PaBIA’s eBlast July 2nd 2025

Jul 2, 2025 | Eblasts

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Volume 17 No. 8

And we are off and running/boating! The sailing race in the Ojibway Bay was fun to watch, we’ve enjoyed seeing the sunshine, and the boat traffic reminds us that summer has begun (even if the air temps have not)!

But all the fun is also a reminder to each of us – including all our kids and grandkids (so please share this with them) – that it is important to leave our special picnic places better than we find them: leaving nothing but foot prints in the sand and taking nothing but photos and happy memories with us; that our human presence needs to be all but invisible when leaving these beautiful island rocks.

Lastly, please know that in these eBlasts, all links to more in-depth information are in red, bolded, and underlined. Often logos serve as links as well.

Table of Contents In this eBlast:

PaBIA

  • Uptick in Bear Sightings, Break-ins, and Incidences
  • Part 2 – Calling for Help for a Wildfire (not cottage fire)
  • On the Water Boater Coaching is Back – Sessions July 2 & 9
  • PaBIA‘s 1st Sailing Race of the Season: July 5
  • Literally on the Bay – My Friends
  • Hog-nosed Snake
  • Cottage Country: Did You Know?
  • Lost and Found – Missing Wooden Raft near HITW
  • In Memoriam – Heather Doner
  • Yearbook Update June 25, 2025

OF INTEREST

  • GBB – Bear Wise While At the Cottage
  • ToA – Large Item Pick Up Day – July 5 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Ojibway Club – Kids’ Upcoming Budding Artist Experience
  • Lake Michigan-Huron Water Levels – June 30, 2025

PaBIA

Uptick in PaB of Bear Break-in Incidences

With an uptick in bear break-ins here in Pointe au Baril, PaBIA member, Scott Weir, is suggesting and we are asking that anyone who has had a bear break-in the past year, to please

  • notify PaBIA of the Property Number (see below for more detailed requested information) so the bear’s route in PaB can be documented to help MNR see the pathway and extent of the problem; see information below),
  • notify MNR directly at 1-866-514-2327 to apprise them.

We live in bear country here in Ontario. Needless to say, though, bears can do a great deal of damage inside a cottage and thus far have done so this year here in PaB. Though some damage has been extensive, thankfully noone has been harmed in any way.

To Be Bear Wise and know

  • what to do in case of an encounter,
  • how to ward off bears, and
  • how to prevent an encounter

is critical to staying safe – for you and your neighbours.

At the cottage, Becky Pollock, ED from GBB, suggests that we click on these tips and scroll down the page to the section “At the Cottage”.

Scott Weir’s Experience and Resulting Suggestions:

There have been a rash of bear break-ins in Pointe au Baril in the past year, with a notable increase of frequency this spring and summer. At Barronsbrae (G-1550), we were broken into on the night of June 24th when we were away, and since then have been hearing about a lot of other break-ins. It is likely that these are being undertaken by one family group of bears or one bear, and the sites range across our little group of islands and mainland. While there have been no attacks of people or pets to our knowledge, there has been damage to kitchens.

Reporting:

  • The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has a “Bear Wise” report line linked in the attached article and above. If you have had a bear break-in, please report it. 
  • PaBIA will be charting where and when the invasions have been happening.  Please email PaBIA (by clicking here) with
  • your property address,
  • day/month/year of the break-in,
  • time of day or night,
  • email address for ease of internal use should PaBIA wish to be in touch for further understanding,
  • break-in (was there damage, or no damage), and
  • do you use a FoodCycler. (How do you normally dispose of the garbage)

We’ll add your site to the map and use your email address only for internal clarification. This will help understand patterns, timeline, and whether we are dealing with more than one nuisance bear.

There are measures that you can take to make your time at Pointe au Baril safer from bear invasion. Stay in touch with your immediate neighbours and see the attached article by Scott to learn what he experienced with the break-in at his cottage and suggested ways to make your site less vulnerable to bears. There are also other GB articles within this eBlast. The hope is that you will be able to read what will best help you to be/feel safer.

Local Advice for Those Who Have Had Bear Trouble THIS Year

From a local contractor who gave out this advice to a cottager several years ago who had had multiple bear incidences, followed his advice, and have never had another encounter.

His advice: Get a pound of beef and mix a whole big jar of cayenne pepper powder. Use gloves as it burns. 

Stick it out on a rock behind your place. The bear will come and eat it and get the most painful burn of its life. And won’t come back. 

They are creatures of positive and negative reinforcement, and they have a pallet that is even more sensitive than our own. It will burn him going in and coming out.

This is not recommended to do if you have NOT had trouble. You surely don’t want to attract them if they haven’t visited you!

Part 2 – Calling for Help for a Wildfire: 310-FIRE (3473)

If a wildfire starts on an island, it’s important to call Ontario Wildfire in order to receive additional support. 310-FIRE is the phone number to report a wildfire. When reporting a wildfire, be sure to remain calm and include the following information.

  • Where you are – Either GPS coordinates or “What three words”. An island name may not be recognized, especially for smaller islands.
  • What fire behavior you are seeing – Smoldering in the ground; if there is open flame on the ground and the height of the flame; if entire trees are burning; if large groups of trees are burning.
  • How large the fire is – any size reference will work.
  • Which direction the fire is spreading – usually determined by the wind.
  • Structures at risk – are there cabins or other structures on the island or nearby islands and how close is the fire to the nearest structure. If structures are on fire, be sure to include this information, as well as if there is still fire burning through the bush.
  • How to get there – Make sure to let dispatch know that the fire is on an island.
  • Any known hazards such as propane tanks, sheds that contain fuel or chemicals that may become involved in the fire, the presence of drones or any other hazard that may impact wildfire responders.

Keep in mind that it’s important to distinguish between a wildfire and a structure fire. Ontario Wildfire is not equipped to suppress a structure fire, and neither are you. If a structure is on fire and it is beyond what a fire extinguisher can put out, evacuate to a safe location upwind of the building. The smoke from a structure fire can be extremely toxic.

If there are propane tanks in or beside the structure, move at least 100 meters away.

Once evacuated do not approach the structure for any reason. 

 PaBIA On the Water Coaching – July 2nd & 9th

 Wednesday morning: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Randy Johnson will again offer On-the-Water Boat Maneuverability Coaching for those who want to learn or refresh their knowledge of operating or docking their boats.

His schedule will vary throughout the summer, and we will do our best to keep you posted! Sign up in the Ojibway Office and meet at the Ojibway back docks!!!

Should you need to contact him, you will find his cell number on page 293 of the 2025 Yearbook.

Literally on the Bay

Welcome to the Pointe au Baril Library summer e-blasts.
The Library, located in the Community Centre on South Shore Road, is open from 9:30-11:30 am Mondays and Wednesdays, holidays excepted. Recent best sellers have been added to the collection in time for summer reading. We are very much looking forward to the many conversations that a Library generates.


Pointe au Baril Library at the Community Centre, South Shore Road
Summer hours: Monday and Wednesday – 9:30 am – 11:30 am

My Friends  by Fredrik Backman

The first two Library reviews, How To? Survive A Bear Attack and Is A River Alive?, were exceptional non-fiction publications concerning the ‘beingness’ of the human-natural world. Today’s eBlast shifts attention to a work of fiction in which the author, Fredrik Backman, creates a narrative that captures the messy essence of being human. Many of us are familiar with Backman’s earlier book, “A Man Called Ove’, which was made into the film “A Man Called Otto” starring Tom Hanks.

In My Friends a world-famous painting entitled The One of the Sea by C. Jat links the contemporary world of teenager Louisa to the past that is represented by Ted. Ted, lifelong friend and partner of the artist, is one of the figures in Jat’s painting. Backman depicts both Louisa and Ted as lost souls, each having experienced a bruising home life in their youth.

My Friends begins with Louisa breaking into a Church, the site of an invitation-only art auction. She carries a backpack containing a treasured and well-worn postcard of The One of the Sea. It is her talisman. The pack is also full of spray cans – her art tools. She hears the champagne crowd describe the painting as ‘a damn fine investment’. As she listens, Louisa is spotted by a security guard and is chased from the auction into a back alley. Here she collides with a homeless man. They talk, and as she leaves him, he paints a skull on her hand. With this tender gesture, the story takes flight. Knowing his death is near, the homeless man, who is C. Jat, asks Ted to “Find Louisa. Give it (the painting) to her.”

The beauty of this novel lies in its humanity, its kindness, and its humour in the least expected circumstances and places. My Friends is the story about the transformative power of our relationships with one another and with art as we live through each day. This book is about you and me – My Friends.

PaBIA First Sailing Race is Saturday!

This week’s sailing race is Saturday at 2:00 pm. The start will be in Ojibway Bay with a course that runs up the Sagadawong gap (in front of Underwood Island).

PaBIA’s Sailing Commodore, Jamie Isbester, has you covered! If you wish to be added to the sailing email list or for further information, please email Jamie Isbester by either clicking on his name or text/phone him by finding the information on page 292 of the 2025 Yearbook.

Thanks to Rick Spiering for the photo from last Saturday’s Tune-Up race.

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake in PaB!

The eastern hog-nosed snake has a distinguishing upturned snout. The colouration and patterning of these snakes are highly variable. Some have alternating dark blotches, while others lack patterning all together. This variation is a reminder of the beauty of individuality and uniqueness found within nature. When threatened the hog-nosed snake flattens out its head, imitating a cobra. If the threat continues the snake will play dead, rolling onto its back and emitting a foul-smelling odour.

Just as these snakes display a wide array of appearances and behaviours, humans also thrive in diversity. In Pointe au Baril, where people support one another within our unique community, strength and resilience emerge. Protecting species like the hog-nosed snake reflects a broader commitment to valuing difference, whether it be wildlife or within ourselves. When we recognize the inherent worth of every individual species, we foster a world where connection, cooperation, and appreciation of individuality can thrive. 

Connor Krofchick, photographer; Emma Manners, PaBIA Director of Environment

Cottage Country: Did You Know?

This attached article says the Adirondack chair, designed over a few years before being patented in 1906, was first called the ‘Westport Chair’. It soon became known as the ‘Cure Chair’ as it was used for TB patients being treated in the Adirondacks so they could breathe and sleep better in a semi-upright position. Hence the name Adirondack came into popular parlance. 

The original Westport chair had one plank for the seat and back, but was modified using several narrow boards. 

In Canada, of course, the Adirondack became the Muskoka chair! And now its the Georgianback Chair!!

Thanks to Nancy Lang for sharing the derivation of what supports one of our favorite forms of relaxation!!

Of Interest

Large Item Pick-up Days – THIS SATURDAY

The two Saturday dates set aside for large item pick-ups this summer. The ToA is trying to accommodate us islanders for planning purposes, so should you have items you wish taken, the dates (different than in past years) will be July 5 and August 9. From 9 – 4 pm, they will be at the Pointe au Baril Station docks to receive the items that islanders bring in by boat. Please keep in mind that there are items excluded from these two special collections, so please click on this link to read what those exceptions are. Attached to this link is the North Archipelago newsletter in PDF format, where all the information can be found.

Science North “Make It Move” Exhibit to PaB

Wednesday, July 9, Science North will be bringing their exciting “Make it Move” exhibit to the Pointe au Baril Community Centre (70 S Shore Rd, Pointe au Baril, ON P0G 1K0). This free, drop-in event is open to children of Archipelago residents and runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The exhibit features hands-on activities like building race cars, launching catapults, and exploring the science behind how our bodies and machines move — all designed to inspire curiosity and learning through play. Check out their Poster here!

Got a Budding Young Artist? A Few Slots Still Open!

Let their creativity shine at our Kids’ Painting Morning — a fun, hands-on art experience guided by two fantastic professional artists! Come paint alongside artists Kara McIntosh and Bob Hambly and the artwork will be featured in our first-ever Kids’ Gallery during this year’s Art Show!

  • Sunday, July 13th from 9:00 am to Noon at the Arts & Crafts Hut
  • Please call the office 705-366-5085 to reserve a spot, members and non members’ children are welcome!
  • Perfect for kids aged 8–14 who love to paint, explore, and express themselves!

This event is FREE and open to all children 8-14 yrs.
in the Pointe au Baril community!

Yearbook Update

With each eBlast, we will provide you a list of names of those members who have provided updated contact information. The details of all the changes since the 2023 yearbook came out in early May are provided in THIS  printable format   for you to print out and insert into your own Yearbook! Changes as of June 23 are below.

For reporting Markers’ problems
contact Tom Cavers by cell (pg. 267 in yearbook) or email

For contacting Secretary-Treasurer and Asst. Sec. Treas.
Nancy Rogers and Elise Findlay: contact.pabia@gmail-com)

Lost and Found

Missing from it’s Anchored Spot near A129

Close to Hole-in-the-Wall

Wooden raft and chained with anchor

It had a new swim ladder and some solar lights on each corner. Please contact Marc Krofchick

In Memoriam

Heather Doner, A96 – 44 Champlain Monument Is. ‘Dunkerron’, wife of Jim Doner, mother of Nathan (Laura), Scott, and Kaileigh (Kyle), grandmother of Cole and Tayte, and sister of Randy (Jan) Johnson and Bonnie (Barb), June 5, 2025. 

Water Levels

Lakes Michigan/Huron Water Levels June 30, 2025.

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 2025

This site’s advertising feature was created to provide assistance for special local information & events for existing Yearbook advertisers only.

Emergency 

• PaB Nursing Station
• Canadian Coast Guard 
Search and Rescue
800-267-7270
• PaBIA Emergency info

PaBIA