2018-Apr-23
Water Quality
Water quality issues fall into three categories:
- Water purity
- Recreational water quality
- Water Ecosystem
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News
August 2026
Hydro One Transmission Line Project: Round 2 Open Houses & Feedback Survey
The proposed 300-kilometre high-voltage transmission line from Sudbury to Barrie is moving forward quickly. Hydro One has announced its Round 2 Community Consultations for this summer, introducing narrowed-down “Focused Study Areas.” - This round of meetings centers on new geographic maps that dictate the specific bands where the transmission line will actually be built. Because the existing infrastructure cannot safely support the weight or electrical clearance of these new 500-kV lines, Hydro One must build entirely new, larger steel structures and widen the existing right-of-way corridor. - For property owners, the lines drawn on these maps will directly determine where massive new towers are placed, which shorelines will face extensive clear-cutting and visual disruption, and w
August 2026
Civic Holiday Weekend Charges, Warnings, and Reminders from OPP Marine Units
As the August long weekend came to a close, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Units and the SAVE (Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle, and Vessel Enforcement) Unit were out on high-visibility patrols across Georgian Bay and surrounding lakes. Police reports and marine statistics show that preventable risks remain a top concern on our waterways. During the long weekend safety initiative, officers patrolling Central Ontario waterways issued 42 charges and 56 warnings. Once again, liquor offences and missing lifejackets accounted for more than half of all charges laid on the water: 14 Liquor Licence Offences: Including open alcohol on vessels and operating with alcohol accessible. 8 Lifejacket / PFD Violations:
August 2026
Protecting Georgian Bay's Eastern Foxsnake
If you’ve spent time exploring the eastern coast of Georgian Bay, you may have been lucky enough to cross paths with one of the region’s most impressive reptiles: the Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis gloydi). - Despite their large size—often reaching up to 5.5 feet in length—these magnificent snakes are completely harmless, non-venomous, and a vital part of our coastal ecosystem. - Five Fascinating Facts About the Eastern Foxsnake They are master swimmers: Unlike many land-bound snakes, Eastern Foxsnakes are famous for being energetic island-hoppers. They regularly swim several kilometers across open water between Georgian Bay islands. The "Fox" in their name: When threatened or handled, foxsnakes can produce a musk scent that smells vaguely like a fox (or muskrat).
August 2026
Save Georgian Bay Presents: Voices for the Bay Music Fest & Fundraiser
For seven years, Save Georgian Bay—a volunteer-driven group of local citizens, environmentalists, and engineers—has been working to safeguard the waters, ecosystems, and shores of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment from TC Energy’s proposed pumped storage mega-project in Meaford. - To help the cause, Save Georgian Bay is hosting Voices for the Bay Music Fest & Fundraiser, an evening of live music, incredible food, inspiring speakers, and community connection. - Event Details Host: Save Georgian Bay - Date: Saturday, August 29 - Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM - Location: Collingwood Brewery Beer Garden - Tickets: $50 | Kids under 12 are FREE! (All ages welcome) - Get your tickets here. - GBA Champion of the Bay Recognition D
August 2026
August 2 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: Up 2″ Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 1" Lake St. Clair: Down 1″ Lake Ontario: Down 2″ Lake Erie: Down 3″ Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Up 1″ Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 6″ Lake St. Clair: Up 1″ Lake Ontario: Down 2″ Lake Erie: Up 14" Long-Term July Averages: All lakes remain above their long-term July averages (Lake Superior at average, Michigan-Huron +1″, St. Clair +5″, Erie +2″, Ontario +12″), though well below record highs. - One-Month Forecast: Lake Superior levels are projected to stay the same. Levels on Lake Michigan-Huron (-2″), St. Clair (-3″), Erie (-3″), and Ontario (-6″)
July 2026
Heading Out This Civic Holiday Long Weekend? Don't Leave Safety on Shore
With another long weekend here, many of us hoping to enjoy a few days on the water. But as we saw during the Canada Day holiday—when Ontario waterways saw runaway vessels, severe weather rescues, alcohol charges, and tragic drowning fatalities—a beautiful afternoon on the water can turn dangerous in seconds if we aren't properly prepared. Emergency crews and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Units will be out in full force patrolling waterways across Georgian Bay and surrounding lakes. Before you turn the key, push off from the dock, or launch your kayak, take a moment to review the essential safety steps that keep everyone on board protected. 1. Mandatory Gear Check: Is Your Vessel Fully Equipped? Whether you're paddling a canoe, out on a paddleboard, or cr
July 2026
Understanding the Implications of Ontario's Bill 98
Ontario's Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, is now law. It introduces significant changes to the province's land use planning framework. While the legislation is intended to streamline housing and infrastructure development, it also proposes changes that could reduce municipal planning authority and limit the ability of local governments to develop planning policies tailored to their unique environmental conditions. For communities across Georgian Bay and other environmentally sensitive regions, these changes have important implications for the protection of wetlands, shorelines, natural heritage systems, wildlife habitat, and other ecologically significant areas. The proposed legislation also removes the requirement for municipalities to
July 2026
July 26 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Compared to last month: Lake Superior: Up 2" Lake Michigan-Huron: Unchanged Lake St. Clair: Down 1" Lake Ontario: Down 2" Lake Erie: Down 3" Compared to last year: Lake Superior: Up 2" Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 6" Lake St. Clair: Up 3" Lake Ontario: Up 14" Lake Erie: Unchanged Long-Term July Averages: All lakes remain above their long-term July averages (Lake Superior at average, Michigan-Huron +1", Erie +2", St. Clair +5", Ontario +13"), though well below record highs. - One-Month Forecast: Lake Superior levels are projected to stay the same. Levels on Lake Michigan-Huron (-2"), St. Clair (-3"), Erie (-3"), and Ontario (-6") are expected to decline. -
July 2026
July 19 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron & St. Clair are up 1, 1 & 2 inches, respectively. Lake Erie levels remain the same as last month, while Lake Ontario levels are 2 inches lower than at this time last month. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 1, 6, 3 & 12 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are the same as this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 6, 4 & 13 inches above their long-term July averages. Lake Superior is 2 inches lower than its long-term July average. All the lakes remain well below their July record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are expect
July 2026
Don't Be a Soft Target: How to Protect Your Vessel From Theft
A recent alert from the Bracebridge OPP serves as a critical reminder that boat theft is a very real, very costly issue right here on our waterways. Over the July 10–12 weekend, thieves targeted the Gravenhurst Wharf (165 Steamship Bay Road) and successfully stole a black 24' 2023 Sea Ray by taking it directly off the dock onto a trailer they also stole from the marina. Fortunately, the boat and trailer were recovered several kilometres away after being abandoned due to trailer issues. However, the police investigation revealed that a second boat at a neighbouring dock had also been tampered with in an attempted theft. Don't Be a Soft Target! Thieves look for quick, easy opportunities. Whether you are docked at a public marina, moored at your cottage, or storing your boat on a t
July 2026
A $5,700 Lesson: Why "Pouring Water on It" Isn't Enough
An Ontario cottage owner was fined and ordered to pay $5,716.82 after a fire they thought was extinguished smouldered underground for four days and eventually erupted into a wildfire, knocking out power, threatening nearby properties, and requiring an airborne ministry fire crew to extinguish it. In Ontario, failing to safely manage an open-air fire is illegal, and you will be held financially responsible for the emergency response costs. With the official fire season running from April 1 to October 31, you must follow these rules to stay legal and prevent human-caused wildfires. Can You Even Burn? Before burning, always check with your local municipality as local fire bans and restrictions always override provincial rules: Township of Georgian Bay Township of the Arch
July 2026
July 12 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 2, 5, 2 & 1 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 3, 6, 4 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are the same as this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 7, 5 & 15 inches above their long-term July averages. Lake Superior is 2 inches lower than its long-term July average. All the lakes remain well below their July record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are expected to rise by 1 inch. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to fall by 1, 3