The Township has received complaints and listened to concerns regarding the floating cottages, also known as “Vessels,” in our area. Carling is not alone with these issues, as they occur in many areas of the province. Unfortunately, these matters fall outside municipal jurisdiction, with enforcement primarily resting with the provincial and federal governments. The good news is that in 2023, the Provincial Public Lands Act was amended to specifically address this issue, regulating vessels that are used “more for accommodation than navigation.” The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has the authority to deal with this matter. Conservation Officers and MNR Staff are actively investigating the complaints made. Carling has communicated with our Local MPP, the Minister for the MNR, to ensure appropriate action is being taken. The Minister has assured us that the MNR is actively investigating the complaints in Carling and that the regulation will be enforced. The Federal Government also has a role in these matters as Transport Canada issues the vessel registrations while Ocean and Fisheries monitor impacts to the water from these “Vessels”. Township staff are monitoring the situation and will remain in contact with the appropriate enforcement agencies as we share everyone’s concerns. If you have further comments or complaints, please contact the MNR Tips line at 1-877-847-7667 or Transport Canada at 1-877-242-8770 or vr-ib@tc.gc.ca
Please be aware that the waste site hours this weekend are different form the regularly scheduled hours. We are keeping at least one site open each day. On Saturday both sites will be open from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Sunday the Killbear site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Carling site will be closed. On Monday the Carling site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Killbear Site will be closed. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Weekend.
Read the Fall issue of Shorelines here.
Help GBA celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship in our communities. Nominations are open for GBA’s inaugural Champion of the Bay Award. This award will recognize our outstanding community members who actively steward Georgian Bay and promote environmental well-being. We want to recognize champions from each GBA association and ultimately crown an overall Champion of the Bay. Anyone can nominate a deserving individual, and no effort is too small, so don't hesitate to nominate someone who makes a difference! The nomination deadline is October 19, 2024.
Register now - Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9 am-noon by Zoom webinar - Join FOCA for a digital seminar about shoreline health. Our expert speakers include: septic system re-inspections by Paisley McDowell of EnVision Consultants shoreline naturalization resources and algae information by Robert Pye of Watersheds Canada water quality monitoring reports by Gavin Vance of the Lake Partner Program identifying aquatic plants by Kaleigh Mooney, author of FOCA's Guide to Aquatic Plants in Ontario. Also, the Board of Directors will provide an overview of FOCA's forthcoming 3-year Strategic Plan, and highlights from our recent survey. FOCA Members attend at a reduced rate! Register from links on the event webpage.
Today is the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Before it was a federal statutory holiday, Sept. 30 was known as Orange Shirt Day. For non-Indigenous people, it’s a day for learning about and reckoning with the ongoing trauma inflicted by the residential school system; for Indigenous people, it’s also a day of mourning. On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we remember and honour the children who attended residential schools — many of whom never returned home. Those who did carried profound trauma after being separated from their families, cultures, languages and communities, often enduring physical and sexual abuse. Many survivors are still with us; many more are just one or two generations removed. The residential school system persisted for over a century but did not operate in isolation. Its effects persist not only in the families whose lives continue to be shaped by its dark legacy, but extend outward like the spiderweb cracks in a pane of glass: disrupting the transmission of hunting skills, displacing Indigenous people from their territories and continuing to impact food security. How will you mark the day? Think about the children and families of our neighbours who were and continue to be impacted by the residential school system Wear orange in honour of the children who did not come home, those who have lived as survivors and their families Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and look for ways to bring action to reconciliation Commit to learning about the people who’s traditional territory we live on. Here are some great resources: Shawanaga First Nation has an interesting history of The First Peoples of Georgian Bay Georgian Bay Biosphere has an extensive collection of resources for cultural learning The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has some great educational materials Find a local event you can attend to honour the day Learn how the Government of Canada is working to advance reconciliation here
The Fire Danger Rating has moved to HIGH. Only campfires for food and warmth will be permitted at this time. All burn permits, fireworks permits and incinerator permits have been cancelled.
FOCA webinar: Seize the Time or Take Your Time - Succession Timing Options Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 7-8:30 pm by Zoom webinar - Register to join FOCA and estate lawyer Peter Lillico for a “deeper dive” into issues of timing for your family's cottage succession plan. This talk provides an overview of updated taxation issues associated with transferring the cottage to the next generation and funding solutions depending on when the transfer will happen: now, later, gradually, or upon the death of the cottage owner(s). The talk concludes with a deeper dive into using trusts as an asset protection plan. MEMBERS register for free here; remember to tell us your FOCA affiliation when you register! Not a member, but still want to attend this cottage succession seminar? Pay the $30 non-member fee per registrant, then register using the link above. Or become a Friend of FOCA (our paid annual supporter category) to receive free access to all FOCA Cottage Succession events over the coming year, plus additional supporter benefits.
More Opportunities to Catch the Film All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes Georgian Bay Forever and the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere hosted a sold-out premiere of the documentary film All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes on Saturday, August 10, in Parry Sound. But if you missed it, you can experience this immersive look at the impact of quagga mussels on the Great Lakes ecosystem on TVO as a three-part series starting Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. Read more
