Vol. 34 No. 2, Summer 2024 Make your AMM a Star-Studded Affair.........................7 New Rules for Northern Walleye: Keep the Big Ones in the Water! ........................................8 Waste Not, Rot Not: Managing Food Waste at the Cottage...................................... 9 Introducing the Champion of the Bay Award...........12 President’s Report ............................13 Georgian Bay Has Lost One of Its Greatest Friends – Wally King........................................... 14 ED’s Advocacy Report.......................16 Upcoming Events...............................18 PM # 40038178 PAGE 4 Cruise Ships Research Project INSIDE: By Ashley Morrison, Georgian Bay Forever Continues on page 2 Bad Things Might Come in Threes to Trees PAGE 10 What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic fibres that measure less than 5 mm in size. They can be found almost everywhere, including in the food we eat, the drinks we consume, the ecosystems around us, and even in our bodies. When larger plastics, such as disposable cups, break down, they form tiny particles that remain for a long time and are very difficult to clean up. News and Information from the Georgian Bay Association GBA U P D A T E Your Voice on the Bay Be Part of the Solution, Not the Pollution Microfibre Pollution, Its Abundance, and Known Problems Where Do They Come From? Using synthetic fibres such as nylon, spandex, and polyester in our clothing is becoming increasingly common. However, washing machines play a significant role in introducing microplastics into the environment. Every time we do laundry, up to 700,000 microfibres can be released into the water through two different channels: bypassing the wastewater treatment plant or getting trapped in the discharge that ends up in agricultural fields. Eventually, these microfibres end up in the water again through runoff.
2 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 Continued from page 1 The microplastic concentration in the Great Lakes equals or exceeds that of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, posing significant concerns for ecosystems and human health. A 2021 study on fish from Lake Ontario, the Humber River, and Lake Superior found microplastics, mostly microfibre, in all samples, impacting wildlife profoundly due to their ingestion by microorganisms, fish, and other wildlife, leading to bioaccumulation. The issue of plastic ingestion and inhalation affects everyone. According to studies, humans consume an average of five grams of plastic per week, equivalent to the weight of a credit card. Although the extent of its impact on humans is still uncertain, practical solutions should be implemented to address the potential threats posed by plastic pollution. Parry Sound & Collingwood Microfibre filters offer a straightforward way to divert microfibres from water. From 2018-2022, Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) studied washing machine filters’ efficacy in curbing microfibre emissions and provided 401 volunteers in southern Georgian Bay coastal communities and Parry Sound with Filtrol160 filters. The volunteers were asked to regularly empty the filters and store them in sealed bags in their freezers. Staff weighed each bag’s wet contents, subtracting the average bag weight for analysis. During the studies, we were able to divert a total of 80.5 kg of lint. Out of this amount, 22.8 kg was measured from 63 per cent of households that provided samples in Parry Sound. The remaining 57.7 kg was measured from 72 per cent of households that provided samples in southern Georgian Bay coastal communities. Based on the range of 28–423 microfibres per mg of lint, as determined by University of Toronto researcher Lisa Erdle, this equates to 2,254,000,000 to 34,051,500,000 microfibres.
3 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 1 Munno, Keenan, et al. “Microplastic Contamination in Great Lakes Fish.” Conservation Biology, vol. 36, no. 1, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13794. 2 Hartline, Niko L., et al. “Microfiber Masses Recovered from Conventional Machine Washing of New or Aged Garments.” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 50, no. 21, 2016, pp. 11532–11538., https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b03045. A group gathered at Queen’s Park on February 22, 2024, to discuss microfibre pollution in the Great Lakes. They suggested using washing machine filters as a solution to this problem. The group included (from left to right) Eden Hataley, a Ph.D. student studying microplastic pollution management, GBA Board Director Heather Sargeant, Simcoe—Grey MPP Brian Saunderson, and GBA Executive Director Rupert Kindersley. In a large city like Toronto, the annual microfibre capture could be 12-166 trillion microfibres. In the Parry Sound study, observations of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants effluent were reduced by 41 per cent. This significant difference in microfibre count pre- and post-filter deployment suggests that adding filters to washing machines reduces microfibre emissions to water bodies via treated wastewater. What Can You Do? We can take many steps to contribute to the solution for plastic pollution. Below is a list of suggestions: 1. Use cold water: Washing in cold water reduces microfibre shedding. 2. Opt for front-loading washing machines: Hartline’s study shows that front-load washing machines had seven times fewer microfibres shed than top-load machines.2 3. Install a microfibre filter: An external filter can capture up to 89 per cent of microfibres. Many filters are available for purchase, so be sure to research. 4. Avoid fast fashion: Choose sustainable brand options when possible, or purchase from vintage and thrift shops. 5. Re-use and re-purpose: Extend the life of textiles and plastics through repair and repurposing. 6. Embrace reusables: Opt for reusable items such as bottles and bags to reduce single-use plastics. 7. Advocate for Change: Write your MPP to support Ontario mandating filters on washing machines. Microfibre filters are effective in both small and large-scale settings and play a significant role in reducing microfibres in our environment. Filters can be installed in washing machines to tackle plastic pollution, but this requires support from legislation, innovation, education, and awareness. By increasing our knowledge, working with our communities, and making small changes in our personal lives, we can work together to protect the health of our local ecosystems and families.
4 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 During the summer of 2023, cruise ships were seen docked at ports on Georgian Bay or anchored nearby. Cruise ships have been visiting Georgian Bay for many years, but recently, there has been a significant increase in traffic—up 40 per cent since 2022. With this increase in cruise ships, GBA received questions about the potential environmental impacts. GBA understands the importance of cruise ships to tourism for several local economies on the Bay, so our focus was to look into the concerns raised by our members, share our findings, and decide on any advocacy action that might be required. Here are the research topics we came up with: The cruise lines/cruise ships 1. What cruise lines/cruise ships are visiting Georgian Bay? 2. How often do they visit the Bay? 3. What are the ship details (size, capacity, on-board blackwater treatment, etc.)? 4. Do they have sustainability/environmental policies? The ports 1. Which ports are the cruise ships visiting on the Bay? 2. Do the cruise ships anchor or dock at these ports? 3. What services are provided at these ports (sewage/ garbage removal etc.)? Regulations 1. Who regulates cruise lines? 2. How is blackwater/greywater discharge and treatment regulated? 3. Are there gaps in laws and policies? We contacted local municipalities and the cruise lines to get details about the ships visiting Georgian Bay and where they stop along their routes. In the 2023 season, four cruise lines (six ships total) came through Georgian Bay and visited several ports. The cruise lines are Viking Cruises Canada (Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris), Pearl Sea Cruises (Pearl Mist), Ponant (Le Dumont D’urville & Le Bellot) and Hapag Lloyd (Hanseatic Inspiration). Viking Cruises Canada Pearl Seas Cruises Ponant Hapag Lloyd Ships • Viking Octantis • Viking Polaris • Pearl Mist • Le Dumont D’urville • Le Bellot • Hanseatic Inspiration Port • Killarney/Frazer Bay • Parry Sound • Little Current • Parry Sound • Midland • Killarney/Frazer Bay • Little Current • Parry Sound • Midland • Killarney/Frazer Bay • Parry Sound • Tobermory Cruise Ships Research Project By Peter Frost, Councillor Ward 2, Township of the Archipelago WATER QUALITY Cosette Shipman, Research Consultant
5 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 All of the Georgian Bay area revealed some concerning gaps in information. All ports, except Little Current, confirmed that no cruise ships discharged their blackwater at the port. Except for Killarney and Little Current, all ports confirmed that the cruise ships do not dispose of their garbage at their ports. However, the cruise lines would not disclose where they discharge their waste. We wanted to investigate whether the cruise ships were discharging their blackwater and greywater at the port. We discovered that none of the cruise ships were discharging their waste at the port. However, we could not contact Ponant to confirm their waste discharge practices. This lack of information raises concerns about the transparency of waste management practices in the industry. We also asked the cruise lines to verify if they had onboard treatment systems. All the cruise lines, except Ponant, confirmed they had onboard treatment systems. However, we could not determine how the greywater was collected and treated or if it was discharged overboard. This became a concern when reviewing the regulations. There are several laws, regulations, and policies that the cruise ships that enter Georgian Bay follow. We specifically looked at those regarding blackwater and greywater discharge/treatment: ≥ International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex IV Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships (entered into force 27 September 2003) https://bit.ly/TC-sewage ≥ Canada Shipping Act (2001): Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations https://bit.ly/CSA-pollution Viking Cruises Canada Pearl Seas Cruises Ponant Hapag Lloyd Capacity • Viking Octantis: 378 guests • Viking Polaris: 378 guests • 210 guest • Le Dumont D’urville: 184 guests • Le Bellot: 184 guests • 230 guests Size • Viking Octantis: Length 665 feet & Beam 77 feet • Viking Polaris: Length 665 feet & Beam 77 feet • Information unavailable on website • Le Dumont D’urville: Length 430 feet & Beam 59 feet • Le Bellot: Length 430 feet & Beam 59 feet • Length 452 feet & Beam 72 feet Black water treatment Advanced wastewater treatment system Evac ORCA Type II MSD No information available Biological sewage treatment plants Grey water Treatment No information available All greywater is collected; some are blended with the blackwater and treated through the system above. There is no separate greywater treatment system, but how the noncommingled greywater is treated/discharged was undetermined. No information available No information available Our research of the greywater literature revealed two areas of confusion within the regulations: designated sewage areas and the discharge of greywater. The Canada Shipping Act designates certain bodies of water as sewage areas, but none are in Ontario, including Georgian Bay. Continues on page 6
6 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 The second key finding from the Canada Shipping Act were the requirements to be met before discharging blackwater. Discharge must pass through a marine sanitation device and the effluent must have a fecal coliform count that is equal of to or less than 250 fecal coliform count/100 mL of water. The discharged effluent cannot cause a film/sheen, discolouration or a deposit on or underneath the water or shoreline. Additional environmental policies and regulatory frameworks apply to these cruise ships, including the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Cruise the Great Lakes Sustainability Pledge, and the Great Lakes Cruise Association statement. Through this information-gathering report, we were able to clarify several issues of potential concern: ≥ There are no designated sewage areas in the Great Lakes. ≥ No cruise ship discharges their blackwater at any of the ports. ≥ Four of the six cruise ships were able to confirm on-board treatment systems. ≥ There are several laws and policies to regulate the discharge of treated blackwater. The one area that remains an area of concern is the storage, treatment, and discharge of greywater on these cruise ships. This information was not readily available, and the Canada Shipping Act regulations must be more specific for cruise ships with less than 500 passengers. GBA will continue to follow up with Transport Canada and advocate for more precise regulations regarding the discharge of greywater, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of addressing this issue. Here is some helpful information on understanding the measure of fecal coliform: ≥ E. coli is a subgroup of fecal coliform, and fecal coliform is a subgroup of total coliform. ≥ Measuring fecal coliform is an inexpensive indicator that a body of water may have recently been contaminated with human waste, which could possibly pose a health risk. ≥ The term “fecal coliform count” represents a cluster of fecal coliform bacteria. ≥ The standard for fecal coliform for drinking water quality in Ontario is not detectable/100 mL. ≥ The standard for fecal coliform for recreational water quality standards in Canada is equal to or less than 200 E. coli/100 mL (90% of fecal coliform are E. coli). Continued from page 5 The Pearl Mist cruise ship near Penetanguishene Contact: heathersanne.s7@gmail.com or 647-922-7891 for info Volunteer to Create Positive Change Where It's Needed Most Join the GBA Water Committee
7 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 ANNUAL MEMBER MEETINGS Annual Member Meetings (AMMs) provide our associations with an excellent opportunity to connect with members and ensure everyone has a say. But let’s face it—these meetings can often become dull, with lots of financial jargon and hand-raising. We often make the mistake of talking at our members instead of engaging in a twoway conversation. Interactive activities like icebreakers and polls can make meetings more engaging and fun. Last summer, our member associations invited some special guests to their AMMs to encourage attendees to participate and connect with each other. The South Channel Association (SCA) and the Key River Area Association (KRAA) invited a representative from the MNRF’s FireSmart program to speak at their meeting, which led to increased awareness about fire safety. Similarly, the Pointe au Baril Islanders Association (PaBIA) and Bayfield-Nares Islanders’ Association (BNIA) hosted training workshops on fire pump operation. The Woods Bay Community Association (WBCA) brought in Action First Aid for training on first aid basics, CPR, and AED, enhancing the community’s emergency response capabilities. The Bay of Islands Community Association (BICA) invited local volunteer group North Shore Search and Rescue to speak on emergency preparedness. The West Carling Association (WCA) kicked off its AMM with Carling mayor Susan Murphy, providing updates on several projects, including a new fire hall, a proposed nurse practitioner clinic, and boat docking and parking for water access properties. Nicole Carpenter, a Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) representative, delivered a presentation on phragmites. Her talk Make your AMM a Star-Studded Affair inspired a volunteer clean-up of the area’s phragmites stands and a GBA Guardians of the Bay video, a testament to the success of incorporating special guests in AMMs. Following is a list of programs and contacts that you might consider inviting to your next AMM: By Allison Needham, UPDATE Editor ORGANIZATION PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION Georgian Bay Association • Members of the GBA executive team (Liz Phillips, President, GBA or Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director, GBA) can be invited to speak to your group Contact Shannon Farquharson to schedule 416-937-4990 sfarquharson@georgianbay.ca Georgian Bay Forever • Educational talks to local communities about their work, the environment, and how we can all help conserve, protect, and restore Georgian Bay Laura Thipphawong 905-880-4945 ext. 4 laura.thipphawong@gbf.org info@gbf.org Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere • General GBB presentation • State of the Bay presentation • Species at risk training Laura Peddie (705) 774-0978 info@georgianbaybiosphere.com Georgian Bay Land Trust • GBLT presentation • Online workshops include: conservation easements and succession planning, reducing taxes through conservation Sarah Koetsier, Director, Communications 416-440-1519 ext. 102 sarah.koetsier@gblt.org * Ontario Provincial Police • OPP marine unit presentation Contact your local OPP detachment www.opp.ca * Canadian Coast Guard and Auxiliary • Boating safety presentations • Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCCs) Checks involve reviewing all equipment on board to ensure all safety requirements are met. Greg Birdsell, Search and Rescue Program Officer 613-762-1677 xcasarsarnia@dfo-mpo.gc.ca www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca Canadian Safe Boating Council • Cold water awareness courses led by world-renowned hypothermia expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (AKA Professor Popsicle) Ian Gilson igilson@rogers.com * Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) • FireSmart presentations Shayne McCool, Fire Advisor, Northeast Region - 705-507-0509 shayne.mccool@ontario.ca Gabrielle Ayers, Outreach Advisor, Northeast Region - 705-561-9943 gabrielle.ayers@ontario.ca * Safe Quiet Lakes • Presentations on respectful boating practices, such as noise reduction, avoiding speediing too close to shore, damaging wakes. outreach@safequiet.ca Local Government and Services Here are a few topics that your members might be interested in learning about: • Water levels management & planning • Septic systems - parts, maintenance & re-inspection programs • Land use & planning • Land claims and reconciliation • Property taxation & mpac assessments • Docks permits & boathouses • Source water protection (conservation authorities, wells) • Water quality, healthy shorelines & lake stewardship • Invasive species prevention • Cottage succession planning Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands www.townofnemi.com Town of Parry Sound www.parrysound.ca The Municipality of McDougall www.mcdougall.ca North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority www.nbmca.ca Township of The Archipelago www.thearchipelago.on.ca Carling Township www.carling.ca Township of Georgian Bay www.gbtownship.ca Action First Aid • Courses include AED, CPR, and first aid, both online and in person. They can train your group at your location anywhere in Ontario. 1-866-347-7824 info@actionfirstaid.ca *Subject to availability
8 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 FISHERIES Walleye is a terrific fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, making it a favourite choice for North American and local restaurants. Historically, walleye has a strong relationship with Georgian Bay and Lake Huron First Nation communities, providing a healthy diet and a staple for cultural and ceremonial events. As a top game fish in the Great Lakes, walleye has an international reputation, attracting anglers to northern Ontario fishing lodges and camps. While the North Channel and northern Georgian Bay remain popular and accessible for walleye anglers, recent provincial monitoring surveys of sections within fishing management zones FMZ10 and FMZ14 (see figure) show declining walleye populations. Destinations for walleye, such as the inland lakes of Manitoulin Island, eastern portions of the North Channel and northernmost Georgian Bay, are amongst the lowest in northern Ontario FMZs. This is troubling as most anglers target a diminishing supply of the larger adults, the majority of which are spawning females. Further decline in this female population may risk the walleye’s ability to maintain itself, ending any hope of continuing as a viable fishery. Preventing further decline and facilitating future walleye growth has been the focus of a newly created walleye management plan for FMZ10. The first objective of the plan is keeping large walleyes in the water—a critical step in rebuilding a once-viable and historical fishery. Starting in 2024, anglers in FMZ10 cannot keep a walleye greater than 46 cm (18”) in length. 2023 regulations limited both sport and conservation license anglers to only one fish that size. The second objective is to provide an extended spawning season. Local hatcheries have estimated that one large spawning female can carry up to 300,000+ eggs. According to fisheries staff, when carried by larger older adults, the eggs tend to be larger, with better chances of survival and evolving into healthy juveniles. Having a new spring spawning season starting March 31, 2024, two weeks earlier than it was in 2023, will provide the spawners with a prolonged period to lay their eggs in cooler, early-spring water. The Bay of Islands, located at the eastern end of the North Channel, is not covered by FMZ10’s management plan, but there is a special regulation for the walleye species. This regulation extends the spring spawning season by two weeks. Additionally, a zone-wide restriction limits anglers to catching only one walleye larger than 56 cm, and they cannot keep any walleye between 41 and 56 cm. Nearby, McGregor Bay’s walleye fishery has collapsed. After years of great fishing and attracting anglers such as Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940s, barely a walleye remains. Due to overfishing, early logging activity, and acid rain, the province closed the fishery. No one wants to repeat this cycle. And today, walleye must deal with warming northern waters, invasive species threatening their spawning shoals, and more anglers with superior fish-finding devices. While a minority of anglers and local business operators might oppose further restrictions on walleye size limits and extended spawning seasons, others may agree that these changes are positive steps that will help protect and rebuild the walleye population and treat it as a valuable resource. New Rules for Northern Walleye: Keep the Big Ones in the Water! By Bill Steiss, Chair, Fisheries Committee
9 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 COTTAGING Managing garbage at our out-of-theway cottages is one of those ongoing issues that we all struggle with in one way or another. Our island has a complex system that has evolved over the years. Paper and cardboard are kept aside for the fire—the teetering pile builds up through the heat of July and August, waiting for a cool, late summer morning when we can finally light the wood stove. Other recycling waste is rinsed well and kept in clear bags to be sent back to the city with an unsuspecting visitor. (Maybe one of these years, we will learn the recycling rules of our local municipality!) The remaining garbage is hauled off the island on a day when the dump is open, hopefully in conjunction with a fun excursion. But food waste has always been the real challenge. Until a few years ago, we stored anything compostable in small plastic garbage bins with tight lids. We would then transport them back to the city and pour their stinking, dripping contents into the municipal compost bin at our house. Finally fed up with this disgusting process, we created a compost pile beside the cottage. But we could be better about mixing in the requisite leaves and mulch and whatever else we are supposed to use to ensure proper aerobic decomposition. Mostly, we provide tasty treats for the raccoons and risk attracting bears. Naturally, the GBA editorial staff were curious about the new countertop appliances that have recently become available to manage food waste – could these small appliances once and for all eliminate a source of frustration for us and many other GBA members? This is particularly interesting given that the Township of Georgian Bay has been offering discounts on the FoodCycler brand, with the objective of diverting organic waste from landfill. We thought it would be helpful for our members to understand a little more about these machines before they make an investment. Countertop “Composters” We have put the word “composters” in quotation marks because it’s important to understand that these appliances don’t actually compost food waste. What they can do is grind and dehydrate the waste, which greatly reduces the volume and smell emitted, but they can’t facilitate any microbial decomposition. True composting takes time, and unfortunately, there are no shortcuts—microbes take the time they take. For this reason, it’s important to be cautious about how you use the byproducts of these appliances. The manufacturers suggest that the dehydrated material can be added directly to the garden, but independent research shows that this could harm plants. Not to mention that most reviews mention some residual odour that could attract animals. So, what should you do with the output of your countertop food recycler? Using small amounts in your garden might be OK, but it’s likely a good idea to start slowly and see what happens. Even still, you will probably have more than your garden needs. What you really need to do is find a way to ensure the dehydrated waste undergoes true composting. If you have access to municipal composting (either in your cottage municipality or at your primary residence), you could save up your summer dehydrated food waste and add it to the municipal compost collection when you get a chance. The good news is that since these countertop systems reduce food waste volume by 70-90 per cent and the resulting product is mostly odourless, storing your waste for a few weeks or months is a realistic option. No more heavy, stinky, drippy plastic bins to haul around. Of course, the material could also be added to a home compost pile or vermicompost system. But if you are already composting at your Georgian Bay property, then a countertop food recycler might not be helpful. Whatever you do, don’t dispose of the dehydrated food waste in your garbage headed to landfill. When this product hits the landfill, it will break down through anaerobic processes that release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. While countertop food waste dehydrators might not be the silver bullet that solves all our cottage waste woes, they might be beneficial if you don’t want to set up a compost pile at your cottage property. However, you will still need to find a way to ensure the resulting product can be fully composted. Waste Not, Rot Not: Managing Food Waste at the Cottage By Liz Phillips, GBA President
10 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 By Richard Wilson, Chair, Land & Forests Committee LAND & FORESTS Oak Wilt What Is It? Oak wilt is a vascular disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum and affects mainly red oak and sometimes white oak. The fungus grows on the outer sapwood of the tree and restricts vascular flow. Trees that are infected with this disease can perish within six weeks. Three occurrences were detected in Ontario in 2023: two in the Niagara region and one in Springwater Township. How to Spot It? The first signs of the disease are the leaves turning brown or yellow prematurely, with the discolouration moving from the edge of the leaves towards the centre and from the top of the tree downward. This leads to premature leaf fall. Eventually, fungal mats grow under the bark and cause large vertical splits in the tree bark. At this stage, the tree is dead. What Can You Do? Several vectors spread fungal spores and are very hard to control. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. Avoid pruning oak trees from April to July. If a tree does have a break or cut, seal it with wound paint. Do not move firewood over a distance, particularly if the tree shows signs of disease. Report suspected or confirmed outbreaks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as outlined below. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid What Is it? Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive, aphid-like insect. It was first detected in Virginia in the early 1900s and has now spread through most of the eastern USA and into southwestern Nova Scotia. It affects eastern hemlock, a foundation species for many forests at east Georgian Bay. In 2023, trees harbouring this insect were found in Haldimand County and the Niagara Region. The hemlock woolly adelgid insect feeds on the nutrients and sap at the base of hemlock tree needles, leading to the death of the affected tree in four to fifteen years. HWA can be controlled by various chemical treatments, as well as through forest management and biological controls. How to Spot It? The telltale sign of this pest is the white woolly egg sacs. They are permanently attached to the twig at the base of the needles and can be seen from November to May. The occurrence can be high in the tree, so check branches on the ground after spring storms. Trees beside lakes or in areas frequented by birds and animals (which can carry the nymphs) are the most prone to infection. What Can You Do? Keep your trees healthy by not wounding them and watering them during dry spells. Healthy trees are resilient trees. Don’t hang bird feeders in hemlock trees, and monitor for egg sacs, particularly in early spring. Tree care professionals can treat egg sacs, but CFIA would still like you to report it. Bad Things Might Come in Threes to Trees Invasive species continuously threaten our forest ecosystem. We recently discovered three new species in Southern Ontario that could harm the ecosystem. We need your help identifying and monitoring these species and preventing potential damage. Protecting our ecosystem is our responsibility, and we can only do that by working together.
11 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 Spotted Lantern Fly Reporting The CFIA has active monitoring and control programs for all three. They would like you to follow three simple steps: 1. MAP IT! Record a civic address or latitude/longitude, or use what3words to pinpoint the find. 2. SNAP IT! (Or trap it). Take a photograph of the pest or its handiwork and collect a specimen if possible. 3. TAP IT! Report your sighting to CFIA at www.inspection.gc.ca/pests What Is It? The spotted lantern fly (SLF) is an insect from China considered a highly destructive invasive species in North America. It feeds on over 70 plant and tree species. While the most concerning targets are horticultural fruit and grape crops, the spotted lantern fly may also feed on many forest trees, such as red maple and black walnut. It was first seen in Pennsylvania in 2014 and is now established in New York and Michigan. The insect feeds on the tree's phloem tissues, where plants circulate sugars. In addition to weakening the tree, the spotted lantern fly secretes a messy honeydew that can accumulate at the tree's base, promoting bacterial and fungal growth. In 2023, the SLF was detected in Niagara, Windsor, and Oakville. How to Spot It? By first excusing the pun, observing the distinctive insect is the best way to spot SLF. They are about an inch (2.5 cm) long and hold their spotted beige forewings in a tentlike manner over their bodies. When open, their hindwings are bright red. All five life stages have spots, black for the young and black and white for the adult. They’re pretty distinctive. What Can You Do? CFIA is actively working to keep SLF out of Ontario. Although they can fly, they are not particularly good at it, so their primary vector is sticking to different surfaces that transport them. Fruit shipments, for example, are a significant concern. Egg masses can be challenging to spot and can be laid on almost any material, such as stone, cut logs, boats and Christmas trees. It is quite likely that these items will be transported into Ontario from bordering US States, so the chance of this insect arriving around us is high. Not transporting firewood, watching for egg masses, and checking yourself and your possessions after visiting an infected area are all ways you can help reduce potential spread.
12 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 GUARDIANS OF THE BAY By Katherine Denune, Chair, Guardians of the Bay Committee We are thrilled to announce a new annual stewardship award to recognize and honour the efforts of outstanding community members. GBA’s Champion of the Bay Award will celebrate individuals who actively steward the Bay in a manner that promotes environmental well-being. Purpose This award has three objectives. First, we want to acknowledge the contributions of dedicated community members. Second, we aim to highlight the local initiatives being undertaken by various associations. Lastly, we hope to inspire more people to get involved in environmental stewardship activities. We appreciate the invaluable volunteer work that so many people have put in along Georgian Bay and are excited to share and celebrate their accomplishments. Qualifications GBA is eager to highlight local and smallscale efforts to demonstrate the difference one person or community can make in the environment. Volunteers of any age can be nominated, as long as they contribute to the care of Georgian Bay. We appreciate all kinds of initiatives, whether big or small, that aim for environmental stewardship as the primary goal. Potential ideas for stewardship activities could include active conservation work (e.g. phragmites management, shoreline cleanups, species monitoring, constructing bird and bat houses for the community, clean-up of abandoned docks), environmental education (e.g. organizing community hikes or environment days, contributions to association newsletters, coordination with local NGOs) or any other initiative that positively impacts the natural environment. Award Structure This is a two-tiered award. GBA will recognize a champion from each association and a single overall Champion of the Bay. Each member association will select its own community champion. Nominations and selection for each association’s champion will occur at the association level. The GBA Guardians of the Bay Committee will then select an overall winner to be honoured with greater recognition. In this way, every association and more stewards can be recognized. Recognition The overall Champion of the Bay will receive a unique art piece and a special spotlight in GBA’s UPDATE newsletter. We are especially excited to share their story with all our members to help inspire more local initiatives. Similarly, all associationlevel champions will be recognized together in UPDATE with summaries of their excellent work. Please visit our website for more information about recognition. Looking Forward If you know someone who deserves recognition for their environmental stewardship efforts and ideas, we would love to hear about them! No effort is too small, so please don’t hesitate to nominate someone you think has made a difference in their community. You can find more information and inspiration on the Champion of the Bay Award page of the GBA website, and we encourage everyone to participate in the nomination process. Remember, anyone can nominate a deserving individual, so please spread the word! Introducing the Champion of the Bay Award GBA’s Annual Stewardship Award
13 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 PRESIDENT’S REPORT Directors of the Georgian Bay Association Association Director Association Director Bay of Islands Liz Phillips Northern Georgian Bay Freda Klassen Blackstone Lake Andy Metelka PaBIA Seymour Hadwen BNIA Gordon Johnson PaBIA Hannah Willis BNIA Doug Ferguson Sans Souci & Copperhead Katherine Denune Cognashene David Matthews Sans Souci & Copperhead Al Stratton Cognashene Tom Halpenny South Channel Steven Sprague Honey Harbour Armin Grigaitis Twelve Mile Bay Brett Harris Honey Harbour Dan Busse Wah Wah Taysee Gord Forstner Key River Andrew Hurlbut West Carling Allison Needham Madawaska Club Jim Rusak West Carling Richard Wilson Manitou Liz Drayton Woods Bay Heather Sargeant McGregor Bay Doug Whitton With the Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) behind us and cottage season starting in another month or so, the summer issue of UPDATE always feels like a good time to reflect on the new initiatives that GBA has underway. This year, led by the Guardians of the Bay Committee, we are launching the GBA Champion of the Bay Award to recognize the great work of individuals protecting and enhancing the Georgian Bay environment. Each GBA member association will be asked to put forward one name from their members in the fall. All the nominees will receive a certificate and be recognized in the pages of UPDATE. The Guardians of the Bay Committee will also select one overall winner who will be profiled in more detail and will receive a beautiful and unique prize. We are excited and inspired by our members' work, and we can’t wait to hear more about your many and varied accomplishments. We also hope the stories will inspire more engagement and good deeds. A Presidents' Forum is also planned for the fall, organized by the Membership Committee. While the AMM is a way for us to connect with the presidents of GBA’s member associations, it’s always a busy meeting, full of many updates, business items, and presentations. Over the last few years, we have been hearing more and more about how the presidents value listening and learning from each other, and we also want to hear directly from them about what is important to you, our members. We are excited to bring this group together for a working session and hope it will become a regular event. What’s New With GBA We are also interested in including more non-Board volunteers on GBA committees. This isn’t without precedent—in the past, Board members who have left the Board have stayed on a GBA committee because of their ongoing interest in an issue. In other cases, we have contacted external resources to tap into their specific subject matter expertise. But with this new initiative, we are looking for volunteers with any level of experience—the important thing is that you are enthusiastic about an issue and are willing to spend a few hours a month moving things forward. All of GBA’s committees would welcome volunteers, but the Water Committee is the one that has an active request for more help, as you might have noticed in the ad in this issue of UPDATE. They are tackling several issues, and your help could make a difference. For example, we would like to finally see legislation requiring all washing machines sold in Canada to be fitted with a filter to prevent microplastics from entering our water bodies. Also, now that we have legislation banning unencapsulated dock foam, there is work to be done to educate members on the alternatives or advocate for financial incentives to help people get rid of their unencapsulated foam docks. We are excited about the prospect of inviting new volunteers to GBA committees. Not only will this help GBA accomplish more, but we also hope it will give our members a chance to become more involved and engaged in our mission. If you are curious about an issue and would like to attend a committee meeting to find out more, we encourage you to email info@ georgianbay.ca for more information. By Liz Phillips, GBA President
14 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 TRIBUTE Recently, we reported the sad but peaceful passing of Wally King on March 25 at the age of 90. Wally was a faithful and loyal friend to the preservation of the Bay and a tireless advocate for protecting our precious ecosystem along the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. As a long-time director and president of the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association (SSCA) and Georgian Bay Association (GBA), Wally inspired countless people to go the extra mile to do what they could for the Bay. One of his most remarkable accomplishments was his contribution to the revival of the GBA, which had ceased operations in the 1970s. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the GBA and led the formation of the Township of the Archipelago (ToA) and Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT), which have continued to thrive over the years. In his many travels throughout the east and north shores of the Bay, he met with and influenced so many of us. It was always a treat to hear Wally tell stories, many of which are memorialized in the book Passion for Georgian Bay.1 Wally was born on June 4, 1933, in London, England—the proud and loving son of Air Commodore Charles Ley King, MC, DFC, AFC, RAF Rtd., and Mary Susan King. He was married to Marilyn June King for 64 years, and they had three children, Martha, Elizabeth (Eric Armour), and Graham (Virginia Gayford), who in turn had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren between them. Despite his busy life and many responsibilities, Wally always found time to devote to his wonderful family. Wally's days at Upper Canada College (UCC) and living as a boarder in Seaton's House were among the happiest and most influential of his life. He made many lifelong friends, was proudly active in the Cadet Corps, was very well cared for, and learned a lot. This was a welcome change to the challenges of primary schooling and life (including evacuations) as a boy during the war years in England. He served on UCC’s board of governors for nine years and was a trustee for the UCC Foundation. Wally loved his profession and looked forward to going to work every day. He began his career as a trust officer at Royal Trust and ultimately established his investment counsel and portfolio management firm in Toronto, Hughes, King & Company Limited. Wally exemplified the highest standards of his profession, was a trusted adviser to the firm's clients, and a mentor to many colleagues. He also contributed generously outside his firm as a director of many charitable and business organizations and through his philanthropic endeavours. Georgian Bay Has Lost One of Its Greatest Friends – Wally King By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director During a 2017 strategy session at the Toronto Club, Wally was presented with a wood carving of a loon created by John McMullen as a thank-you gift from GBA.
15 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 Those who knew Wally, even briefly, will remember how much he appreciated our monarchy. He regularly visited London to reinvigorate his English heritage and keep in touch with family and friends “on the other side of the pond.” However, while he had special bonds with churches in Toronto and London during his life, Wally's spiritual home was Georgian Bay, and he often referred to it as "God's country." It was never too early to go to the Bay and captain the "Fideliter" or complete projects on his island. On his many boat trips, usually shared with family and friends, he travelled from Collingwood to the North Shore, Killarney, Manitoulin, and Tobermory (and everywhere in between) and home again to Sans Souci, always making new friends and telling stories along the way. His love of all things Georgian Bay led him to become a driving force in the revival of GBA, the founding of the ToA, the president of the SSCA, and the founding Chairman of the GBLT. Inspired by Wally’s actions and inspiration, which made GBA the thriving organization it became and still is today, directors serving GBA at the time created both Georgian Bay Forever and the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, working with others who shared similar visions for our beloved Bay. Wally, we owe you so much that your legacy will live on for a long time. We will miss you. 1 Passion for Georgian Bay: The Founding of the Township of the Archipelago 1812-2012, Michael Erkelenz, 2016. This book remains a favourite for multigenerational Georgian Bay residents and newcomers alike. Available from The Nautical Mind, Toronto, www.nauticalmind.com
16 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 ED ADVOCACY REPORT As your association presidents learned at our recent Annual Meeting of Members on April 6, there is always a lot going on at GBA! In this report, I will provide a brief update on some of the key files: Float Homes Not Vessels Coalition The name for this Coalition uses the BC terminology for these accommodation units. It reflects our core objective of getting the same regulations that have existed in BC since 2001 in place in Ontario so we can make sure that floating homes are properly regulated, with safety and environmental impacts addressed. Recently, this Coalition received support from Parks Canada when they introduced a proposal for mooring restrictions for floating accommodations on the Trent-Severn Waterway, which are planned to take effect on May 1, 2024. Many thanks to all of you who sent an email supporting this. It takes us one step closer. The Coalition continues to get strong support from many municipalities. Thank you for all you are doing. Look for further updates here: https://bit.ly/floathomes Proposed Trans Canada Energy (TCE) electricity pumped storage project at Meaford Since the last UPDATE issue, both TCE and the local opposition group Save Georgian Bay (SGB) have been delivering presentations to several Georgian Bay municipalities on the pros and cons of this proposal. Since the Township of the Archipelago passed a resolution opposing the project, others have followed suit. TCE is trying to reverse these resolutions and extoll their project's virtues, while SGB is looking to expand municipal opposition based on Georgian Bay-wide and province-wide impacts. An interesting debate is unfolding. The experts on this matter in Ontario, the Independent Electricity Supply Operator (IESO), will still not support the project, considering it a bad financial deal for the province. Still, TCE continues to try to convince them otherwise. Updates on projected timing, capital costs and the IESO-TCE contract parameters (needed before TCE can proceed) are expected shortly. Details and updates can be found here: https://bit.ly/GBA-TCE Plastic Pollution in the Bay It is often hard to see what we can do to prevent impacts such as plastic pollution from degrading our water quality, but for the two issues that GBA is working on, there is something we can do. As the cover article shows, microfibres are a clear and present threat. GBA is moving forward on two fronts to combat this: ≥ Establishing consensus on legislation to require filters in washing machines ≥ Ensuring regulations are in place for banning the use of unencapsulated dock foam By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director
17 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2024 By moving these initiatives forward, we can make a difference, reduce the flow of these sources of plastic pollution into the Bay, and take a step towards stopping the ingestion of, and recreation in, our own garbage. Aquaculture As usual, your Aquaculture Committee has been busy advocating for federal and provincial agencies to try to move this industry onshore into enclosed facilities that do not pollute our waters. Recent actions include: ≥ Ongoing discussions with the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to support the GBA position on this industrial fish farming activity in public waters. ≥ Submission to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, see: https://bit.ly/aquaculture_sub ≥ Development of a strategy (social media and other methods) to counter the recently published, ambitious expansion and marketing plans for the industry, which includes a tripling of production over five years. Coastal Protection–Municipal Planning Comparison Project (MPCP) The MPCP coastal protection project examines the strategic plans, official plans, and comprehensive zoning bylaws of the five towns along Georgian Bay's north and east shores where GBA members are located. The next steps are to initiate discussions amongst these municipalities to understand how they align and differ on their planning policies and inspire collaboration. We are also in discussion with Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere on how a similar project of theirs can tie in with the MPCP, and we are excited to explore this potential collaboration and see where it leads. More to come on this! None of these achievements would be possible without the incredible hard work and dedication of our GBA directors and the growing number of amazing volunteers.
18 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 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 Executive Director: Rupert Kindersley email: rkindersley@georgianbay.ca Editor: Allison Needham email: allison.needham@rogers.com 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 Climate Action Forum Thursday, June 6 Parry Sound Native Plant Fundraiser Saturday, June 8 Port Severn & Parry Sound Bugs in the Mud: Kids Bioblitz Sunday, July 7 Parry Sound Turtle Hatchery Tours August 7, 14, 21, 28 Parry Sound Turtle Open House Sunday, August 18 Parry Sound Georgian Bay Forever All too Clear screening: Ojibway Club - Tuesday, August 13 from 3 – 4:30 p.m. All too Clear Stockey Centre – Saturday, Aug 10 – Time TBD. Check gbf.org for updates. The Water Brothers Documentary screenings: Ojibway Club – Sunday, July 14, 10 a.m. – Followed by a Q & A session with eco-adventurers and local Point au Baril community members Alex and Tyler Mifflin. Georgian Bay Land Trust June 2 - Spring Birding Walk - Honey Harbour July 5 - Cocktails on the Lizard - Cognashene August 7 - Nature Walk - Friend Island, Pointe au Baril August 17 - Bird Research Demonstration - Go Home Bay September 14 - Fall Birding Walk - Sans Souci Visit gblt.org/events for details. Monarch Butterfly Tagging Tuesday, August 27 Honey Harbour Sustainable Transportation & EV Test Drive Event Saturday, August 24 Parry Sound Honeybee Festival Saturday, September 28 Honey Harbour For more information visit: georgianbaybiosphere. com/events
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