September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. How will you mark the day?
“Education is what got us into this mess and education is key to getting us out of it.”
— The late Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)
Why We Mark This Day
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never came home from residential schools, the survivors, and their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Learn the History: Read the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s concise overview of Residential School History.
Wear Orange: On September 30, wear orange to honour residential school survivors and remember those who were lost. Learn the history behind Orange Shirt Day on the Orange Shirt Society website.
Track Canada’s Progress: Review the federal government’s status on implementing the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action on the Government of Canada Truth and Reconciliation dashboard.
A Story of Action and Repatriation in Georgian Bay
Reconciliation involves tangible steps toward restoring relationships, respect, and stewardship. This year, we are proud to share a deeply meaningful story from one of our member associations, the Northern Georgian Bay Association (NGBA).
Over the winter, former NGBA board member Bill Riat was approached by former Ogimaa Duke Peltier regarding an historic, sacred pipe that was going up for auction near Columbus, Ohio. The Riat family attended the auction and successfully acquired the pipe on behalf of the community.
In early May, Bill presented the pipe to Mr. Peltier in Killarney. The pipe was formally received on May 21 at the annual Manitoulin Treaties and Knowledge Gathering at Manitowaning—the historic signing site of the Robinson-Huron Treaty.
The NGBA board expressed its deep gratitude to Bill Riat and his family for representing the association, as well as to Duke Peltier and the community Elders for their trust and friendship. You can learn more about the significance of the sacred pipe here.
Ongoing Engagement & Local Resources
GBA continues to participate in regional treaty and reconciliation gatherings across the watershed. Our Executive Director will be attending the Indigenous Land and Resource Management (ILREM) conference in Magnetawan on November 11, as well as upcoming learning gatherings in Sudbury.
We encourage our entire community to deepen their understanding of the lands and waters we share:
Georgian Bay Association 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 & Culture in Georgian Bay
Indigenous Governance in Georgian Bay
Indigenous Land Use in Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay Biosphere: Explore their curated collection of Cultural Resources
Native-Land.ca: Map traditional territories, languages, and treaties across Georgian Bay and beyond using the Native-Land Interactive Atlas
Support Local Friendship Centres: Consider making a donation to support urban Indigenous programs and community services across the Georgian Bay region:
Sudbury Native Friendship Centre
Parry Sound Friendship Centre (Donate via CanadaHelps)
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre – Midland (Donate via CanadaHelps)
N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre – Elliot Lake
Lake Michigan-Huron is 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year.
Compared to last month:
Lake Superior: 2″ Down
Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 3″
Lake St. Clair: Same
Lake Erie: Down 1″
Lake Ontario: Down 8″
Compared to last year:
Lake Superior: Down 2″
Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 7″
Lake St. Clair: Up 9″
Lake Erie: Up 7″
Lake Ontario: Up 13″
Long-Term September Averages: Lake Superior sits 3″ below its long-term September average, while Michigan-Huron is down 1″. Lake St. Clair (+9″), Erie (+7″), and Ontario (+11″) remain above average, though all the lakes are well below record highs.
One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-3″), St. Clair (-9″), Erie (-5″), and Ontario (-7″) are expected to decline.
Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River, Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, and Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River are projected to be near average in September. 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 September.
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 predicts that Lake Michigan-Huron levels will likely drop from August through January.
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 8 inches higher than it was at this time last year.
Compared to last month:
Lake Superior: Same
Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 3″
Lake St. Clair: Down 1″
Lake Erie: Down 2″
Lake Ontario: Down 6″
Compared to last year:
Lake Superior: Same
Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 8″
Lake St. Clair: Up 8″
Lake Erie: Up 6″
Lake Ontario: Up 16″
Long-Term September Averages: Lake Superior sits 2″ below its long-term September average, while Michigan-Huron is right at average (+0″). Lake St. Clair (+8″), Erie (+6″), and Ontario (+15″) remain above average, though all lakes stay well below record highs.
One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-3″), St. Clair (-7″), Erie (-5″), and Ontario (-9″) are expected to decline.
Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River, Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, and Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River are projected to be near average in September. 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 September.
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 predicts that Lake Michigan-Huron levels will likely drop from August through January.
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.
The 2026 Municipal Election will take place October 26. The Township will again use internet and telephone voting options. Voting will open October 14 at 10:00 a.m. and will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (October 26th). If you are on the voters list, you should receive your Voter Information Letter by mail toward the end of September. This letter will provide you with the information you need to cast your vote. If you do not receive a letter and believe you are eligible to vote, please contact the Township Office. If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote, contact the Township Office, and we can confirm whether you are on the voters list. If you are eligible but not yet registered, we can help you register to vote.
It’s September, and local bears are entering a critical phase called hyperphagia. During this time, bears forage almost constantly to consume up to 20,000 calories a day to build up fat reserves before hibernation. With wild natural foods dwindling, human food sources like trash, bird seed, and BBQs become top targets.
Whether you’re packing up the cottage for the season or just heading out between weekend stays, taking a few extra precautions can help keep both your property and the bear population safe.
Cottage Closing Checklist:
Dispose of All Garbage: Take waste home or drop it at an approved waste facility.
Neutralize Odours: Disinfect garbage and recycling containers using strong cleaners.
Never Dump Cooking Oil Outside: Seal used grease in a container, bag it, and dispose of it with secure garbage.
Clean & Store BBQs: Scrub grills thoroughly and store them inside a locked shed or garage.
Remove Pantry Items: Clear out indoor food entirely—unopened items like dessert and pudding mixes still attract bears.
Store Scented Items Indoors: Bring in items like candles, soaps, suntan lotion, and insect repellent.
Take Down Bird Feeders: Store feeders until deep winter; bird seed is a high-calorie prize for foraging bears.
Lock Up Securely: Close and lock all doors and windows. If leaving for extended periods, ask a neighbor to check in for signs of break-ins.
Educate Renters: Remind tenants and guests about local Bear Wise safety rules.
If You Encounter a Bear:
Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm. Remember not every bear sighting is an emergency situation.
Remain calm – often the bear is just passing through, and will move on if no food source is found
Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight
If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as precaution
If a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety, call 911
If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone and remove other people and dogs from the area
Keep away from the bear, and do not block its exit
Keep dogs on leash and away from bears
Need to Report an Encounter?
If you encounter a bear that poses an immediate threat to your safety, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or TTY 705-945-7641 if a bear:
roams around or checks garbage cans
breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored
is in a tree
pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbecue
moves through a backyard or field but does not linger
This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30 and can provide advice on how to avoid human-bear encounters during bear season.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information.
Lake Michigan-Huron is 8 inches higher than it was at this time last year.
Compared to last month:
Lake Superior: Down 1″
Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 2″
Lake St. Clair: Down 1″
Lake Erie: Down 3″
Lake Ontario: Down 4″
Compared to last year:
Lake Superior: Same
Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 8″
Lake St. Clair: Up 6″
Lake Erie: Up 5″
Lake Ontario: Up 18″
Long-Term September Averages: Most of the lakes remain above their long-term September averages (Michigan-Huron +1″, St. Clair +7″, Erie +6″, Ontario +18″), though well below record highs. Lake Superior is currently 1″ below its long-term September average.
One-Month Forecast: Levels on Lake Superior (-1″), Lake Michigan-Huron (-2″), St. Clair (-6″), Erie (-4″), and Ontario (-9″) are expected to decline.
Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River, Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, and Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River are projected to be near average in September. 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 September.
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 predicts that Lake Michigan-Huron levels will likely drop from August through January.
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 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year.
Compared to last month:
Lake Superior: Same
Lake Michigan-Huron: Down 2″
Lake St. Clair: Down 2″
Lake Erie: Down 2″
Lake Ontario: Down 5″
Compared to last year:
Lake Superior: Up 1″
Lake Michigan-Huron: Up 7″
Lake St. Clair: Up 6″
Lake Erie: Up 5″
Lake Ontario: Up 17″
Long-Term September Averages: Most of the lakes remain above their long-term September averages (Michigan-Huron +2″, St. Clair +7″, Erie +7″, Ontario +19″), though well below record highs. Lake Superior is currently 2″ below its long-term September average.
One-Month Forecast: Lake Superior levels are projected to stay the same. Levels on Lake Michigan-Huron (-2″), St. Clair (-5″), Erie (-5″), and Ontario (-9″) are expected to decline.
Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River, Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, and Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River are projected to be near average in September. 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 September.
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 predicts that Lake Michigan-Huron levels will likely drop from August through January.
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.
The 2026 Carling municipal election is coming up, and a new website is available to help residents get informed and vote. Get Out the Vote Carling provides information about the candidates, their responses to the same questions, and practical information about how to vote — including important dates, voter registration and PIN information. Carling is using internet and telephone voting this year, with voting open from October 14 until 8:00 p.m. on October 26. The site is a volunteer initiative, is not affiliated with the Township of Carling, and does not endorse any candidates. Visit Get Out the Vote Carling For official election information, including voter registration and voting procedures, visit the Township of Carling election page.
Labour Day Long Weekend coming up, please note the following Waste Site hours: Saturday, September 5th • Carling Waste Site: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Killbear Waste Site: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6th • Carling Waste Site: Closed • Killbear Waste Site: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 7th • Carling Waste Site: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Killbear Waste Site: Closed