For so many of us, Georgian Bay is a special place representing family, history, nature, memories – that is a bond and a legacy worth protecting and preserving. The West Carling Association (WCA) Board of Directors (Board) and its volunteers work incredibly hard to resolve the issues that matter most to our members and their families to preserve the use and enjoyment of their properties, but as we move forward, we could really benefit from some extra help.
The WCA has openings on its Board as well as opportunities for volunteers in several areas including municipal engagement, membership, and social events. No formal board experience is required, just the desire to make a difference! Contribute your skills, provide support, collaborate with a group of motivated individuals who share your passion for the Bay – and learn about the issues we face:
The WCA’s ongoing activities include monitoring and providing feedback on the Township of Carling Council activities and decisions, water level and water quality monitoring, educating, and communicating with our members on topics of interest through our e-newsletter, website and email, arranging social events and recruiting new members. To learn more about us check out our website at: westcarling.com.
If you are a member of the WCA or want to become one, and have some time, skills, and energy to give the WCA please let us know. Our Board meets approximately eight times per year by Zoom.
If you are interested, please send us a brief bio or résumé and tell us why you are interested in joining WCA’s Board. Expressions of interest should be sent by July 21, 2023, to: info@westcarling.com
Elections to the Board will occur the morning of July 29th at WCA’s Annual Meeting of Members at the Township of Carling’s outdoor arena.
If you have questions, please get in touch with Daryle Moffatt (416) 500-3451 or Donna Tucker (416) 414-8833
*Founded in 1921, the Georgian Bay Association (GBA) is an umbrella organization for 18 community associations along the east and north shores of Georgian Bay, representing approximately 3,000 families. GBA has been advocating on behalf of our land-owning members for over 100 years and estimate that GBA reaches and influences around 30,000 residents of Georgian Bay. GBA’s mandate is to work with our water-based communities and other stakeholders to ensure the careful stewardship of the greater Georgian Bay environment.
It is spring, and the West Carling Association is stirring to life after a somewhat unusual winter. That means that we want to get back in touch with the Bay and each other, and the best vehicle for doing that is the West Carling Spring Newsletter. Many of our members have commented on how much they enjoy reading the newsletter, which we produce three times a year—spring, summer, and fall. But without writers contributing stories, we won’t be able to connect again after a long winter hiatus. So, the purpose of this memo is to encourage everyone to submit an article for our May edition, even if you have never submitted one. Many people are shy when it comes to writing for public viewing. It takes something of a leap of faith. But that is why the editors are here – to ensure the jump has a safe landing. We guarantee that we will make you look good in print. Please send your article to nanci.wakeman@gmail.com or upload it here by May 10. Tell us about your experiences over the winter: about visiting the cottage, about the wildlife you might have encountered, about travel experiences, about beautiful sights you’ve seen – whatever has touched your heart or mind since the Bay settled into its winter sleep.
The Township received correspondence from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) addressing the status of the rehabilitation of Highway 559 and the planned additional remediation work scheduled for this summer. View the "Update on the Hwy 559 Rehabilitation Project" Here
Today is about celebrating this special place we call home. It’s about doing our part, and taking meaningful action to protect the Biosphere in our backyard. These actions have a ripple effect: better planet, better health, better future. Check out our conservation guides for even more ways you can help! Conservation Guides
Dry Conditions Prompt Warnings for 2024 Wildfire Season in Canada Canada’s federal government is warning of the potential for another “catastrophic wildfire season”. In a press conference, the Canadian Emergency Preparedness Minister, Harjit Sajjan, said low snowpack levels and a forecast for warmer-than-average spring weather are combining to create high wildfire risk for much of the country. Southern Quebec, eastern Ontario and Western Canada were noted as particularly at risk. The map below shows the extent and severity of drought conditions across Canada as of March 31, 2024. So far April has brought snow and rain to Ontario which may temper some of the risk. Wildfire season typically runs from April 1 through October 31 annually. Read more about the 2024 wildfire predictions here. Get FireSmart materials and find out how you can mitigate your risk here.
We are pleased to invite you to RSVP for the H2O Symposium and private screening of the documentary film, All Too Clear. Watch the trailer here. Seating is limited, so RSVP today! May 11th, 2024 9am - 1pm The Royal Theatre 608 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4, Canada Please RSVP Using The Access Code: GBF-RSVP RSVP HERE If you have any questions, please contact Amber at amber.gordon@gbf.org With support from two key donors, we helped fund the creation of All Too Clear, a documentary film that comprehensively explores the deep water structure and condition of Georgian Bay through state-of-the-art film-making techniques and scientific investigation. The filmmakers, director Zach Melnick and producer Yvonne Drebert, will be in attendance, as well as Georgian Bay Forever staff, and several of the scientific experts who contributed to the film. They will be participating in a panel discussion and Q&A from the audience.
Come out and help clear the trash from our roads. There will be a BBQ following the event at the Carling Community Centre. Please drop by the Township Office to pick up garbage bags, gloves and safety vests. When you are done collecting garbage, please leave the bags on the side of the road for township staff to collect. Thank you for helping us keep the Township clean! Click here for more information on Carling Clean-up Day
It is with great sadness that we report that Wally King passed away peacefully on March 25 at the age of 90. Wally was a true and loyal friend to the preservation of the Georgian Bay environment and a tireless advocate for protecting our precious ecosystem. As a long-time director and president of the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association and GBA, Wally inspired countless people to go the extra mile to do what they could for the Bay. Among his most notable and enduring achievements were his roles in reviving the Georgian Bay Association, which had ceased operations in the 1970s, and building it back up prior to the formation of the Township of the Archipelago and the Georgian Bay Land Trust, all of which have gone from strength to strength over the years. In his many travels throughout the east and north shores of the Bay, he met with and influenced so many of us. We will miss you, Wally! Read more about Wally’s legacy here. VIEW PAST eUpdate ISSUES
Did you miss the latest print edition of GBA UPDATE? Read the Spring Edition
On April 8, 2024 parts of Ontario will experience temporary darkness due to a Solar Eclipse. The eclipse is to start around 2:00 p.m. with a full eclipse approximately 3:20 p.m. The specific time and duration of the eclipse will depend on your location. Areas outside the path of totality will observe a partial solar eclipse. See the attached document for general information, travel tips and eye safety. View Solar Eclipse Safety Information Here