November 2017 PaBIA eNewsletter

Wiiky Land Settlement Claim Update

The Georgian Bay Association, on behalf of its association members that includes PaBIA, is working diligently on the Wiiky Land Settlement – an ever changing situation. To keep you abreast of the latest, please read the Fall 2017 GBA Update to read more detailed information to understand the complexities.

FALL COTTAGE PATROLS

Bruce Tiffin, our Off Season Cottage Patroller, has begun his Fall patrols and to date, has only found one downed tree without damage to any structures. With the weather warmer than usual, some cottagers may have actually seen Bruce doing his rounds!

Again, Bruce contacts Nancy Rogers, our trusted Secretary-Treasurer, immediately with any concerns, and photos if warranted; and Nancy, in turn, contacts the cottage owner immediately!!!

Official Plan Update

After conversing with the ToA Director of Planning, Cale Henderson, it is understood that the Planning Consultant for the Township has been directed to finalize the Draft Official Plan Amendment to bring to the Township “Council” for adoption. It would then be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs at the Province for final approval. Cale is hopeful that Council would approve the Plan by early winter.

Our PaBIA Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review Committee [OP CZBL], will concentrate on the Bylaws which must now conform to the revised Official Plan. The committee (Ian MacLeod, Jamie Bunston, Doug McNair, Katie Findlay, and Cam Richardson) will be meeting over the winter and welcomes any comments, concerns or input from any of our members.

Welcome Doug McNair to PaBIA’s Land Use Committee

Douglas McNair joins the PaBIA Land Use Committee. He shared, “I have been enjoying the benefits of Pointe Au Baril since I was born and truly think it is the most beautiful place on earth. My grandparents, Joyce and Bob Brooks, purchased our family cottage in 1970 on the main channel. It was (and still is) an old fishing camp that was built over 100 years ago now.”

His mother, Susan McNair, was one of five sisters; and their large family has all grown up together as a big family and shared countless memories of picnics, sunset cruises in their Lobster Boat and camp in PaB. Growing up, he spent time in the Ojibway Camp where he made strong friendships with people in the community that still hold true to today.

Doug explained, “When old enough I began to work at the Ojibway as a camp counsellor and later the Grocery Store Manager for three successful summers during which time I met my now wife Margaret. My wife Margaret and new dog Wally are looking forward to growing our memories and love for the area for many years to come.

“I was pleased to hear from Jamie Bunston that the PaBIA Land Use Committee was looking for volunteers as I think volunteering will be a perfect fit am looking to get involved with areas in my life that I am most passionate about and Pointe Au Baril is the tops for me.”

Today, Doug is a Senior Business Analyst with Metrolinx where he enjoys his work in the public sector with all the challenges and responsibilities that come along with the role and looks forward to his involvement on this OP CZBL review committee.

A PaBIA Volunteer Feels Warm All Winter Long

Just imagine sharing a coffee with other Pointe au Baril cottagers and talking about our most favourite summer place. Volunteers do that, even in winter, over the phone once or twice. Enough to make you feel warm and cozy, but not so onerous to impact the serenity that Pointe au Baril offers, knowing that you are contributing to all that is good about Pointe au Baril.

If the above put a smile on your face, please become a PaBIA volunteer to one of our four Portfolios – Member Activities, Environment, Communications & Marketing, Member Safety and Governance.

Right now, we are looking for people interested in the environment that would take on the position of Naturalist or Junior Naturalist Chair. The Junior Naturalist position would involve organizing one summer event for young people related to the natural environment (for example, arranging for a guest speaker, an engaging documentary movie or an activity such as a scavenger hunt).  The Naturalist Chairarranges the Naturalist Talk for our members but is also responsible for writing or collecting nature articles for the green pages section of the Yearbook’s PaBIA Naturalist.

The Member Events Chair also needs to be filled. I know this may sound daunting, but there are many volunteers already assisting Erica Allen, the Membership Director, and running events such as the Regattas already. Our priority is attracting younger member involvement while bringing engaging events to our entire membership. If you can help out, let us know.

Even though it is only late fall, just writing this is making me yearn to get back to the Pointe. I hope you feel the same way. Email any member of the Succession Planning Committee: Helen Bryce, Scott Sheard, Earl Manners and Tom Scoon. Looking forward to hearing from you.