GBA Update Fall 2024

Continued from page 1

Vision 2050 aims to bring together a coalition to speak with a unified and persuasive voice to advocate for policy changes needed to protect the Georgian Bay coastal region far into the future. GBA is collaborating with Georgian Bay partners including communities, governments, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders in the region in pursuing the project. To date, GBA has initiated discussions with Georgian Bay Biosphere, Georgian Bay Land Trust, Georgian Bay Forever, and many others on collaborating on the project. Many more discussions are planned. Why Do We Need a Vision? Georgian Bay is widely known for its amazing natural beauty, unique geography, diverse and pristine ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. The eastern and northern coasts of the Bay contain the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, are home to a UNESCO world biosphere, an aspiring UNESCO Geopark, the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and many significant provincial parks. The region is home to the largest number of First Nations in one region in Canada and to many permanent and seasonal resident communities. It also hosts a diverse tourism-based economy that attracts visitors from all over the world. In short, Georgian Bay is a remarkable region that is truly worthy of special recognition and protection. However, this largely pristine natural region is facing increasing threats on several fronts. One obvious threat is the huge growth and development pressures in southern Ontario. The GTA’s population is projected to increase by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2050, as is Simcoe County’s. The province’s latest policies that govern planning in every municipality in Ontario emphasize growth and development – a housing building boom,

and Canada need to protect more natural lands and waters, not less. As Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy 1 states, “The science is unequivocal – biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, threatening the foundations of human well being and survival.” Despite its amazing natural features and ecology, the Georgian Bay region lacks a comprehensive planning and development framework. There is no regional vision or plan for the Bay, unlike the Niagara Escarpment or the Greenbelt. A patchwork of provincial policies, park plans and regulations, conservation area guidelines, divergent municipal by-laws, non-governmental organization (NGO) projects and First Nations governance are in place now. This fragmented approach fails to provide adequate protection for the future of Georgian Bay. A new regional plan is needed to ensure the long-term protection of this world-class natural asset. Vision 2050 Project Summary The Georgian Bay Vision 2050 Project aims to develop a proposed vision for a land use planning and environmental protection framework for the eastern and northern Georgian Bay coastal areas. ≥ Our mission is to preserve and protect the unique natural environment and ecosystems of Georgian Bay’s coasts and adjacent lands. ≥ Our core objective is to develop a roadmap for sound development planning and environmental protection for the region for 2050 and well beyond. In phase 1, we plan to retain a reputable, highly credible planning and environmental team to write a position paper as a basis for promoting the need for a regional vision and plan for the coast. The paper must be evidence and science-based to make a persuasive case for better policy. It must draw on national and international

intensification and higher densities, and a drive to increase economic and employment growth areas. The government’s goals to facilitate this growth are mandatory and will have knock on effects throughout the province. It will be important to understand those implications for Georgian Bay in order to protect it. The region’s wildlands provide important habitat for wetlands, flora, fauna, and endangered species. Growing human pressures mean this habitat is at risk. To meet the goals of Canada’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework – protecting 30 per cent of Canada’s natural lands and water by 2030 – Ontario

best practices and policies for protecting significant natural regions, such as establishing

marine protected areas, sustainable land use planning, and biodiversity conservation strategies. That is why the paper must be produced by respected and widely recognized experts who can bring all parties and key decision-makers to the table.

1 https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/canada-2030-nature-strategy.html

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Fall 2024

2