News
June 2026
June 7 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 3, 2, 4, 3 & 2 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 5, 7, 1 & 12 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 1 inch than last year. Lake Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 0, 3, 3 & 13 inches above their long-term June averages. Lake Superior is 1 inch below its long-term June average. All the lakes remain well below their June record highs. In a month, Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie levels are expected to rise by 3, 2, 1, & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Ontario le
June 2026
Powwows Around the Bay: 2026 Dates & Etiquette Guide
The annual Powwow season around Georgian Bay is a vibrant celebration of Anishinaabe, Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Métis cultures. These gatherings bring together nations for fellowship, ceremony and celebration. For non-Indigenous visitors, attending a Powwow is an incredible opportunity to learn and share space, provided you follow traditional protocols and community rules. 2026 Regional Powwow Schedule Please note: Times and dates can shift based on local committee organization. Always cross-reference the Ontario Pow Wow Calendar or local First Nation administration pages closer to the event. Early Summer Gatherings June 6 – 7: Henvey Inlet First Nation 23rd Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Henvey Inlet First Nation Pow Wow Grounds Details: Grand Entry occurs
June 2026
Not in Our Bay! The New Invasive Species to Watch For This Summer
You might have seen the recent headlines: the highly destructive Spotted Lanternfly was just intercepted in Ontario. While they haven’t established a breeding population here yet, experts warn that their invasion is an imminent threat. While our communities continue to manage established invasive species like zebra mussels, round goby, and Phragmites, a dangerous new wave of ecological threats is knocking on our door. Here are some of the high-risk species already creeping northward that are not yet established in our Bay—and what we need to do to keep it that way. Spotted Lanternfly (Land-based – impacts trees, vehicles, and outdoor gear) This sap-feeding insect is a massive hazard to Ontario’s hardwoods (such as maple and birch) as well as the agricultural fruit
June 2026
Staying Ahead of Tick Activity on the Bay
As the summer season gets closer, Ontario campers and hikers are already reporting a noticeable surge in tick activity. Recent reports from provincial parks highlight that the tick presence this spring feels like it's "on another level." According to public health experts, this isn't just an anomaly. Pathogen-carrying tick species are steadily moving north into Canada from the U.S. at a rate of about 50 kilometres per year. Historically, many tick species could not survive our harsh winters, but now it is becoming easier for them to survive and spread, potentially bringing novel tick-borne pathogens with them. While Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, notes that the overall probability of encountering a tick carrying Lyme disease remains relatively low,
June 2026
Vision 2050 & TMU Advanced Planning Studio Project Examines Collaborative Approaches to Regional Conservation
To support Vision 2050’s development, we worked with the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Urban and Regional Planning. Through TMU’s Studio program, twelve undergraduate and graduate students worked with Vision 2050 lead Rolfe Jones over the course of 13 weeks to transform our proposed Vision 2050 beyond a mission and into an actionable strategy. The team, composed of students passionate about environmental protection, produced a comprehensive 80+ page conservation and development planning report focused on ecological protection, governance frameworks, and sustainable management strategies for the eastern and northern coastal regions of Georgian Bay. The report provides a number of recommendations, with an emphasis on improving long-term environmental stewardship,
June 2026
May 31 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 4, 4, 4, 4 & 4 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 6, 7, 2 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 1 inch than this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 3, 3, 6, 5 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie levels are expected to rise by 3, 2, 1, & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Ontario levels are expected to fall by 2 inch
May 2026
Out Now: Transport Canada’s 2026 Safe Boating Guide
Transport Canada has officially released the 2026 Safe Boating Guide, updating previous editions to align with new structural amendments to Canadian marine law. - Consider this 75-page manual the definitive A-to-Z reference guide for recreational boaters. It translates dense maritime law—like the Small Vessel Regulations and international Collision Regulations—into clear, actionable safety rules, offering everything from hard legal requirements to basic practical tips for staying alive on the water. - Whether you are an experienced boater with years on the water, or a novice just starting out, this comprehensive guide offers valuable insights, best practices, and crucial regulatory updates for everyone. - The guide is divided into four main areas: - 1. The Legal & Manda
May 2026
May 24 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 7, 4, 4, 4 & 6 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 5, 7, 2 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 2 inches than they were at this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 2, 6, 3 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs.In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 3, 3, 0, 1 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through
May 2026
The Real Cost of Impaired Boating in Ontario: Fines, Jail Time, and Driving Bans
When the weather warms up, there is nothing quite like a day on the water. But if your plans include alcohol or cannabis, it’s critical to understand that Ontario treats drinking and boating exactly the same as drinking and driving. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a boat is considered a "conveyance," meaning the exact same legal limits, criminal charges, and strict penalties apply whether you are behind the wheel of an SUV or at the helm of a pontoon boat, jet ski, or even a canoe. If you are caught operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs, here is a breakdown of what you actually face. By the Numbers: OPP Enforcement on the Water Think you won't get caught? The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) actively patrols our waterways. Data
May 2026
May 17 Water Levels Report
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 7, 6, 5, 7 & 11 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron & Ontario levels are up 4, 6, & 15 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 4 inches than they were at this time last year and Lake St. Clair levels remain the same as they were last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are o, 0, 3, 2 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 3, 2, 2, 2 & 0 in
May 2026
What's on Deck for Transport Canada in 2026
GBA recently attended the Regional Boating Advisory Council (RBAC) meeting on May 12, 2026. This session provided news and updates on upcoming safety mandates, licensing changes, and structural shifts within Transport Canada. Here's what we're watching for in 2026: 1. Phasing in a 5-year renewal cycle for Pleasure Craft Licenses Every new or transferred license is now valid for 5 years and is subject to a $24 renewal fee. To stay compliant this season: Check Your Expiry: Renewals are being phased in. If your boat was licensed between 1975–1985, you must renew by December 31, 2026. Check your renewal date here. Report Any Changes: You now have only 30 days to report a change of name, address, or boat details. Read more about these changes here. 2. Mandatory P
May 2026
Pleasure Craft Licensing Changes. Make Sure You Are Compliant
As of January 2026, the way boats are licensed in Canada has changed. While a new $24 fee and 5-year renewal cycle are now in effect, these changes are part of a critical effort to modernize a database that has been inaccurate for decades. - The old "lifetime" system led to a database filled with outdated vessel and contact information. Moving to a professional, renewable system provides three major benefits: - Allows for Faster Search and Rescue: If your boat is found adrift or in distress, an accurate database allows responders to reach you or your family immediately. Accountability for "Ghost" Vessels: Abandoned boats are an environmental and financial burden on Bay communities. Regular renewals ensure owners remain responsible for their vessels. Better Waterway Planning