Message from the
President:
Winter is fast
approaching, and hopefully some nice, thick ice is not far behind.
Just a reminder that
we do, on occasion, send information out electronically to our members. For
example, just recently, information on the Reptile Awareness Program was e
mailed. If you have not received e mail communication, we either do not have
your e mail address, or we have an incorrect address. If you wish to be added
to the e mail distribution list, please e mail me your address at Tracy.biggar@jus.gov.on.ca This
distribution list is completely private. The only one who has access to it is
myself. And all e mail addresses are kept confidential.
Once again your
executive has been very busy on your behalf. A number of us are just back from
the Deerhorn conference in Toronto. This is a meeting of all cottager
associations within the Township of the Archipelago, our TOA councilors and
reps from the Georgian Bay Association. Attending, along with myself was
Claudette Pintwala and Ryan Tarrant.
Some items discussed
that day:
Georgian Bay
Littoral Biosphere Reserve:
UNESCO’s international
recognition of the Georgian Bay coastline as a Biosphere reserve. It identified
the Littoral (near-shore and outer islands and mainland shoreline to
approximately Highway 400) from Port Severn to Key River. To achieve biosphere
reserve status, the area must have and be a place where people live, work and
enjoy a variety of economic and recreational activities based on a respect for
the environment. A designated Biosphere
Reserve is a representative ecosystem with important natural/ecological values;
a landscape with characteristic plants, animals and human uses, functioning
together in particular ways. The 30,000 islands are considered to be a unique
ecosystem that does not exist anywhere else in the world.
Designated areas, such
as the east coast of Georgian Bay, are international showcases for conservation
and sustainable economic development working in harmony. They are sites for
long-term environmental research and monitoring as well as facilities for
education and training. They are, literally, living laboratories in which very
practical approaches and activities integrate ecosystem conservation with ongoing
economic and community development.
For more information
on this initiative, visit the Georgian Bay Association Website. www.georgianbay.ca
Township of the
Archipelago Official Plan:
Inclusion of a position
regarding Marinas in the TOA official plan was discussed. It was the South
Channel’s position that the Township’s official plan should include a plan for
Marinas. All cottages in the South Channel depend upon boat access. We need to ensure that the Marina business
can be sustained, while at the same time managing the impact on our
environment.
Water Quality:
As most know, Sturgeon
Bay (in the northern part of the Township) has faced some serious water quality
issues in the past while. In particular, the presence of blue-green algae has
resulted in a year round water usage ban.
An update on the current status was provided.
Water quality is an
ongoing concern to all cottagers in the South Channel. We all need to share in
efforts to maintain and even improve, our water quality. Cottagers should be
reminded to use PHOSPHATE FREE soap in all instances. Septic systems cannot
remove phosphates, which means they will eventually end up in our water. It is
these phosphates that contribute to blue-green algae. Phosphate free soap is
available in all forms, including laundry and dishwasher soap. Please use these
products.
Tracy Biggar