Government Affairs are now being handled by the Executive Director with direction and guidance from the Executive Committee. There will be times where dedicated Ad Hoc Committees are formed to address specific items and opportunities such as the current Ad Hoc Committee for First Nations liaison.
Chair: John McMullen
Members:
Doug Carr
Rob Moos
Peter Koetsier
Bill Steiss
See Our Current Issues & Priorities
GBA Primer With Hydro Rates ever increasing in Ontario and particularly in rural locations where there are long transmission distances, some people are considering going off the grid. To this end we are providing the following information and advice as well as some contact information for solar specialists along the Bay. The reason we have not included information on wind power is the potential ongoing maintenance of these (moving parts) in remote locations. Some of the specialists that we list are also knowledgeable on wind power and can provide their advice in this regard. Off-grid...
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With support from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, municipalities around Georgian Bay have signed onto the Partners for Climate Protection program (PCP) to work toward the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. Read more about the initiative here.
The province launched a review of 82 municipalities in the Districts of Muskoka, Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Oxford and Simcoe several months ago. The stated purpose was to consider service delivery, public access to services, duplication reduction and cost savings. The review of Muskoka District could result in a proposal to amalgamate the six local governments, including the Township of Georgian Bay, where five GBA member associations are located. A strong argument can be made for an alternative proposal to create a larger coastal municipality based on the strong alignment of interests among communities in the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve area. This would build on the original rationale for creating the Township of the Archipelago. The opportunity and the case for
Pow-wows are fun, inclusive and educational events for all the family – see the schedule of the many Pow-wows around the Bay this summer here...2019 pow wow publication And more details here ..........2019 pow wow listings
We recently updated our First Nations Reading List. There are several fine books available on Canadian history and the First Nations, many of which are written by First Nation people.
Our primary concern is that changes do not compromise the protection of Species at Risk (SARs) by relaxing regulations to favour industry and development, but instead focus on improving the Act and its regulations to assist SAR recovery, and deal with the shortfalls in implementation that have been evident since enaction in 1971. Georgian Bay is home to numerous SARs, so this matter is important to all of us. - GBA submission on 10 year review of the Endangered Species Act - Mar 4 2019Download
We are pleased to report that funding for the Lake Partner Program is safe for the time-being. Read our letter to the Minister and his response.
The Ford Government is reviewing some of the regional governments, including the District of Muskoka, which includes the Township of Georgian Bay. GBA will be discussing this move with our coastal municipalities and developing an appropriate strategy. See: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/01/15/doug-ford-government-announces-review-of-regional-governments.html
This comprehensive article from Dave Seglins at CBC follows a productive exchange of information between the Key River Area Association, GBA, and the CBC since July. It will assist GBA’s efforts to ensure that the MNRF investigation is full, complete and determines the true cause of the fire and those responsible. Read the article here….
GBA joins others in calling for Ford to reconsider. The role of the ECO is vital for holding polluters to account, and preserving the rights of Ontario citizens under our Environmental Bill of Rights. Read here our letter to Premier Ford…
Our Ontario Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Saxe, has just posted her 2018 environmental report which challenges the Ford Government to take urgent action on a number of fronts, but, in particular, municipal sewage overflows. Read a report on it here… And the full report can be downloaded here…
View this publication from one of GBA’s many partners that helps to protect the Great Lakes here..
Next spring GBA will be posting details of all the Powwows along Georgian Bay. They are fun, informative and open to all, so if you are interested, but unsure of what going to a PowWow is like, or would like to know more about PowWows, read here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/powwow-new-brunswick-oromocto-dances-drumming-1.4780744 The GBA First Nations Liaison Committee would like to hear from you on any stories or activities with your First Nation neighbours that you would like to share – please send to Anne Stewart, Chair at astewart.anne@gmail.com
