Vol. 32 No. 3, Fall 2022 Lost in the Light: Taking Action to Address Light Pollution...................4 Climate Change Survey Makes Georgian Bay Residents’ Priorities Clear........................................................8 GBA Publishes Planning Regulations Guide. .............................9 ED’s Advocacy Report.......................11 Making Sure Our Voices Are Heard on Great Lakes Water Quality for the Next 50 Years...............................12 President’s Report.............................14 Upcoming Events...............................15 News and I nformat i on f rom the Georg i an Bay Assoc i at i on Paddling for Purpose: Annual Event Raises Funds for the Outer Islands Project PAGE 6 PAGE 10 PM # 40038178 GBA U P D A T E Your Voice on the Bay A (Very) Brief History of McGregor Bay Continues on page 2 INS IDE : Unsafe Boating Incidents on the Rise Reports of unsafe boating are up this year and we all know someone with a story. Speeding, dangerous driving, large wakes, passing on the wrong side, and not yielding the right of way are just some of the bad behaviours that have been observed. And all too often, those behaviours have resulted in some near misses that could easily have ended very badly. In McGregor Bay, a family was travelling back to their cottage in two separate boats, parents in front and kids a short distance behind. As the kids’ boat turned the corner toward the narrow Harrison Rock channel, they suddenly encountered a bass boat participating in a fishing derby, travelling full speed through the channel. The parents could only watch in terror, while both the kids’ boat and the bass boat swerved quickly to avoid a collision. Luckily, the boats passed each other safely, but it was all much too close for comfort. This fishing contest yielded several more complaints from canoeists, kayakers, and small boat operators who also had scary encounters with fishing boats not following the rules and travelling at speeds far in excess of any measure of safe and reasonable operation. This careless behaviour also had an impact on local wildlife, as shown in the photo of the snapping turtle. By Andrew Hurlbut, Chair, Boating, Safety, and Emergencies Committee Another boater shared this story: “We encountered three teen girls in an older small powerboat as we were travelling through Go Home Bay, and they actually played chicken with us (we are a 42-foot sailing vessel). They repeatedly put their boat directly in our path and stopped — right in front of us — in a narrow channel. Our sailboat does not stop on a dime and there could have been a serious injury if we had not taken evasive maneuvers that very nearly put us in danger. I don’t think they had a clue the risk they were running.” Facebook pages this summer were also full of comments and concerns: Snapping turtle propped during a fishing derby in McGregor Bay. Photo: John Woodrooffe
2 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 Continued from page 1 These behaviours are all dangerous and will result in more people getting hurt. It is also important to remember that power vessels aren’t the only cause for concern when it comes to boating safety. In 2021, 10 of the 27 drownings that occurred in Ontario happened in canoes; overall, 83 per cent of boating fatalities in 2021 happened in boats smaller than six metres, either engine or human powered. It’s important to know everyone’s swimming abilities and to act and monitor accordingly. But ultimately, the most effective way to prevent boating fatalities is simple: wear a lifejacket. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) also saw a sharp increase in the number of people needing to be rescued on inflatable or other floating toys. Over two days in early summer, the OPP rescued nine people in four separate incidents on paddleboards, a floating foam mat, and inflatable toys when they blew too far from shore. Only one of the nine people was wearing a lifejacket. However you choose to travel on Georgian Bay waters, safe and responsible boating is paramount for all our mutual enjoyment. What can we do? Boating issues vary depending on the area of the Bay, so unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving the problem. In general, though, we can share the following recommendations: ≥ Share safety information and boating material with your family and guests, such as: • Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide (https://bit.ly/TCBoating) • GBA’s Georgian Bay 4 Everyone messaging (https://bit.ly/GBay4ALL) • Canadian Coast Guard buoy primer (video: https://bit.ly/CCGprimer; see graphic on the righthand side of this page) ≥ Get to know your local OPP. You’re encouraged to make reports with as much detail as possible. Reports can be made 24/7 to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. ≥ Approach habitual offenders – sometimes a friendly reminder works. ≥Work with your local marinas to ask them to remind their customers of safe boating practices. Offer to provide the boating safety material listed above. ≥ For some key takeaways about boating safety, check out the sidebar on page 5. Major lighted aids to navigation may display a main light and may be equipped with a fog signal and/or RACON. The colour and character of the light are advertised on the nautical chart and in the “List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals” publication. The colour of the structure may not have lateral significance. The focal height of the light above water level, in metres (m) or feet (ft), and nominal range, in nautical miles (M), may be indicated on nautical charts. When the colour of the light is not specified for any marine aid to navigation light, it is white. Fog signal characteristics are advertised on charts and in the “List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals”. A RACON (radar beacon) transmits a Morse code pulse that can be seen on a radar display distinguishing it from surrounding radar targets. Information concerning RACONS can be found in “Radio Aids to Marine Navigation”. FOGSIG Horn Bell Whis Racon LIGHT FOG SIGNAL RACON FIXED AIDS MAJOR LIGHTED AIDS DESCRIPTION Black anchor symbol centre on a white background, with a red fluorescent diagonal (top left to bottom right) superimposed over the black anchor and white background. USER’S GUIDE Do not anchor within the zone indicated on the chart. Area may contain submerged pipelines, power cables, etc. NO ANCHORAGE FIXED AIDS DESCRIPTION A sector light’s beam is divided into sectors of different colours. USER’S GUIDE The different coloured sectors provide a warning or a leading line to mariners. Sector colours and boundaries are indicated in the “List of Lights”, and on marine charts. R W AIRW RWG G AIGW R W RWG G SECTOR LIGHTS FIXED AIDS STAR SEC A minor lighted aid may display characteristics of lateral significance. Consult the “List of Lights” for physical description of these aids. DIRECTIONAL SYMBOLS MINOR LIGHTED AIDS/ SECONDARY LANDFALL AIDS FIXED AIDS GREEN OR BLACK Port hand Port bifurcation PORT HAND SECONDARY LANDFALL DESCRIPTION A range consists of two or more fixed navigation marks situated some distance apart and at different elevations. May or may not be lighted. The shapes and colours of the daymarks and the colours and characters of lights are advertised in the “List of Lights”. USER’S GUIDE A range provides a leading line for navigators. When both marks are in line the observer is on the recommen ed track. Consult the nautical charts for the portion of channel serviced by the range. ON RANGE LINE 2 Bns Bn Bn UNLIGHTED LIGHTED RANGES FIXED AIDS REAR RANGE FRONT RANGE DESCRIPTION Green fluorescent or black square centre on a white background with a green retroreflective border. It may display an odd number made of white retroreflective material. USER’S GUIDE When proceeding upstream, must be kept on the vessel's port (left) side. DESCRIPTION Green retroreflective square on a white diamond with a red fluorescent border. USER’S GUIDE Marks a point where the channel divides and may be passed on either side. If the preferred channel is desired (right), the daybeacon should be kept on the vessel’s port (left) side. PORT HAND PORT BIFURCATION STANDARD DAYBEACONS CHARACTERISTICS FIXED AIDS DESC Red r red flu USER Marks passe desire vesse STA BLACK OR GREEN Cauti under and a Inform such Marin inform squar DESC ● Sha ● Ma ● Yel CAUT INFO SCIE Keep which KEEP Yello Whit equi Blac buoy Lette Two sign DESCR NW SW W Note: m USER’S GUIDE A port hand buoy marks the port (left) side of a channel or the location of a danger which must be kept on the vessel’s port (left) side when proceeding in the upstream direction. DESCRIPTION ● Green. ● Green light (Fl) 4s or (Q) 1s (if equipped). ● If unlighted, it has a flat top. ● Topmark is a single green cylinder (if equipped). ● Letter and odd number(s). ● Green retroreflective material. PORT HAND LATERAL BUOYS LIGHT GREEN sec 12 16 4 8 (FI) 4S or sec 10 15 5 (Q) 1S Bell G G G G G G Whis 0 0 DESC ● Red ● Red ● If u ● Top ● Let ● Red DESC ● Red ● Red (if e ● If u ● Top ● Let ● Red RE LIG ST sec 12 18 6 FI(2 + 1)6S or 0 sec 10 FI(2 + 1)10S Bell Whis GRG GRG GRG GRG GRG GRG 0 DESCRIPTION ● Green with one red horizontal band. ● Green light, composite group Fl(2+1) 6s or Fl(2+1) 10s (if equipped). ● If unlighted, it has a flat top. ● Topmark is a single green cylinder (if equipped). ● Lettered – no numbers. ● Green retroreflective material. USER’S GUIDE A port bifurcation buoy marks the point where a channel divides when proceeding in the upstream direction. When the preferred (main) channel is desired, the buoy should be kept on the vessel’s port (left) side. GREEN CHANNEL SECONDARY LIGHT PORT BIFURCATION LATERAL BUOYS DESC ● Red ● Wh ● If u ● Red ● Let ● Wh DESC ● Bla ● Wh ● Two ● Let ● Wh I T5 FIG G RGR FI(2+1)R FIG G FIG G QR R FI(2)5s BRB Bell RW T Mo(A) FI 6s 21m 17M FOGSIG(2) 60s Racon T4 R AIS IsoG FR TA2 R OcR T10 FIR ODAS/SADO Y Fl(5)Y 20s TD YBY Q(9)15s FY 15m FY 25m (priv) RWG R AIRW W AIGW G OrW W W (priv) WOr (priv) TSL WOr WOr (priv) LOCK (priv) OrW 165 UPSTREAM TA1 G TEK TEJ TEL TEM TEN Small Arms Range FIY FIY Y Y Y Y TJE TJF TJH TJG FIY FIY Y Y Y Y TDK WOr TDM TDL WOr WOr Rapids Prohibited Area FIY T1 FIG FIR R R G TC BY Q 345 DESCRIPTION An AIS AtoN is an electronic (digital) aid to navigation that is broadcast by an authorized service provider using the AIS Message 21 (Aids-to-navigation report) and may be displayed on properly configured shipborne and shore-based navigation equipment. There are two types of AIS AtoN being used in Canada: Physical and Virtual. AIS AtoN provide a positive and all-weather means of identification to mariners. For more information, please go to CCG e-Navigation Portal. AIS-ATON Virtual AIS AtoN Port Hand Mark Physical AIS AtoN Starboard Hand Mark This is a fictitious EXAMPLE of a mariner's view from vessel's electronic equipment V-AIS Position Type Virtual Flag Virtual AIS AtoN AIS NAVIGATION AID NAME Aid Type: Virtual, Port Hand Mark MMSI: 993**1*** Position: 44°33.099’N 063°30.651’W Position accuracy: High (<10 m) Position Type: Surveyed RAIM Flag: RAIM not in use Off position: -- Dimensions: -- Virtual: Yes AIS NAVIGATION AID NAME Aid Type: Buoy, Starboard Hand Mark MMSI: 993**1*** Position: 44°32.608’N 063°31.354’W Position accuracy: High (<10 m) Position Type: GPS RAIM Flag: RAIM not in use Off position: No Dimensions: 3m 3m 3m 3m Virtual: No NOTE Physical AIS AtoN BOW GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT STARBOARD PORT STERN WHITE LIGHT NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION THIS ILLUSTRATION FORMS PART OF THE PUBLICATION “THE CANADIAN AIDS TO NAVIGATION SYSTEM ” WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED, AS WELL AS AN EXPLANATION VIDEO ON THE CCG WEBSITE. BUOY DRAWINGS ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND QUICK REFERENCE ONLY AND WILL NOT APPEAR ON AN OFFICIAL NAVIGATION CHART. FOR SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS USED ON CHARTS, REFER TO CHS CHART NO. 1. EXAMPLES PROVIDED ARE NOT A REPRESENTATION OF REAL LIFE SITUATIONS. THE CANADIAN AIDS TO NAVIGATION SYSTEM | 2022 OR The Canadian Coast Guard has created a comprehensive infographic showing the navigation aids used on a typical Canadian waterway that can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/CCGBuoys Most of the boating fatalities in Ontario happen to people in smaller boats like canoes — that’s why everyone should wear a lifejacket.
3 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 For Non Association Members: Call your local association and sign up today to enjoy these discounts HOME / CONDO COTTAGE AUTO with Substantial Discounts: Exclusive to GBA Members “NEW” in addition to our Gold-Standard Cottage Program, we now offer a Gold-Standard Insurance Plan for 1-800-579-7423 WWW. R I C E I N C . C A info@riceinc.ca We also specialize in all cottages including: • High Values • Island Properties • Unique Construction • Multiple Owners • Rented Properties • Boats
4 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 One of the key attractions of cottage life is being immersed in the beauty of nature: the lake, the trees, the loons, and a dark, starfilled sky. This dark and starry sky is increasingly threatened by light pollution caused by artificial lighting. Ironically, lighting designed to save energy has only increased light pollution. According to an article by Robert Dick in a 2021 Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) newsletter, energysaving lighting is increasing the amount of artificial lighting at night by 2.2 per cent each year. It has become easy and inexpensive to light up docks and pathways with solar lights that stay on all night. While light pollution interferes with our aesthetic enjoyment of the dark night sky, it also causes harm to nature. Animals, birds, and insects have evolved to take their cues from a world where the days are bright with sunshine and the nights are dark or gently illuminated by the stars and the moon. For animals that use the stars to navigate for migration, the night skies and artificial lighting interferes with their ability to migrate. Birds can mistake artificial lights for their navigational stars, leaving them exhausted, dehydrated, and off course, and can sometimes lead to their death. Nocturnal animals need the dark to protect themselves from predators. They use the protection of the dark to find food, eat, and mate. Artificial lighting reduces the time they have to spend on these essential life activities. Even humans need darkness at night to produce melatonin, a hormone that helps us achieve the deep sleep we need to stay healthy. Artificial lighting affects our hormone levels and the structures by which we grow. The good news is that light pollution is one of the easiest forms of pollution to address, and there are things we can do to help reduce its impact. As Nicholas St. Fleur wrote in a 2016 article for the New York Times, “light pollution is a problem researchers say could disappear with the flick of a switch.” Angel Lillard of the McGregor Bay Association took this to heart this summer, after years of increasing light pollution from the Lafarge cement plant located on the eastern shoreline of McGregor Bay. Together with McGregor Bay Association President John Woodrooffe, they brought the issue forward to Lafarge, who quickly agreed to adopt a dark-sky policy that will see the lights turned off between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. Angel is now working to make the local municipality’s (the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands [NEMI]) dark-sky regulations more accessible so that cottagers can easily understand how to make their lighting comply with the bylaw. There are several initiatives in the Georgian Bay area aimed at curbing light pollution: ≥ Killarney Provincial Park has a strong dark sky policy and was the first provincial park in Ontario to be designated a Dark-Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Lake Superior and Quetico Provincial Parks have since followed suit. ≥ NEMI passed regulations in 2009 in support of the Dark Sky Sanctuary designation. ≥ The Township of Georgian Bay has an extensive dark-sky bylaw regulating outdoor lighting to mitigate light pollution and conserve the dark-sky environment. Lost in the Light: Taking Action to Address Light Pollution By Britt Oldenburg, Bay of Islands Association COTTAGE The Lafarge cement plant located in the southeast corner of McGregor Bay was a significant source of light pollution — even 4 nautical miles away — until concerned cottager Angel Lillard took action. Photo: Angel Lillard
5 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 ≥ The Township of Carling provides some guidance around outdoor lighting, stating that all external lights must be dark-sky compliant. ≥ The Township of the Archipelago’s comprehensive zoning bylaw includes a section outlining its dark-sky provisions. How You Can Reduce Light Pollution Even if you don’t have an industrial source of light pollution in your area, we all have a role to play in reducing light pollution. This simply involves turning off lights that are not required, directing light rays to the ground, and blocking light from travelling upwards and into the sky. The International Dark-Sky Association recommends the following principles for lighting: ≥ Turn off lights when you no longer need them. Consider using motion sensors so that lights are only on when you need them. ≥ Eliminate the upward direction of lights. Practically speaking, this means directing lights to the ground and choosing fixtures with shields that limit the amount of light that scatters upwards. ≥ Use low colour LED lights. Blue light scatters more than white light and has a disruptive effect on melatonin production, which interferes with the circadian rhythm of humans and animals alike. For more information on what you can do to make your outdoor lighting dark-sky friendly, check out the International Dark Sky Association here: darksky.org Boating Safety in a Nutshell: ≥ Share the waterways – courtesy, courtesy, courtesy ≥ Boaters have legal civil responsibility for their wakes ≥ Boaters are legally responsible to do everything possible to avoid collision, even if they have the right of way “Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and condition.” – Canada Shipping Act 2001 Example of a lighting fixture that shields light from scattering upwards.
6 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 McGregor Bay is the second most northern GBA member association, with Killarney Park to the east, and Manitoulin Island to the west. Lying within the La Cloche Mountains, the white quartzite hills of the McGregor Bay Ridge make up its southern edge, and another range of spectacular white hills borders the north. Within these boundaries lie a series of islets, islands, reefs, and shoals, mostly unmarked. The only road access to the Bay is from Highway 6 at Birch Island, a village in the Whitefish River First Nation, part of the Anishinabek Nation. It is not known how long the area was occupied by the people of the Anishinabek Nation, but it is known that the original Birch Island settlement was on Wardrope Island – one of the largest islands in McGregor Bay. The village was later moved to its current location on a narrow strip of land that divides McGregor Bay from the Bay of Islands. At the western mouth of the Bay lies Dreamer’s Rock, an important spiritual site for the members of the Whitefish River First Nation. The earliest known European visitor to the area was the fur trader and partner in the Northwest Company Alexander Henry, who was passing through on the way to the west in 1761. Later, Captain Alexander McGregor came from Goderich to settle in the Bay area in 1836 and established himself as a trader of various commodities – whisky being the main one. He eventually married a woman from Birch Island, Robin Shawanosawe, and from that union the McGregor family members can trace their lineage. The beauty of the Bay attracted the attention of many wealthy American and Canadian families who first arrived by boat, then by train, as there was no road access until 1925. As with many of the cottage areas that were developed all over A (Very) Brief History of McGregor Bay HERITAGE By Gillian Woodrooffe, McGregor Bay Association Ethel Jenkins and her daughter, Julia, working in the McGregor Bay store. Ontario, one generation succeeded another – with first names changing but family names remaining a constant, and often being used to name beloved geographical places and serve as a reminder of the area’s history. Surveying the Area In 1916, TJ Patten, a Dominion land surveyor, enlisted members from the local Indigenous communities to assist him in his mission to survey McGregor Bay, the Bay of Islands, and most of the North Channel of Lake Huron. To this day, every island in the bay bears his characteristic survey markers made from squared cedar stakes, each bearing the carved initials TP and a unique number. He later settled in Little Current, married Jesse Potts of Little Current and built a cottage in McGregor Bay – which remains in the family. A Presidential Visit Birch Island had an interesting role during World War II, when President Franklin Roosevelt, arriving by presidential train, spent a week in 1943 fishing its waters, just as the war was reaching a critical point for the Allies. He was on his way to Quebec City to meet with Prime Minister Winston
7 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 Loading blocks of ice into the ice house at the McGregor Bay store in anticipation of a busy summer. St. Christopher’s Anglican Church was dedicated in 1951 and has been holding summer services ever since. Churchill, but wanted to take a break for a few days to go fishing. His friend, Commander Eugene McDonald, founder of the Zenith Radio Corporation and owner of an island in McGregor Bay, suggested he stop by for a few days of fishing. The president seemed to enjoy his week in the area, catching bass, walleye, and pike, and resting away from the eyes of the world. Supplying the Bay Another central character to the development of McGregor Bay was Stuart Jenkins. Despite being born into a well-to-do family and educated at McGill University where he excelled in languages and literature, his desire for adventure and travel eventually drew him, at the age of 63, to bring his wife and family to McGregor Bay. In 1913, he built a log cottage and worked as a game warden and fire marshal. Then in 1917 he built a store on Iroquois Island, primarily as a way to help his daughter Ethel and granddaughter Julia to settle down. Thanks to Stuart Jenkins, for the next 60 years, the store provided mail service, groceries, LCBO provisions, fuel, fishing and hunting licences, and of course gossip to the community of McGregor Bay. Over the years the store has changed hands several times and expanded to include cabin rentals. With the advent of large powerful outboard engines, cottagers started travelling to the mainland more frequently for supplies and the retail business slowly wound down. It eventually was sold to its current owners who fully transitioned it to a cabin rental resort, McGregor Bay Lodge. Also located on Iroquois Island is St. Christopher’s Anglican Church and its parish hall, which acts as the hub of McGregor Bay. Every summer, social events at the hall bring residents together to build on the sense of community that has brought people back generation after generation. We look forward to bringing people together there for many generations to come.
8 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 ENVIRONMENT We are pleased to continue our reporting on the efforts of the ICECAP (Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans) project being coordinated by the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. The most recent outcome of this initiative is the climate action survey, which had more than 600 respondents. Of the 613 respondents, 43 per cent were seasonal cottagers, 52 per cent were permanent residents, including area First Nations. Isabelle Moy, GBB’s climate change program coordinator and survey designer, said: “It took days to go through all the data this spring, but it was clear that people have great pride in the natural beauty of the area and a real desire to protect it. People who took the survey identified actions that could be taken by individuals, households, communities, and local governments, while also recognizing more support was needed at provincial and federal levels. I found it encouraging to see how many people participated and how passionate they are about positive environmental change.” In terms of energy use in buildings, tradespeople who are knowledgeable about energy efficiency, including retrofits and solar power are needed. “One of the largest challenges will be enough qualified tradespeople to do this work – right now there is not enough skilled workers in the area,” said one survey response. Most people had already taken steps to save energy at home. Others said they would like more information about financial incentives for retrofits and where to find lowimpact or locally sourced building materials. In terms of transportation, the top concern was “active transportation” or non-motorized travel, which requires better walking and cycling infrastructure. An overwhelming majority (94 per cent) said that it is a priority for them that roads and trails be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Many people identified barriers in terms of the cost of electric vehicles and the lack of infrastructure and noted that there is an urgent need for more public transport. Active transportation is already being promoted widely with walking groups, cycling clubs, and bike-to-school campaigns. Cameron MacDonald, a teacher at Nobel Public School near Parry Sound, organizes a weekly group bike ride to encourage students to ride their bikes more often and to learn bike safety together. “There’s an environmental benefit to kids learning that they can commute using active transportation instead of vehicles. Hopefully we are helping them form lifelong habits to stay active and think about biking in their daily routines.” Beyond the high GHG emissions from gas vehicle engines, people also were concerned about pollution from recreational and small engines, such as snowmobiles, jet skis, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers. The final section of the survey was about reducing GHGs from waste. “It is important to find ways of diverting how much ends up in landfills,” said Moy. As decomposition occurs, methane gas is released, further contributing to climate change. Some municipalities in the region, such as Seguin Township and the Town of Parry Sound, are already working to reduce the estimated 40-60 per cent of organic waste that is going to landfills by promoting composting. 97 per cent of surveys were in support of regional waste management and organics diversion such as a green-bin program. When asked how much the region should reduce its GHG emissions, the majority felt it should be by 50 per cent or more by 2050. Many also supported the concept of net zero, which would mean balancing emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. The Town of Parry Sound already has a goal of becoming one of Canada’s first net-zero communities. Benjamin John, climate and energy programs manager for GBB, said, “The survey made it apparent that there are real concerns about the costs of taking climate action on individuals, particularly those who are disadvantaged or in need. The term ‘climate justice’ conveys the need for climate action that is equitable, affordable, and accessible to all. It is important to ensure that our plans to address climate change do not worsen historical inequities and instead centre around creating a livable future for all. “‘Energy poverty’ is a term that applies to households that struggle to meet home energy needs. “We know that most residents in the Parry Sound area are considered to have high home energy cost burdens based on energy prices and households’ after-tax income,” says John. One survey said, “It’s not information that stops our family from making better choices about transportation, it’s cost or access! We would upgrade right away if we could afford it.” ICECAP member Jack Tynan, representing the GBB Board, said: “The results of the survey will be used in a regional climate action plan that is currently in development by GBB Climate Change Survey Makes Georgian Bay Residents’ Priorities Clear
9 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 By Becky Pollock, Executive Director, Georgian Bay Biosphere GBA Publishes Planning Regulations Guide The GBA Planning Regulations Guide provides information on land-use planning regulations for residents of the municipalities along the east and north shores of Georgian Bay where GBA member associations are located. This comprehensive digital guide is a GBA Coastal Protection initiative. It aims to support sound land-use planning standards that protect the coastal environment and natural landscapes on the Bay by ensuring that development is sustainable and does not threaten the region’s unique ecosystems. The Guide helps member associations and individual members find information on the land-use planning process, planning regulations, and building regulations in Ontario and the five coastal municipalities. It helps residents comply with the rules and helps guide member associations on participating in the planning process and responding to proposed developments in their areas. GBA plans to update the Guide periodically. The Guide refers to and complements information provided by the five coastal municipalities about their official plans, zoning bylaws and building application processes. The municipalities are (south to north): ≥ Township of Georgian Bay ≥ Township of the Archipelago ≥ Township of Carling ≥ Municipality of Killarney ≥ The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) To view and download the Guide, see https://bit.ly/GBAPlanningGuide staff, ICECAP partners, and experts. The plan will outline how to reduce GHGs using tools such as education, energy retrofit and waste reduction programs, new plans and policies for local governments, and infrastructure improvements. The potential benefits are energy cost savings, improved air quality, more connected communities, and help to prepare for the impacts of climate change.” ICECAP was formed in 2019 as a way for municipalities and First Nations communities to understand their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, set emission reduction targets, and implement plans for action. It is open to all town councils in the Georgian Bay Biosphere area and current members include the townships of the Archipelago, Carling, Georgian Bay, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound, Seguin, Whitestone, and Shawanaga First Nation. If you want to learn more about the ICECAP partnership or other ways to get involved with climate action, please go to www.gbbr.ca/ climate. You can also email specific questions to Ben John, climate and energy program manager at GBB (climate@gbbr.ca). To read about previous UPDATE articles about the ICECAP project, visit: georgianbay.ca/ flipbook/GBA-Summer-2020/ and georgianbay.ca/flipbook/GBASummer-2021/ Planning Regulations Guide GEORGIAN BAY ASSOCIATION
10 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 OUTER ISLANDS PROJECT Paddling for Purpose: Annual Event Raises Funds for the Outer Islands Project By Allison Needham, UPDATE Managing Editor On Sunday, June 26, more than 100 paddlers from across Ontario took to the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay for the fourth annual Franklin Challenge. Kayakers, canoers, and even a few dogs set out from Snug Harbour, northwest of Parry Sound, to paddle around Franklin Island in support of the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) Outer Islands Project (OIP) Fund, which provides funding to groups and individuals wishing to help reduce impacts and manage recreation sites on the islands of eastern Georgian Bay. Started in 1997 by White Squall Paddling Centre, the OIP has been a community effort to mitigate recreation impacts by cleaning up campsites of garbage, dismantling fire pits, and installing outdoor toilets. The project also promotes a community-wide voluntary fire ban. While the paddling outfit is still an active participant and leader for the project, White Squall and GBB encourage others to participate. The annual cost for the cleanup requires significant fundraising and donations from partners to ensure the project can continue. As well, funds raised are available to individuals and groups wishing to help this effort. Any group can submit a request outlining what they intend to do, provide a budget and timeline for their work, and consideration for funding. The project is a joint initiative in conjunction with other community partners, but since it’s not publicly funded, it relies on lovers of the Bay to donate to the project. If you love the Bay, please consider donating to the GBB to keep the islands in good shape so they can be enjoyed by all for generations to come. (https://www.gbbr.ca/donate) Paddlers chose a from 20-km route around Franklin Island, or a shorter thereand-back route of 7-8 km. It’s about an hour’s paddle from Snug Harbour to Henrietta Point at the southwest corner of Franklin. The paddling fundraiser was held June 26 in Snug Harbour in partnership with the Georgian Bay Biosphere. The Outer Islands Project is a stewardship initiative to maintain and restore well or overused campsites on offshore, Crown land islands of Georgian Bay. Franklin sits on 13 km of Crown land and is part of the Georgian Bay Biosphere. Photos: Thom Morrissey
11 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 As summarized in the President’s Message, Coastal Protection Committee matters have dominated our advocacy work since the last UPDATE issue in the spring, but we have also been addressing water quality issues, as described in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement article, and, of course, the usual wide range of concerns that were listed starting on page 12 in the previous UPDATE publication. (georgianbay.ca/flipbook/GBA-Summer-2022/) The addition of Cosette Shipman to the GBA team this year, and the excellent work Cosette has done as the coastal protection projects coordinator has allowed us to move forward on three major projects: ≥ GBA’s Planning Regulation Guide has now been published, see the sidebar on page 9 for more information. It is not intended to supplant the excellent materials that your municipality provides on these topics – in fact, it contains numerous links to that more detailed information. ≥ The municipal planning comparison project has been the major undertaking, as anticipated, and is now close to completion. It will establish base data on the current status and main features of each municipality’s strategic plan, official plan (OP) and comprehensive zoning bylaws (CZB), compare them and then share information on the results. It is expected that this will lead, amongst other objectives, to discussions on potential ways to develop more consistent planning and land-use policies and regulations throughout the coast, including identifying and sharing information on sound procedures and best practices. ≥ Our septic management/maintenance guide is also substantially complete and we are in the process of organizing an independent review of the contents from a qualified professional. We are also actively trying to get ahead of the potential proliferation of floating cottages, as described in the previous issue of UPDATE. The GBA Floating Cottages Strategic Committee includes representatives from: the townships of Severn, Georgian Bay and the Archipelago; the Gloucester Pool Cottagers’ Association; the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA); and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI). This committee is successfully establishing strategies to advocate to the various government agencies for the changes needed to properly regulate floating cottages. The MPP and MP for Parry SoundMuskoka - Graydon Smith (also Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry) and Scott Aitchison, respectively - have both indicated support for such regulation. Other MPs have also asked Transport Canada to review its definition of a vessel, which is the core issue that needs to be addressed. Recently we discovered that Transport Canada had issued a vessel licence to a dock (which they rescinded eventually) and to a boathouse (still in place), so there are clearly issues with their vessel licensing procedures. We recently received some good news – the Macey Bay development company that has been pushing for 180 trailers on that site has abandoned their plans and put the property on the market. This sale is likely to be problematic since there are still major environmental regulation issues to consider (see: https://bit.ly/MaceyBay-SAR). In particular, Macey Bay includes extensive, sensitive fish habitat that poses a significant impediment to being able to build enough docks for the trailers. This has been a long battle that is not over yet, and we should recognize the generous donation GBA received in 2017 to initiate legal proceedings and the amazing hard work of Tom Bain and Jean DeMarco over the years to work with us to help protect the environment from the potential impacts of this proposed trailer park development. A few other highlights: ≥ Expect a GBA report soon on the long-awaited Environment and Climate Change Canada future water levels study – pre-release summaries of the study findings have recently been made public. ≥ GBA will be working on the regulations for the bill to ban unencapsulated dock foam, and continues to work on getting the washing-machine filter bill approved. ≥ Your Boating, Safety, and Emergencies Committee continues to bring forward to you a wealth of important information, including progress on the Decibel Project – please visit the GBA website and review eUpdate posts on these matters. Finally, I would like to recognize the great work of your associations and GBA board of directors on so many issues on your behalf, without which GBA would not be able to achieve so much to protect our beloved Bay. By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director ED ADVOCACY REPORT
12 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AGREEMENT GBA has provided input on the binational Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) since its inception in 1972. The GLWQA is a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Canada on shared priorities, goals, and strategies to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Waters of the Great Lakes.” With 2022 marking the 50th anniversary, we have been busy on your behalf ensuring that the major issues that affect Georgian Bay will be addressed over the next 50 years. On September 27-29, the Canadian and US Federal Governments will host their largest listening session in years at the 2022 Great Lakes Public Forum in Niagara Falls. This represents the best opportunity for public input on the GLQWA since 1972 and will help frame the next decades of international collaboration to protect and restore the Great Lakes, their basins, and the connecting waterways. Why is the GLWQA important? Water quality has arguably been the top issue for GBA associations and members since GBA was formed in 1916, and consistent, robust progress under the GLWQA is one of the best ways we can ensure our water quality is maintained/ improved. If the respective federal governments were doing their job well and making timely progress on the many issues covered by the agreement, there would be little need for GBA to weigh in. However, progress has been too slow, opportunities have been missed, and there is a need to hold accountable the two primary agencies (Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) and press for improvements going forward. What has GBA done? In recent years, GBA sat on the Canadian Stakeholder Advisory Panel for the 2010 GLWQA negotiations, has been granted Official Observer status, and provides comments at all the annual update sessions. This year GBA was a founding member of a new, independent organization called the Great Lakes Ecoregion Network (GLEN). Working with GLEN, GBA has been coordinating public comment about the state of the Great Lakes in advance of the GLWQA’s public forum in September. Leveraging the combined voices of the GLEN membership and the people who live in the Great Lakes area will provide GBA, as a key player in GLEN, with a significantly enhanced ability to influence GLWQA policies and implementation. What is GLEN and what is it doing? GLEN is a wide-ranging binational group of dedicated advocates and subject matter experts (see: https://bit.ly/ GLEN2022) working together to strengthen the GLWQA and increase public/community engagement in government policies focusing on Great Lakes water quality. Specifically, by the time this UPDATE is published, GLEN will have: ≥ Collected public comments during six webinars Making Sure Our Voices Are Heard on Great Lakes Water Quality for the Next 50 Years By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director The GLWQA’s nine general objectives, supported by 10 annexes, that the International Joint Commission (IJC) uses to document Canadian and US government progress to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Graphic from the IJC’s 2020 TAP report (https://bit.ly/IJCTAP2020)
13 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 representing each of the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River basin and synthesized them into a summary video ≥ Hosted a series of GLEN events in Niagara Falls ≥ Brought forward the public comments to ECCC and the EPA at the 2022 Great Lakes Public Forum ≥ Submitted a detailed report to the governments which spells out concerns and recommends improvements that should be implemented Going forward, GLEN will: ≥ Fulfill an integral role in shaping the next 10-year GLWQA by remaining fully engaged on its drafting and finalization ≥ Provide a long-term forum for future public comments, concerns, and issues to hold governments accountable and assess progress What are the significant accomplishments of the GLWQA over the last 50 years? ≥ Lake Erie recovery from extreme pollution ≥ Important scientific breakthroughs and regulatory advances on persistent toxic chemicals in the food web ≥ Productive action on airborne toxics ≥ Significant progress on the clean-up of 41 toxic hot spots, termed Areas of Concerns (AOCs) In addition, the GLWQA has successfully incorporated: ≥ Consultations with Indigenous communities and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) ≥ How climate change impacts are threatening water quality What are the shortfalls that have and will require public vigilance and commentary? ≥ Failure to embrace a precautionary approach (for instance, when approving new industrial developments) or to take preventative action (when faced with an emerging threat), both of which have resulted in a continuous stream of new water quality issues ≥ Failure to take bold action at critical moments, (e.g., invasives, toxics, and algal blooms), but instead adoption of an incremental approach, which has not solved these highly impactful issues ≥ Lack of specific goals with timelines ≥ Lost opportunity and commitment to enforcing a zerodischarge policy for persistent toxic substances, including radionuclides ≥ Failure to adequately address nutrients from agricultural sources, which has caused Lake Erie to degrade again and contributed to increased algae outbreaks throughout the Great Lakes basin ≥ The Areas of Concern (AOC) clean-up progress has been slow and there has been insufficient follow-up to prevent pollution that has been cleaned up from recurring ≥ Failure to prevent the disruption of natural water flows that have resulted from such things as shoreline hardening and straightening of rivers, which has caused habitat destruction ≥ Use of natural areas for toxics disposal ≥ Failure to assess source waters where public drinking water is drawn ≥ Focus on fish consumption advisories rather than implementing long-term fish contamination solutions What are the primary impacts of these achievements and failures for the Bay? ≥ The slow rollout of ballast water regulations led to many highly destructive invasive species entering our waters, such as quagga mussels and round goby, before the improvements were implemented. ≥ Both Severn Sound and Collingwood Harbour were listed as AOCs, due to their poor water quality and environmental degradation, but remedial action plans, with strong support from local organizations, have successfully restored water quality and the environment in both locations. ≥ The list of chemicals of mutual concern is inadequate and urgently needs to be expanded (e.g. adding plastics/ microfibres). GBA has been pushing for years for improvements in preventative measures on hazardous chemicals. ≥With warming waters due to climate change, the alarming increase in algae outbreaks has been exacerbated by inadequate farm run-off reduction policies. GBA’s Aquaculture Committee has provided numerous comments on nutrient loading from open net pen aquaculture (fish farming) operations in Lake Huron over the years (see: https://bit.ly/aquaculture_sub). ≥ Grass carp pose a major threat to the health and preservation of our wetlands, and continued binational action is crucial to the continued success of our efforts at preventing the introduction of all Asian carp into the Great Lakes. These are just some examples of why the GLWQA is so important for preserving and even improving water quality in the Bay, but the ongoing performance on all 10 Annexes listed in the accompanying infographic is vital for our continued enjoyment of this special place.
14 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 PRESIDENT’S REPORT By Rolfe Jones, GBA President Summer on the Bay reetings everyone. I hope this finds you all in good stead and continuing your good times on the Bay. Opening Up. Susan, the dogs, and I arrived on Island 79 on June 1 after a three-day drive from Nova Scotia, only to discover we had no power. We promptly ascertained that it was due to faults in the underwater cables. A couple of wonderful things quickly ensued. Our good friends Craig (Past GBA president) and Cathie Bowden put us up at their cottage, Uneedarest, and then we discovered just how amazing Hydro One can be. We had two, then three, then four work crews swapping out underwater cables around our island plus various neighbours’ islands over four days. And boy did they have their work cut out for them! One crew had actually finished up in Peterborough at 11 p.m. the night before and were on our island by 10 the next morning – a Saturday – to assist with the work. Now that’s commitment! All the crews were super professional, very polite and did great work. In our hearts and minds, they quickly became Hydro Won! Coastal Protection. This is rapidly becoming one of our most important files. People are flocking from everywhere to Georgian Bay, and while we welcome the positive effects to our economy, we must be ever mindful of the negative impact that improper development can have on our environment, waters, infrastructure, native species, and species at risk. To that end, your Coastal Protection Committee has been very busy this summer working on such important matters as floating cottages, Ontario Land Tribunal decisions, and precedent-setting developments. We have also been honing our vision for the Coastal Protection Fund, launching our Planning Regulations Guide, working on the municipal planning comparison project, and writing our septic management/maintenance guide. Growing Strategic Alliances. Birds of a feather flock together. While GBA partners on numerous projects already with Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB), Georgian Bay Forever (GBF), and Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT), we feel that it’s important to partner with other like-minded organizations so that we can amplify our voice and extend our messaging further afield. So, we continue to work with organizations such as Canadian Environmental Law Association, Boating Ontario, Ontario Nature, and Environmental Defence. We are also working more closely on specific issues with the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. All of these groups get us a seat at more tables of influence and expose us to larger and broader audiences who share similar interests and concerns. It’s a win-win-win for everybody! The Value GBA Provides You. At some of this summer’s association AGMs I was asked to validate the $50 you pay annually to GBA as part of your association membership dues. At some meetings I started my chat by saying that I thought annual fees should be $500. While that was somewhat tongue in cheek, I think that your GBA membership is exceptional value for the money. The math on 3,000 paying members equals $150,000. That number barely covers the salaries of our full-time executive director and our parttime communications and executive services coordinator. At the same time, the time and energy contributed by our 23 volunteer directors is worth somewhere in the neighbourhood of an additional $350,000. We run a very tight fiscal ship and tackle big initiatives with our engaged volunteers, rather than with big budgets. [Note to members – we can always use more volunteers!] Put another way, your annual GBA dues could buy you about 15 cups of coffee at Starbucks, or roughly nine Big Macs, or two decent bottles of wine. But none of those things have the staying power of your annual GBA membership. It is an investment in protecting the Bay, your property, your family, and your peace of mind. A fair and inexpensive investment if I do say so myself. Safety. We are hearing more and more about poor boating behaviour and etiquette (see cover page) which only means that we need to better educate all boaters and remain vigilant on our waterways. Please slow down – especially in slow zones, drop your wake and your engine noise – understand the rules of the “road,” take outside channels wherever possible, and please wear a personal floatation device. Giving Thanks. We are very fortunate to call this remarkable place our spiritual home. Let us always be mindful of just how special it is and to do our very best to protect it. Enjoy your respective falls, hold your families close, and as always, please be safe. Miigwech. G
15 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2022 GBA THANKS JUNCTION59 for their services supporting our eUpdate, website and our social media channels Marc Cooper 416.481.4861 junction59.com This publication designed and layout by 7 0 5 . 6 3 6 . 7 3 1 9 • www. j c l d e s i g n . c a Helping you to achieve your vision Subscribe to GBA eUPDATE email news updates by clicking the link at www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE is printed by Warren’s Waterless Printing, Canada’s leading environmental printer, using high-quality waterless print technology on Enviro 100% recycled paper. The waterless printing process eliminates the use of fresh water and greatly reduces the use of harmful chemical compounds. Distributed under Canada Publication Mail Sales Agreement # 40038178 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: GBA c/o SHANNON FARQUHARSON, Communications & Executive Services Coordinator 138Hopedale Avenue, Toronto ON M4K 3M7 (416) 937-4990 • sfarquharson@georgianbay.ca Patrons of GBA: The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D. John Ralston Saul, C.C. The Georgian Bay Association is an advocacy umbrella group representing 17 community associations and their members – approximately 3,000 families comprising over 18,000 residents. GBA UPDATE is published by the Georgian Bay Association 2022 Publication Schedule Issue Distribution Date Spring February Summer May Fall October GBA Mission Statement: To work with our water-based communities and other stakeholders to ensure the careful stewardship of the greater Georgian Bay environment. GBA UPDATE is mailed to all members of all GBA member associations, friends, other stakeholders and interest groups. Bulk copies can be made available to full member associations to include with their mailings. Material may be reprinted in GBA member association newsletters provided that the source is acknowledged. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please send address corrections and changes to the address below. Your Voice on the Bay President: Rolfe Jones email: rolfescottjones@georgianbay.ca Executive Director: Rupert Kindersley email: rkindersley@georgianbay.ca Editor: Liz Phillips email: lizannephillips@gmail.com Advertising & Managing Editor: Allison Needham email: allison.needham@rogers.com Webmaster: Eric Armour email: e.s.armour@gmail.com GBA website: www.georgianbay.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/GBayAssociation Upcoming Events Our sister Georgian Bay organizations wish to inform you of these upcoming events Georgian Bay Biosphere State of the Bay: Approaches to Ecosystem Health Reporting 2008-2023 October 27 at 7 p.m. Online webinar registration gbbr.ca/events Join Dr. Becky Pollock and Katrina Krievens for an overview and discussion about the evolution of the State of the Bay program for eastern Georgian Bay. Review the key trends and themes, reflect on the environmental legacy of colonization, and how new approaches that integrate Anishinaabek knowledge are being used to deepen our collective understanding. Georgian Bay Forever Georgian Bay Forever is looking for volunteers to help make the Diversion 2.0 project (plastic litter mitigation) a success! Join Plastic-Free Georgian Bay to do waste characterizations and start conversations with your community, local businesses, and schools about decreasing single or lightly used plastic consumption. You can learn more about the move towards zero plastic waste and schedule a presentation by emailing sean.mullin@gbf.org. Volunteer Shoreline Cleanup October 26, 10 a.m. to 12 noon Sunset Point, Collingwood Drop in or email ashley.morrison@ gbf.org to RSVP Volunteer Shoreline Cleanup November 22, 1 to 3 p.m. Little River Park, Thornbury Drop in or email ashley.morrison@ gbf.org to RSVP Georgian Bay Land Trust Bayscapes Online Auction: Friday, October 21, 12 noon to Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m. Virtual Celebration: Saturday, October 29, 6 to 6:45 p.m. Support the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s work to protect Georgian Bay’s wilderness places through Bayscapes! Bid online on a fantastic array of Georgian Bay themed art, photographs, items, and experiences, with all proceeds supporting nature conservation. Tune in October 29 for a virtual celebration featuring musical entertainment from the shores of Georgian Bay and updates from the Land Trust. Visit gblt.org/bayscapes for more information and to participate.
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