GBA 2021 - Spring Update

13 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Spring 2021 excellent and important private member’s bill to ban dock foam in new dock construction. Please see: georgianbay.ca/ water/water-quality/dock-foam/ and consider submitting a letter. In 2021, GBA will continue to work with Georgian Bay Forever and the coastal municipalities on this important initiative to reduce plastic pollution in the Bay. Hydro Rates GBA is continuing to work with the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) to prevent the cancellation of the seasonal hydro rate, which would dramatically increase costs for almost all GBA members that use hydro. To see what you can do about this, please visit: georgianbay.ca/ government-affairs/hydro-one/ Henvey Inlet Fire Investigation Report During 2020, GBA, a group from the Key River Area Association, and the CBC have been working together to extract a copy of this report under a Freedom of Information request, which the Ontario government has been refusing to release. The appeal process on this request was finally completed during 2020, and we are expecting a decision from the adjudicator around June 2021. In addition to the above advocacy work, I would like to highlight some new information for you on the website: Membership Benefits The membership benefits page has been updated with new and better discounts now available, plus an additional offering for a useful composter device. This demonstrates the significant value of GBA for both individual members and for associations in attracting new members. See here for full details: georgianbay.ca/membership/gba-membership- benefits/ Boating, Safety & Emergencies Look for a substantial amount of useful and informative content about boating, safety, and emergencies posted over the next few months in the lead-up to 2021 cottage opening. Please review the new website layout at: georgianbay.ca/ boating / , particularly the new insurance information at: georgianbay.ca/boating/insurance-information/ In 2021 we will be actively advocating on a broad range of issues, but we can always benefit from your input advising us of new issues or developments, and your thoughts on existing files. Our advocacy really benefits from your help. AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE ON THE BAY SUPPORT IMPORTANT INITIATIVES GBA represents over 3000 families by advocating to all levels of government to ensure careful stewardship of the Bay. GBA now has the ability to accept voluntary contributions on our website, enabling individuals to directly support special projects and important initiatives that require funding from outside of our regular annual operating budget. WWW.GEORGIANBAY.CA/SUPPORT-GBA GBA is not a charitable organization and cannot issue tax receipts See how you can help Smoke billows from the Key River fire in Summer 2018. Photo: Sandy Thompson