ToA Candidates for Election in October

With the Township of the Archipelago’s municipal election on October 26, 2026, PaBIA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Portfolio circulated a five-question questionnaire to all certified candidates contesting seats in Ward 1, Ward 3, and for the position of Reeve. Our goal was to surface how each candidate would approach the issues that matter most to our community members.

The questionnaire addressed five topics:

• the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Amendment,
• Property taxation and service equity,
• Infrastructure and safety,
• Official Plan and land use, and
• Environmental management and invasive species.

We are pleased to report that all six certified candidates provided responses. These are published below in full and verbatim, exactly as submitted. No editorial changes have been made.

Please understand that PaBIA does not endorse any candidate.

Jamie Bunston
PaBIA Government and Regulatory Affairs Director
jbunston@resicapital.ca

Certified & Acclaimed Candidate — Reeve
Scott Sheard 

Certified Candidates — Ward 1 Councillors Candidates
Evan Emery 
Laurie Emery 
Rick Westlake 

Certified and Acclaimed Candidates — Ward 3 Councillors
Catherine Hurlburt
Earl Manners

IMPORTANT NOTICE from ToA – 2026 Municipal Elections

Voters in the Township of The Archipelago will once again be able to cast their vote via the internet or telephone. You will require two pieces of identification when you cast your vote. The first piece of identification will be the pin number, which will be mailed to you at the end of September, and the second piece of identification will be your date of birth. Voting commences October 11th at 10:00 a.m. and ends on October 24th at 8:00 p.m.

Applications for revisions (amendments to the Voters’ List) may be submitted to the Municipal Clerk’s Office. To ensure that our records are complete and that you will not encounter any issues receiving a pin number and casting your vote, please contact the Municipal Office.

Contact:

Alana Torresan, Executive Assistant
atorresan@thearchipelago.ca
705-746-4243 Ext. 315    

               or

Maryann Martin, Municipal Clerk
mmartin@thearchipelago.ca  
705-746-4243 Ext. 301                       

ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 states:

Qualifications of Electors

A person is entitled to be an elector at an election held in a local municipality if, on voting day, he or she:

• Resides in the local municipality or is the owner or tenant of land there, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
• Is a Canadian citizen;
• Is at least 18 years old; and
• Is not prohibited from voting under section (3) or otherwise by law.

For more information regarding the October 24, 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections, please visit our website at: thearchipelago.on.ca/p/municipal-elections.

Questions Posed To Candidates by PaBIA

Question 1 — Zoning & Development

The Township’s new Comprehensive Zoning By-law (Amendment A2224-26), in effect May 2026, introduces significant changes affecting water-access island properties — including fixed shoreline elevations, revised docking entitlements, and boathouse specifications. How will you approach constituent concerns arising from this by-law, and what is your position on any Ontario Land Tribunal appeals that may be filed?

Question 2 — Property Taxation & Service Equity

Island and water-access properties pay full property taxes but receive fewer municipal services than road-accessible properties. What specific steps would you take to address this disparity?

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

Navigational aids, waste transfer stations, and emergency response for water-access properties depend on adequate Township funding. What are your priorities for capital and operational spending in these areas?

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

The Township’s Official Plan governs land use and environmental protection within the Archipelago. How would you approach the next Official Plan review to ensure that island and water-access community interests are appropriately represented?

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

Invasive species including phragmites, gypsy moth, and pine sawfly are active threats in the Pointe au Baril area, and plastic pollution in Georgian Bay is an ongoing community concern. What role do you believe the Township should play in coordinating invasive species management and shoreline stewardship within its jurisdiction, and what resources would you commit to these efforts?

Answers from Acclaimed Reeve

Question 1 — Zoning & Development

The change to the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law (CZBL) reflects extensive consultation and community input over a four-year period. Our consultation included residents, business owners, community organizations throughout the Township including PaBIA, and First Nations. The provincial policy statements of the Province were considered including ‘Housing & Land Supply,’ ‘Municipal Implementation,’ and ‘Growth and Conservation.’

The process incorporated suggestions from residents and contractors, and process feedback was positive. The same process was utilized in the Site Alteration and Tree Preservation bylaws to ensure that most of our residents can manage their properties without change while providing remedies to egregious land misuse that is increasing every year.

To date, our residents (99.99%) work within the Official Plan (OP) and CZBL to build their “little piece of heaven.” We all have the right under provincial legislation to pursue exceptions through the Committee of Adjustment and Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). There are situations where ‘no’ is an answer relative to our OP and CZBL.

I am not in support of the change from defence-based, municipal-oriented appeal body (LPAT) to the de novo OLT process. LPAT had a two-stage appeal process that required conformity with a municipality’s official plan and consistent application of provincial policies. Key planning and building decisions are increasingly bypassed from standard consultation and planning processes by the OLT.

It is my belief that the OLT is an anti-democratic process and at odds with the goals and strategic aims of our provincially approved Official Plan and corresponding CZBL. Since it has limited public input and oversight, it reduces the flexibility of municipalities to address valid local concerns; your concerns. In my opinion, the OLT consistently ignores local priorities which should raise apprehension about the tribunal’s role in our natural and near natural township.

Residents and their municipality should have authority over planning and development, environmental and heritage protection, property value and compensation, and municipal fiscal issues. All of these underpin the socio-economic fabric of our community. This is the basis for a fair and efficient planning process.

All taxpayers in the Archipelago must pay for the tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and Staff time defending our OP principles. This is a form of double taxation where your Official Plan, expert staff, and standing as a neighbour are secondary to the Chair of this de novo hearing and the applicant. A de novo hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) means the tribunal treats the appeal as a brand-new case rather than a review of the local municipal decision. 

Many of our neighbouring municipalities are building reserves for legal costs to deal with the few who use the OLT.

It is my commitment that we will prudently defend our Official Plan and CZBL at the OLT on behalf of all our taxpayers.

Question 2 — Property Taxation & Service Equity

In travelling throughout our Township, one hundred kilometres North to South, I have heard a different perspective from road-based communities and inland lakes that offshore Georgian Bay residents receive all the focus. Some offshore residents in Ward 4 and Ward 2 believe Ward 3 receives more focus than their communities.

The Official Plan, from its inception in 1980, states that responsible development and the delivery of municipal services must be balanced to the ENVIRONMENT. To our knowledge, we are the only municipality in Ontario with this strategic imperative. This historically resulted in a ‘low tax, no service’ culture within our community and our Council. Services evolved over time with waste being the predominant service and significant cost centre.

The North Archipelago is area rated, meaning that residents of the three Wards collectively fund northern waste operations (transfer stations, Site 9, etc.), roads, community centre, annual donation to Ojibway Club as an offshore community centre, etc.

However, municipal services are provided in a tailored way throughout the Township, North and South, Wards 1,2 & 3 and Wards 4,5 &6, respectively. For example, offshore communities receive Large Item Day where onshore communities must take their large items to Site 9. The derelict dock program, paid by all taxpayers in the North Archipelago is a good example of acknowledging the needs of a local community.

Every term, Council establishes a new strategic plan to guide Council and Staff in serving its community. The plan is tested by community organizations, NGOs, and other right holders and stakeholders.

Deriving consensus on challenges and issues is a great attribute of ratepayer and community organizations of which we have seventeen (17) in The Archipelago. PaBIA can play a key role in determining what services its members view as critical and bring them forward in our strategic planning process.

From my time as a volunteer with PaBIA, clearly there are differing visions within our community. There are those who would prefer our area to be like a simpler, less developed time in PaB. Others seek bringing city-like services to the North. I believe the majority of us prefer to have our summer experience markedly different than our life elsewhere supported by services that allow us to do so. The Archipelago must recognize and hear all voices within our community.

Please note: The Township retains only 50 per cent of your property taxes to maintain services and build infrastructure. Ontario is the only province in Canada where property taxes must fund to this degree, healthcare, social services, public transportation, OPP, social housing, etc. Despite double digit levy increases from the Province, The Township tax increases have beaten inflation 5 years in a row through investment in people, process, and tools.

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

Navigation aids are the responsibility of Transport Canada. However, the Township applied to same for a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) for the Pointe au Baril harbour. VORR allows your municipal government to request restriction of speed or banning of the use of pleasure craft and commercial vessels on local waterways to improve safety, protect ecosystems, and serve the public interest. The residents along the harbour have experienced frightening damage to docks and sinking of boats this summer. Community consensus on speed reduction was/is the critical determinant in application approval.

Upon approval of the 10 km/h (6mp/h) zone, The Archipelago will implement and support the navigation signage. The OPP will enforce the speed limit and safe boat handling.

The management of waste is a key strategic concern that keeps me up at night. We have long utilized best practises to ensure good service to our community while managing costs. To do this, The Archipelago has invested in staffed transfer stations with extended service hours, clear bags for proper waste diversion, landfill audits, weigh scale enhancements, and strict adherence to provincial policies. This has ensured residents have ‘value for taxes’ while other municipalities in the Parry Sound District and Simcoe County have been ordered to close transfer stations until they are staffed.

The auditor general of Ontario identified that 93% of landfills in Ontario have 17 years or less in lifespan. The Province will increasingly dictate stricter waste diversion schemes in the upcoming year as many landfills in Ontario have 5 years or less. Your Township Staff is continually working on ways to extend our landfill to a 20-year lifespan while waste from our community increases year over year.

Waste management is a critical budget pressure in the management of not only residential waste, but construction, institutional, commercial, and industrial sources as well. We continue to offer Foodcycler appliances to reduce wet organic waste from landfill. Please reduce waste costs by taking advantage of our subsidized offer.

The way forward: Staff and I are pursuing new technological waste diversion systems like ‘waste to energy.’ This is critical to the residents of The Archipelago, West Parry Sound, and our future here in the North.

Emergency response (medical services) is provincially mandated and regulated by the Ontario government. Land ambulance service is locally administered and co-funded by municipal governments in the Parry Sound District and I am the Township’s advisory board member. However, there are no water-based ambulance services anywhere in Ontario, and the only current certified transportation agencies are OPP and Coast Guard.

Fire response in West Parry Sound portion of the District is through long-standing volunteer fire organizations. The loss of PaBERT is still felt by many of us who recall their heroic help to our community. Many dedicated volunteers are needed to provide that kind of 7/24 hour support to our extensive community.

We recognize that expectations of community evolve over time. Council and Staff are considering community input from all parts of The Archipelago and PaBIA and its members are invited to provide input to our Strategic Planning process in 2027.

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

From my time as a volunteer with PaBIA, differing visions of land use and environmental protection were voiced within our community. There are those who would prefer our area to be like a simpler, less developed time in PaB. Others seek bringing city-like services to the North. I believe most of us prefer to have our summer experience markedly different than our life elsewhere supported by responsible development practices, and the protection of the environment and the natural state.

The same comprehensive, inclusive process of consultation, utilized in our policy reviews, will ensure all residents, businesses, and ratepayer/community organizations have their community interests represented. Your Council representation will also be a key voice in the process. Council members today are past and present community volunteers, and members/directors of ratepayer organizations. Grassroots knowledge and accessibility of Council are assets to the community at large and the organizations that represent residents.

The OP The Archipelago must provide the opportunity to recognize and hear all voices within our community during the OP process. The island and water access communities will have a voice whether on San Souci and South Channel in the South, the communities on inland lakes, Pointe au Baril area or Bayfield Nares in the north.

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

Sadly, the Province does not treat gypsy moth infestation, and it is left to private landowners and municipal landowners. Pine sawfly larvae is treated only by the Province if significant stands are affected, and to our knowledge, a rare intervention. The Province’s focus is on spruce budworm and jack pine budworm in the North.

Small municipalities lack specialized equipment, staff, and budget to manage insect outbreaks on public lands and extensive Crown Lands present a challenge only the Province can address.

Today, The Township eradicates Phragmites along its road systems, municipal assets, and public piers. The Archipelago meets twice annually with MTO to compel treatment of Phragmites along the highway corridor and escalates regularly to ministerial level including tours of our area.

We have renewed our strategic partnership with Mnidoo Gami Georgian Bay Biosphere for environmental stewardship. Further to this, Georgian Bay Forever provides additional scientific support on how we manage our assets and advocate at senior government levels.

The Archipelago is a respected voice at senior levels of government through our environmental efforts on the dock foam ban, and through our leadership at the Great Lakes St Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI). All mayors of GLSLCI, north and south of the border, passed our resolutions on plastics, PFAS, and cigarette butts in Great Lakes water were passed by all the mayors, north and south of the border.

Answers from Candidates – Ward 1

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

My priorities are to keep up the services and infrastructure that we are currently funding and operating.

We are fortunate to have a Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic within our ward, as well as an Ambulance base for emergencies that serves the North Archipelago. This facility is a testament to what can be achieved when the township and Community provide joint financial and operational support. I support the process of consultation with community, businesses, and resident to ensure services are maintained at The Township.

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

I would first listen to the staff and people of the community for their input. As well implore the community to take part in public forums to express their wishes and concerns for the next Official Plan review.

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

The mission statement for The Township of The Archipelago is Protect and Preserve. The new Comprehensive Zoning By-law, that was in effect May 2026, is the first step to help the Township co-ordinate invasive species management, and shoreline stewardship with the jurisdiction. As a small municipality, we need the support from the province of Ontario on invasive species management. With the introduction of Bill 228, Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Act, which The Archipelago strongly supported, will help combat pollution in the water.

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Question 2 — Property Taxation & Service Equity

My approach to property taxation and service equity centres on preserving our rural character and respecting taxpayers self reliance. Choosing to live in Pointe au Baril is a conscious embrace of nature, water-access living, and independence. Residents willingly accept the realities of seasonal employment, travel costs, and limited infrastructure in exchange for this unique lifestyle.

Property taxes are already tied to MPAC’s Current Value Assessment (CVA), which naturally reflects a property’s access and amenities. Furthermore, with only 52 cents of every tax dollar remaining with the municipality—and many mainland residents already maintaining their own private roads, while all residents manage their own wells and septics—we are largely responsible for our own infrastructure. We all haul our own waste to transfer stations. However, during the off-season, full-time residents face fewer location options and reduced operating hours.

Artificially balancing services would inevitably drive up municipal costs and alter the rural character we love. There is no inherent disparity requiring municipal intervention. Instead, the specific step I support is ensuring that MPAC assessments accurately reflect the lack of municipal services. This keeps taxes proportional to what is actually received while preserving our natural environment exactly as it is.

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

Navigational aids are federal. In 2020, I formally brought concerns regarding excessive speed and hazardous boating practices in the Pointe au Baril Harbour to Council’s attention. I am fully supportive of the Archipelago’s application for a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation.

Emergency services are expensive to provide, and especially so in a community that has many water-access properties. These expenses may be beyond what taxpayers are willing to pay for, so, it is important for cottagers and residents to act safely, make wise decisions and have an emergency plan (both fire and medical).

Without a reliable, year-round pool of volunteers and a shared community commitment to funding and training, a volunteer service cannot succeed. Until such a unified commitment is formally demonstrated, our collective focus must remain on preventative safety, strict adherence to upcoming VORR rules, and individual emergency preparedness.

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

I view the Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-laws as critical tools for balancing growth with the preservation of our unique Georgian Bay ecosystem. Every resident and cottager has a vital role to play in this environmental stewardship.

To ensure island and water-access community interests are represented in the next review, I will take a proactive approach as I’ve done in the past. First, I will closely evaluate the technical data by reviewing background studies and reports to analyze exactly how proposed housing, environmental, and infrastructure policies impact water-dependent properties.

I’ll be engaged by actively participating in public open houses and council discussions, keeping the distinct logistical and environmental needs of islanders—such as marina access, dockage, waste management, and water safety—at the forefront of municipal planning. Finally, I will collaborate and advocate, listening to both staff expertise and public feedback to bridge the gap between municipal policy and the real-world realities of water-access living. I look forward to being an active, vocal participant in this review process to protect our fragile environment while safeguarding the distinct lifestyle and interests of our island communities.

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

Protecting our unique biosphere requires proactive municipal leadership, strong community partnerships, and strategic resource allocation within the Township’s operating budget. Because ecosystems do not recognize property lines, the Township moves beyond passive governance to serve as the central coordinator for environmental stewardship. In January 2026, Council reinforced this role by passing a resolution requesting long-term provincial funding and support for invasive Phragmites control to prevent re-infestation.

On the policy front, a strong shoreline bylaw is a powerful tool to ensure new developments maintain natural vegetation buffers that resist invasive species and filter runoff. Having already led the province-wide charge on Bill 228 to ban unencapsulated dock foam, Council has proven its impact. Moving forward, I will continue funding our biosphere partnerships and support technological solutions like deploying Seabin trash skimmers at the Pointe au Baril Wharf and Holiday Cove Marina.

I proudly support grassroots champions like the Pointe au Baril Islanders’ Association (PaBIA), Georgian Bay Forever, and the Georgian Bay Land Trust. By removing barriers—such as waiving transfer station tipping fees for invasive phragmites—and backing our volunteer base, we safeguard the ecological integrity of Pointe au Baril and Georgian Bay.

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I have no experience in dealing with the Ontario Land Tribunal to date; however the appeal process can be a very expensive undertaking and consumes to great deal of the township Staff resources, which in turn has the potential to drive up the cost. These cost inevitably will drive up our taxes.

Question 2 — Property Taxation & Service Equity

I would require more clarification to understand the premise that there are fewer services provided by the municipality for water-access than road-accessible properties.

I am the proud owner of road-accessible property situated on Sturgeon Bay, which we purchased in 2008. We gain access to our property on a private road, and as such, in addition to our property Taxes, we are responsible for a portion both summer and winter maintenance and upkeep fees.

While we were on the hunt for our little piece of Heaven, we discovered that road-access properties, attracted a significant premium on the purchase price. We also discovered, when MPAC provide a property valuation they have a % reduction for water-access properties factored into the formula used for their assessment. As a result, a water-access property would attract a reduced tax levy than similar properties that are land-based.

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

The Infrastructure and Safety question covers a very broad spectrum of concerns, not all of which fall under the responsibility of the township.

According to Transport Canada, it is the Canadian Coast Guard that places and maintains buoys and aids to navigation on Ontario waterways. The Township is currently working with Transport Canada to implement a speed limit in the Pointe au Baril channel, in order to protect the resident, property and shore lines from excessive wake.

The Townships of the Archipelago’s emergency response plan was developed in conjunction with the Town of Parry Sound, the Municipality of McDougal and the townships of Carling, McKellar and Sequin.

I do not believe there is a jurisdiction within the province of Ontario that provides emergency response for a water-access properties.

The waste management provided by the Township would be considered one of our strengths, with the waste management personnel assisting and sorting at the transfer station. This allows the Township to recover significantly higher returns than other municipalities, through the clean recycling output.

The Township has attempted to gain approval for additional waste management sites, but to date the Provincial Government has not provided any approvals. Council and the Township continue to look for innovative solutions to handle the fast approaching waste management Delema.

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

The Township is committed to ensuring the Official Plan review process will provide ample opportunity for consultation with all Stakeholders, including Islanders’, water-access and land-based community members, Local Businesses, First Nations and Local Associations represented.

I am open to discussing any specific concerns regarding the upcoming reviews of the official plan and identifying areas of concern to other members of Council and Township Staff as appropriate.

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

Environmental Management and Invasive species are always a top priority tor the Township of the Archipelago and I believe that the Archipelago has demonstrated leadership in this area. In previous years PaBIA volunteers and the Marine Patrol organized very successful phragmite removal days. The Township did provide grant money to assist with this community effort. The township also cut phrag on its property and along township roads.

It is also my understanding that the township has worked with the Ministry of Transportation to have them cut phrag along provincial highways.

Invasive species and Micro plastics, are very serious issue that the Council and Township Staff take very seriously. The Archipelago have and will continue to provide leadership in education and to actively seek and implement opportunities and technologies to prevent and reduce these threats to the community.

Shoreline stewardship has to be linked into the official plan. A combination of regulation and education to the members of the community will be required. It is the responsibility of all members of the community along with the Council and Township to protect the beautiful region we, and our families have the pleasure of visiting on a regular basis.

Answers from Acclaimed Candidates for Ward 3

The amendments to the Bylaws regarding fixed shoreline elevations, revised docking entitlements, and boathouse specifications are minor in nature. The fixed shoreline elevation replaces the variable term “high water mark” while maintaining the existing water level mark. The new limits on the length of docks along the shoreline and out into the Bay address safety and shoreline clutter. Boathouse specifications clarify that boathouses should not be built in environmentally protected areas.

An application to the OLT does not preclude the Parties from finding a mutually agreeable solution before a Hearing. This is a preferred solution when differences lend themselves to compromise. In other cases, it is the responsibility of the Township Staff, Councillors, and members of the Planning Board and Committee of Adjustment to uphold the Official Plan and Bylaws. On such matters, I am guided by the adage that if you do not defend your principles, it is not a principle.

Unfortunately, there is a growing and vocal concern across this Province that the OLT is not defending the principles of the legislation and regulations that it is meant to adjudicate. This just encourages egregious behavior and undermines the very responsibilities of local governments to represent its residents.

Question 2: Property Taxation and Service Equity

I have a concern with the premise. Water-based residents do not receive fewer services than road-accessible properties. 

Whether it is a building permit, planning support, access to Transfer Stations and Site 9 Landfill, road maintenance, retaining wall and wharf maintenance, to name a few, the services are the same for water-based and road-accessible residents.

To clarify, the Township does not provide curbside garbage pick-up to road-accessible residents nor water-based residents. The Recreation Centre is available to all residents of The Archipelago, especially to all Ward 1, 2, and 3 residents. The Wharf and Loading Dock in Pointe au Baril Station serves all residential needs in Ward 3. The Township does not provide water infrastructure to water-based or road-accessible residents, except at the Pointe au Baril Recreation Centre that is used by all residents. All residents are responsible for their own water source, water treatment and septic requirements. The Township maintains its roads for the use of all citizens.

It is true that The Township of The Archipelago does not have the full range of services that other municipalities do. EMS Services are not available to any water-based communities anywhere in the province. As for fire services, neither road-accessible nor water-based residents have such a service. The Township has been a strong supporter of the OPP Marine Unit. 

MPAC, a provincial agency, assesses each property according to a formula. Part of the formula assesses water-based properties at a lower rate than road-accessible properties. Municipal taxes are applied to each property assessment on an equal percentage basis in the North Archipelago. Only $0.51 cents of every tax dollar the Township collects stays with the Township. The rest pays for provincial services such as the OPP, public education, EMS, and social services.

Question 3: Infrastructure and Safety

The management of waste is the most pressing and potentially costly infrastructure priority for the Township. The Provincial government has signaled that municipalities will be required to have an operational organic waste management plan in the nearer future. As part of the Township modernization efforts, annual assessments of the Site 9 landfill have provided key data on waste composition, waste load, and the predictive longevity of Site 9. A weigh scale has been installed to monitor loads and ensure proper and fair assessment charges for both commercial and residential uses. The Township financial incentive to residents to purchase and participate in the Foodcycler program has led to a measurable reduction in organic waste going into Site 9 and reducing our carbon footprint. The fact that all of our Transfer Stations are staffed is prescient as the Province moves to close unstaffed sites in other municipalities. The Township has the cleanest recyclables of municipalities in West Parry Sound as a result, which has had a positive impact on our waste costs. 

In the long term, these positive actions will not be enough. Site 9 has a lifespan of 17-20 years despite these efforts. Even if the Province would grant the Township another site for landfill, which is highly unlikely, the cost would be very prohibitive and result in a very costly levy to residents for many years. To ensure this does not happen, the Township is already investigating the introduction of alternative waste disposal technology that will turn waste into a profitable commodity and protect the environment at the same time.   Further, the Township has led outreach among West Parry Sound municipalities to jointly develop an organic waste program that also can turn waste into a commodity to help underwrite the cost of such infrastructure. Township best practices regarding waste transfer stations has made the transfer to producer responsibility for recyclables very manageable and cost effective. 

EMS services are a land-based provincial service. The PaBIA Cottager Medical Emergency Action Plan strongly supports individual and neighbourhood readiness in the case of an emergency in conjunction with OPP, Orange, and Coast Guard assistance, when possible. As a member of the PaBIA Board of Directors and as Ward 3 Councillor, I have supported the PaBIA proposal to develop a certified community run transportation agency recognized by 911 that meets EMS standards. I would support the Township having a role in the collection of the levy required to pay for the service as the Township does for fire services to some inland lakes in the South Archipelago.

The PaBIA Emergency Action Plan also strongly supports individual and neighbourhood readiness in case of a fire. The five PaBIA fire pumps and many individual fire pumps reflect the strong community support of residents for each other. As Councillor, I have encouraged The Township of the Archipelago to engage with SFN on future collaboration regarding fire services, if and when possible.

Navigation aids are Federal responsibilities. PaBIA’s private markers are an enviable community service that is not replicated elsewhere in the Township. The Township with the support of PaBIA has applied for a speed restriction (VORR) in the Pointe au Baril harbour for both safety and environmental protection in a congested area. The Township does have an interest in purchasing and preserving the Lighthouse and Range Tower for both safety and historical reasons. 

Question 4: Official Plan and Land Use

The Official Plan of the Township of The Archipelago is a unique document among municipalities in that protection and preservation of the natural environment is the prime imperative of the Township that guides land use and development.

All proposals regarding amendments to the Official Plan must demonstrate how they preserve and enhance the 12 Objectives of the Official Plan. Those Objectives include maintaining the character of the Township, protecting and preserving water quality, ensuring compatible land and water use, services that address water-based needs, and address climate change, among others.

Every new term of Council includes a review of the Township Strategic Plan. The review includes the Deerhorn Conference that brings together all 17 ratepayer/cottager associations, and representatives of Georgian Bay NGO’s to test priorities and programs. The review of the Official Plan should go hand in hand with the development of the next Strategic Plan. I encourage PaBIA to make a submission to the OP review and participate in all public meetings. Your Ward 3 Councillors can meet with the PaBIA Board of Directors and Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee to share and discuss interests, priorities, and rationale as a prelude to a submission and/or following.

Question 5: Environmental Management and Invasive Species

PaBIA has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, even before Township involvement. As a member of the PaBIA Board of Directors, I supported the work of the Marine Patrol in identifying and mapping phragmites, and participating in phrag busting initiatives that were highly successful. As a Councillor, I advocated for a Township public education program to fight phrag. A budget item of $10,000 was added to support community actions. The Township began to identify and map phragmites on its roads and properties and initiate eradication. The Ministry of Transportation was lobbied to cut phragmite stands in its jurisdiction. The Township supports the Invasive Species Centre and has applied for a grant to continue its work on Township lands. The Township cannot be responsible for fighting phrag alone. As the goal of the OP emphasizes ‘property owners and visitors share equally in the responsibility of maintaining the ecological integrity within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.’ Identification, mapping, and eradication of phragmites within Ward 3 is a continuing effort that needs the support of PaBIA and community volunteers.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests is responsible for invasive species mitigation on crown lands as are individual residents on their property. The Township plays an education and lobbying role and works with environmental organizations to draw attention to and to look for solutions to these matters.

As for plastics, there is the old age that every drop of water adds to the bucket. The Township encourages all residents to be those drops of water and add filters to their washing machines as an individual action. As a member of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Township advocates on a North American scale for plastic mitigation efforts on our Great Lakes and Seaway. More drops of water in a bigger bucket.

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Personally I have found the Planning & Building department staff very knowledgeable and quite helpful in trying to determine what is allowed.

I look forward to understanding what the Ontario Land Tribunal process involves – but I can already imagine the process should not be triggered lightly as it sounds expensive for all constituents.

Question 2 — Property Taxation & Service Equity

I think the premise of this question presumes different usage priorities or patterns as unfairness. What is true is that the various services may be used differently or more or less frequently depending on the type of resident you are. Emergency Services and community infrastructure are available and must be paid for regardless of use. Large Item Day Garbage services at the dock are for the use of Islanders.

What is true is that land based cottagers or residents do have some different needs and services than those of us with Island properties. But over all I expect that what we don’t use and they don’t use overall balance out. For example – Garbage. We all have access to garbage – just because I don’t use it year round doesn’t mean the Township doesn’t have to have a truck, and a dump for garbage to go in. Further I hear from some people that more and more people each year are using their cottages longer and now there is a growing group of people who also visit in the winter! 

2027 will provide an opportunity to provide input on what services should be considered given our strategic imperative of remaining as natural as possible and keeping the environment front and centre of what makes this place special. I look forward to seeing folks at those consultations, or receiving their input.

Question 3 — Infrastructure & Safety

Waste Transfer is very important to maintaining our natural environment. As far as I am aware this is a priority of the Municipality.

Navigation is a Federal Coast Guard responsibility. Pabia has a long history of community markers for those channels not covered by the Federal routes.

Speed Limits are being considered in the “Pointe au Baril channel” directly before the station.

Emergency Response has been talked about for decades in Pointe au Baril We are fortunate to have the nursing station and an ambulance in PauB and the close access to the Parry Sound Hospital. This is part of the charm of the place, and the cost of the place.

At the end of the day we have to realize that only in the worst of emergencies will the RCMP, OPP, or the COAST GUARD arrive in PauB.

WE don’t have a fire response capability at this time – please let us know if you want to consider a significant tax increase to have a fully manned year round fire department. 

In the past Pabia and perhaps the Muni have reminded us all that we need to be able to self rescue –

• Do you have a neighbourhood call list – with those who can drive at night? Those that may be able to provide assistance in case of emergency?
• Have you done a fire drill on your island this year? 
• Do enough of the people on your island know how to run the fire pump? 
• When was the last time you took a first aid course? Or a wilderness first aid course? 
• Check your medicine cabinet – are your medications and first aid supplies expired or used up?
• Should you revisit those things next year?

Past Issues of PABIA Year books have great material for these sorts of issues, look for Cath Fairlie’s articles on neighbourhood groups and Mike Evan’s columns from a few years ago.

Question 4 — Official Plan & Land Use

OP Reviews follow the same process of consultation and discussion each time. I am sure that we will welcome input from Pabia and other stakeholders and you will be notified well in advance of the process.

Question 5 — Environmental Management & Invasive Species

The Township prioritizes Environmental management – it is after all our near wild environment that makes this place special. Invasive species require all of our attention and management. 

The Township does cut Phragmites on highways in conjunction with the provincial government.

Plastics are everyone’s responsibility – from making sure they don’t blow out of your boat or off your island, to making sure they are appropriately bagged to be disposed of. I hope that someone enterprising takes on the job that Murray Kennedy used to do and use the money raised from empties for community initiatives.

I look forward to the shoreline Stewardship program that will be hopefully linked to the Official Plan (OP). Keeping our municipality free of Pollution in all it’s forms is everyone’s business. I hope we can work together to keep everyone involved in having our special place stay this way!