Read the Summer issue of Shorelines here
We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2025, and we're excited to share the celebration with you!
The Friends of Killbear is a non-profit, charitable organization powered almost entirely by passionate volunteers. For a quarter-century, we’ve been dedicated to enhancing your experience at Killbear Provincial Park—and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Just a few highlights (forgive the brag—we’ve earned it!):
Over $200,000 raised for the Twin Points Trail and Viewing Platform (and we’re not done yet!)
$38,000 donated to help build the Activity and Picnic Shelter at the Day Use Beach
$210,000 donated to create the beloved Recreational Trail
To learn more about our journey, visit the Discovery Centre and enjoy the slideshow that showcases our story and accomplishments. And while you're there, don’t forget to visit us at the Nature Shoppe!
Here’s to 25 years of unforgettable memories—and many more. Thank you for being part of the Killbear story.
June 2025 Newsletter
Discover the vibrant traditions of Indigenous communities through song, dance, ceremonies, and displays of hospitality and unity. At a powwow, you can: Enjoy traditional dancing and singing Explore vibrant arts and crafts Savor delicious food and drinks Learn about Indigenous heritage and traditions Find a powwow near you this summer and experience the beauty of Indigenous culture. Find a powwow near you here.
The Floating Accommodations not Vessels Coalition, which is comprised of representatives from GBA, various cottage associations, municipalities, and government representatives, has developed a position paper aimed at helping Ontario municipalities regulate or restrict Floating Accommodations (FAs) within their jurisdictions. FAs, such as modified shipping containers or wood-framed structures on flotation devices, pose significant environmental, navigational, taxation, and zoning concerns. They can release toxic materials and contaminants into surrounding waters and lakebeds, and their unregulated presence can compromise the safety and enjoyment of Ontario's lakes and rivers. The position paper outlines two potential regulatory strategies for municipalities to consider: Ban Floating Accommodations entirely: Municipalities can prohibit FAs within their jurisdiction, as seen in the Township of Severn and the Township of Georgian Bay, which have enacted by-laws banning FAs. Restrict Floating Accommodations to fixed/permanent moorings: Municipalities can allow FAs in specifically zoned areas with permanent sanitary, hydro, and water connections, similar to regulated developments like Bluffers Park on Lake Ontario or False Creek in Vancouver. The position paper highlights the need for municipalities to address regulatory gaps and exceptions that fall outside federal and provincial regulations. Scenarios that require municipal attention include FAs floating over private lakebeds, commercial marinas hosting FAs, and FAs moving frequently to avoid enforcement. By working together, municipalities can ensure the protection of Ontario's lakes and rivers for current and future generations. Read the Floating Accommodations Position Paper.
June 21 is National Indigenous People’s Day, a day for all Canadians to honour and celebrate the legacy, diverse cultures and exceptional contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. In collaboration with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21st, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, in recognition of its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. How will you mark the day? 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 Learn more about the Anishinabek Nation Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and look for ways to bring action to reconciliation Find a local event you can attend to honour the day Plan a visit to a local Indigenous organization, Friendship Centre, or Museum Watch a film from the National Film Board of Canada’s catalog of Indigenous-created films Listen to an Indigenous-created podcast Read an Indigenous-authored book or find an Indigenous-authored children’s book to share with any young ones in your life Plan a visit to a local Pow Wow this summer Support an Indigenous business National Indigenous Peoples Day is a great time to learn more about the cultural diversity and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Learning about Indigenous people, places and experiences is a step we can take towards reconciliation.
Don't Miss Your Chance to Be Heard! The survey closes on July 21, 2025. Take the survey now and help shape the future of our Bay: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TSLPY8Q Share with Your Family and Friends Let's make our voices heard and work together to protect and preserve our lakes. Take the survey and share it with those who matter to you! See the results of the 2021 Your Lakes, Your Views survey here. We're excited to share the launch of the fourth edition of the Your Lakes, Your Views survey from Safe Quiet Lakes! This year's survey is a crucial step in understanding the experiences of those who enjoy our beautiful Bay. Why This Survey Matters The Safe Quiet Lakes survey takes place every four years and focuses on what you value most about your cottage experience. The insights from these surveys lead to a better understanding of the activities, issues and concerns of lake users in the region. By participating, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of our lakes and boating experience. Georgian Bay-Specific Data This is the second time Georgian Bay has been included in the survey, and we're eager to gather more data specific to our region. The results have already led to concrete legislative impacts on issues like wakes and boat noise, and your participation will help drive further positive change. Share your thoughts on the top pleasures of the lake experience, boating use and behaviour, and the quality of the lake experience Voice your concerns and suggest solutions to issues affecting our lakes Help inform GBA committee plans, organizational programs, and policy development with all layers of government and law enforcement Take the Survey Now! The survey can be easily accessed from any device and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
The Lake Partner Program (LPP), a vital water quality monitoring initiative, is at risk due to the impending end of its 5-year agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Despite its immense value to the public and Ontario, a new agreement has not been confirmed, putting the program's future in jeopardy. The LPP is a volunteer-based water quality monitoring program that helps track the health of Ontario's lakes. The program relies on the dedication of 629 volunteer Lake Stewards who monitored 546 lakes at 917 sites across the province in 2024. However, the program needs Ministry-backed lab testing and coordination support to function. With nearly three decades of effort invested, the program's collapse would leave lake associations and waterfront advocates without essential insights to protect Ontario's lakes. Act now to ensure the continuation of this vital program! The Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA) is calling on the Ontario government to confirm a new 5-year agreement for the LPP. Visit FOCA's website to access a letter template and more information.
GBA is seriously concerned about the effect of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, a sweeping omnibus bill aimed at opening mining opportunities in Ontario's Ring of Fire. This bill will make massive changes to the requirements for protecting endangered species and archaeological sites in the province. Bill 5 empowers the Ontario government to designate “special economic zones” which are exempted from provincial laws and municipal by-laws to expedite development.
What's at stake?
If passed, this legislation will:
Repeal the provincial Endangered Species Act and replace it with the much weaker Species Conservation Act, 2025
Allow development to begin immediately after online registration rather than after environmental review
Transfer responsibility for listing protected species to the cabinet, rather than the expert Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario, and eliminate requirements for Ontario to review recovery and stewardship for protected species
Alter the Ontario Heritage Act to allow cabinet to exempt development projects from archaeological assessments, which play a role in preserving Indigenous history and culture
These changes would allow the government to prioritize development over environmental protection and local decision-making, putting our most vulnerable species and ecosystems at risk.
What You Can Do
Submit Your Comment: the bill is open for public comment until May 17. Tell the government that Ontario's species, water, and future deserve better.
Send an email to your MPP: using our DoGooder site, you can send an email to your MPP asking them to stop Bill 5. It only takes a few mintes to send the email and sharing your unique perspective and experiences will make a significant impact! Send an email here.