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.
On June 27, Judge Peter West found David Sillars guilty of impaired operation of a vessel (a canoe) causing death and criminal negligence causing death. The charges were laid as a result of the death of eight-year-old Thomas Rancourt on Muskoka River in April 2017. This case was the first time in Canadian history where a case moved forward to trial where an individual faced charges under the Criminal Code of Canada for impaired operation of a canoe causing death. Judge West made history earlier in the trial when he ruled that canoes are vessels. Sentencing is set for August 15 in an Oshawa court.
A team of scientists from the University of Chicago is undertaking a long term study aiming to better understand what microbes are present in the Great Lakes and what role they play in the environment. Read more about their work here.
Water levels remain high across all the Great Lakes, meeting or exceeding the record high July level. Over the last month, Lake Superior and Lake Ontario have decreased by 1 & 4 inches respectively, Lakes Michigan-Huron and St. Clair have increased by 3 and 4 inches, respectively and Lake Erie is unchanged. Over the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are projected to remain fairly steady, while Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are expected to decline 3, 5, and 10 inches, respectively. Outflows from Lake Superior through the St. Mary’s River, and Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow into the St. Clair River, are projected to be above average in July. Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River is also forecasted to be above average.
Parry Sound 033 last summer has reminded us that living in a wilderness environment does come with the risk of facing a wildfire. The seemingly drier summer conditions we have been experiencing and an ever increasing population of cottagers, visitors, and development activities can only increase the risk of fire. Many of our members want to know what they can do to lower the risks of fire at their properties and in their communities. That’s where the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and their FireSmart program comes in. FireSmart is about living with and managing for wildfire. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From homeowners, to industry, to government, we all have the responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfires. FireSmart edu
The very popular and successful "I Got Caught Wearing My Lifejacket" marine reward program for children was kicked off at 11:00 am June 26, 2019, at the Penetanguishene Town Dock. OPP marine officers were joined by Command staff members from OPP Central Region Headquarters, federal, provincial and municipal dignitaries, our partners in water safety BoatSMART, all area municipal fire chiefs, Boating Ontario and most importantly, the grade 6 class from Burkevale Protestant Separate School. Area event sponsor Broker Link Insurance was also on hand to see the launch of the program, which is solely funded by private and business donations. The program rewards children who are wearing their lifejacket when the vessel they are in is checked on the water by OPP marine officers. Started in
Over the last week, much of the Great Lakes Basin has experienced warmer than average temperatures with the western and southern portions of the basin being the warmest with respect to their normal values. Most of the basin had near normal rainfall with the exception of the Lake Michigan-Huron watershed which saw a significant storm system track west to east along a line from Milwaukee to Toronto. Temperatures for the rest of this week and into the following week are expected to be near locally normal values for most of the watershed. Continued wet weather on the west side of the Great Lakes watershed, notably the Wisconsin and the western half of the Lake Superior, is expected in the next 7 days. Water levels remain high across the Great Lakes. Over the last month Lakes Superior, Michi
GBA has commented on this Act and confirmed our support for the many improvements. However, our submission before the Senate sub-committee also pointed out the extent to which open net pen aquaculture operations in Georgian Bay and the North Channel appear to contravene some of the new provisions that are now in effect. We will be following up with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in this respect. There are many features of this bill that are beneficial to the aquatic biota of Georgian Bay, including the sections on Fish and fish habitat and Biodiversity We also welcome the recognition of the role of Indigenous peoples in this Act, and believe there may now be opportunities for GBA and other stakeholders to work together with our First Nations friends and neighbours to help develo
Strangely at odds with the Ford government’s intention to reduce the cost of government, the addition of new ministerial positions are likely to increase those costs. The several new positions created will increase MPP salary costs, and new support staff will almost certainly be needed. GBA will engage with relevant new appointees as required over the coming months. This is what the new cabinet looks like.
Water levels remain high across the Great Lakes as June draws to a close. The lake levels are expected to exceed average water levels from this time last year by 10 to 15 inches with the exception of Lake Ontario which is forecasted at 28 inches. The level of all lakes is above the June record high. The levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are projected to increase by 1 inch over the next month. Lake St. Clair is projecting no net change in lake level by July 28th. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are projected to see a net decrease of 4 and 7 inches respectively by this time next month. Outflows from Lake Superior through the St. Mary’s River, and Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow into the St. Clair River, are projected to be above average in June. Lake St. Clair’s outflow throu
Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) has launched a summer long Families For Change (F4C) initiative. Joining as team, your family can complete a variety of tasks in four different categories including: clean up your shorelines, improve daily choices, choose fashion that matters, and preserve wetlands. There is even a contest your family can enter to win a Patagonia prize pack. Find out how to get started here.
Georgian Bay Forever is studying the impacts of microplastics that enter the water from washing machines and synthetic clothing. This pilot project is the first of its kind in Canada and involves resident volunteers in the town of Parry Sound. GBA strongly encourages more volunteers to come forward for this important study. There is no cost and you will be helping to find a solution to microfibre pollution from clothes washers. Read more…
Persistent wet conditions and high outflows have continued to contribute to exceptionally high lake levels. The water levels for all of the lakes are above their highest monthly average record for June, above last month by 2 to 6 inches, and above last year’s levels by 10 to 15 inches, except for Lake Ontario, which is expected to be 28 inches above its level from last year. Lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario’s levels are 3 to 5 inches above their record high June average level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 1 inch above its record high June average level. In the coming month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to continue their seasonal rise and rise by 2 inches and 1 inch, respectively. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are forecasted to decline by 1, 3, and 7 i
