Help protect the shoreline we all love by joining WCA and Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) for our annual Community Phragmites Removal Day on Friday, July 31. GBF's "Phrag Busters" will be in Carling all week, removing Phragmites, one of the most destructive invasive plants threatening Georgian Bay's wetlands and shorelines. The week-long effort will include work in Gowar Bay, Pleasant Island, Deep Bay, Crow Island, Lockie Island, Bateau Island, and Franklin Island before wrapping up with a community volunteer event. Community Cut Day Friday, July 31 9:30 a.m. – Meet at the Snug Harbour Dock Travel by boat to the beach on Franklin Island (just north of Regatta Bay) Return by approximately 1:00 p.m. No experience is necessary. GBF staff will provide a brief training session before heading into the field for a few hours of rewarding, hands-on conservation work. Think of it as pulling weeds—just on a much larger scale! What to Bring Lifejacket (if riding on the WCA pontoon boat) Footwear suitable for wet, muddy conditions Hat and sunscreen Work gloves Drinking water All removal tools will be provided. Boat space is available for approximately 15 volunteers aboard the WCA pontoon boat, or you are welcome to bring your own boat and meet the group at Franklin Island around 10:00 a.m.
Read the Summer Issue here: Summer 2026
Lake Michigan-Huron is 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 2, 5, 2 & 1 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 3, 6, 4 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are the same as this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 7, 5 & 15 inches above their long-term July averages. Lake Superior is 2 inches lower than its long-term July average. All the lakes remain well below their July record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are expected to rise by 1 inch. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to fall by 1, 3, 2 & 5 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be near average in July. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in July. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 4, 3, 1 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 4, 7, 2 & 12 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 2 inches than this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 0, 2, 6, 4 & 15 inches above their long-term July averages. Lake Superior is 2 inches lower than its long-term July average. All the lakes remain well below their July record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are expected to rise by 1 inch. Lake Michigan-Huron levels are expected to remain the same. Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to fall by 1, 2 & 4 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be near average in July. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in July. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Join us for a summer fundraising event to protect Georgian Bay's wilderness. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres provided by Gilly's, and chat conservation with the Georgian Bay Land Trust team. July 11, 4-6 pm Gilly's Snug Harbour Restaurant 138 Snug Harbour Road, Carling PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 1, 2, 3, 0 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 4, 7, 2 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 1 inch than this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 0, 2, 7, 4 & 13 inches above their long-term June averages. All the lakes remain well below their June record highs. In a month, Lake Superior levels are expected to rise by 2 inches. Lake Michigan-Huron levels are expected to remain the same. Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to fall by 2, 2 & 3 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly above average in June. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in June. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 2, 2, 3, 3 & 1 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 6, 7, 1 & 12 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 1 inch than this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, Lakes St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 0, 2, 5, 4 & 13 inches above their long-term June averages. All the lakes remain well below their June record highs. In a month, Lake Superior & Michigan-Huron levels are expected to rise by 2 & 1 inches, respectively. Lake St. Clair levels are expected to remain the same, while Lake Erie & Ontario levels are expected to fall by 1 & 2 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly above average in June. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in June. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day—a time for all Canadians to honour and celebrate the legacy, diverse cultures, and exceptional contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. In collaboration with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose the summer solstice for this celebration, recognizing the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the longest day of the year. As we enjoy the beautiful summer months, we encourage everyone in our communities to commit to learning more about the traditional territories we live, gather, and recreate on. Learning about Indigenous people, places, and experiences is a vital step we can all take towards reconciliation. Explore GBA’s History & Culture Materials GBA’s Indigenous Liaison Committee has created a new series of web pages intended to give members an introduction to the geography and history of First Nations, Indigenous and Métis presence on the eastern and northern shores of Georgian Bay, and to provide starting points for further learning. Explore GBA’s Indigenous History & Culture Resources here. How Will You Mark the Day? If you are looking for meaningful ways to listen, learn, and act today and throughout the summer, here are some ideas: Audit Your Social Media Feeds: Intentionally follow Indigenous content creators, activists, and historians. This simple step ensures diverse perspectives naturally enter your daily social media consumption year-round Learn Local Greetings: Take the time to learn the simple, formal greeting of the Indigenous region you live in (such as “Aanii” or “Boogsho” in Anishinaabemowin) through the The Nishnaabemwin Online Dictionary or the The Rainbow District School Board Anishinaabemowin Toolkit Explore Local History: Commit to learning about the people who’s traditional territory we live on. Here are some great resources: GBA has created some materials to serve as an introduction to the geography and history of First Nations, Indigenous and Métis presence on the eastern and northern shores of Georgian Bay: Indigenous history & culure Indigenous Governance Indigenous Land Use Shawanaga First Nation has an interesting history of The First Peoples of Georgian Bay Georgian Bay Biosphere has an extensive collection of resources for cultural learning Learn more about the Anishinabek Nation Support Friendship Centres: Connect with or support a regional Indigenous Friendship Centre. These vital organizations provide community programs, cultural connection, and social services to Indigenous Peoples living in urban areas or off-reserve. Commit to Reconciliation: Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and look for real ways to bring action to reconciliation in your community. Engage and Support: Attend a local event or a Pow Wow this summer, support an Indigenous-owned business, or dive into Indigenous-authored books, podcasts, and films from the National Film Board. Engaging with these resources is a simple but powerful step we can take to build a more respectful, connected community and advance the work of reconciliation.
To keep our communities safe, informed, and prepared, the Georgian Bay Association’s Boating, Safety & Emergencies (BS&E) Committee has released its 2026 Annual Report. Serving as our liaison with government regulators, law enforcement, and marine safety organizations, the committee has compiled the latest data, regulatory updates, and safety frameworks into this comprehensive report to help keep you informed and safe. Vetted directly by the experts who protect us–Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the OPP, ORNGE, and the MNRF–the report delivers updates on how things work and the issues that affect us on the Bay. See the full 2026 report here. Key Highlights From the 2026 Report: 1. Boating Trends & Legislation A look at demographics on our waterways along with federal regulatory changes that went into effect late last year—including streamlined local waterway restrictions and the new phased-in five-year pleasure craft licensing rules. It also covers major upcoming federal files like proposed decibel limits, mandatory PFD age brackets, and engine cut-off switch requirements. 2. Marine Safety Insights The report breaks down critical data from 2025 marine fatalities (did you know 79% of victims were not wearing life jackets, and nearly all incidents occurred in calm, clear weather close to shore?). It exposes the myth of the “safe condition” and explains the terrifying reality of “cold shock” on the Bay outside of high summer. 3. Emergency & Fire Response Resources Practical operational updates from the Canadian Coast Guard, Ornge Air Ambulance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MNRF), including available resources near you and new technological innovations being employed to help in emergencies. 4. Tech for the Cottage A quick guide to some of the life-saving apps every cottager should have, including what3words (now fully integrated with the OPP and ORNGE dispatch), BetterBoater, and Alertable. Think of this report as the safety chat you give your family and guests the first weekend they arrive at the cottage. It’s the guide on what rules have changed, what apps to use if someone gets lost on the water, and a sobering reality check on why lifejackets aren’t optional, even on a perfectly calm afternoon. Don’t navigate the season unprepared! Check out the full 2026 Boating, Safety & Emergencies Report here.