GBA Update Summer 2025

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Expert Mapping To better understand the scope and context of the project area, we commissioned Dobbin International, a global leader in strategic spatial development planning, to create a comprehensive series of maps. These 28 maps provide an in-depth look at infrastructure

and transportation, environmental areas and land use, hydrology, geology, and socioeconomic and cultural features of the region. This mapping will serve as input for the Position Paper and other project materials. It also helps us visualize how environmental, political, and social features intersect across the Bay’s coastline.

consultants who will write the Position Paper. Fundraising continues, with outreach focused on select donors and GBA member associations. Next Steps Our next steps include continuing municipal delegations and outreach with our stakeholders, engaging with First Nations, and meeting with our Advisory Council experts. How Can You Help? W Share this update with friends and neighbours W Raise awareness in your member association W Volunteer your time and expertise W Contribute or connect us with potential contributors in the $5,000 range Together, we can create a lasting legacy of protection and stewardship for Georgian Bay.

Creating the Position Paper The primary deliverable of Phase One of this initiative is a Position Paper that expert consultants will develop. This paper will: W Analyze the threats posed by expanding development. W Propose a vision for long-term environmental conservation. W Recommend a regional policy framework for coastal protection. We are not proposing a new regional planning authority. The goal is to create a larger a regional framework that will guide stakeholders, municipalities, and governments in making better decisions for the Bay. Fundraising Progress We have raised over 80 per cent of the necessary funds to commission the W Serve as the starting point for consultations and engagement.

New Report Explores Conservation Models for Georgian Bay As part of the Vision 2050 initiative, GBA is preparing a new report—authored by Kate Bentley-Taylor and the Vision 2050 team—analyzing 16 conservation models from across Canada and beyond. These include government-led, Indigenous-led, and privately governed approaches, each evaluated for their relevance to Georgian Bay’s unique ecological and cultural context. While the report is still under review, it’s already proving to be an exciting and valuable resource. It lays the groundwork for more integrated coordinated conservation strategies, drawing lessons from the Niagara Escarpment, Ontario’s Greenbelt, the Stockholm Archipelago, and other large-scale protected areas. Watch for its release on our website later this summer.

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GBA UPDATE • Summer 2025