GBA Update Spring 2025

PRESIDENTS’ FORUM

GBA Presidents' Forum Sets Stage for Future of Georgian Bay

By Shannon Farquharson, Communications & Executive Services Coordinator

On November 9, 2024, GBA hosted its inaugural Presidents' Forum at the Rosedale Golf Club. The forum, which was led by accomplished facilitator Tim Magwood of 1-DEGREE/Shift, brought together our associations under the theme "Growing Our GBA Impact Together—Connect, Listen & Clarify." The event provided a platform for our member associations to connect, share perspectives, and discuss challenges to help ensure that GBA’s resources are used effectively to support the priorities participants highlighted areas where GBA provides value and proactively addresses issues affecting Georgian Bay, including floating homes, water quality, and invasive species like phragmites. The discussion also focused on ways GBA can remain on the cutting edge, continue to identify threats, and act on issues of concern. and needs of our members. Through open discussions,

Next Steps and Ongoing Collaboration The event concluded with a strong

Drill-down discussions identified three key areas of concern shared by our associations: 1. Development pressures 2. Water quality 3. Strengthening Indigenous relationships Participants also helped pinpoint areas where GBA can continue improving and growing. These include ongoing proactive advocacy, strengthening GBA’s voice on key issues, enhancing collaboration and information sharing among our associations, and strengthening our relationships with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and other environmental organizations. These insights will help shape GBA's advocacy strategy and ensure our organization’s mission to protect and preserve Georgian Bay is compelling.

endorsement of establishing the Presidents' Forum as an annual event. This would provide another vital listening opportunity for GBA to hear our members’ concerns and ideas. As a champion of collective action, GBA is committed to amplifying the voices of our members and ensuring their perspectives are represented and valued. Building on the momentum from this event, we are exploring new ways to share information and ideas among Association Presidents, fostering a more collaborative environment. GBA thanks all participants who contributed to the Forum's success. As we move forward, your passion, ideas, and commitment to protecting Georgian Bay are vital. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to tackle complex challenges, drive positive change, and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our beloved Bay. We are stronger together!

Bay of Islands Patrick Thoburn Sheila Williams Liz Phillips* Bayfield-Nares Rob Reed Leeanne Smart Blackstone Lake Andy Metelka* Kathy Watts

Cognashene Sue Ross Meagan Carney David Matthews* Honey Harbour Elena Vander Meer Key River Area Dianne Grassie Madawaska Club Christine Rob

Manitou Liz Drayton* Courtney Craib Northern Georgian Bay Rob Nairn Andy Nairn

Sans-Souci Copperhead Glen Campbell Michael Reddy Al Stratton* Shannon Farquharson* South Channel Luc Voorn Wah Wah Taysee

West Carling Donna Tucker Cynthia Milburn Woods Bay Reg McGuire Heather Sargeant*

Pointe au Baril Mary Thomson Hannah Willis*

Colin Bohm Gail Sinclair Gord Forstner*

* GBA Board Attendees

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Spring 2025 • GBA UPDATE