PaBIA eBlast April 1, 2026

Ah, yes, happy April Fool’s Day! That also means we’re getting closer to the ice being out….just not yet. The picture above was taken on Monday by Ed Garner’s cam looking out toward Raspberry Is from Richards Is. But if you click on the picture NOW, you’ll see a video created Tuesday by Jesse Hutchinson to see how much ice still remains in front of Desmasdons. Be sure to make the video full screen from the 4 directional arrow icon in the bottom right hand corner of the video! Thanks Jesse!

Jesse would also like to remind everyone that with the potential for a late ice out time, please be reasonable with your cottage opening requests. The trend in recent years has been for everyone to want their cottage opened as early as possible. Totally understandable, but we all physically need time to do it; and with a later ice out, it can be a source of stress for the contractor and disappointment for the cottager, both of which would be nice to avoid with realistic expectations! 

If you are a non-permanent resident who has heard recently from the CRA, please read the article below that the Township sent out!

In this issue please find the PaBIA calendar that is linked to the updated website calendar to help plan your summer!

---

---

Table of Contents In this eBlast:

PaBIA

• Issues for Non Residents Regarding UHT Auditing by CRA
• Calendar for 2026 Summer Season at your Fingertips!
• Tom Lundy, Past PaBIA Director and Ward 1 Councillor
• Did You Know?
• Welcome to New PaBIA Members
• In Memoriam – Mary Joyce Brooks, Tom Lundy

OF INTEREST

• GBLT – Landmark Series – Protecting What Matters
• GBA – Review of Proposed Geopark
• GBA – Update March 2026
• Great Lakes Ice Coverage 2025-2026
• Lake Michigan-Huron Water Levels – March 27, 2026

PaBIA

For Non residents Who Have Recently Been Audited by CRA Regarding UHT

Several non full-time resident property owners in The Archipelago have reported being audited by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) under the federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) program. The Township recognizes that unique access conditions, such as water-only access, seasonal roads, and limited services, may be relevant and can provide factual, property-specific information where appropriate.

If you have received a CRA audit request and require assistance, you can do one of two things to start.

1. Go to the ToA website to: Underused Housing Tax (UHT) – CRA Audit Notices – News and Planning Notices – Archipelago, ON to get further information or
2. Contact John at cao@thearchipelago.ca. We are committed to helping our residents navigate this process with clear and accurate information.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Did You Know This: About Seasonal Changes in Birds?

Lighting the Way

Every spring, billions of birds launch journeys spanning thousands of miles — and it starts with light. As the photoperiod changes and days grow longer, specialized photoreceptors in birds’ brains detect the shift in daylight. This triggers a cascade of hormonal changes that prepare the body for the enormous demands ahead: fattening, muscle growth, and zugunruhe, or migratory restlessness. These changes reflect a deeply embedded circannual rhythm that alters birds’ behavior and sends them skyward.

One hormone doing much of the heavy lifting is corticosterone. A research team experimentally elevated corticosterone levels in Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens atlanticus) during spring stopovers and found it led to increased foraging and earlier departure dates — direct evidence that this hormone helps translate seasonal cues into migratory action. Another research group looked at testosterone levels in Western Subalpine Warblers (Curruca iberiae) while at a stopover site. Their findings suggest that birds continue to change even during their migration journey, and that the conditions they encounter along the way impact their hormonal state and breeding readiness.

From HaikuBox

Of Interest

*Update on GBA’s Review of the Georgian Bay Geopark Proposal

Following a period of careful review and extensive consultation, GBA has formally decided not to endorse or support the Georgian Bay Geopark project.

While GBA appreciates the effort put into the proposal, our primary mission remains the protection, preservation, and responsible stewardship of the Georgian Bay environment. After evaluating the potential impacts on our fragile ecosystems and considering the feedback from local communities and First Nations, the GBA Board passed a resolution at our March meeting to decline support for the initiative.

GBA remains committed to working alongside local municipalities, Indigenous communities, and dedicated conservation partners who share our vision for a sustainable future for Georgian Bay.

Read the full letter sent to the Geopark team here.

In this edition for March 2026:

1. Submit your comments to the IAAC on TC Energy’s pumped storage project
2. Hydro One seeks community input on new Sudbury-to-Barrie transmission line
3. Join our team: GBA is hiring a Vision 2050 Project Coordinator for the summer
4. *GBA declines to support the Georgian Bay Geopark proposal following formal review
5. Save the dates: three GBA virtual events you won’t want to miss!
6. Coast Guard update: Search and Rescue stations opening & Midland icebreaking
7. Fire Season Begins April 1–No Foolin’
8. New federal changes proposed for the Species at Risk Act
9. A fatality, a close call, and a mass rescue prove no ice is safe ice
10. Weatheradio Canada is now silent: what Georgian Bay boaters need to know
11. Water levels report

---

---

LANDMARK Speaker Series

Protecting What Matters: Conservation Options for Landowners

Presented by Jenn LeMesurier, Land Securement Coordinator, Georgian Bay Land Trust

Wednesday April 8, 7 pm, online presentation. Register here

Do you own land that you would like to preserve in its natural state forever? This webinar will explore land conservation opportunities available through partnership with the Georgian Bay Land Trust, including conservation easements and land donations. Participants will learn about Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which provides significant tax benefits to landowners who donate ecologically sensitive land or create conservation easements. The webinar will outline the process of working with a land trust – from initial conversations through to permanent protection – and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Ideal for landowners and families interested in leaving a conservation legacy. Register here. 

New Members

In Memoriam

Mary Joyce Brooks (née Jenner), past PaBIA member, G-1590 (M-92) Oriole Point, mother of Nancy (Jim Peterson), Sue (Jamie McNair), Chris (Peter McAuley), Pat (John Fielding), and Judy (Tim Low), wife of the late Bob Brooks, and sister of Inez and Jim, February 5, 2026.

Tom Lundy, 247 South Shore Rd, husband of Janice, father of Ryan Lundy (Valerie), Stephanie Lundy, Michelle Papineau, Denise Wright (Danny), and Nicole Duffy (Ron), Councillor Ward 1 and past PaBIA Director, March 23, 2026.

Yearbook Update

Ice Levels

Below is a chart showing the average ice cover from 1973-2025.
The dark line shows the ice cover for 2025-2026 to date.
Please click on the chart to see a daily digital chart up to the present day.

Water Levels

Lakes Michigan/Huron Water Levels March 24, 2026.

To better read the charts, please click on the chart for the Daily or Six Month Forecast Water level chart and the corresponding websites

---

Please support PaBIA’s Yearbook Advertisers 2026

---