The Midland Free Press reports, “The Georgian Bay mayors coalition met Monday with provincial parties at Queen’s Park to discuss their concerns (about the Great Lakes, particularly dropping water levels).” Georgian Bay mayors from Owen Sound to Parry Sound have been hosting public meetings, gathering the impact this issue is having on all the lake-front municipalities.
Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron. The shores and the waterways of Georgian Bay are the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg First Nations peoples to the north and Huron-Petun (Wyandot) to the south.
The article highlights, “Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians chairperson, has launched a seven-city speaking tour in Canada and the United States calling for a bold shift in Great Lakes governance. Barlow plans to speak about the lake levels, pollution, over-extraction, climate change and invasive species. She is calling for the Great Lakes to be recognized as a commons and the public trust to be shared, protected and managed by those living around the lakes. Her vision is based on the human right to water, incorporates public input and prioritizes public and indigenous rights over private interests.”
“Barlow speaks in Toronto on April 27, Port Elgin on Aug. 1 and Bayfield on Sept. 28.”
For more, please read:
UPDATE: Barlow’s tour to tackle critical Great Lakes issues
Georgian Bay mayors to present update on water levels
Action to restore Georgian Bay water levels needed now