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