The latest updates on our mission to protect the eastern and northern coasts of Georgian Bay.
Understanding the Implications of Ontario’s Bill 98
Ontario’s Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, has recently passed and introduces major changes to land use planning intended to accelerate housing and infrastructure development.
These changes underscore the importance of the Vision 2050 initiative, which seeks to advance regionally informed conservation planning that reflects Georgian Bay’s unique ecological, cultural, and community values. A summary memo has been prepared to explain the main legislative changes and their possible impacts on rural and environmentally sensitive municipalities.
Read about Bill 98 (and the summary memo) here.
Vision 2050 & TMU Project Explores Regional Conservation
Through a partnership with the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Urban and Regional Planning, a team of undergraduate and graduate students developed a comprehensive report to help advance Vision 2050 from a concept into an actionable conservation strategy.
The report identifies opportunities to strengthen environmental stewardship, regional collaboration, conservation governance, and sustainable development across Georgian Bay while balancing growth with the protection of the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Learn more about the report here.
Vision 2050 Welcomes New Project Coordinator to Support Regional Conservation Initiatives
Vision 2050 is excited to welcome Megan Tan as the new Project Coordinator to support regional conservation and sustainability initiatives across Georgian Bay.
In this role, Megan will help with research, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and communications efforts to support Vision 2050’s long-term goals.
Read the Full Announcement here.
Award-Winning Firm Tapped to Write Vision 2050 Discussion Paper
Vision 2050 is pleased to announce that Urban Strategies Inc. (USI) has been selected to develop our upcoming Discussion Paper. USI will craft a compelling narrative outlining the why, what, and how of protecting and conserving Georgian Bay’s coastal regions.
This pivotal document will support our engagement with stakeholders, governments, and influencers.
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Timeline: Completion is expected in early June 2026.
Read the Full Announcement here.
Survey Results: Strong Backing for Enhanced Protection
Results from the Vision 2050 Survey reveal widespread support for the enhanced protection of Georgian Bay’s coastlines. With over 1,000 respondents, our members and community stakeholders identified critical concerns, including:
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Water Quality & Biodiversity Loss
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Habitat Fragmentation
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Rapid Development & Climate Change
The findings underscore a broad alignment on the need for stronger conservation zones and improved land-use policies—insights that will directly inform the USI Discussion Paper.
View the Survey Highlights here.
Vision 2050 Boosted by Mitacs Partnership
We are strengthening our research capacity through a new partnership with Mitacs, a national organization connecting academic researchers with non-profit partners.
This collaboration allows us to expand our conservation work, including a global review of international conservation models. We are also excited to welcome Quinn Nolan, a Master of Resource and Environmental Management student from Dalhousie University, to the Vision 2050 team as part of this initiative.
Learn More About the Partnership here.
Niibii – Water – Sacred Medicine
The GBA is honoured to welcome Marilyn Capreol of Shawanaga First Nation as a new member of the Vision 2050 Advisory Council.
In her reflective piece, Niibii – Water – Sacred Medicine, Marilyn shares Anishinaabe teachings that view water not as a resource, but as the lifeblood of Mother Earth. Her insights highlight the sacred role of women as water keepers and caretakers, inviting us all to approach conservation through respect, protection, and ceremony.
Read Marilyn’s Reflective Piece here.
Partnership with TMU Advanced Planning Studio
Vision 2050 has partnered with the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Advanced Planning Studio to build a research-driven foundation for long-term conservation.
This collaboration explores how conservation outcomes can be strengthened through improved regional coordination, even within Ontario’s current regulatory framework. The study focuses on:
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International Best Practices: Governance, policy tools, and financing.
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Collaboration: Identifying opportunities for municipalities, First Nations, and conservation organizations to work together more effectively.
Explore the TMU Project Details here.