Georgian Bay Honoured Nationally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Township of Georgian Bay Honoured Nationally for Environmental Leadership, Sustainability and Reconciliation

Township of Georgian Bay – May 28, 2025 – The Township of Georgian Bay has earned national recognition for its commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous Reconciliation, receiving the 2025 CAMA Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Award.

In addition, the Township of Georgian Bay has also received an Honourable Mention in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2025 Sustainable Communities Awards in the Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion (R-AREI) category.

The Township returned 95 acres of shoreline and road allowance lands to Moose Deer Point First Nation for $1, land that historically should not have been under municipal ownership. In partnership with the Georgian Bay Land Trust and Moose Deer Point First Nation, the Township also placed 553 acres of municipal land under permanent environmental protection through a 999-year lease and contributed to protecting an additional 32,900 acres of Crown land.

“Returning lands to Moose Deer Point First Nation was simply the right thing to do—they never should have been Township lands,” said Mayor Peter Koetsier.

He also recognized the role of collaboration in protecting ecologically sensitive areas:

“We greatly appreciated the work of the Georgian Bay Land Trust, and the support of the provincial and federal governments, to ensure our lands remain in their natural state for generations to come.”

These efforts have helped create jobs for youth, surveyors, and stewards, improved equitable access to nature, and strengthened Indigenous leadership in land care.

Colette Isaac, Lands Director for Moose Deer Point First Nation, spoke to the deeper significance of the land return:

“These little 66-foot strips that alienate us from the shoreline... play an important part in our psyche. There is an underlying impact of this awareness that our lives are constrained by external factors that have nothing to do with us.”

Key lessons from the project highlight the importance of consistent communication, as regular meetings helped build trust and maintain transparency throughout the process. The value of local legal expertise also became clear, with in-depth understanding of rural Ontario’s complex land titles proving essential to the project's success. Perhaps most importantly, the relationships built must extend beyond the life of any single project—engaging staff as well as elected officials has helped lay the foundation for lasting, respectful cooperation.

Chief Rhonda Williams-Lovett of Moose Deer Point First Nation added, “The honourable mention of this achievement is a befitting tribute to the work that has been undertaken. Moose Deer Point is grateful for, and respectful of, the successful and effective working relationships that we have established with our neighbours. G’chi-miigwech [thank you], Township of Georgian Bay leadership and staff.”

The Township's work is now being shared across other jurisdictions to support similar efforts. With a shared goal of protecting 62,900 acres of connected wilderness, the Township continues to support the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s long-term vision.

For more details contact Greg Mariotti, Chief Administration Officer at gmariotti@gbtownship.ca or 705-538-2337.

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