Frazier Bay - Landsdowne Channel - Killarney Bay - George Island - Collins Inlet - Mill Lake - Beaverstone Bay
On Wednesday, January 31, NGBA members and family joined the Board for the third annual Virtual Winter Gathering. We were joined by special guests who provided us with important information about what is going on across Georgian Bay, with particular attention to our area between Point Grondine to the east and Killarney Bay to the west. Alison McLaren, Senior Negotiator for the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs provided an update on the Wiikwemkoong Land Claim. Robert Campbell, Killarney Councillor and Fire Chief of the Killarney Volunteer Fire Department, followed up his presentation at the 2023 AMM in August with additional information on fire readiness, wildfires, and the expansion of Killarney emergency response capacity. As well, we were thrilled to have Liz Phillips (Bay of Islands), the new President of GBA, present on key issues for our area including floating homes and phragmites. Many thanks our guests and members who came together to connect, share, and learn!
Lyn O'Reilly (January 21, 1933 - June 13, 2023) was a long-time summer resident of Beaverstone Bay, along with her husband, Gord, their three children Andrea, Ray and Gord, and, eventually, six grandchildren. A dedicated member of the Association, she served as NGBA Secretary for many years, taking perfect hand-written minutes for all meetings and AGMs, and always finding positive solutions to any challenges. Lyn was an avid athlete at home and at the cottage, often seen paddling solo in her red cedar strip canoe. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor who could "always find a tiny patch of blue sky in a thunderstorm." While there was a Celebration of Life for family and close friends at The Toronto Golf Club on June 28th, those who knew her in the Bay can celebrate her life with an early morning canoe paddle or an afternoon swim to a sun-drenched rock.
The 2023 AMM will be held on Sunday, July 30 at 10:30am at the Sportsman's Inn's "Ice House" in Killarney. Special guests include a representative of the Georgian Bay Association (GBA), Mayor Michael Reider, and Fire Chief Rob Campbell. All members are encouraged to attend. Friends and neighbors are welcome! RSVP's are appreciated: northerngeorgianbayassociation@gmail.com.
Longtime seasonal resident of Beaverstone Bay and founding member of the Zanesville Club, Dr. Richard "Dixie" Davis, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2023 at the age of 97. Kirk Thorne, a family friend, shared: "we all appreciate Dr. Davis’ leadership in the establishment of the Zanesville Club and the leadership of all the founding members, which has created countless memories and experiences for multiple generations." For more information, to share memories and condolences, and watch a tribute video, please go the link below.
https://www.bryanhardwickfuneralhome.com/tributes/Richard-Davis
Members, family and friends are invited to join the Board of Directors for our annual winter gathering on Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00pm EST. Zoom link is provided via members' email. Special guests are Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director of the GBA, and Alison McLaren, Senior Negotiator, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (IAO). Join fellow members, neighbors and friends for updates on what's happening with your association and across the northern Georgian Bay Area!
Freda Klassen presenting Harvey and Lorna their Honorary Life Membership Award
Harvey and Lorna with artist and neighbor, Andy Nairn, at their home in Beaverstone Bay
At the 2022 Annual Members' Meeting held on Sunday, July 31, Lorna and Harvey Mierke, Jr., two of our most long-standing and impactful association members, were named as our first Honorary Life Members. Along with the honor, they received a print made by member and Beaverstone Bay neighbor, Andrea Nairn. At the meeting, Freda Klassen, GBA representative and former Board member, presented the award to the Mierkes: "The names Harvey and Lorna go hand in hand like Simon and Schuster, Fish and Chips, Wine and Cheese … you don’t get the best of one without the other." Freda's heartfelt remarks reflected Harvey and Lorna's decades-long commitment to the bay, fellow residents (permanent and seasonal) and the association: "Lorna and Harvey, you continue to set the perfect example, for all of us, of dedication to the environment and your community. We thank you!" The resounding standing ovation reflected their wonderful legacy and the many friendships they have across our northern Georgian Bay community.
On Sunday, July 31 members gathered for our first in-person Annual Members Meeting (AMM) since 2019 in the brand new "Ice House" at the Sportsman's Inn along Killarney's historic channel. Board members, led by President, Rob Nairn, provided updates on association business, the Wiikwemkoong land claim, and Killarney news. Freda Klassen, our Georgian Bay Association (GBA) representative, described initiatives relevant to our area. Harvey and Lorna Mierke were awarded Honorary Life Membership for their lifetime commitment to NGBA and GBA. A lovely reception followed the meeting. All current members will receive a copy of the AMM minutes in an upcoming communication.
In December 2021, the NGBA Board learned that John Hollick, property owner in Beaverstone Bay, on behalf of Save our Islands (SOI), submitted an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) against the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the Sudbury office of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry regarding the potential transfer of area islands to Wiikwemkoong. A press release and article in The Sudbury Star indicated that "Hollick contends these islands were historically used by non-natives and their inclusion in a deal with the First Nation ignores ongoing public usage of the area." As noted in our President's Letter to NGBA members dated December 17, 2021, we have assured Chief Peltier and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs that NGBA are not involved in the HRTO application and that we remain firmly committed to concluding our Agreement with Wiikwemkoong in relation to the land claim, and continuing to develop neighbourly relations. We also note that John Hollick has not been a member of NGBA for several years now.
Get your NGBA t-shirt! The 2022 Membership Drive includes this great NGBA logo t-shirt offer. All property owners/Primary members (or identified representative) were sent a mailing with the updated 2022 Dues Notice, a flyer with a t-shirt order form, and a stamped return envelope. Each paid Primary Member registration that completes an order form will receive two t-shirts.
Didn't get the mailing? Contact us at northerngeorgianbayassociation@gmail.com
Northern Georgian Bay Association