I’m reaching out to personally invite you to be part of something truly special—the 18th Annual Walk, Run, Pole in support of the WPSHC Foundation. And yes, we brought the original name back! For nearly two decades, this event has been a beloved tradition, bringing our community together in the spirit of fitness, fun, and philanthropy. We are still going strong with the hybrid format that allows participants to walk, run, pole, run, bike, kayak (move the way YOU want!) all May long while fundraising for the health centre. The grand finale? A 5KM Community Celebration Event on June 1st at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound—a chance to celebrate our collective efforts to keep advanced health care local. Why have I been the Event Chair for 5 years? For over 60 years, our family spent summers at our Lake Rosseau cottage, never giving much thought to local hospital care—until June 2015. When my husband fell gravely ill, his survival depended on the exceptional care at West Parry Sound Health Centre’s ICU. Though I had long supported the Foundation, that experience made us truly grateful patients. Now, our family is more committed than ever to giving back and ensuring others have access to the same life-saving care. Help keep advanced surgical care here in Parry Sound. This year, your participation will directly support much-needed surgical care upgrades. We are amidst a $1.1 million upgrade project, ensuring that surgical care remains safe, efficient, and local. We are in the final stages and your participation in our event will help us get to the finish line! How to join, help & influence others: Sign up your association as a team and/or Forward this notice to your members take part in this incredible initiative Leaders, like you, can be the backbone. You help raise money, but you also spread the word. Let’s make the 18th year our most successful yet! Looking forward to seeing you on the trail and at the finish line! Brett Lagamba 2025 Chair, Walk, Run, Pole
2024 Ontario Wildfire Statistics: We were fortunate. In 2024, the wildfire season started lowly with a wet spring and summer. Ontario saw a total of 480 wildland fires affecting 89,841 hectares across the province, which was well below the previous year and the ten-year average. In comparison, 2023 saw 741 wildland fires that affected 441,474 hectares across the province. The ten-year average is 694 wildland fires and 201,781 hectares affected. Regional breakdown: Statistical differences between the Northeast Region and Northwest Region in 2024: Total number of wildland fires by region Northwest Region – 218 fires, Northeast Region – 261 fires Total hectares burned by region Northwest Region – 69,938 hectares Northeast Region – 19,903 hectares The Ontario government has geared up for the 2025 wildland fire season, which runs from April 1 to October 31. To protect communities and resources, they’ve made significant investments in firefighting capacity. Key Investments: Nearly 100 new permanent positions to support fire season operations $64 million investment in the wildland fire program, funding equipment and technology, including: Forest fire suppression equipment Emergency management software Fuel systems and trucks Four additional medium helicopters contracted to support fire suppression, bringing the total to 13 These efforts aim to safeguard Ontario’s 90 million hectares of Crown land and keep communities safe. With enhanced leadership and experience within the wildland fire program, Ontario is better equipped to respond to the challenges of the 2025 fire season. Remember Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations Are in Effect In Ontario’s fire zone, you must follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations to have an outdoor fire. By law, you need a fire permit to burn wood, brush, leaves and grass outside during the fire season (April 1 – October 31) unless you follow all the rules outlined below and: conditions allow it to burn safely until extinguished you take all necessary steps to tend, control and extinguish the fire you are not having an open fire in a restricted fire zone If you don’t burn safely or burn material without a permit when one is needed, you can be fined and held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire and for any property damage. Collectively we can reduce the chance of wildfires by respecting the fire danger ratings and follow the rules associated with that level of danger. To that end, GBA posts a weekly fire danger rating every Thursday to alert you to the risks are in your area. Additional Resources GBA’s Fireproof your Life has some great resources and tips sheets to help mitigate the risk of fire at your cottage. Get more information on fire and fire prevention here. Learn how the ministry manages wildland fires (grass, brush and forest fires) in Ontario here. Learn how to prevent fires while enjoying the great outdoors here. This web post is intended for general information purposes only. While we have attempted to provide information that is helpful for our readers, GBA accepts no legal liability for the contents of this web post. Ensure you check original sources of information on municipal and provincial burning regulations for further details and updates.
Killbear is looking for seasonal Park Maintenance Workers to join the Parks team. Job Opportunity: Park Maintenance Worker Location: Killbear Provincial Park, Nobel, Ontario Salary: $22.86 - $24.66 per hour (as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement) Term: Temporary, seasonal (up to 29 weeks per year, from April to November) Position ID: 226224 Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you have experience with maintenance, landscaping, or operating small powered equipment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team at Killbear Provincial Park as a Park Maintenance Worker! About the Role: As a Park Maintenance Worker, you will play a vital role in maintaining the park’s grounds and facilities. Your responsibilities will include supervising maintenance staff, performing groundskeeping duties, operating various powered equipment, and ensuring the park facilities are in top shape for visitors. You'll also be involved in minor repairs and ensuring the park remains safe and welcoming for everyone. Key Duties: Supervise maintenance staff and provide leadership Perform groundskeeping and general maintenance of the park Operate and repair equipment like tractors, riding lawnmowers, chainsaws, and hand tools Collect garbage and maintain cleanliness and sanitation in park facilities Inspect facilities for security and damage, and report any issues Enforce park rules and regulations, addressing concerns and complaints from visitors What We’re Looking For: A valid Class “G” driver’s license or equivalent Ability to obtain a valid emergency first aid certificate Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays Knowledge of maintenance and sanitation practices for buildings and facilities Experience with powered equipment like lawnmowers and chainsaws Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with team members, contractors, and park visitors Organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines Why Work With Us? This is a fantastic opportunity to work outdoors in a beautiful setting and contribute to maintaining a valuable community resource. If you're passionate about the environment and enjoy hands-on work, this job could be perfect for you! To Apply: If you meet the qualifications and are interested in joining our team, click here to submit your application. Please note that applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis and this posting may close at any time. Join us in making Killbear Provincial Park a great place for everyone to enjoy! If you have any questions, please get in touch with Matt Gibson or Adam Thomson. Matt Gibson | Park Superintendent | Killbear Provincial Park – Ontario Parks 35 Eddie Ramsay Parkway, Nobel, Ontario P0G 1G0 P: 705 746 0737 OntarioParks.com
Starting today, the Carling Transfer Station and the Killbear Transfer Station will switch to summer operating hours. These hours will remain in effect until Thanksgiving weekend.
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!
