2018-Apr-18
Boating
Issues Covered
- Rules and Regulations
- Continued Boating Safety
- Emergency Response Protocols
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News
October 2026
October 4 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: 3″ Down Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 3″ Lake St. Clair: Down 3" Lake Erie: Down 4″ Lake Ontario: Down 11″ Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Down 1″ Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 7″ Lake St. Clair: Up 6″ Lake Erie: Up 5″ Lake Ontario: Up 11″ Long-Term October Averages: Lake Superior sits 3″ below its long-term October average, while Michigan-Huron is 1″ above. Lake St. Clair (+8″), Erie (+7″), and Ontario (+13″) also remain above their long-term averages. However, all the lakes remain well below record highs. - One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-2″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-3″), St
September 2026
September 27 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: 2" Down Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 3″ Lake St. Clair: Same Lake Erie: Down 1″ Lake Ontario: Down 8″ Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Down 2" Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 7″ Lake St. Clair: Up 9″ Lake Erie: Up 7" Lake Ontario: Up 13″ Long-Term September Averages: Lake Superior sits 3″ below its long-term September average, while Michigan-Huron is down 1". Lake St. Clair (+9″), Erie (+7″), and Ontario (+11″) remain above average, though all the lakes are well below record highs. - One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-3″), St. Clair (-9″), Erie (-5″), and O
September 2026
Essential Safety Tips for Off-Season Boating
As the seasons change, many boaters look forward to enjoying the solitude and excellent fishing that fall has to offer. However, boating on the Bay from October through June demands extra attention to detail and a healthy dose of caution. With fewer boaters on the water during these months, it is crucial to be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies, as help may be farther away if you run into trouble. Here are some helpful tips to make your off-season boating adventures safer: Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature - Wear layers of breathable clothing, and consider investing in a one-piece survival suit for vital thermal protection in case of accidental immersion. Wear your lifejacket! - In cold water, a lifejacket is a lifesaver. It kee
September 2026
Transport Canada Steps In over Homemade Houseboat on BC River
What started as a municipal parking dispute in Surrey, BC, escalated into a federal marine matter after a man who was told to move his trailer from a park hoisted it onto a barge in the Nicomekl River. The DIY craft—dubbed the "Hillbilly Houseboat"—shifted from municipal to federal jurisdiction the moment it hit the water, prompting Transport Canada to open an investigation. - Transport Canada confirmed it is actively following up with the owner and may inspect the craft to verify compliance with the Canada Shipping Act. Under federal law, non-motorized barges and custom builds are subject to marine safety and environmental regulations as long as they can move on the water. While individuals are legally allowed to build custom vessels for personal use, Transport Canada must inspe
September 2026
Essential Guide to Closing Your Georgian Bay Cottage
As the seasons change and winter approaches, it's essential to properly close up your seasonal property. The freeze, wind, and ice that come with fall and winter love breaking stuff, so by closing the cottage the right way and you’ll avoid heartache, big repair bills, and insurance headaches. - The list below provides a system-by-system guide to help you prepare your Georgian Bay cottage for the cold months ahead. - Quick timeline (what to do when) 2–4 weeks before departure: schedule pros — HVAC/furnace tune, plumber for the winterization (if you’ll be draining), propane technician, and a solar/battery check if you have storage - Last weekend/final day: complete the inside-and-out checklist below (drain lines or set heat, secure boats, lock up) -
September 2026
GBA and Georgian Bay Forever Urge Ontario to Rethink Proposed Natural Resource Deregulation
GBA and Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) have submitted a joint comment letter to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) expressing serious concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) and the Public Lands Act (PLA). - While the province states these changes streamline approvals, our joint analysis reveals a pattern of deregulation that prioritizes short-term economic development over environmental oversight and Indigenous rights. - Overview: What Is Changing? The proposed legislative and regulatory amendments are being reviewed under several Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) notices, including: - Public Lands Act Amendments: ERO Notice 026-0693 - Crown Forest Sustainability Act Amendments: ERO Notice 026-0696 - Key Co
September 2026
New Models Suggest Great Lakes Sturgeon May Live Up to 400 Years
For decades, scientists believed the lake sturgeon could live for up to 150 years—an impressive lifespan for Canada’s largest freshwater fish. However, groundbreaking new research suggests scientists may have vastly underestimated these ancient giants. Some sturgeon swimming in the Great Lakes today might be more than 400 years old. That means individual fish alive right now could have been swimming in these waters when Samuel de Champlain first navigated Lake Huron in the early 1600s. The Flaw in Counting "Birthday Rings" Historically, biologists aged sturgeon much like dendrologists age trees: by taking a cross-section of a fin ray and counting its annual growth rings under a microscope. While this method works well for younger fish, it breaks down as sturgeon reach matur
September 2026
Learning and Action: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026
September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. How will you mark the day? - "Education is what got us into this mess and education is key to getting us out of it." - — The late Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) - - Why We Mark This Day National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never came home from residential schools, the survivors, and their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. - Learn the History: Read the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s concise overview of Residential School History. - W
September 2026
2026 Municipal Elections: Your Vote Matters!
- It can be easy to view municipal politics through the lens of your primary residence, but seasonal property owners form the financial backbone of rural municipal tax bases around Georgian Bay. Your vote matters! The decisions of the Mayors, Reeves, and Councillors elected this October affect seasonal residents, including: Water quality monitoring, shoreline zoning and environmental bylaws Development and land-use planning, including site alteration and site plan rules, short-term rental regulations and habitat stewardship Property Taxes: setting municipal tax rates and deciding how tax revenue is used Emergency services and emergency planning for remote areas and islands Essential Services: Waste transfer stations, snow removal, municipal boat launches and
September 2026
September 20 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 8 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: Same Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 3″ Lake St. Clair: Down 1″ Lake Erie: Down 2″ Lake Ontario: Down 6″ Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Same Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 8″ Lake St. Clair: Up 8″ Lake Erie: Up 6″ Lake Ontario: Up 16″ Long-Term September Averages: Lake Superior sits 2″ below its long-term September average, while Michigan-Huron is right at average (+0″). Lake St. Clair (+8″), Erie (+6″), and Ontario (+15″) remain above average, though all lakes stay well below record highs. - One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-3″), St. Clair (-7″), Erie
September 2026
Don’t Feed Foraging Bears!
It’s September, and local bears are entering a critical phase called hyperphagia. During this time, bears forage almost constantly to consume up to 20,000 calories a day to build up fat reserves before hibernation. With wild natural foods dwindling, human food sources like trash, bird seed, and BBQs become top targets. - Whether you're packing up the cottage for the season or just heading out between weekend stays, taking a few extra precautions can help keep both your property and the bear population safe. - Cottage Closing Checklist: - Dispose of All Garbage: Take waste home or drop it at an approved waste facility. - Neutralize Odors: Disinfect garbage and recycling containers using strong cleaners. - Never Dump Cooking Oil Outside: Seal used grease i
September 2026
September 13 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 8 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: Down 1" Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 2″ Lake St. Clair: Down 1″ Lake Erie: Down 3″ Lake Ontario: Down 4″ Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Same Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 8″ Lake St. Clair: Up 6″ Lake Erie: Up 5″ Lake Ontario: Up 18″ Long-Term September Averages: Most of the lakes remain above their long-term September averages (Michigan-Huron +1″, St. Clair +7″, Erie +6″, Ontario +18″), though well below record highs. Lake Superior is currently 1″ below its long-term September average. - One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1"), Lake Michigan-Huron (-2″), St. Clair (-6″), Erie