GBA Update Spring 2025

Manitou Association Jamie Drayton

Pointe Au Baril Islanders’ Association Tom Scoon

Jamie Drayton was the first chair of GBA’s Guardians of the Bay Committee, with the

My primary reason for nominating Tom as a Champion of the Bay is for his energetic leadership of the Georgian Bay Land Trust. Tom is a past president and member of the GBLT board of directors. By ensuring numerous parcels of land remain undeveloped, including valuable, vulnerable

initiative to capture the stories and commitment of cottagers to preserving the beautiful Georgian Bay environment. Since his time on GBA, this committee has created a mini documentary series

and is starting the annual Champion of the Bay Award. In addition to his service to GBA, Jamie has volunteered with GBF to cut phragmites and always leads and encourages his family in shoreline clean-up efforts. Jamie has served as the president of the Manitou Association and has inspired young people to get involved with the association. Madawaska Club Of Go Home Bay Land Stewardship Committee The Land Stewardship Committee included Doug Grundy, George Lougheed, Barb Zimmerman, Tony Pigott, Patsy Cross and Jim Rusak. This group of six Go Homers worked diligently for over six years to create consensus within the Madawaska Club to place an easement on our lands to be preserved in perpetuity. This took a massive amount of time informing the Mad Club members, preparing endless legal documents and bringing it to the community for a vote. There was very strong community support and now 1,500 acres of our lands are in an easement with the Georgian Bay Land Trust. – Jan Wishart Northern Georgian Bay Association In Memoriam – Harvey Mierke Jr

wetlands, Tom has guaranteed future generations can enjoy a Bay filled with wildlife, forests, wind-swept islands and swamps. – Andrew Willis Tom has been involved with GBLT for over 20 years and has served as the chair of the Stewardship and Land Protection committees, vice president, president and currently serves as an advisor. In addition to his commitments with the Land Trust, Tom was the president of the Pointe au Baril Islanders’ Association for three years. Continues on page 6

Harvey’s commitment to preserving the environment and dedication to our NGBA community made him the perfect role model for all. Professor Pat Chow Fraser was among the scientists, along with her graduate students, who spent time researching wetlands

and the muskie species in our area. Harvey provided them with accommodation and transportation and encouraged other association members to do the same. Harvey helped establish the NGBA and became our first president. He was a tireless communicator of all things relating to the GBA and ended up a GBA Director from 2005-2012. – Freda Klassen

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Spring 2025 • GBA UPDATE