GBA Update Fall 2024

EMPLOYEE UPDATES

Rupert’s Retirement: Reflecting on the Journey

I n July, the GBA announced that its executive director, Rupert Kindersley, would retire from the GBA, effective September 20, 2024. Rupert joined the GBA Board in 2008 as a director representing the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association and was appointed executive director in 2018. During his tenure on the GBA Board, he served as editor of the GBA UPDATE newsletter, contributed significantly to several GBA Board committees, and was heavily involved in many issues of importance to the GBA and its members. Rupert's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Georgian Bay, coupled with a deep understanding of key issues and interactions with multiple levels of government, have been integral to GBA’s success. We thought we would take this opportunity to review a sample of GBA’s key accomplishments that happened under Rupert’s leadership: ≥ Municipal Planning Comparison Project • GBA undertook a large project to compare the planning documents from the municipalities within the GBA member area to determine similarities and differences and provide commentary on where coastal protection could be enhanced. ≥ Creation of the Septic Guide ( https://bit.ly/GBASeptic ) and the GBA Planning Regulations Guide ( https://bit.ly/GBAPlanningGuide ) • These valuable, easy-to-read resources provide GBA members

≥ Approval of Bill 228 to prohibit the use of unencapsulated polystyrene in floating docks. ≥ Providing clear and balanced information about the TC Energy pumped storage system to our members. • GBA’s advocacy resulted in changes to the project's design to reduce the impact on fish mortality, among other things. • In addition, our outreach has provided accurate information on the project, its potential environmental impacts, and how it stacks up financially against alternative storage methods for Ontario taxpayers. ≥ Raising awareness of the need for microplastics filters on washing machines. ≥ Successfully restricting the growth of the open net aquaculture industry in Georgian Bay and the North Channel. • GBA worked with Ontario regulators to strengthen environmental protections and oversight for Recognizing his exemplary contributions and dedicated service, the Board of Directors has given Rupert an Honourary Life Membership. Honourary Life Members are individuals recognized by the Board for their significant contributions to advancing the work of the GBA. We are grateful for Rupert's contributions and unwavering dedication to the Bay and wish him the best in his future endeavours. industrial fish farms that use our public waters for disposal of their fish waste.

with practical information on issues that seem daunting and impenetrable.

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Fall 2024

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