GBA's Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Meredith Denning will be joining as our new Executive Director, effective April 28, 2025. Meredith brings over 12 years of experience in environmental research, consulting, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on Great Lakes water management. She has worked with the International Joint Commission and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as non-profits, government agencies and community organizations to protect our shared waters. As an Associate with TCI Management, Meredith’s consulting practice focused on strategic planning for cultural institutions in Canada, including libraries, museums and historical sites. Most of her clients are boards of directors, and she is looking forward to using this experience to help the GBA Board and committees meet their goals. Meredith holds a PhD and an MA in Environmental History from Georgetown University, where she studied how people living in the Great Lakes watershed got organized to shape transboundary water policy during the twentieth century. GBA turned up several times in the archives! Meredith’s professional focus on water grew out of her deep love for Georgian Bay and the Toronto waterfront. She and her family spend summers on an island in Bayfield Inlet, jumping from the same rocks as she did as a child. Her husband, a Frenchman from the lakeside town of Annecy, has wholeheartedly embraced the drama of the Canadian Shield. A lifelong canoeist and backcountry camper, Meredith is excited to spend more time on the Bay and connect with the GBA community. As Executive Director, Meredith looks forward to building on GBA’s deep bench of committed volunteers and long record of effective advocacy to protect and preserve Georgian Bay. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!
Residents of Midland, Parry Sound, Britt, and surrounding Georgian Bay communities can expect increased activity involving Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) helicopters and watercraft over the next few weeks. The CCG will conduct essential search and rescue training exercises across the bay between April 25 and May 12, 2025.
This training is part of the CCG's Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program, which prepares post-secondary students to respond to marine emergencies during the busy summer boating season. The exercises will involve up to ten CCG Zodiac Fast Rescue Crafts and helicopters operating during both day and night hours.
The Coast Guard has assured the public that there is no real emergency or danger. This training is crucial for certifying and preparing students to effectively handle various marine incidents, including medical emergencies, missing persons or boaters, grounded vessels, boats taking on water, and disabled vessels.
The IRB program sees the CCG hire and train students at stations across Canada, with several located on the Great Lakes. In addition to Britt and Brebeuf Island in Georgian Bay, these stations include Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Port Lambton (St. Clair River), Thames River (Lake St. Clair), and Long Point (Lake Erie). These stations provide vital search and rescue services throughout the summer months, typically operating from May to October.
Read more about the exercise here.
Help us keep our beautiful community clean and green!
We're inviting everyone to take part in Carling Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to Noon.
It’s a great opportunity to come together, clear litter from our roads, and make a visible difference in our Township.
Pick-up Supplies:Stop by the Township Office to grab garbage bags, safety vests, and gloves before heading out.
Celebrate Your Efforts!After the clean-up, join us for a BBQ lunch at 12:00 p.m. at the Township of Carling Rink—a small thank-you for all your hard work!
Whether you come with friends, family, or solo, every helping hand counts. Let’s make Carling shine!
Read the Spring 2025 issue of Shorelines here
GBB's annual Native Plant Fundraiser is back with over 50 species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees to choose from! New species this year include harebell, New Jersey tea, and wild crab apple. Order by May 26th and pick up your order in either Parry Sound or Port Severn on Saturday, June 7th. All order proceeds support our programs. Thank you! Order Plants Here!
Spend Your Summer Working at Killbear Provincial Park! Looking for the ultimate summer job? Killbear Provincial Park is hiring students for the 2025 season! If you have a summer residence or cottage in Carling or the Parry Sound area, this is your chance to work in one of Ontario’s most stunning parks. Why work at Killbear? ✔ Gain valuable experience with Ontario Parks ✔ Work in a beautiful outdoor setting ✔ Be part of an amazing team ✔ Make the most of your summer in nature Apply Now! Applications must be submitted online through the Ontario Public Service Careers portal by April 5, April 29, or June 2. Apply Here NOTE: Limited staff housing is available—students with local accommodations should mention this in their application. Help us spread the word! If you know a student looking for a great summer job, share this opportunity with them. For more information, feel free to reach out to: Louise Seymour | Senior Park Clerk Killbear Provincial Park, 35 Eddie Ramsay Parkway, Nobel, Ontario, P0G 1G0 P: 705-342-5492 C: 705-774-2475 W: OntarioParks.com
Join us for the Carling Family Frost Fest! Celebrate winter with fun activities for the whole family at the Mike Konoval Community Hub on February 16 and 17, 2025. Sunday, February 16, 2025 Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Start your day with a hearty breakfast! Marksman, Turkey & Skeet Shoot: 8:00 AM – Registration 9:00 AM – Shoot begins Compete in this exciting outdoor event for all skill levels! Trail Hike with Parry Sound Forest School: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Enjoy a scenic winter hike. Snowshoes are provided free of charge by White Squall (limited supply). Feel free to bring your own or hike the trail without them. Hot Chocolate & Campfire: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Warm up by the fire and enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa! Monday, February 17, 2025 U11 & U13 Outdoor Hockey: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Watch the future stars of hockey compete in an outdoor tournament. Bimaajitoon Search & Rescue Polar Dip: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Dare to take the plunge? Teams can register for $100 (including lunch). All proceeds support Bimaajitoon Search & Rescue training and equipment. To register, email: bimajiitonesar@gmail.com Don't miss out on these amazing activities! We look forward to seeing you at the Carling Family Frost Fest—a perfect way to enjoy the winter season with family and friends. View the Carling Frost Fest Poster Here
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 6:30 p.m. at the Konoval Hub, 2 West Carling Bay Road Pizza and Dessert, Coffee, and Tea will be served at 6:30 p.m. Community Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to meet the Carling Health Hub Board members and local Healthcare Organizations. Are you interested in the Carling Health Hub and Primary Healthcare status in Carling Township? Are you looking for a Primary Healthcare Provider closer to your residence in Carling Township? Do you want to know about Healthcare Services available in or near Carling Township? Would you like to learn more about the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team? If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81484710567?pwd=zy3wZVblMScrVZydRg6i7j0gUr7BOs.1 Meeting ID: 814 8471 0567 Passcode: 513285 OR Dial by your location: +1 780 666 0144 Canada OR One tap mobile: +17806660144,,81484710567#,,,,*513285# Canada
Read the Winter issue of Shorelines here.
