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
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
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 4 inches hgher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 10, 11, 8 & 15 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron & Ontario levels are up 4, 4 & 11 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake St. Clair levels remain the same as this time last year, while Lake Erie levels are lower by 6 inches than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron & Erie are 2, 2 & 2 inches below their long-term April averages. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are 2 & 8 inches above their long-term April averages. All the lakes remain well below their April record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair,
Since 1894, the Jones Island Rear Lighthouse has stood as a sentinel for mariners navigating into Parry Sound. Recognized as a Federal Heritage Building in 2008, it is an "anchor" of Georgian Bay’s maritime history and one of a series of five range lights that have guided vessels for over a century. - Despite its heritage status, the Canadian Coast Guard (CGC) has announced plans for its demolition, citing extensive structural deterioration and high renovation costs. While the CGC intends to replace it with a modern 80-foot steel tower, local community members and observers dispute the claim that the building is beyond repair and are fighting to find a way to preserve this iconic piece of Bay history. - This effort is not just about nostalgia; it is about proper governance. Under the
- As black bears emerge from hibernation, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is asking people to exercise caution. There are fewer sources of natural food for bears at this time of year, which could lead them to search for other food sources such as garbage and bird feed. Follow these simple tips to keep your property safe and bears in their natural habitat: They suggest: Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids (indoors if possible) Wait until pickup day to put out garbage Take away bird feeders for the spring and summer Clean food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills after each use Keep pet food indoors and leash your dogs If you encounter a bear that poses an immediate threat to your safety, call 9-1-1 immediately. Use
If you’ve ever spent a summer evening on a Georgian Bay dock, you know the magic of the "blue hour." The water turns to glass, the loons begin their call, and—if you’re lucky—the silhouettes of tiny, acrobatic flyers begin to dance against the twilight. - The Hero in Your Eaves While we’re tucking into our cottages, the Little Brown Myotis and the Northern Long-eared Bat are clocking in for their shift. A single bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects in an hour. They are the most effective, eco-friendly pest control on the planet, protecting our gardens, our skin, and our local ecosystem. - But right now, they are facing a silent crisis. A devastating fungal disease called White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has decimated North American bat populations. In some areas, over 9
The transition from winter to spring is the most deceptive time of year on the water. While the sun may feel like April, the water is still very much in the grip of winter. The recent tragedy at Heart Lake Conservation Area in Brampton serves as a somber, universal reminder of this reality. On the night of April 11, 2026, a canoe carrying a man and a woman in their 30s capsized in the frigid lake. While bystanders at a nearby bonfire heard their cries and emergency crews rescued the woman, the man was not found until the following afternoon by an underwater recovery team. Notably, Peel Regional Police confirmed that neither individual was wearing a lifejacket, nor was there any safety equipment on board. This loss of life on a small inland lake underscores a danger that is currently
Lake Michigan-Huron is now at the same level it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 0, 8, 8, 8 & 16 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior & Ontario levels are up 3 & 9 inches, respectively, from last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron levels are now the same as last year. Lakes St. Clair & Erie are lower by 3 & 9 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron & Erie are 4, 6 & 4 inches below their long-term April averages. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are 1 & 5 inches above their long-term April averages. All the lakes remain well below their April record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron,
- Canada is taking a definitive step toward environmental resilience. On March 31, 2026, the federal government unveiled "A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature," a $3.8 billion roadmap designed to safeguard the nation’s natural heritage while building a more sustainable, nature-positive economy. - With the world’s longest coastline and 20% of the Earth’s freshwater, Canada is uniquely positioned to lead. This strategy isn’t just about preservation—it is about integrating the health of our environment into the very fabric of how we build and grow the country. - Protecting 30% by 2030: Our Blue and Green Ambitions Canada is accelerating its commitment to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. This ambitious "30x30" goal includes funding for
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 3 inches below the level it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 1, 6, 7, 12 & 14 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior & Ontario levels are up 3 & 7 inches, respectively, from last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie are lower by 3, 6 & 4 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 4, 9, 4, 2 & 0 inches below their long-term April averages. All the lakes remain well below their April record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 4, 4, 5, 4 & 8 inches, respectiv
From the hidden depths of our waters to the quiet flyers of the night sky—and the dedicated people working to protect them both—GBA is proud to present a diverse lineup of virtual events this spring. We invite you to dive into the science of our fisheries, learn about the frontline of bat conservation, and join us in honoring the local heroes who keep our coastal communities thriving. - Join us for one, or all, of the events below: - Beneath the Surface: An Expert's Guide to Our Fish Populations April 28 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET Join us for an exclusive 90-minute webinar with Arunas Liskauskas — renowned biologist featured in the documentary All Too Clear — for an in-depth look at the fish populations of Georgian Bay. From walleye and trout to pike, sal
Hydro One is in the early stages of developing a major new high-voltage transmission line set to run from the Hanmer Transformer Station (TS) in Sudbury to the Essa TS near Barrie. As this corridor is expected to traverse the Parry Sound-Muskoka region, it has significant implications for Georgian Bay communities and surrounding natural habitats. - GBA is actively tracking the development to ensure that environmental protections are prioritized. We are specifically looking at how this project intersects with federal and provincial impact assessment processes and how it may affect the local landscape. - Attend a Community Open House - Hydro One is hosting a series of public sessions to gather local feedback. If you have concerns about the route, property impacts, or environmental pres
As temperatures rise, local emergency services are issuing an urgent plea to all residents and visitors: Stay off the ice entirely. Recent incidents have seen a heartbreaking fatality and narrow escapes that underscore how quickly "solid" ice can turn into a life-threatening trap. - Fatal Snowmobile Incident near Beausoleil Island On the evening of March 29, 2026, Southern Georgian Bay OPP responded to a tragic incident near the southern tip of Beausoleil Island. A 62-year-old man from Penetanguishene lost control of his snowmobile and was ejected onto the ice. - Despite a massive coordinated rescue effort involving an OPP helicopter, local fire departments, and a civilian airboat, the operator was tragically pronounced deceased at the hospital. - Read more about the incident he
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has announced the 2026 opening dates for its seasonal search and rescue (SAR) stations across Ontario. These stations provide 24-hour emergency response to the recreational boating community during the busiest months of the year. - Seasonal SAR Station Opening Schedule Stations will become fully operational on the following dates: - March 20: Port Weller - March 27: Amherstburg, Cobourg, Kingston, Port Dover - April 3: Goderich, Meaford, Tobermory - April 10: Thunder Bay - Upcoming Ice Breaker Activity in Midland - In addition to the station openings, the CCG and Southern Georgian Bay OPP are advising residents and visitors of scheduled icebreaking. The CCGS Vincent Massey is expected to conduct operations in
