Frazier Bay - Landsdowne Channel - Killarney Bay - George Island - Collins Inlet - Mill Lake - Beaverstone Bay
Three phragmites experts from Georgian Bay Forever's (GBF) Phragbusters led a workshop on identification, removal and disposal at Dupuis Bay (in Beaverstone Bay) on Monday 27 July for NGBA members. Also in attendance was Georgian Bay Association’s Executive Director Meredith Denning. We will be uploading a video for all to view and then help with eradication of the invasive species.
We hope to develop a communal mapping tool to track phragmites stands and our progress on removal. We also hope to coordinate with Wiikwemkong who are also beginning a program with Environment Canada to address Phragmites within the Claim area.
Check out the GBF's website for more information about the Phragbusters and to learn about their Seven Steps for phragmites cutting and watch the video of our workshop--thanks to NGBA member John Riat for the recording!
The NGBA board is honored to have collaborated with former Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Duke Peltier to gift to the First Nation the "Bond Head Pipe", an historic treaty pipe put up for auction in Ohio this spring. In early May, Bill Riat, former board member, presented the pipe to Mr. Peltier and the pipe was formally received by elders on May 21 at the annual Manitoulin Treaties and Knowledge Gathering at Manitowaning (the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty signing site).
To learn more about the Bond Head pipes and how Wiikwemkoong has been repatriating objects and Ancestral remains visit here. To learn more about this year's Manitoulin Treaties and Knowledge Gathering here.
On Thursday, May 28 the Georgian Bay Association (GBA) celebrated individuals from each of its member associations who are "outstanding community members who actively steward the Georgian Bay in a manner that promotes environmental wellbeing." The virtual event was hosted by GBA President, Alan Stratton, and Executive Director, Meredith Denning, along with other GBA staff. Nominators from each association were invited to introduce their association's Champion. For NGBA, Sara Mierke represented the NGBA board by introducing Freda Klassen, sharing Freda's love of the bay, dedication to environmental stewardship, persistence in ensuring our area remains clean and vibrant, and passing down her values to the next generations.
Join the NGBA board by congratulating Freda on this wonderful recognition!!
https://georgianbay.ca/champion-of-the-bay-award/
Share your photographic perspective on the natural beauty, wildlife and family fun experienced on Georgian Bay! Deadline for submission is July 15th at 11:59pm.
ELIGIBILITY: All friends and family of NGBA members.
CATEGORIES: 1. Nature 2. Wildlife 3. Family fun
AGE GROUPS: 1) Under 10; 2) 10 to 20; 3) Over 20
SUBMISSIONS: Submit photos via email or text to Freda Klassen at: freda.klassen3751@gmail.com or 519-588-3751.
SELECTION & WINNERS: Maximum one photo per category per person. Three judges will choose a winner in each category and age group. Winners will be announced at the AMM held on Sunday, July 26. Each winner will receive a framed copy of their winning photo!
Back in August, at our Annual Members Meeting, Harvey Mierke was honored posthumously as the Champion of the Bay for the NGBA area. Alan Stratton, Georgian Bay Association (GBA) President, presented the inaugural Champions of the Bay award, along with Freda Klassen, who nominated Harvey. The award honors Harvey’s dedication to the northern Georgian Bay environment, waters and community. Sara Mierke, Harvey’s daughter, accepted the award on behalf of her family. Freda Klassen has been nominated for the 2026 NGBA Champion of the Bay Award.
Seasons Greetings! Once again, the NGBA Board is excited to invite our members - Property and Associate - to gather for our annual winter Zoom meeting. We'll share association updates and our 2026 priority goals. Special guests will offer GBA and Killarney news. Keep an eye out for emails with more information and an invitation link for the meeting. If you or a family member did not receive an email or have questions, please contact Sara at northerngeorgianbayassociation@gmail.com.
Harvey Mierke (March 3, 1936 - August 16, 2024), founding NGBA member and past President, spent over 80 summers on Georgian Bay at his family's cabin on Toad Island in Beaverstone Bay. His love for everything about the bay -- the waters, land, trees, rocks, birds, animals, fish, sunsets and sunrises, West winds, sunny days and stormy nights -- was infectious. Harvey also loved the people and cherished his many friends from Killarney to Beaverstone.
The NGBA Board is excited to gather once again with fellow members and Bay neighbors for our annual winter Zoom meeting. It's a great time to catch up on association - and GBA - updates and area news, connect with summer friends, and get involved with our dedicated community. GBA Interim President, Allison Needham, will be our guest speaker with a focus on environmental issues and activities in which we can all participate. We will launch our WhatsApp Community, with groups set up for fire response, medical emergencies, and other communication needs. Keep an eye out for emails with more information and an invitation link for the meeting. If you did not receive an email or have questions please contact Sara at northerngeorgianbayassociation@gmail.com.
Join our NGBA community and Board for our annual in-person meeting and social gathering in Killarney on Sunday, July 28th at 10:30 am at the "Ice House", Sportsman's Inn. Representatives from the Killarney Municipality, Georgian Bay Association (GBA), and others will offer updates and information about key issues that impact us all. Stay for a light lunch to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Mark your calendars!
Northern Georgian Bay Association
