NO Ice is 100% safe

Following is an article from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations about ice safety.

As always, WCA and FOCA encourage you to enjoy the winter weather, safely. Read onward for important safety information and additional tips.

Bubblers – what property owners need to know – an overview of important considerations, from our colleagues at Cade Associates Insurance Brokers.

On a related subject: while de-icers are intended to protect docks and boathouses from ice damage, improper use can actually create greater chance of ice damage. Read an overview on the subject, from a New Hampshire Lake Association (note: references are to American legislation about bubblers).

January 2021 – our colleagues at the OPP SAVE Team have some great snowmobile tips for safely enjoying the out-of-doors this winter. Click the links below to view each video:

Ice Safety video link

Thank you to the Safe Boating Council for this important video link: Ice Safety – How to perform a self-rescue

November 20, 2020 – How climate change is making winter ice more dangerous (Veronica Penney of the New York Times, as published in the Star Tribune) – this article quotes new research from FOCA’s colleague Dr. Sapna Sharma of York University.

Check out this post from our friends at CottageLink Rental Management, about ice safety reminders for those who may be newer to cottage country winters.

 

OLDER NEWS:

image: ice thickness guide

January 2017 – Ontario Provincial Police are circulating this graphic as a reminder to be wary of ice thickness:

February 2016 – read the OPP OFSC Joint News Release on unsafe ice conditions in Ontario (PDF; 2 pages)

January 2016 – read the OPP OFSC Joint News Release on snowmobile safety (PDF; 2 pages)

December 2014 – With notes from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) This time each year, snowmobilers are reminded that no ice can be considered 100 per cent safe to ride on with a snowmobile.

It is especially true this winter when ice is forming earlier than usual in many areas and may look safe, but is not yet thick or strong enough. This ice warning also applies during any prolonged period of thaw or rain, and late in the season after ice begins to deteriorate from milder temperatures.

OFSC Trail GuideTo avoid unnecessary risks, the OPP and OFSC recommend that snowmobilers stick to available, land-based, OFSC Prescribed Trails whenever possible. OFSC clubs provide many trails that avoid water crossings altogether and also provide many bridges and culverts to pass over known water crossings safely. For updates on OFSC trails, visit their website and consult their interactive map: http://ofsc.mapbase.ca/viewer/

If you do make the personal choice to take the risk of travelling on ice by snowmobile, wait until a marked stake line is in place and cross only when you can follow it directly from shore to shore, without stopping on the ice. While ice crossing is never a sure thing, snowmobilers can also reduce their risk by:

  • Checking ice thickness and quality before riding onto any frozen water
  • Understanding that ice conditions may vary from day to day, from hour to hour and from place to place
  • Never travelling on ice alone, at night or while impaired
  • Avoiding slushy ice, untracked ice, or ice near moving water or dock bubblers
  • Watching out for obstacles like rocks, stumps, docks, ice roads and fishing huts
  • Wearing a buoyant snowmobile suit and carrying ice picks

Photo of - GBA is Looking for a Project Coordinator to Work on our Vision 2050 Project

GBA is Looking for a Project Coordinator to Work on our Vision 2050 Project

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
Photo of - Couple Lost $168,000 in Float Home Purchase

Couple Lost $168,000 in Float Home Purchase

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.

Photo of - Remembrance Day Service 

Remembrance Day Service 

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.

Photo of - Join the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment Board 

Join the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment Board 

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

Photo of - Bayscapes Fall Fundraiser

Bayscapes Fall Fundraiser

  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.

Photo of - Floating Cottages

Floating Cottages

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

Photo of - Thanksgiving Weekend Waste Site Hours 

Thanksgiving Weekend Waste Site Hours 

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.

Photo of - Shorelines: Fall 2024 Newsletter

Shorelines: Fall 2024 Newsletter

Read the Fall issue of Shorelines here.
Photo of - Nominate Your Champion of the Bay

Nominate Your Champion of the Bay

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.

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