looking initiative that aims to protect Georgian Bay’s eastern and northern coasts for generations to come. The project coordinator will be working with the Vision 2050 Steering Committee, comprised of a senior team of experts and seasoned GBA volunteers. You will also liaise with other Georgian Bay partner organizations and stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting the project's management and organization, participating in and organizing project meetings, developing communications material
A retired nurse and her husband have come forward alleging they are out $168,000 after paying LOTB (Live On The Bay), a Port Severn company, for a floating home that was never delivered. The couple claim they entered into a contract with LOTB in 2022 and that despite repeated promises, their float home was never built, and they have yet to receive a refund. LOTB's website showcases various float home models and claims its homes comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal laws. However recent regulatory changes have restricted mooring on public lands, lake beds, and Parks Canada managed waterways. GBA and the Floating Homes not Vessels Coalition have been actively advocating for the need for proper regulation of floating homes to address the safety and e
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 8 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 down 4, 7, 11, 6 & 9 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 7, 8, 7, 4 & 4 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes St Clair & Erie are 5 and 8 inches, respectively, above their long-term November averages, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron & Ontario are 6, 2 & 2 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their November record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are expected to fallÂ
There's nothing is cozier than a crackling fire on a chilly night. Wood stoves are a great source of supplemental heat and are generally more efficient at producing heat than a fireplace. But warm and cozy can turn dangerous if your wood-burning unit is not properly installed or regularly maintained. Do Keep children and pets away when you are burning and keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away from the stove. Test to be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are in working condition. Both types of alarm should be located outside each sleeping area and on every level. Also keep a working fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Before lighting, open the damper to allow for good airflow and keep the damper open until the fire is out and the ashes are cool
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 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 down 4, 7, 7, 5 & 9 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 8, 7, 4, 3 & 3 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes St Clair & Erie are 4 and 7 inches, respectively, above their long-term October averages, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron and Ontario are 8, 4 & 4 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their October record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are expected to fall
With winter coming we all want to protect our properties as best we can. If you use or are considering installing a bubbler to prevent ice damage, there are some important issues to consider. Bubblers are a type of de-icing system that prevents ice from forming around waterfront structures by creating zones of agitated and warmer water. Without careful planning, management, and consideration of the nature of your waterfront area, your bubbler can de-ice a significantly larger portion of the water than is necessary to protect your property creating large areas of open water. Legal Implications There is no law against using a bubbler, but Section 263 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (Duty to safeguard opening in ice) is very clear that those who make or cause to be made an o
 The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Central Region reported a staggering 6,066 wildlife-related collisions between 2021 and 2023, most of which occurred from October to December. Deer account for 85.5% of these incidents, primarily due to mating season and food searches. To mitigate risks, drivers are urged to: Reduce speed, especially at dawn and dusk Watch for signs indicating high animal populations Use high beams wisely on empty roads Look for reflections from headlights Brake firmly, avoiding swerving Stay sober, alert, undistracted, and seat-belted If you spot wildlife near the road, slow down, honk your horn to alert the animal and other drivers. OPP Statistics: 2021: 1,820 in
