GBA 2022 - Summer Update

18 Working with our non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, there are ongoing submissions on chemicals of mutual concern, watershed issues, pollution legislation, fines, and more. 19 We provide ongoing input on the new Canada Water Agency and Georgian Bay Biosphere’s (GBB) State of the Bay research and publication. 20 We are examining the effects of mercury contamination in fish and the need to update advisories. Wetlands 21 We have been an active participant in the ECCC Great Lakes coastal wetlands resiliency study over the last five years, which is expected to be extended for another five. We are following up on the release and dissemination of seven significant reports late summer, which including the future water levels study referred to above. Boating Safety and Emergencies 22 We have been providing continuous reporting on the state of boating – boat licences (currently being modernized), operator licences (stricter rules are coming), and boat sales (impact of new luxury tax on marina viability). 23 By highlighting boating fatalities statistics and their causes, we have been demonstrating why it is so important to wear a lifejacket for all boating activities. 24 We have been working with Safe Quiet Lakes (SQL) to follow up on their highly successful 2021 survey demonstrating your strong support for the Decibel Project, which aims to introduce new legislation to control excessive boat noise. GBA is a founding member and most GBA associations have now joined the Decibel Coalition. 25 We continue to ensure that the recently updated Georgian Bay for Everyone brochure gets into the hands of all boaters and cottagers to encourage mutual respect and consideration. In particular, we are targeting new boaters and boat/cottage renters. This project is a joint venture with Boating Ontario. 26 We continue to monitor fires, provide current information of coastal municipal fire ratings, and update the substantive fire safety web pages. Aquaculture GBA’s ongoing advocacy to move open net pen aquaculture operations into sustainable facilities (on land) is now in its 24 th year. The dedication and hard work of the aquaculture committee is ongoing. 28 Despite constant pressure to expand, there are still only five licenced/regulated and six Indigenous/non-regulated operations in Lake Huron. GBA has bi-annual meetings with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR), Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to address the proposed new 20-year licences for this industry, increases in feed quotas (production), and upgraded environmental assessment requirements. The resultant action items are significant. 29 GBA is working with all stakeholders to get the Lake Wolsey operation closed down before more algae outbreaks occur. The landowner and operator at this location is now working in partnership with the Sheshegwaning First Nation, making it one of the six Indigenous/non-regulated operations. 27 We provide information on flares, flare disposal, and the approval of the safer alternative – electronic visual distress devices.

Continues on page 14

CHATHAM POTTERY Individually handthrown, functional stoneware

Located in Cognashene in the Summer GPS: 44°55’17.7”N 79°55’00.1”W text , email or call to set up a time to stop over

or to place a custom order www.chathampottery.ca

gillespie.cath@gmail.com

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Summer 2022

13