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.
A dramatic rescue operation was undertaken in Ontario's Frontenac Provincial Park on December 8, 2024, after a 30-year-old female hiker slipped and fell down an embankment, injuring her leg. Her fellow hikers contacted emergency services, who were able to pinpoint her location by using the what3words app. Once on the scene, a paramedic firefighter determined that the hiker had likely broken her leg. Due to the remote location and deteriorating conditions, it was decided that airlifting the hiker to hospital was the safest option. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted for air support, and a search and rescue helicopter from the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton was dispatched to airlift the hiker to Kingston General Hospital for medi
A second person is facing charges in connection with the fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake that occurred on May 18, 2024, killing three and injuring five others. The operator of the fishing-style boat that was struck now faces charges under the Canada Shipping Act for allegedly failing to display the boat's required lights and not having enough lifejackets. He will appear in court on January 13, 2025. The collision happened around 9:30 p.m. in the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, roughly 140 kilometres southwest of Ottawa, when a speedboat struck a small fishing-style boat, ending up on top of it. The driver of the speed boat was charged in October with 12 criminal offences, including three counts each of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, dangerous operation of a conve
GBA’s Aquaculture committee has written to Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada (ECCC), to ask for more federal oversight on the industry to mitigate ecological damage and to ensure compliance with the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. GBA also made several recommendations, including: Expanding aquaculture research in Lake Huron to better understand the impacts of this industry and eliminate the research gaps. Expanding ECCC and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) oversight of the industry to ensure that regulations are enforced and the environment is protected. Convening a working group for transparency and collaboration among stakeholders. Moving the
Earlier this spring GBA asked you to help the International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes Water Quality Board by participating in their fourth Great Lakes Regional Poll. The results are now in, and of the more than 4,500 Canadians and Americans surveyed, the majority of respondents find Great Lakes protection and investments essential to the region's economy and quality of life. Key findings: Respondents expressed nearly unanimous support (96%) for the importance of government investment in Great Lakes protections More than 9 in 10 respondents (94%) believe it is important to protect the Great Lakes, up from 85% in 2015's survey Four in 5 (80%) respondents agree the region’s economy will suffer if the Great Lakes are not healthy Invasive species and pollution se
We are searching for an exceptional person to become the next leader of our Georgian Bay Association. As the voice of our 18-member associations, we advocate on issues that impact our members and help preserve and protect Georgian Bay's unique and fragile ecosystems. For over a century, the GBA has championed sustainable development, influenced environmental policy, and engaged member associations and communities to safeguard the future of this precious region. As Executive Director, you will play a vital role in driving the execution of GBA’s vision and mission and work closely with our Board to implement strategies, plans and policies that protect Georgian Bay for future generations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader to drive environmental advocacy and to make
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 1, 3, 7, 5 & 0 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 4, 8, 7, 6 & 2 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lake Erie is 3 inches above the long-term December average, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron, St Clair & Ontario are 6, 5, 1 & 5 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their December record highs. - In a month’s time, Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are expected to fall by 3 and 2 inches, respectively. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are expect
As the holiday season approaches, consider gifting the cottage enthusiast in your life something that will help keep them safe and secure. They'll get a thoughtful gift, and you'll get the gift of peace of mind. Here are some great gift ideas that focus on safety: Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) - These life-saving devices are Coast Guard-approved, comfortable to wear and provide excellent buoyancy in emergency situations. eFlares - In emergency situations, eFlares provide a safe and reliable way to signal for help. Lightweight Portable Battery Charger - Ensure devices stay charged when they're needed the most and keep your loved ones powered up and connected. High Lumen Spotlight -
The Ontario government has announced a significant investment in the fight against invasive phragmites, allocating $11 million over three years to support local control efforts. Invasive phragmites, also known as European common reeds, pose a significant threat to Ontario's ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. These aggressive plants can outcompete native species, clog drainage ditches, and even impact public safety. The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, administered by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, will support local Phragmites prevention and control projects that range from $2,500 to $25,000, with exceptional (e.g. multi-partner, landscape scale collaborations) projects up to $50,000. Community groups, m
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 6 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, 3, 7, 6 & 2 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 6, 6, 11, 8 & 3 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lake Erie is 2 inches above the long-term December average, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron, St Clair & Ontario are 6, 3, 3 & 6 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their December record highs. - In a month’s time, Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are expected to fall by 3 and 2 inches, respectively. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are expected
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), a non-profit group responsible for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel, announced that Ignace in northwestern Ontario has been chosen to house a deep geological repository for Canada’s nuclear waste. The Ignace site was chosen over a site in the municipality of South Bruce on Lake Huron. The municipality of South Bruce was in favour of building the repository, however, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation had not made a decision, prompting the NWMO to select the Ignace site. The NWMO will now start the regulatory process, which could take seven to 10 years. Construction is expected to take 10 years, with operations set to begin in the 2040s. Read more here.
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 0, 2, 4, 4 & 4 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 4, 7, 4, 3 & 2 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes St Clair & Erie are 2 and 5 inches, respectively, above their long-term November averages, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron & Ontario are 7, 4 & 6 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their November record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, & Erie are expected to fall by 3, 2 & 1 inches, respectively
