Bringing communities and stakeholders together to develop a vision for protecting the Georgian Bay coast and natural environment into the future.
Georgian Bay is a treasured destination known for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. However, the region lacks a comprehensive planning and development framework, leaving it vulnerable to rapid growth and development pressures.
The Need for a Regional Plan
Ontario’s population is projected to increase by 50% between 2019 and 2050, intensifying development pressures around Georgian Bay.
Ontario does not have a regional vision nor plan for the Bay region, unlike the Niagara Escarpment and the Greenbelt for example.
A patchwork of provincial policies, park regulations, divergent municipal by-laws, NGO projects and First Nations governance is in place on the Bay today but there is no singlecomprehensive plan to protect the Bay on a macro scale. 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.
Project Overview
The Georgian Bay Vision 2050 Project aims to develop a vision and concept proposal for the eastern and northern Georgian Bay coastal area. Our mission is to preserve and protect in perpetuity the unique natural environment and ecosystems of Georgian Bay’s coasts.
Key Objectives
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To develop a roadmap for development planning and environmental protection for the region over the next 25 plus years
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In phase 1 we are retaining 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.
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Engage stakeholders and share our findings with governments, regional municipalities, Indigenous communities and other NGOs
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Expand conservation of natural and environmentally valuable areas and improve protection of these areas with stronger and more consistent policies
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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. Our concept paper will be the catalyst for bringing stakeholders together to ensure the protection of Georgian Bay for the next generation.
Get Involved
You can support our mission to protect Georgian Bay for future generations by:
- Helping to spread awareness and knowledge of this project in your local member association and Georgian Bay community
- Contribute ideas to your local member association on how to better protect our coastal region while meeting the needs of local communities, residents and visitors
- Consider a contribution to the Vision 2050 Fund in memory of Wally King