GBA 2022 - Summer Update

COASTAL PROTECTION

By Tom Bain, Eastern Georgian Bay Protective Society and Liz Phillips, UPDATE Editor

Protecting the Windswept Trees of Georgian Bay

W indswept trees, along with granite rock, water, and sky, are iconic components of the Georgian Bay landscape. Many Georgian Bay artists have featured these distinctive trees in their paintings. Besides their beauty, shoreline trees also provide an important function in the stabilization of the shoreline and protection from erosion by wave action. As well, they retain precious soil and rock that help filter a variety of land- sourced contaminants. In this regard, they provide protection for our water. Many of these trees, while not large, have endured hundreds of years of

of the shoreline, TGB prohibits clear cutting, but allows property owners to remove trees to provide a “reasonable water view” or if they are a safety hazard. They recommend that trees not be removed between May 1 and July 31, as this corresponds to the peak roosting period for the majority of bat species at risk. The Township of the Archipelago (ToA) requires a tree preservation plan as part of a planning application where appropriate.

The Township of Carling’s (ToC) plan is less specific about shoreline development or tree protection, but it does include some wording around their general approach. The plan states that in order to ensure the natural landscape dominates the character of the waterfront, tree cover and natural vegetation should be protected along the shore. In some situations, ToC also requires buffer areas where native vegetation must remain undisturbed except to create pathways, remove dead or hazardous trees, or thin out trees for views. Most municipalities in the GBA area do not appear to have clear regulations related to tree preservation along the shorelines and inland. However, even if your municipality hasn’t yet established clear regulations, you and your family might want to consider adopting a sustainable approach to this important issue. In Muskoka, excessive removal of trees Photo: Rolfe Jones

Georgian Bay weather. They have survived violent storms, both high and low water levels, and insect attacks. They are dogged and determined, but they still need our protection. For this reason, GBA has been reviewing the state of the shoreline and tree protection bylaws in the municipalities represented by its member associations. This work is being done by our coastal protection project coordinator, Cosette Shipman, as part of the mandate of the Coastal Protection Committee. It has been eye-opening to uncover the wide variety of approaches in the different municipalities. The Township of Georgian Bay (TGB), for instance, incorporated guidance about shoreline development into its official plan in 2014. This allows for a certain proportion of the first 15 metres from shore to be developed; the proportion

of allowed development depends on where the property lies. The rest of the shoreline should be left in its natural state to help protect the ecological integrity and natural heritage of Georgian Bay. The images here help to show two examples of how this can be applied: in the top image, the shoreline activity area includes a boathouse and dock with a cleared area around a path. In the bottom, there are two shoreline activity areas, one with a boathouse, and the other with a dock.

has resulted in heavy fines. In Georgian Bay, recent successful prosecutions have focused on remediation rather than fines, which is a better approach for environmental preservation. Minimizing disruption along the shore of your property can be a way to ensure the long-term viability of your cottage’s ecosystem, maintain the character and scenic beauty of your area, maintain good relations with your neighbours, and protect your investment for generations to come.

Shoreline Frontage = 100m

L

15m

25m

Natural State Shoreline Area

Shoreline Activity Area

Shoreline Frontage = 100m

L

Ma

k

r

15m

12.5m

12.5m

Examples from the Township of Georgian Bay zoning bylaws showing how shoreline activity areas can be developed.

With respect to tree protections outside

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Summer 2022

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