GBA Update Fall 2024

ED ADVOCACY REPORT

By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director

O ver the last 17 years, I have learned so much about Georgian Bay and the issues that must be addressed. It has been a rewarding and interesting experience, and I would like to share some of my thoughts on what the future holds and how, by working together, we can continue to protect this precious resource. The keyword that we all need to embrace is “together.” In these days of divisive, partisan politics and escalating wars and conflicts, there is an ever-greater need for all stakeholders to come together and work constructively to ensure that the environment is maintained, or, better still, enhanced, where possible. We are all in this together, and we need to continue to pull together, listen to each other, and learn from each other to achieve these objectives in the face of significant challenges. We Are All in This Together

I have learned that these challenges fall into two major categories—those that we can (and must) do something about, and those where, practically speaking, there is little we can do, so we must therefore learn to adapt. GBA has played and will continue to play an important role in taking action where something can be done and providing helpful information for you on adaptation. I believe I have helped to focus GBA’s finite resources and leverage key relationships accordingly, to effectively expand our reach and influence on a wide range of issues and threats during my time as your executive director. There can be little doubt any longer that climate change impacts are accelerating, and we need to be prepared for these impacts, including: ≥ Increasing water and air temperatures will likely lead to more algae outbreaks, as well as shifting habitats for many creatures and plants. ≥ Increasing water level variability and uncertainty and more extreme storm events could cause access issues, and flooding, and may have already started to affect water quality. ≥ Escalating human migration around the world as the climate crisis drives people from affected areas will further increase development pressure and demand for more housing in Georgian Bay as Canada continues to do its part in welcoming new Canadians. We have already seen significant development pressure spreading north from the south end of the Bay and the resultant need to act firmly to protect the integrity of planning regulations. GBA continues to show leadership in ensuring that we have responsible planning and development standards with its new Vision 2050 project that aims to bring communities and stakeholders together to develop a vision for protecting the Bay and its natural environment into the future. I believe that this is the greatest threat that we currently face. Over the years, GBA has worked with our associations and engaged residents and municipalities to oppose precedent setting and inappropriate developments that pose significant environmental risks. GBA continues to stand firm and clarify that protecting the ecosystem must take precedence and I have been proud to play my part in this important work during my 17 years at GBA.

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Fall 2024

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