GBA has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC). This award recognizes outstanding meritorious service that furthers the CSBC’s mission of promoting safe and responsible boating across Canada.
Special thanks to Andrew Hurlbut, Chair of our Boating, Safety & Emergencies Committee, whose dedication and leadership were central to achieving this national recognition.
CSBC Certificate of Merit, given for outstanding meritorious service
that furthers the mission of the CSBC.
Key to the GBA’s raison d’etre and its water-based community is the Boating & Safety Committee. The Committee’s mandate is to research and advise the Board and members about new as well as ongoing issues in the areas boating, safety and emergencies with a focus on safe and responsible boating practices.
The Boating & Safety Committee is a longstanding participant in the both the Federal and
Provincial Recreational Boating Advisory committees and also works closely with the OPP, Safe
Quiet Lakes, Boating Ontario and FOCA. It regularly promotes CSBC initiatives, including Safe
Boating Awareness Week and Cold Water Awareness training. It’s 2026 Boating, Safety &
Emergencies Report contains the latest data, regulatory updates, and safety frameworks into a
comprehensive document designed to help keep its members informed and safe.
With an estimated reach in excess of 30,000, the GBA and the Boating & Safety Committee in
particular makes excellent use of several communications channels, including the flagship
newsletter UPDATE, it’s website, and social media channels. The Committee’s exemplary work
establishes a benchmark to which all volunteer driven organizations in the cottage and
recreational boating arena may aspire.
For 100 years, the GBA has worked to ensure the careful stewardship of the greater Georgian Bay environment, representing 19 water-based communities and approximately 3,000 families. Key to this mission is the Boating & Safety Committee, which researches and advises our board and members on critical issues surrounding boating, safety, and emergency management.
Under Andrew’s leadership, the CSBC recognized the committee’s extensive contributions to recreational boating safety, including:
Active Representation: Longstanding participation in both Federal and Provincial Recreational Boating Advisory committees, alongside close partnerships with the OPP, Safe Quiet Lakes, Boating Ontario, and FOCA.
Initiative Promotion: Regular advocacy and promotion for national campaigns, including Safe Boating Awareness Week and Cold Water Awareness training.
Comprehensive Resources: The publication of the 2026 Boating, Safety & Emergencies Report, which consolidates the latest data, regulatory updates, and safety frameworks to keep our members informed.
Broad Community Reach: Reaching over 30,000 people across Georgian Bay through our flagship newsletter UPDATE, website, and social media channels.
In presenting the award, the CSBC noted that the committee’s exemplary work “establishes a benchmark to which all volunteer-driven organizations in the cottage and recreational boating arena may aspire.”
GBA extends our thanks to the Canadian Safe Boating Council for this honour and to all our members for supporting safe boating practices across Georgian Bay.