Vol. 34 No. 3, Fall 2024 Rupert’s Retirement: Reflecting on the Journey ...............6 President’s Report ............................13 Harvey O. Mierke Jr...........................14 ED’s Advocacy Report.......................16 Upcoming Events...............................18 PM # 40038178 PAGE 4 Natural Asset Management for Eastern Georgian Bay INSIDE: Continues on page 2 The Corridor Project: Protecting 32,900 Acres and Counting PAGE 10 News and Information from the Georgian Bay Association GBA U P D A T E Your Voice on the Bay Vision 2050 Project: Planning the Future of Georgian Bay Bringing communities and stakeholders together to develop a vision for protecting the Georgian Bay coast and natural environment into the future GBA is launching the Vision 2050 Project, a significant and potentially transformative initiative. This big-picture endeavour aims to proactively address widely recognized developmental and environmental threats to the Bay’s unique coastal environment, offering hope for a better future. The project’s objectives are vital to the future of the Georgian Bay region and are very ambitious, expansive, and long-term in nature. They are important to you and every community and stakeholder on and around Georgian Bay. By John Carson & Rolfe Jones Past Presidents, GBA Vision 2050 Project Steering Committee
2 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 Continued from page 1 Vision 2050 aims to bring together a coalition to speak with a unified and persuasive voice to advocate for policy changes needed to protect the Georgian Bay coastal region far into the future. GBA is collaborating with Georgian Bay partners including communities, governments, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders in the region in pursuing the project. To date, GBA has initiated discussions with Georgian Bay Biosphere, Georgian Bay Land Trust, Georgian Bay Forever, and many others on collaborating on the project. Many more discussions are planned. Why Do We Need a Vision? Georgian Bay is widely known for its amazing natural beauty, unique geography, diverse and pristine ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. The eastern and northern coasts of the Bay contain the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, are home to a UNESCO world biosphere, an aspiring UNESCO Geopark, the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and many significant provincial parks. The region is home to the largest number of First Nations in one region in Canada and to many permanent and seasonal resident communities. It also hosts a diverse tourism-based economy that attracts visitors from all over the world. In short, Georgian Bay is a remarkable region that is truly worthy of special recognition and protection. However, this largely pristine natural region is facing increasing threats on several fronts. One obvious threat is the huge growth and development pressures in southern Ontario. The GTA’s population is projected to increase by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2050, as is Simcoe County’s. The province’s latest policies that govern planning in every municipality in Ontario emphasize growth and development – a housing building boom, intensification and higher densities, and a drive to increase economic and employment growth areas. The government’s goals to facilitate this growth are mandatory and will have knock on effects throughout the province. It will be important to understand those implications for Georgian Bay in order to protect it. The region’s wildlands provide important habitat for wetlands, flora, fauna, and endangered species. Growing human pressures mean this habitat is at risk. To meet the goals of Canada’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework – protecting 30 per cent of Canada’s natural lands and water by 2030 – Ontario and Canada need to protect more natural lands and waters, not less. As Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy1 states, “The science is unequivocal – biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, threatening the foundations of human wellbeing and survival.” Despite its amazing natural features and ecology, the Georgian Bay region lacks a comprehensive planning and development framework. There is no regional vision or plan for the Bay, unlike the Niagara Escarpment or the Greenbelt. A patchwork of provincial policies, park plans and regulations, conservation area guidelines, divergent municipal by-laws, non-governmental organization (NGO) projects and First Nations governance are in place now. This fragmented approach fails to provide adequate protection for the future of Georgian Bay. A new regional plan is needed to ensure the long-term protection of this world-class natural asset. Vision 2050 Project Summary The Georgian Bay Vision 2050 Project aims to develop a proposed vision for a land use planning and environmental protection framework for the eastern and northern Georgian Bay coastal areas. ≥ Our mission is to preserve and protect the unique natural environment and ecosystems of Georgian Bay’s coasts and adjacent lands. ≥ Our core objective is to develop a roadmap for sound development planning and environmental protection for the region for 2050 and well beyond. In phase 1, we plan to retain a reputable, highly credible planning and environmental team to write a position paper as a basis for promoting the need for a regional vision and plan for the coast. The paper must be evidence and science-based to make a persuasive case for better policy. It must draw on national and international best practices and policies for protecting significant natural regions, such as establishing marine protected areas, sustainable land use planning, and biodiversity conservation strategies. That is why the paper must be produced by respected and widely recognized experts who can bring all parties and key decision-makers to the table. 1 https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/canada-2030-nature-strategy.html
3 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 An extensive consultation process will form an important part of the process that will encompass local communities, governments and authorities, Indigenous communities, Georgian Bay organizations, NGOs, and more. Some concrete examples of the project’s objectives are: • Expand the conservation of natural and environmentally valuable areas and improve the protection of these areas with stronger and more consistent policies. • Establish a consistent regional framework for development and environmental protection. • Strengthen planning standards in municipal official plans and zoning by-laws. Coastal protection is at the heart of GBA’s mandate and the Vision 2050 project fills a recognized gap in Ontario’s planning framework. The proposed position paper will be the catalyst for bringing stakeholders together to ensure the protection of Georgian Bay for generations to come. Get Involved You can help protect Georgian Bay for future generations by: • Spreading awareness and knowledge of the Vision 2050 project in your local member association and Georgian Bay community. • Contributing ideas to your local member association or GBA on better protecting our coastal region while meeting the needs of local communities, residents, Indigenous groups, and visitors. • Volunteering time and expertise to help bring the project to fruition. Learn More See GBA’s web page on Vision 2050 at https://bit.ly/GBA2050
4 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE & Becky Pollock, Executive Management Team Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere By Greg Mason How well does the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) region contribute to the conservation of biodiversity? And how can development be shaped to support biodiversity values? These are just some of the questions that partners are trying to answer through an emerging initiative facilitated by the GBB called Natural Asset Management Planning (NAMP). Natural assets are defined as elements of nature that provide value and benefits to humans and the environment. They provide essential ecosystem services for nature and people, such as drinking water, air quality, flood management, and carbon storage. Beyond these critical services, they support ecological health and climate resilience, have cultural significance, and provide recreational opportunities and economic benefits. NAMP directly helps to uphold the requirements for a UNESCO biosphere designation by helping to assess and evaluate the condition of biodiversity throughout the region in core, buffer, and transition zones. The UNESCO World Biosphere Program uses a zonation model to ensure quality ecological functions are balanced with human development. Founded in 1970, the world network has more than 730 biosphere regions in 134 countries striving for people and nature to exist in balance. Within each biosphere, there are three zones that work together within existing jurisdictions and treaties to protect and enhance core ecological areas, integrate sustainable land, balance quality ecological functions and resource use, and support human livelihoods. These zones include: Natural Asset Management for Eastern Georgian Bay ≥ Core areas: comprise a strictly protected zone that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation (e.g., national and provincial parks). ≥ Buffer zones: surround or adjoin the core area(s) and are used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education (including conservation reserves and Crown lands). ≥ Transition areas: where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities (i.e., community and private lands).
5 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 NAMP work aims to contribute to a robust, publicly-available mapping database that will significantly improve the quality of information accessible for mapping, planning, habitat conservation, and managing climate change risks. Enhancement of natural asset management tools has been a longstanding need among regional partners, identified in 2005 at the first conservation stakeholder meetings that led to the State of the Bay ecosystem health reporting program. While geospatial data has greatly improved, the available open data for the UNESCO biosphere still exhibits several shortcomings, ranging from outdated information, inherent biases toward specific objectives or audiences, restricted spatial coverage, lack of floodplain/ecohydrology information, or insufficient precision of information. More recently, the GBB has been actively engaging in discussions with a diverse range of partners, including area governments and planners, to determine a way forward that meets collective needs. Collaboration has begun with the West Parry Sound Geography Network (WPSGN) and senior researchers at McMaster University and the University of Waterloo. Guided by an advisory committee of technical geomatic experts and key partners, the project will generate highquality spatial data and information and mobilize that knowledge through strategies, land-use planning, and other tools. It will provide a solid foundation to answer emerging questions, as well as a rigorous sciencebased toolbox to support decision-making to inform policy, planning and management, research initiatives, and collaborative stewardship, including biodiversity conservation and climate resiliency. The NAMP approach aligns with existing standards and supports an improved geospatial database that can be updated on an ongoing basis. Communities within the UNESCO Biosphere will be better equipped to shape development that supports biodiversity and other ecosystem services, using a wide variety of mechanisms, including updating zoning in Official Plans (e.g., Environmental Protection/ Environmentally Sensitive areas), land use planning, development permitting, infrastructure improvements and set-backs in floodplains, forest management, invasive species management, regional emergency management (e.g., evacuation plans for forest fires) along with best management practices and educational training. To follow the work of the UNESCO Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, visit georgianbaybiosphere.com. Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development.’ They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges…. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. UNESCO, World Network of Biosphere Reserves “ “
6 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 EMPLOYEE UPDATES In July, the GBA announced that its executive director, Rupert Kindersley, would retire from the GBA, effective September 20, 2024. Rupert joined the GBA Board in 2008 as a director representing the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association and was appointed executive director in 2018. During his tenure on the GBA Board, he served as editor of the GBA UPDATE newsletter, contributed significantly to several GBA Board committees, and was heavily involved in many issues of importance to the GBA and its members. Rupert's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Georgian Bay, coupled with a deep understanding of key issues and interactions with multiple levels of government, have been integral to GBA’s success. We thought we would take this opportunity to review a sample of GBA’s key accomplishments that happened under Rupert’s leadership: ≥ Municipal Planning Comparison Project • GBA undertook a large project to compare the planning documents from the municipalities within the GBA member area to determine similarities and differences and provide commentary on where coastal protection could be enhanced. ≥ Creation of the Septic Guide (https://bit.ly/GBASeptic) and the GBA Planning Regulations Guide (https://bit.ly/GBAPlanningGuide) • These valuable, easy-to-read resources provide GBA members with practical information on issues that seem daunting and impenetrable. Rupert’s Retirement: Reflecting on the Journey ≥ Approval of Bill 228 to prohibit the use of unencapsulated polystyrene in floating docks. ≥ Providing clear and balanced information about the TC Energy pumped storage system to our members. • GBA’s advocacy resulted in changes to the project's design to reduce the impact on fish mortality, among other things. • In addition, our outreach has provided accurate information on the project, its potential environmental impacts, and how it stacks up financially against alternative storage methods for Ontario taxpayers. ≥ Raising awareness of the need for microplastics filters on washing machines. ≥ Successfully restricting the growth of the open net aquaculture industry in Georgian Bay and the North Channel. • GBA worked with Ontario regulators to strengthen environmental protections and oversight for industrial fish farms that use our public waters for disposal of their fish waste. Recognizing his exemplary contributions and dedicated service, the Board of Directors has given Rupert an Honourary Life Membership. Honourary Life Members are individuals recognized by the Board for their significant contributions to advancing the work of the GBA. We are grateful for Rupert's contributions and unwavering dedication to the Bay and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
7 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 You have been a great executive director of the Georgian Bay Association. Under your guidance, GBA has tackled so many issues—from floating cottages to shoreline erosion. You were able to keep a diverse board focused while addressing so many different issues. I commend you for that and congratulate you on your retirement. Whatever you choose to do next, you will do superbly. Perhaps you will have a good rest, put your feet up and look at Georgian Bay and the work you have accomplished, but if you choose to do something else, I know you will be successful. Whatever you do, you do with passion and thoroughness. Dawn Drayton, Manitou Association To commemorate his retirement, UPDATE reached out to a few people for their thoughts on Rupert's time as GBA Executive Director. Here are some of the responses collected. “ “ Continues on page 8 “ “ “ “ As a long-time member of the Woods Bay Community Association and former Communications Director for Georgian Bay Forever, I deeply appreciate Rupert's valuable work in educating communities on key issues vital to protecting Georgian Bay for future generations—human, plant, and animal. I’m particularly impressed by his efforts on complex topics like water levels and invasive Phragmites, as well as his dedication to attending our annual meetings to share the work of the GBA. Thank you, Rupert! Heather Sargeant, Director, Woods Bay Community Association Since day one of my joining the GBA board, I realized that Rupert’s passion, commitment to, and understanding of, the Bay were more than palpable. Doing good for the Bay has always been a part of Rupert’s very essence. At the end of the day—sifting through nuance and politics that always comes with the job—Rupert, in his heart, has always applied the First Nations principles to think and advise on Georgian Bay, seven generations out. Rupert, you should be very proud of the work you’ve done, the files you’ve worked and advised on, and your many accomplishments to protect Georgian Bay during your tenure on GBA. Thank you from all of us for your advice, service, and many years of good intentions for the Bay! Paddle on! Rolfe Jones, Past GBA President Cognashene Cottagers Association
8 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 Continued from page 7 Rupert has an undeniable passion for Georgian Bay, always showing a deep connection to its environment and the communities that share it. Rupert's enthusiasm shows through in every conversation, and he is constantly looking for ways to protect and enhance Georgian Bay’s natural beauty. Stephen Sprague, Director, South Channel Association “ “ We at the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere will always be grateful that Rupert would enthusiastically share experiences with us. From keenly reminding the GB4 to gather, and participating in Truth and Reconciliation to kindly sharing opportunities with us. I look forward to greeting him out on the Bay in his retirement. Greg Mason, Becky Pollock, and the GBB crew “ “ For more than a decade, Rupert and I had seemingly continuous communications on a raft of issues. At this moment, however, what comes to mind are the enjoyable occasions when Beth and I would stop by the aptly named Good Cheer Island on Annie's Song, our sailboat. Roast leg of lamb on an open fire, probably pie of one sort or another, all preceded by a couple of G&Ts with not just a slice of lime but, for me, a discovery—a ‘mudge’ of some homegrown and home-fertilized mint leaves. John McMullen, Past GBA President “ “ During the time I have known Rupert throughout the GBA journeys we have had together, he has always impressed me with his knowledge and overview of complex tasks. The GBA has faced many diverse issues that eventually face our cottage associations. Even the expert scientists and engineers still debate the details of some of these issues, yet Rupert was always up to these challenges. Rupert's energy and smile are something I will remember as we all hope to carry his vision into the future. Andy Metelka, Director, Blackstone Lake Cottagers Association “ “
9 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 After eight years on the Board with Rupert as the executive director, I often wondered if there was an issue that happened in the GBA catchment that he wasn’t aware of. It has been a privilege to work with someone who is so clearly committed to the Bay and so well connected to its people and places. I will always be grateful that our tenures overlapped so I could learn as much as I have about GBA’s long and storied history. Thank you again Rupert for all your hard work, and I look forward to hearing about your future endeavours! Liz Phillips, GBA President Bay of Islands Association It’s been an honour to work with Rupert these past few years during my tenure on the GBA Board, representing the Sans Souci and Copperhead Association. Nobody I can think of has more passion, commitment, and resolve when it comes to championing interests that best serve Georgian Bay. His tireless energy and enthusiasm have embodied the best qualities of an executive director and, indeed, will be a hard act to follow. Rupert embraced the role with maximum effort, developing an intimate understanding of the data, science, and stakeholders to drive results with effect. Enjoy your retirement with the gratitude you deserve from many for your contributions and achievements over the years. Alan Stratton, GBA Vice-President and Treasurer Sans Souci and Copperhead Association Over the years, I have had the great pleasure of working on many files with Rupert. His knowledge and enthusiasm were always in evidence. The most memorable file for me was the 2018 Parry Sound 033 fire. We endeavoured to determine what caused the fire, which ultimately led to a Freedom of Information request by the GBA and others. This was eventually denied. We researched how the MNRF fights fires and even visited their firefighting headquarters in Sudbury. We also broadened the mandate of the Boating and Safety Committee to include fire safety, so the committee became Boating, Safety and Emergencies. With that new focus, we have researched and written extensively on everything our members need to prepare themselves for in the event of a fire. Rupert’s input and guidance through this process was invaluable. Thank you Rupert! Andrew Hurlbut, Chair, Boating, Safety & Emergencies Key River Area Association “ “ “ “ “ “
10 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 By Sarah Koetsier, Georgian Bay Land Trust LANDS & FORESTS The Corridor Project: Protecting 32,900 Acres and Counting Georgian Bay is characterized by its wildness—natural areas stretching into the horizon, filled with an abundance of plant and animal life. This environment, loved by so many, is only possible because of the large areas of intact, interconnected wilderness that run the length of the coast and stretch for many kilometres inland. For several years, the Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT) has been working on the Corridor Project to ensure this natural backbone will be connected and protected forever. This past spring, the southern portion of the Corridor Project became a reality. The GBLT and the Township of Georgian Bay (TGB) signed an agreement to conserve an extensive network of land stretching from Honey Harbour to Twelve Mile Bay, directly conserving 553 acres of municipal land and providing additional protection to 32,900 acres of crown forests and wetlands. This agreement will significantly impact the long-term environmental health of southeastern Georgian Bay and ensure that these lands remain available for all people to access in their natural state. The GBLT hopes to increase the impact of this work in the coming years by conserving additional corridor lands to the north. The Corridor Project stems from a recognition that natural places need our help. In Canada and around the world, animal populations and the habitats they depend on are disappearing at an alarming rate. South of Georgian Bay, 70 per cent of Ontario’s forests and 80 per cent of its wetlands have been destroyed, and more are lost each year. The Georgian Bay region is facing increasing pressures that will only continue to grow. We’re extremely fortunate that at this moment, eastern Georgian Bay remains a pocket with large areas of mostly intact wilderness. Here, 80 per cent of forests and 90 per cent of wetlands remain. We are internationally recognized by UNESCO for our unique landscape and ecology, which is unlike any other place on Earth. The many islands, inlets, and Photo: GBLT
11 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 rivers of the coast combine to form the largest interface of land and fresh water in the world and support the richest biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians in Canada. Many animal species that are suffering elsewhere in the province can maintain healthy populations here. This is an extraordinary legacy to leave to future generations and the world—an incredibly important place to protect. The historic agreement between TGB and the GBLT significantly impacts this protection by conserving a 553-acre network of township lands stretching from northern Honey Harbour to Twelve Mile Bay, and from Highway 400 west to the coast. These lands have been zoned for environmental protection by the township due to the important forests and wetlands they contain, and the agreement with the Land Trust now makes this status permanent, while ensuring that this land remains open for public recreation and Indigenous use. This agreement was developed in consultation with Moose Deer Point First Nation and does not include any of the lands that the Township is working on returning to Moose Deer Point. Importantly, this network of newly protected lands surrounds approximately 32,900 acres of equally ecologically significant Crown land. By protecting the township property, a significant layer of protection is added to all of these lands. The result is an extensive protected corridor that fills the gaps between existing conservation areas and dramatically increases long-term resiliency in the landscape. Why Is a Corridor Important? People need access to nature, and nature needs space and connectivity to survive. When habitat gets fragmented into smaller parcels, animals lose the ability to move freely, and sources of pollution and disturbance enter the landscape. This is particularly concerning in the era of climate change, as animals will need to move longer distances to adapt to changing conditions and access suitable habitats. Protecting a corridor along the coast will allow Georgian Bay to continue to serve as a refuge for hundreds of plant and animal species whose habitats are being fragmented elsewhere and give wildlife the space it needs to adapt and survive. It will allow our forests to grow older and richer and will preserve our network of 14,700 inland wetlands, known as the “kidneys of the landscape” for their role in filtering out pollutants from our water. All of this translates into a cleaner, healthier, richer, and more resilient landscape to hand on to future generations. Thank you to those who have stepped up already to support the Corridor Project, including TGB for the vision they have shown in protecting the Southern Corridor. The character and health of Georgian Bay many years from now will be traced back to this decision. Thank you to the Government of Canada for providing $580,000 in funding through Canada’s Nature Fund, to the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and the Government The agreement between Georgian Bay Township and the Georgian Bay Land Trust conserves a 553-acre network of township lands from northern Honey Harbour to Twelve Mile Bay and from Highway 400 west to the coast. Photo: GBLT Continues on page 12
12 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 continued from page 11 Coll bor te with like-minded individu ls nd experts to dv nce B -wide w ter level nd w ter qu lit issues. Contribute to GBA’s dvoc c efforts. Join us for n opportunit to m ke positive imp ct on the he lth of Geor i n B ’s w ter. Join the GBA W ter Committee nd help protect Geor i n B ’s W ters of Ontario for $254,000 from Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership, and to several private donors from the Georgian Bay community. Additional donations are needed to fund the middle and northern portions of the project and to complete a permanent stewardship fund to allow for ongoing care and monitoring of the protected land. This is just the beginning of the Corridor Project, as the Land Trust works over the next few years to fill in more gaps to the north and extend corridor protections through the Township of the Archipelago and Carling. You can help make this vision possible. Visit gblt.org/corridor to learn more and get involved. Photo: GBLT If you’re interested in joining, email info@georgianbay.ca
13 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 PRESIDENT’S REPORT A Time of Transitions, Accomplishments, and New Beginnings By Liz Phillips, GBA President As we close our cottages and prepare ourselves for another winter, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the transitions, exciting new initiatives, and ongoing successes that continue to drive GBA forward. First, we bid a bittersweet farewell to our esteemed executive director, Rupert Kindersley, who retired in September. We are sorry to see him go, but are excited about the new opportunities he has planned. Rupert first joined the GBA Board in 2008 as a representative of the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association. After serving as a volunteer, including acting as editor of UPDATE and contributing significantly to several GBA committees, he became GBA’s executive director in 2018. Rupert's extensive knowledge and passion for Georgian Bay and his actions on key issues facing the Bay have been integral to GBA’s success. On behalf of the entire board and our membership, I want to express our deepest gratitude for his service and unwavering dedication to the Bay. We wish Rupert all the best in this welldeserved retirement. As we say goodbye, we are equally excited about the future. We have officially begun the search for a new executive director, a process we approach with great optimism. This is an opportunity to bring in fresh energy and new perspectives, and we look forward to finding a leader who will build on our past successes while guiding us into the future. In the meantime, we are very grateful that GBA Board member Allison Needham from the West Carling Association has stepped in as GBA’s interim executive director. Allison has more than 20 years of experience in communications and fundraising in various industries such as retail, telecommunications, and not-for-profit. Allison’s familiarity with our organization, knowledge, and passion for Georgian Bay, combined with her understanding of critical issues that matter to GBA and our member associations, will ensure strong continuity in supporting our members and building momentum in crucial initiatives. I am also thrilled to announce that this is the inaugural year for our Champions of the Bay Award. We’ve received an impressive slate of nominees, all of whom have made significant contributions to improving and protecting our local environment. The committee is currently reviewing the applications, and I can confidently say that each nominee’s work is inspiring. Stay tuned for the announcement of the award recipient in the new year! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Vision 2050 team, we are more than halfway to reaching our fundraising goal. When we have reached our target, we will be able to kick off phase 1 of this ambitious and aspirational project. Vision 2050 represents a forward-looking strategy for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship, and I’m confident it will have a lasting positive impact on our community. Looking ahead, I am eagerly anticipating the GBA President’s Forum in November, yet another new initiative that we hope will become a regular occurrence. This will be a valuable opportunity for GBA to hear directly from our member associations to better understand the challenges and opportunities their organizations are facing. By aligning our resources, we can provide stronger support and enhance the collective efforts of our community associations. This forum represents an important step in fostering collaboration and shared solutions across the board. As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we are making great strides in strengthening our organization, protecting our environment, and ensuring a bright future for the next generation.
14 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 TRIBUTE By Freda Klassen, Northern Georgian Bay Association Harvey O. Mierke Jr. March 3, 1936 – August 16, 2024 It was always a great pleasure to work with Harvey, who was such a reliable advertising manager, while I was UPDATE editor from 2009 to 2014. He was a remarkable, wonderful person and a joy to chat with. We became fast friends. Rupert Kindersley, Former Executive Director and Board Member, GBA “ “ Harvey was my friend, and I loved him. This is not only how I felt about Harvey, but I soon learned it was the sentiment of everyone who knew him. It was abundantly clear at Harvey’s celebration of life on Saturday, September 14, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he had lived all his life. Clever, kind, and courteous, Harvey was known for being a pillar of strength for his family and friends, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. He could see the potential in everyone and made them feel valued. Harvey’s true love was Georgian Bay, especially his summer cottage on Toad Island, purchased by his father in 1924 in Beaverstone Bay, 18 miles east of Killarney. Harvey began visiting the island in August 1942 at the age of six, travelling by side paddler from Cleveland to Buffalo and then on to Owen Sound via Niagara Falls. Once in Owen Sound, they sailed in an overnight packet steamer, the Manitoulin, north across Georgian Bay to Killarney, through Collins Inlet to Beaverstone Bay. He and his wife, Lorna, always considered Toad Island their home and a cherished retreat where he found peace
15 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 I first met Harvey (and Lorna) as he was departing the GBA board, and I was joining. However, our friendship developed over the course of many summers when Beth and I would anchor off Toad Island in Beaverstone Bay. There are cherished memories of a fish fry with Harvey hovering over an open fire while the flames were perilously close to lower quarters. Of patient lessons on how to fillet a pike and get rid of those pesky Y bones. Of pleasant dinners and conversations that we will sorely miss. John McMullen, Past President GBA “ “ and joy for nearly 80 years with friends and family, missing very few summers throughout his life. The original cabin remains, with several additions over the years. This summer, their family hosted a 100-year open house celebration. Harvey’s passion for Georgian Bay led him to establish the Northern Georgian Bay Association (NGBA). In August 1991, Harvey brought 18 neighbours together in his living room at Toad Island to form the NGBA. In that first year, a geographical area was established, and bylaws were adopted to identify objectives, membership, officers, directors, meetings, and dues, all under the direction and dedication of Harvey. His selfless, time-consuming face-to-face visits, boating from one camp to another, encouraging membership and collecting dues in this vast area worked far better than today’s social media! Harvey was a GBA board director from April 2005 to December 2012. As advertising manager for UPDATE, he added many new advertisers and inspired them to support GBA by paying higher than market rates. Harvey's legacy continues to this day, enabling GBA to keep the publication profitable, which in turn helps us keep membership dues as low as possible. We are all incredibly grateful to Harvey for his exceptional work and contribution to GBA's ongoing success. So, that is the Harvey we in and around the Killarney area grew to know and love. He was a true champion of the Bay. Harvey’s commitment to preserving the environment and dedication to our community made him the perfect role model for everyone who holds Georgian Bay dear. Yes, he will be missed. I know his spirit will be present for those glorious sunrises, refreshing skinny dips, breathtaking sunsets, and the peacefulness of his favourite cranberry bog.
16 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 Over the last 17 years, I have learned so much about Georgian Bay and the issues that must be addressed. It has been a rewarding and interesting experience, and I would like to share some of my thoughts on what the future holds and how, by working together, we can continue to protect this precious resource. The keyword that we all need to embrace is “together.” In these days of divisive, partisan politics and escalating wars and conflicts, there is an ever-greater need for all stakeholders to come together and work constructively to ensure that the environment is maintained, or, better still, enhanced, where possible. We are all in this together, and we need to continue to pull together, listen to each other, and learn from each other to achieve these objectives in the face of significant challenges. I have learned that these challenges fall into two major categories—those that we can (and must) do something about, and those where, practically speaking, there is little we can do, so we must therefore learn to adapt. GBA has played and will continue to play an important role in taking action where something can be done and providing helpful information for you on adaptation. I believe I have helped to focus GBA’s finite resources and leverage key relationships accordingly, to effectively expand our reach and influence on a wide range of issues and threats during my time as your executive director. There can be little doubt any longer that climate change impacts are accelerating, and we need to be prepared for these impacts, including: ≥ Increasing water and air temperatures will likely lead to more algae outbreaks, as well as shifting habitats for many creatures and plants. ≥ Increasing water level variability and uncertainty and more extreme storm events could cause access issues, and flooding, and may have already started to affect water quality. ≥ Escalating human migration around the world as the climate crisis drives people from affected areas will further increase development pressure and demand for more housing in Georgian Bay as Canada continues to do its part in welcoming new Canadians. We have already seen significant development pressure spreading north from the south end of the Bay and the resultant need to act firmly to protect the integrity of planning regulations. GBA continues to show leadership in ensuring that we have responsible planning and development standards with its new Vision 2050 project that aims to bring communities and stakeholders together to develop a vision for protecting the Bay and its natural environment into the future. I believe that this is the greatest threat that we currently face. Over the years, GBA has worked with our associations and engaged residents and municipalities to oppose precedentsetting and inappropriate developments that pose significant environmental risks. GBA continues to stand firm and clarify that protecting the ecosystem must take precedence and I have been proud to play my part in this important work during my 17 years at GBA. ED ADVOCACY REPORT By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director We Are All in This Together
17 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 Elsewhere in this UPDATE issue, a number of key GBA initiatives and actions that I have been pleased to be part of have been outlined. In addition, I believe that GBA’s profile and voice have been enhanced through our strong participation in important Great Lakes issues such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement meetings, and in working with partners such as the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), Canadian Environmental Law Association, Safe Quiet Lakes, Save Georgian Bay, and the newly formed Great Lakes Ecoregion Network. As we learn from our Indigenous friends and neighbours, we are responsible for protecting the land, water, air and all the creatures that rely on a healthy ecosystem. This all comes back to working together for a common purpose and what better purpose is there than protecting this special place for future generations? KimberlyͲAnn Narozanski Broker of Record Own Your Own Island •Boat Access Site •On Georgian Bay •Mouth of The Key •360 Degree Views •Complete Island •Fully Furnished •Boat Included •Shower House •Great Fishing •Hydro On Site Narozanski North Realty Inc Brokerage c. 705Ͳ507Ͳ6523 o. 705Ͳ857Ͳ0290 www.kimn.ca kimkan@knnr.ca Trailer Park Ͳ Be Your Own Boss •On Lake Nipissing •70 Trailer Sites •4 Season Residence •560 ft. of Frontage •106 Acres of Land •Superb Location •Playground •Great Physical Plan •Strong Chattel List •9 Cottages Small Wonders On The Key •Boat Access Site •On The Key River •Screened In Porch • Access Georgian Bay •Boat Included •Fully Furnished •3 Bedrooms •Bathroom •Open Concept •Private Setting Come Discover Real Estate We Would Love to Work With You! We Luv the Bay & We Luv Killarney! Brandy & Lola 799,000 2.799 479,000
18 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024 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 705.636.7319 • www.jcldesign.ca 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 138 Hopedale 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 18 community associations and their members – approximately 3,000 families comprising over 30,000 individuals. GBA UPDATE is published by the Georgian Bay Association 2024 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: Liz Phillips email: lizphillips@georgianbay.ca Interim Executive Director: Allison Needham email: executivedirector@georgianbay.ca Editor: Allison Needham email: editor@georgianbay.ca Advertising: Armin Grigaitis email: armin@georgianbaycottages.com Webmaster: Shannon Farquharson email: sfarquharson@georgianbay.ca 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 Repair Café: Waste is Scary! October 26 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. We’re having a free community event where registered participants can bring items to be repaired by a volunteer. We’ll focus on fabric repairs like zippers and buttons and sharpen knives, axes, and shovels. EATS Without Meats November 2 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for a free event with a registered dietitian on plant-based proteins, including a meal and takehome guide. Register here! Part of the Eat Around the Sound (EATS) Series, with support from the Town of Parry Sound & the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Georgian Bay Forever Catch the Film All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes Experience this immersive look at the impact of quagga mussels on the Great Lakes ecosystem on TVO as a three-part series starting Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 7 p.m. Georgian Bay Land Trust BAYSCAPES In-person celebration: November 22, 7 – 10 p.m., Wychwood Barns, Toronto Online auction: November 15 – 23 Join us for the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s fall fundraiser! Gather with your friends in Toronto, or bid in the online auction from anywhere in the world. Details at gblt.org/bayscapes Sourdough for Beginners November 23 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Join our workshop to learn how to make sourdough bread at home. Take home starter jars, info sheets, and delicious sourdough bread! Intro to Backyard Hens December 7 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Rachael from Heart of Yolk will share information about henkeeping, including breeds, eggs, incubation, roosters, chicken health, coops, and feed. Henkeeping provides educational opportunities for both children and adults to learn about the food system and responsible animal care. Hens are known to have positive psychological and social effects and are described as people-friendly, social, intelligent, affectionate, small, and quiet.
19 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2024
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