In the News…
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June 30, 2026
Letter: Georgian Bay Geopark proponents acknowledge concerns
The Georgian Bay Geopark Initiative apologizes to Manitoulin councils for poor consultation, requesting a meeting to clarify the project’s exploratory, non-regulatory nature.read article Hit a paywall? Read article here.
June 25, 2026
“There’s a massive amount of wealth in the cottaging communities, particularly around Georgian Bay … and we’re at the beginning of the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth that’s ever happened.
“There’s money out there. We just have to be creative and get more people to allocate some of their philanthropic monies to protect the environment. I don’t think that’s a realistic concern.”
– Mike Robbins, Georgian Bay Geopark Chair read full article
June 2, 2026
Central Manitoulin latest Island council to spurn geopark proposal
It was pointed out that the lack of consultation with local Indigenous communities was also a very bad mistake. “They shot themselves in the foot really,” suggested Councillor Scott. “By not being prepared, not being open, not being inclusive to everybody.”read article Hit a paywall? Read article here.
May 26, 2026
Two First Nations, association ‘not prepared to support’ geopark
“We have spent the last two-and-a-half to three years in dialogue, we are working with an Indigenous outreach leader as well as an Indigenous creative agency, but suffice to say when you go on the website, you will see that this reflects what Jack Contin (Midland’s deputy mayor who died while in office in 2023) started more than two-and-a-half years ago, which is a very progressive protocol for a genuine collaboration with First Nations across the region.” read article
April 21, 2026
Mississauga First Nation has added that the geopark is “monetizing” the land and Anishinabek culture.
Organizations such as the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, Georgian Bay Forever and Georgian Bay Association have all said they don’t support the project.
The University of Toronto has asked the geopark’s organizers to remove institutional logos and mention of “formal” university support from the website “because the institution has never had a formal partnership with this initiative,”read article
Oct. 15, 2025
Billings adds voice to those Island communities saying ‘no’ to Georgian Bay Aspiring Geopark
“This is our Island, and we need to support each of our letters and motions to the proposed geopark, especially when, for instance, we could lose funding sources with a geopark being created,” said Councillor Hillyard. read article Hit a paywall? Read text here.
Sept. 23, 2025
The Archipelago opposes development of UNESCO Geopark in Georgian Bay
“The Archipelago does not support its inclusion within the boundaries of the proposed Georgian Bay Geopark and requests to be removed from all maps, plans, and promotional materials related to this initiative,” reads a letter passed by council Sept. 19. read article
July 7, 2025
‘Unsustainable tourism’ or an ‘economic opportunity?’ Here is what we know about plans to make Georgian Bay a UNESCO Geopark
Although the proposed Geopark encompasses all Georgian Bay, West Parry Sound communities are only now becoming aware of the project. read article
June 4, 2025
Gore Bay is ‘strongly opposed’ to Georgian Bay Geopark suggestion
It was pointed out that in future, if Manitoulin Island municipalities and First Nations wanted to, they could apply to be its own geopark area. read article Hit a paywall? Read text here.
May 28, 2025
Manitoulin Municipal Association wants more details on Island’s participation in Georgian Bay Geopark
“Thank you for bringing this forward. I never knew that this was going on,” said Bruce Wood, a councillor with NEMI. read article Hit a paywall? Read text here.