DRAFT

 

South Channel Association

Annual General Meeting

July 31, 2005

 

1.                 Meeting called to order at 10:05 by Tracy Biggar.  Welcome to guests from the Township of the Archipelago, Rick Zanussi, John Seagram and Ted Christie (Ward 4). John Seagram is also now the new director of the Georgian Bay Foundation.  Previous AGM minutes are tabled and Don Wheeler makes a motion to accept the minutes as read.  Second Ralph Smith.

 

2.                 Treasurer’s Report presented by Tracy.  Even though our revenue numbers are negative we are not in bad shape. Negative revenue in past fiscal year due to timing of FOCA membership dues (double payment and additional costs of last year’s anniversary AGM).   Andy Myers makes a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, second Conrad Pemberton.

 

3.                 Membership Report was presented by Steve Blundy.  We now have

111 members. 

     

4.                 Stan Topping presented the water quality report.  He informed us that 

that there are about 200 sites being monitored.  In the past the standards used were 100 units total coliform, 10 units e-coli.  These were acceptable standards for swimming.  0 e-coli for drinking.  The Provincial standards have now changed to 1000 units total coliform and 100 units e-coli.  Stan thinks this is too high.  Possible reasons for this Provincial move is so that lakes do not have to be posted no swimming.  If e-coli are present then you can expect other pathogens to be present also.  This year the water quality is quite good.  Stan thinks that high UV ratings may have helped kill bacteria.  In the last 7 years we have seen e-coli contamination improve in our area.  Concern now is what is going into the septic systems.  Phosphates and nitrates are the problem now.  Septic systems do a good job with human waste but not with phosphates.  Stan talked about two new damaging pests, the Asian Long Horn Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer.  Spreading by the movement of firewood into the area from contaminated areas.  Gypsy Moth and Hemlock Looper seem to be under control right now along with Tent Caterpillars.  Stan finished with these words to the wise…. If you won’t put it in your mouth, don’t put it in the water.

 

5.                  Council Update.  Tracy opened with remarks on marinas and how the

Township is amending its overall plan.  Rich Zanussi finished the presentation announcing “ this is the 25^th anniversary of The Township of the Archipelago” He talked about the Water Access Committee and how having citizen participation would help all involved get a perspective on what was needed.  He discussed how the town’s official plan is now requiring 2 acre island zoning rather that 1 acre and this should resolve some past problems, although there may be some legal challenges.  Rick discussed septic system legislation which will give the Town some enforcement authority to stop polluters.  He let everyone present know that Ted Christie was now the Finance Chair and John Seagram was head of the Environmental Committee.  Both excellent choices for the positions.  Rick closed by saying that the Township has one of the lowest tax rates in the area and has held increases (even though 50% of them are out of their control) to 3% this year.  Congratulations to Ted Christie.

 

6.       SCA Social Event…..Tracy and Ryan Tarrant have been floating ideas back and forth about what the SCA could do in this area.  Tracy asked for ideas from the audience and Ryan proposed an afternoon social event at the school house at San Souci which we have access to.

One member in the audience suggested that children would probably enjoy information on a lot that was discussed today regarding environmental issues and information on boating safety etc so long as it was presented in a fun way.  Another member suggested that everyone bring their own lunch and the possibility of a tube and sail race.

    

 

7.                 GBA Update.  Lights were dimmed and Scott White, newly elected  President of The Georgian Bay Association gave us a very informative Power Point presentation on the past, present and future direction of GBA.  The GBA has had many successes in recent years and Scott shared with us his vision of what needs to be watched in the future.  Claudette Pintwala was asked to speak on fish farming and with her expertise gave a very informative and concerning presentation about the effects of open net aquiculture.

 

8.                 Tracy announced that Ed Pintwala was Treasurer and that he was

stepping down.  He and Claudette no longer had a cottage in our area.  Tracy asked for motions from the floor for new Executive Members to replace some of our long term members.  Liane Black was nominated for the position of Treasurer and that was seconded by Denys Reed.  The vote was all in favor.  After a brief discussion of Executive membership responsibilities by Steve Blundy and Tracy again asked for nominations and Lauren Hartt was nominated and the nomination seconded by Denys Reed.  All in favour.

 

9.                 Clean Up The Bay…..Ryan Tarrant discussed the program to date. 

He and Ralph were disappointed in the response to date but both feel the program has potential.  They will look at other ways of getting to our young cottagers about this fun event.  Elijah Topping was the sole participant and as such will get to select one of three excellent prizes.  Contest will be extended to the end of the summer for winners of the remaining prizes.

 

10.             Bill Prout from the Ontario Sustainable Energy Assoc. who had requested time to speak was given time to present information on wind power generation.  He informed us that Georgian Bay is one of the best sights in Canada for wind generated electricity, better even that Gaspe which has 100’s of wind turbines.  He suggested that we should get ready as these for profit corporations have “huge budgets and huge legal  budgets”.  Ralph Smith mentioned that he was aware of large areas off Cape Cod Massachusetts where wind turbines were operating out of sight but they were well off shore and not an eye sore.  Bill mentioned that some of Georgian Bay’s rocky offshore islands would be perfect.

 

11.             Tracy asked for any further motions from the floor.  Gervis Black stood to comment on the quality of the Executive over these years and in particular Rick and Tracy.  He offered a motion of “Deep Appreciation” and all agreed.

 

12.             Closing Comments:  Tracy thanked Carol and Stan Topping for their 

hard work on the very successful raffle.  She thanked Glen Burney for once again hosting our annual meeting and their generosity for sponsoring lunch

 

13.     Meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.