Highlights of your Area Council Meeting for July 25, 2011:

• David Bywater provided an update on the GB Biosphere Reserve plans for an environmental report card for GB to be issued in Feb. 2013.
• The Mayors of Muskoka will be meeting with various Provincial Ministries on issues including – Green Energy Act, Gas Tax revenues, Nurse Practitioners, Northern Ont. Status, etc.
• Staff Changes – Jeff Lees is appointed Treasurer, Kevin Datema, Manager of Pubic Works, Parks, Recreation and Facilities (both had been acting) and we have finally hired a full time By-law Enforcement Officer (Ted Lowcock). Ted can be reached at 705-538-2337 Ext. 263 or 229.
• The Just Add Water Festival broke even and plans are underway for next year with the Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce taking the lead.
• The Township has established a procedure for applications of new Vessel Operation Regulation Restrictions and Non Regulatory Signs on the water.
• The District has come out with a new brochure for the Giant Hogweed. It is in our Township and can be very dangerous if touched. The Township will advise the public on its handling and control if found on private property and will control the weed on District and Township property (i.e. roadways).
• A brochure for the giant hogweed can be found at www.muskokaheritage.org/watershed/
• Gwen Robinson provided a video of over 400 campers that descended on Go Home Lake on the July Long Weekend. Council is taking steps to control camping in the Township starting with Go Home Lake. A comprehensive program should be developed over the winter.
• Seasonal speed bumps will be installed on Macey Bay Road.
• The Steward Lake wharf and Port Severn entrance feature are complete.
• An Ad Hoc Committee for Site Alteration is being formed with 3 Councillors. Public input will be sought for the control of shoreline activities (tree cutting, blasting, soil removal/addition, etc.).
• Next council meeting is September 6th

Thanks for your interest. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

Paul M. Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
Township of Georgian Bay
705-756-1576
paul.wiancko@gmail.com