Executive Director
Meredith Denning
executivedirector@georgianbay.ca
Communications & Executive Services Coordinator
Shannon Farquharson
(416) 937-4990
gba@georgianbay.ca
138 Hopedale Avenue
Toronto, ON, M4K 3M7
News
January 2026
Vision 2050 Partners with TMU Advanced Planning Studio to Advance Regional Conservation Planning
Vision 2050 is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Advanced Planning Studio, which will support the development of research- driven, policy-relevant foundations for long-term conservation planning in Georgian Bay. Through this applied research and planning study, the TMU Planning Studio will examine international coastal conservation and governance models to identify best practices relevant to environmentally significant regions like Georgian Bay. The work will assess governance structures, policy tools, financing mechanisms, and approaches to community and Indigenous engagement, with the goal of informing a scalable and adaptable conservation framework for the region. In addition, the project will explore regional and conservatio
January 2026
Winter Driving Tips To Help You Stay Safe on the Roads
Don't let the icy grip of winter catch you off guard. When you're heading to the cottage this winter, these essential tips will help you stay safe on the roads. Prepare Your Vehicle Clear all windows, mirrors, headlights, and your roof of snow and ice. This will assist with visibility and help avoid having ice and debris falling off your vehicle. Get snow tires. Having winter tires can improve traction in frost, snow, and icy conditions and shorten the braking distance of your vehicle (you may get an insurance break!) Drive Smart Turn off the cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy pavement. Cruise control can reduce your reaction time and vehicle control. Remember to give other vehicles extra room. It can take vehicles longer
January 2026
January 11 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 7 inches below its level at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are all up 2 inches, while Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are both down 2 inches. Lakes Superior & Ontario levels are up 2 & 1 inch, respectively, from last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie are lower by 7, 8 & 9 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 5, 12, 2, 3 & 3 inches below their long-term January averages. All the lakes remain well below their January record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron & St. Clair levels are predicted to fall by 3, 1 & 1 inches, respectively. Lakes Erie &a
January 2026
Pleasure Craft License Changes are now Law
It’s official! As of the publishing of Canada Gazette, Part II, on December 12, 2025, important changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing process became law. A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a unique identification number displayed on both sides of the bow of recreational boats. All power boats with 10 hp or more require a PCL. Similar to a car's license plate, it enables emergency responders and law enforcement to quickly identify the owner of a boat, thereby improving response times in urgent situations and supporting efforts to address unsafe or abandoned boats. What are the changes? Here are the key updates you should be aware of: Expiry date: All new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licenses are valid for 5 years.
January 2026
Ice Rescue in Georgian Bay Township Highlights the Importance of Self Rescue
Quick action by OPP and partner emergency services prevented a potential tragedy after four hikers encountered a dangerous ice situation in Georgian Bay Township. On January 4, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Southern Georgian Bay Detachment responded to an emergency call involving four hikers at McCrae Lake Conservation Reserve. The hikers had been snowshoeing and were returning to the trailhead after nightfall when one individual fell through the ice approximately 10 meters from shore. The submerged male was eventually able to pull himself from the water; however, during the rescue attempt, a second hiker became stranded on a piece of ice that broke free. General patrol members on foot and on snowmobile,
January 2026
January 4 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 8 inches below its level at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Erie & Ontario remain the same, while Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, & St. Clair are down 2, 3, & 1 inches, respectively. Lake Superior levels are up 1 inch from last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 8, 13, 9 & 1 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 4, 12, 4, 4 & 5 inches below their long-term January averages. All the lakes remain well below their January record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are predicted to fall by 3 inches. Lakes Michigan-Huron & Erie levels are predicted to stay the same, while Lakes
December 2025
Ontario's Proposed Conservation Authority Overhaul Sparks Debate
The Ontario government is proposing a significant overhaul of the province's conservation authorities, reducing the number from 36 to 7. This move aims to improve efficiency and speed up development, but critics argue it may compromise environmental protection and localized expertise. The conservation authorities currently manage flood risk, regulate urban development, and protect sensitive ecosystems. The proposed consolidation would centralize decision-making and oversight, potentially weakening local municipal leaders' voices and reducing on-the-ground services. Key concerns include : Loss of Local Expertise: Conservation authorities have localized knowledge and expertise, which may be lost with consolidation. Reduced Environmental Protection: Crit
December 2025
Another Successful Year for the Outer Island Project
It was another successful year for the Outer Islands Project (OIP), a conservation initiative led by White Squall, in partnership with the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB), to maintain and restore campsites on the outer islands of Eastern Georgian Bay. Since its inception in 1997, the OIP has been working tirelessly to keep the islands clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors. This season, over 30 volunteers spent eight days across 14 islands, caring for over 60 campsites. Their efforts included: Thunderbox Maintenance: Moving 14 thunderboxes to new holes, replacing 4, and renovating 1 Garbage Collection: Collecting 8 bags of garbage, a boatload of dock foam, and removing a plastic chair from the water Habitat Restoration: D
December 2025
Township of the Archipelago Steps Up to Support Parry Sound Sewage Infrastructure
The Township of The Archipelago (ToA) is contributing $360,000 to support the development of Parry Sound’s new $18 million pumping station in the harbour at 99 Champagne Street. The new pumping station will be located just across the street from the existing pumping station and will protect the Bay from sewage bypasses while allowing the development of approximately 2,500 new homes. The upgrade will expand system capacity, eliminate overflow bypass to the Bay and support brownfield remediation along the harbour. Archipelago Reeve Bert Liverance said that ToA’s contribution is “an investment in the area’s economic future and the long-term protection of Georgian Bay.” Aside from the funding contribution, both municipalities signed a memorandum of unde
December 2025
Groundbreaking Innovation May Destroy PFAS "Forever Chemicals"
Researchers at Clarkson University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals". A team led by Associate Professor Yang Yang has developed a simple and effective method to destroy PFAS using only stainless steel ball milling equipment, without the need for added chemicals, heat, or solvents. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of approximately 15,000 synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, oil, grease, and heat, including makeup, stain-proof furniture, outdoor gear, and firefighting foam. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment and can build up in people, animals, and water supplies, leading to potential health issues such
December 2025
Study Shows Muskrats Play a Vital Role In Great Lakes Wetlands Revitalization
A new study from Loyola University in Chicago has discovered that muskrats are playing a vital role in restoring the health of Great Lakes wetlands. By feeding on invasive plants, these furry engineers are helping to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem balance, creating pathways for native species to thrive. The study, conducted in partnership with the University of Connecticut and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, found that muskrats reduced invasive hybrid cattail cover by 71% and frogbit by 88% in one northern Michigan marsh. This incredible feat helped clear vital habitats for migrating birds, fish, and other aquatic organisms, suggesting increasing muskrat populations could be a valuable tool for Great Lakes wetland restoration. In Ojibwe cultur
December 2025
New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rules for Ontario Homeowners and Landlords
As of January 1, 2026, Ontario homeowners and landlords will be required to have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every floor of their homes, including basements and main floors without bedrooms. This mandate applies to all homes with gas, oil, or wood-burning furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, ovens, and dryers, as well as houses with attached garages. This update to the Ontario Fire Code aims to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly if left undetected. CO is produced when fuels don't burn completely in everyday items, and it's impossible to see, smell, or taste. Homeowners and landlords are responsible for ensuring compliance.Ensure your alarms meet Canadian performance standards (CSA, ULC, or ETL logo), check the bat