Recent interest in floating cottages has created a need to develop appropriate regulations for these dwellings, particularly to make sure proper environmental protections are in place. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) is seeking your input by April 19, 2022 to inform some of these regulations.
Would you want to see this anchored by your property? Would you want to go to your favourite, quiet, secluded bay for a picnic and find a floating cottage anchored there?
What is a floating cottage?
Floating cottages are both structures that need to be towed, and those that have their own means of movement and navigation. All are accommodation units built on rafts, rather than within a hull, and in some cases are fashioned from shipping containers. This may change as more imaginative designs are developed and it will be necessary to have appropriate regulations to keep our waterways and environment safe.
Why should I be concerned?Are we going to see floating cottages in the waters of Carling?
There has been an upswing in the number of new manufacturers and designs – with at least three businesses building and promoting these units. It is critical to have appropriate regulations to address issues such as wastewater management, building permits, and determining how long these units can remain in one location. This includes municipal regulations and making these units subject to local taxes which they are currently not required to pay.
Proper disposal of waste and increasing human pressure on waterways are the most concerning environmental issues. A floating cottage anchored nearby may also detract from the private enjoyment of property owners, degrade recreational potential and possibly impact property values. These structures may impede access to public land and waterways and possibly be a navigational hazard. Without regulation or appropriate by-laws, residents running into building code issues with increasing their property footprint could find a creative solution in placing a floating structure nearby.
What is the Provincial Government doing?
The MNR is currently seeking feedback about floating cottages to be used in the development of future regulation of these structures. Comments can be submitted by email until April 19, 2022. The survey can be found at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-5119 The Georgian Bay Association (GBA) has developed suggested responses to the survey which can be found at: https://georgianbay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ERO-019-5119-MNR-Questions-and-suggested-responses-1.pdf
What can I do?
What is the West Carling Association doing?
For further information go to: https://georgianbay.ca/floating-cottages/
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!
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 705-342-5492 705-774-2475 OntarioParks.com