Protection of the waters of Georgian Bay is something that resonates with all who live, work and play on the Bay and all living beings that depend on these waters for their very existence. The following video contains a powerful message in this regard from a young member of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation.
In October 2019, leaders and knowledge holders from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations gathered in Kingston, to strategize on how to collectively address climate change and biodiversity loss. The purpose of this gathering was to provide a forum for cross-cultural dialogue to increase community and ecological resiliency. The gathering aimed to enhance collective understanding and build and strengthen collaboration among organizations and individuals working to establish protected areas and address climate change. A key takeaway was the importance, even in this time of urgency, of taking the time to build relationships, show appreciation for nature and find mutually beneficial solutions to pressing environmental problems. The summary video and report of the gather
Georgian Bay is the perfect habitat for the Common Loon with clear water for spotting fish and plenty of irregular shorelines ideal for nesting. This fantastic video of the loons on Blackstone Lake is the perfect soundtrack for a summer weekend. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/55SQQDlBdxc Summer is a critical period for loons to incubate eggs and raise their vulnerable young. Birds Canada has created a simple list of things you can do to directly benefit loons in Georgian Bay: Give loons space. Rearing up, vocalizing, flattening the body, or coming off the nest are signs that a loon has been disturbed. If you notice any of these signs, move back. Reduce your wake. Slow down near wetlands and shorelines to prevent wakes from washing out nests or separating young loo
There was significant rainfall in Michigan and Illinois over the last week. Water levels continue to be well above average and near or above record high levels. From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 1, 5, 7, 2, 0 inches respectively. Lakes Superior and Ontario are down 6 & 18 inches, respectively, and Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, & Erie are 8, 8 & 2 inches higher respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 11, 36, 37, 31 & 13 inches, respectively, above their long term May average. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair and Erie are 5, 7 & 2 inches higher, respectively than their previous record h
Safe Boating Awareness Week is from May 16 – 22 and this year Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) wants you to take extra precautions. Joe Gatfield, Chair of the CSBC stated ‘With recreational boating having such a slow start due to Covid-19 this year, if you need help, it might not be as readily available from rescue services or other boaters as it was in previous years. So, this year, it is even more critical to be prepared and not put additional pressure on emergency resources". CSBC has 5 Key Messages to help you stay safe on the water: Wear Your Lifejacket - Over 80% of Canadians who drown while boating were not wearing their lifejacket or not wearing it properly. Boat Sober - Whether it’s prescription drugs, alcohol or cannabis, the use of intoxicants is both irresp
Water levels continue to be well above average and near or above record high levels, but the difference from last year’s level for Lake Michigan-Huron has now declined by 7 inches over the last three weeks (from 14 to 7 inches higher) reflecting the drier conditions. - From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 0, 2, 2, 0, 1 inches respectively. Lakes Superior and Ontario are down 5 & 14 inches respectively, and Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, & Erie are 7, 2 & 0 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 10, 34, 31, 28 & 13 inches, respectively, above their long term May average. Lakes Mich
Commencing on March 24, the Ontario government introduced electricity price relief for customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates. Customers will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of May. This should reduce hydro bills for Georgian Bay residents until May 31. Read more about the rate reduction here. -
Water levels continue to be well above average and near or above record high levels, but the difference from last year’s level for Lake Michigan-Huron has now declined by 5 inches over the last three weeks (from 14 to 9 inches higher) reflecting the drier conditions. From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 2, 2, 0, 4 inches respectively. Lakes Superior and Ontario are down 3 & 6 inches respectively, and Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, & Erie are 9, 3 & 1 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 11, 34, 32, 29 & 14 inches, respectively, above their long term May average. Lakes Mic
On Friday, May 8 the Ontario government made changes to the essential services provisions to allow marinas to open for seasonal resident customers only. The marinas section is near the end. GBA and others have advocated for this change. - Premier Ford had a constructive discussion with “cottage country” mayors on May 6. Peter Koetsier, the mayor of the Township of Georgian Bay, specifically asked when marinas could be opened for seasonal residents. Premier Ford later undertook to make the change. See the Township’s press release here. - Earlier, the mayors of the District of Muskoka issued a helpful updated message on May 7, which is relevant to all cottagers: Mayors and Chair Covid Message, May 7 2020 - GBA has been closely following these developments and communicating with
- Your committee that addresses water quality and fish habitat issues arising from the open net pen aquaculture operations in Georgian Bay and the North Channel is looking for new members. Please consider joining this successful group of volunteers and help keep the momentum going. Read about the opportunity here. -
In April the basin received about 80% of its normal precipitation for the month. Water levels continue to be well above average and near or above record high levels, but the difference from last year’s level for Lake Michigan-Huron has now declined by 4 inches over the last two weeks (from 14 to 10 inches higher) reflecting the drier conditions. From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 2, 0, 0, 4 inches respectively. Lakes Superior and Ontario are down 2 & 3 inches respectively, and Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, & Erie are 10, 2 & 3 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 11, 33, 31, 30
GBA has written to Premier Ford and MPP Norm Miller to ask the province to consider GBA recommendations on the process for opening marinas for seasonal residents to access their seasonal homes, opening boat launches and lifting travel advisories when it is safe to do so. Read the letter sent to Premier Ford and MPP Miller here: GBA letter to Ontario govt on COVID-19 May 1 2020. Please note that in the GBA letter we are advocating for the following: Allowing marinas to open to service seasonal resident customers, but only when stage 1 of opening the province is implemented; Coordinating opening of boat launches with opening of marinas; and Lifting the current guidance that advises people to stay at home and not travel, but only when stage 1 of opening the province is
