By Richard Wilson, GBA Representative
In 2021, the Ontario government passed a bill banning exposed plastic foam (typically polystyrene) as floatation in new docks and dock repairs. Specific laws are working their way through the system, but such material should be discouraged for now. The Georgian Bay Association (GBA) played a significant role in adopting this bill. The foam is unstable and breaks down with time, releasing plastic particles (including the dreaded “micro” sized ones) into our waterways.
Most commercial builders have already adopted the use of encapsulated foam floats instead. Some regional builders and DIY’ers are still producing docks using exposed foam billets. Should you become aware of the use or intent to use plastic foam in this manner, please bring it to the attention of those involved; you’ll be doing them and us a favour.
Several initiatives have been started on the Bay to deal with the problem of abandoned docks, to eliminate the unsightly hazard they represent and to prevent the plastic they contain from becoming waterborne. We would also like to engage in this effort. Should you know of any orphan docks floating around (or beached) in our corner of the bay, please get in touch with WCA and let us know about them. Depending on the size and location, we’ll do our best to find an appropriate disposal method.
The fish will thank us.