The West Carling Association (WCA) is looking for two to three volunteers to work with WCA Board Member, Richard Wilson to ma phragmites stands on Georgian Bay.
Richard (who chairs the Georgian Bay Association Lands and Forests Committee), and a staff member from the Georgian Bay Foundation (GBF) plan to map phragmites stands on Georgian Bay in Carling Township – beginning Tuesday, June 20. They estimate it could take anywhere from two to five days.
Richard has a 20-foot day boat and an 11-foot zodiac for the shallow spots. Richard is seeking volunteers that are familiar with the area islands and could guide Richard and Nicole Carpenter, GBF Phragmites Program Coordinator, through the nooks and crannies where phragmites are likely to be found. Single-day volunteers are welcome. Richard will schedule the route around the areas they are most familiar with.
What are phragmites and why should we be concerned?
Invasive phragmites are an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and outcompetes native species for water and nutrients. Biochemicals are released from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of surrounding plants. Identifying this invasive can be difficult due to the existence of native subspecies. Invasive phragmites generally reach heights of up to five metres and have stems that are tan in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seed heads. It can grow so densely that it crowds out other species. If you are not aware of what it looks like, there is a very large patch on the Nobel Road (old Highway 69) just south of the former 559 intersection. Phragmites are northern hemisphere plants. It is just a matter of time before they surround Georgian Bay, unless of course we can stop them, and it is possible.
The first step in a campaign to eliminate these invasive plants is a mapping exercise. Carling has not been effectively surveyed for phragmites. Some data points exist on EDDmapS (a citizen science app to track invasive species) around Franklin Island, so we know that phragmites are out there. The outcome of the mapping project will be available by the end of July and will be reported to WCA members, and Carling Council.
GBF has developed a strong and effective program engaged in Georgian Bay shoreline phragmites eradication. Many of the stands they monitored and managed have been successfully eliminated. They have been very active in the southern part of the Bay as well as around Pointe au Baril. Some of the eradication work is done by volunteers, however the most effective work is carried out by employed summer students. The GBF has focused most of its work in the townships who have delivered funding to them including Tay Township, the Township of Georgian Bay, and the Township of the Archipelago. The Township of Carling is not currently engaged.
How can you help?
If you are interested in assisting Richard with this important project please contact Richard directly at richardjwilson1@rogers.com or by phone 416-417-6833.
GBA has an opening for a Project Coordinator to support our Vision 2050 project. We are offering a six-month, part-time contract position that requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This vital role offers the opportunity to actively participate in a major, forward-looking initiative that aims to protect Georgian Bay’s eastern and northern coasts for generations to come. The project coordinator will work with the Vision 2050 Steering Committee, comprised of a senior team of experts and seasoned GBA volunteers. You will also liaise with other Georgian Bay partner organizations and stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting the project’s management and organization, participating in and organizing project meetings, developing communications materials and supporting outreach about the project, working on environmental policy notes, and participating in project activities. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills for this role. Knowledge of the Georgian Bay region and a background in the environmental or planning fields, whether through educational or professional experience, would be considered valuable assets. For more information on Vision 2050, see https://georgianbay.ca/georgian-bay-vision-2050-project/ If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact: Allison Needham at executivedirector@georgianbay.ca
A retired nurse and her husband have come forward alleging they are out $168,000 after paying LOTB (Live On The Bay), a Port Severn company, for a floating home that was never delivered. The couple claim they entered into a contract with LOTB in 2022 and that despite repeated promises, their float home was never built, and they have yet to receive a refund. LOTB’s website showcases various float home models and claims its homes comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal laws. However recent regulatory changes have restricted mooring on public lands, lake beds, and Parks Canada managed waterways. GBA and the Floating Homes not Vessels Coalition have been actively advocating for the need for proper regulation of floating homes to address the safety and environmental concerns presented by these units. These floating homes cannot move on their own, and must be towed or pushed into their location and use spuds for mooring. Black water, grey water, garbage disposal and lakebed damage lead the list of environmental concerns. Read more here.
A Remembrance Day Service will be held on November 11 at the Carling Community Centre. The service will start at 10:45 a.m., and light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
As of April 1, 2024, new Detachment Boards are being established across Ontario. A 12-member Board is being established for the West Parry Sound Area. What’s Happening? The West Parry Sound OPP Detachment serves Carling Township, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Municipality of McDougall, McKellar Township, Town of Parry Sound, Seguin Township, The Archipelago Township, and Municipality of Whitestone. One member is appointed be each of the representing municipalities and First Nations. Additionally, two community representatives will be selected by the member municipalities and First Nations along with two members appointed by the Minister. Be a Community Representative! We’re recruiting two community representatives for the Board for the remainder of this current term of Council (October 26, 2026). This is your chance to take an active role in hearing community concerns and addressing them with the Detachment Commander or their designate. It is an opportunity to determine objectives and priorities for the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment to enhance the quality of life and ensure safety and security in the community. What will the Successful Candidate need to Provide? The successful candidate must provide a clean criminal record check and complete mandatory provincial training. How to Apply: Submit your letter of interest along with your criminal record check to: Lori West Administrator, West Parry Sound OPP Detachment Board 5 Barager Blvd. McDougall ON P2A 2W9 lwest@mcdougall.ca Deadline: All applications/current criminal records checks must be received by December 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Make a difference in your community! Apply today and help shape the future of policing in West Parry Sound! Click Here for More Information
Get ready for BAYSCAPES! Our fall fundraiser, Bayscapes, will be back at Toronto's Wychwood Barns on November 22nd. Join us for an evening celebrating Georgian Bay with art, entertainment, and friends old and new. And once again, you’ll be able to bid on the amazing paintings, photographs, items and experiences in the online auction from anywhere in the world. BAYSCAPES PARTY Friday, November 22nd, 7-10 pm Wychwood Barns 601 Christie Street, Toronto Tickets: $80 until November 8th / $100 regular / $40 under 40 ONLINE AUCTION Friday November 15th, 12 noon – Saturday November 23rd, 5 pm Follow @gblandtrust on Instagram to preview the amazing art! The Bayscapes party will feature food, drink, and musical entertainment from Fried Up Fred & Co., plus the opportunity to see some of the Bayscapes art in person. All bidding on auction items will take place in the online auction. Proceeds from both events support the Georgian Bay Land Trust's work to protect nature on Georgian Bay. Buy your tickets to the party Buy your tickets by November 8th to take advantage of the early bird rate of $80! To purchase tickets by phone, contact Suzanne at (416) 440-1519 x107.
The Township has received complaints and listened to concerns regarding the floating cottages, also known as “Vessels,” in our area. Carling is not alone with these issues, as they occur in many areas of the province. Unfortunately, these matters fall outside municipal jurisdiction, with enforcement primarily resting with the provincial and federal governments. The good news is that in 2023, the Provincial Public Lands Act was amended to specifically address this issue, regulating vessels that are used “more for accommodation than navigation.” The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has the authority to deal with this matter. Conservation Officers and MNR Staff are actively investigating the complaints made. Carling has communicated with our Local MPP, the Minister for the MNR, to ensure appropriate action is being taken. The Minister has assured us that the MNR is actively investigating the complaints in Carling and that the regulation will be enforced. The Federal Government also has a role in these matters as Transport Canada issues the vessel registrations while Ocean and Fisheries monitor impacts to the water from these “Vessels”. Township staff are monitoring the situation and will remain in contact with the appropriate enforcement agencies as we share everyone’s concerns. If you have further comments or complaints, please contact the MNR Tips line at 1-877-847-7667 or Transport Canada at 1-877-242-8770 or vr-ib@tc.gc.ca
Please be aware that the waste site hours this weekend are different form the regularly scheduled hours. We are keeping at least one site open each day. On Saturday both sites will be open from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Sunday the Killbear site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Carling site will be closed. On Monday the Carling site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Killbear Site will be closed. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Weekend.
Read the Fall issue of Shorelines here.
Help GBA celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship in our communities. Nominations are open for GBA’s inaugural Champion of the Bay Award. This award will recognize our outstanding community members who actively steward Georgian Bay and promote environmental well-being. We want to recognize champions from each GBA association and ultimately crown an overall Champion of the Bay. Anyone can nominate a deserving individual, and no effort is too small, so don't hesitate to nominate someone who makes a difference! The nomination deadline is October 19, 2024.