Ensuring the beauty of the Bay of Islands, Ontario is maintained for today and future generations.
BICA worked with Nature Conservancy Canada to apply for and successfully receive a $3000 grant from the Invasive Species Centre to control invasive phragmites in the Bay of Islands. We'll be using the funds this summer to hire a contractor to control a big patch of phrag growing on the beach at Flat Point on the North Shore. We chose this site because many BICA members have enjoyed the beach at Flat Point, and left to grow, the phrag will completely take over the beach and destroy the natural environment. We may be putting out a call for volunteers later in the summer to help with the control efforts.
If you spot any phrag colonies as you are out and about in the bay, please take pictures and notify one of your BICA Board Members.
As Canada Day and the July 4th holidays approach, summer is in full swing in the Bay of islands. With that, here are some important updates regarding event changes, water and fire safety, news from NEMI and reminders to complete our recent surveys.
Event Updates:
NEMI's Hazardous Waste Recycling Day is Saturday, July 11th from 8-11 am at the NEMI Rec Centre. Details can be found here.
The Fish Derby is also Saturday morning, July 11th. Note the formal registration and launch will now take place at the LaRiviere's island (TP# 2260) between 8:30-9:00. Please RSVP for this event: https://forms.gle/weVNv7hSuCPfDxPF6. Full details for the day's events can be found here.
The New Member Reception date has been moved to July 18th and will be hosted by Patrick Thoburn and Britt Oldenburg. If you joined BICA in 2024, 2025 or 2026 please join us!by RSVP'ing to news@bayofislands.ca. Event details can be found here.
The FireSmart Training date has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 26th from 9-11 am. full details can be found here.
The full list of our BICA 2026 summer events including the Bas Bleu Book Discussion, AMM Social and Raffle, 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Island Lodge, Sail Regatta, Love Your Bay Days and Olympics can be found on our calendar of events.
Updates from the Community:
Remember, your first line of defense for safe drinking water is to get it tested through the Sudbury and District Health Unit at no cost. You can find valuable water safety and testing resources here on our BICA website.
Many of you may have noticed that the BEER Store in Little Current has permanently closed. You can instead donate/recycle your bottle and cans to The Little Current Lions Club. Their donation bin for refundable bottles and cans is located at the NEMI Landfill.
We also recently learned that the Bridal Veil Falls trail is closed indefinitely due to flooding.
While NEMI has lifted the burn ban, please continue to use caution with any outdoor burning or fires. Notify your neighbors via our non-Emergency What's App channel, have your fire hose tested and ready, water down the area prior, and be aware of the wind direction.
We Want to Hear From You!
Thanks to all who responded to our bat box survey. We received 12 positive responses and will leave the survey open for a few more days to encourage more feedback from our community. Here is the link to the survey.
Please share your history with and stories of Mordolphton/The Island Lodge as we prepare to celebrate it's 100th anniversaryWater Safet. Submit your memories here.
So many of our families in the Bay of Islands have deep history with Moredolphton, now The Island Lodge. Many of us would never have discovered our precious gem — The Bay of Islands — were it not for a fishing expedition or family adventure to Moredolphton. Others can recall spending youthful summers working and playing there. More than a few of us can look back fondly on special occasions, eating in the grand dining hall, or attending one of the legendary fish fries. Won’t you help make these memories COME ALIVE?! As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Moredolphton / The Island Lodge, we're actively seeking stories, memories, photographs, home movies, or family experiences that harken back to this grand island treasure. If you or your family have something to share, we would love to hear from you! YOUR SUBMISSIONS will be shared with the community throughout the summer as we anticipate the big celebration on Saturday, July 25. CLICK HERE NOW to submit your special Mordolphton memories and photos! We can't wait to hear what you have to say and get the ball rolling!
Welcome back to the Bay everyone! Hope this gorgeous weather continues but that we get some rain as well. I wanted to share news from Ward 1:
Fire Safety
You may have seen that NEMI is currently under a complete Fire Ban. That includes the islands.
Check the Town website https://www.townofnemi.on.ca/ or FB page for updates and to sign up for alerts.
The NEMI Fire Dept. will once again be offering safety and pump training this summer in Whitefish Falls. Learn details here and contact David Gallup to register for this very useful workshop.
Municipal Election
2026 is a municipal election year and Canadian property owners are eligible to vote on Oct 26th in person, or by mail. Please check that you're on the Voter's List by calling or emailing Pam Myers, Clerk of the Town of Northeast Manitoulin and the Islands - pmyers@townofnemi.on.ca - (705) 368 3500 ext 228. The following website has excellent information:https://www.amo.on.ca/about-us/municipal-101/municipal-elections
Cultural Events
NEMI has a lot of interesting events and opportunities planned for 2026 and the Town website www.townofnemi.on.ca and fb page have up-to-date listings.
The Centennial Museum in Sheguiandah opened in mid May with various art shows and children's activities throughout the season, including a Northern Ontario Artists Association (NOAA) juried art show in June and the Manitoulin Fine Arts Assoc. show in August. The beloved Fall Fair will be held on Sept. 19th and tours of the Sheguiandah Archeological Site will be ongoing. Contact the museum for ticketing information (705) 368-2367:https://www.townofnemi.on.ca/p/centennial-museum-of-sheguiandah
Landfill Updates
Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on July 11th at the Recreation Centre (mark your calendars!) And check the NEMI Facebook page for details.
Landfill hours expanded to include Sundays 10a.m. to 5 pm from the 3rd week of May until the 3rd week of October and operate year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recycling rules have changed but now include more items - please check the Town website for the full list.
Recycling bins are no longer being hosted by McGregor's Landing in Birch Island but the Town has agreed to allow Ward 1 residents to use the bins at Spider Bay Marina.(45 Water St. Little Current, 705 368 3148) outside of regular landfill site hours. An attendant is there during the summer until 8pm. Have a bill or your tax roll number to prove Ward 1 residency if asked.
NEMI Public Library
As always our wonderful NEMI Public Library (50 Meredith St. 705 368 2044) offers more than just books. There are programs and events galore - with many geared towards children and seniors. The lending library continues to offer tools and equipment for members to borrow and use at home. The list is extensive - please call the library at (705) 368 2044 for more information and conditions.
Again your tax roll # or bill showing Ward 1 residency will get you a library card and all the great benefits that provides: https://nemi.olsn.ca/
Their FB page has updated program and event information. There's even a hybrid book club!
Call to ask about the Senior Compass programs as well.
Additional HappeningsOther notable dates of community events include:
The first Community Safety Day was held on June 6th.
Comic Con is coming June 12/13 at the Rec Centre.
The annual Community Picnic will be held on July 12th at Low Island Park - everyone is welcome and there are always numerous fun children's activities.
July 31 to Aug 02nd is Haweater Weekend in Little Current and the very popular Tugboat Rendez-vous will be returning on August 14/15 - as well as Pride Weekend from the 14th to the 16th, complete with a joyful parade and free community bbq.
And for anyone looking to stay physically active over the summer - remember that NEMI has some beautiful trails and the Rec Centre has various programs - including pickleball and tennis courts. Check with the Town office for details (705) 368 3500.
Enjoy your precious time out in the Bay, and to all our returning American and international friends, you are very welcome!
As always, contact me with your comments or concerns: hlaurie.cook@yandex.com or (705) 282 7076. All the very best for a wonderful summer,Laurie Cook Councillor Ward 1NEMI
Hello, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to another glorious summer in the Bay. I hope everyone has a great time, but I want to remind you to be safe and careful with fire, boats, swimming etc. Below are some helpful reminders:
We have made some changes to the Fire Safety page on our BICA website, so please take a few minutes to review it by clicking on the link. (Note: There are some useful links for fire prevention and risk mitigation at the bottom of the Fire Safety page).
Take a moment to look at the map and identify the pumps closest to you. We also recommend that you visit your neighbors and learn where their pump and accessories are stored. If your island/pump location is off, you can fix that yourself by changing the GPS location on your member profile page. Click the Update This Property button.
If you do have a fire pump, don't forget to get it out and test it. It's a good reminder on how to use it as well.
We have had a great response to the WhatsApp BICA COMMUNITY groups. Please use the Emergency Only BICA group for reporting fires, accidents and injuries. Anyone can request to join the group, you don’t have to have a fire pump or know how to run one. All other posts should be in the other WhatsApp BICA COMMUNITY groups.
While there is currently a fire ban, once lifted, if you are planning to have any type of outdoor fire on your islands, it’s very helpful to announce it in the Non-Emergency BICA group. Be sure to burn in a safe area away from fuel sources. Have plenty of water available, keep the size down, and don’t burn if it’s too windy. A fire ring is a good idea, and watering the area before burning is recommended. Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended. Remember, fire can spread by pine needles in the cracks in the rocks and stay burning underground for hours or days.
We will once again have a FireSmart Training session with NEMI VFD Chief Duayne Deschamps and his great crew. Everyone who has attended one has said it was time well spent. Duane covers everything from risk reduction to active fire fighting, with an emphasis on keeping yourself and everyone else safe. We end with everyone getting a chance to start and run a pump and to handle the hose and nozzles. Training will be held on Sunday, July 26th at Bay Villa from 9 -11 AM and is open to 20 participants. Please email David Gallup at dr_gallup@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.
Finally, one of our ten $500 NEMI fire pump subsidies from 2024 was never claimed. We are offering it up, first come, first served. Please email David Gallup at dr_gallup@yahoo.com to stake your claim.
Thank you for your attention to fire safety in the bay.
David GallupBICA Board Member
Please note an important update regarding pleasure craft license changes, which are now law. Here are the key updates you should be aware of:
Expiry date: All new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licenses are valid for 5 years. Licenses that previously didn’t have an expiry date will now have one.
Fee: A $24 fee will apply to new, renewed, transferred or replaced pleasure craft licenses.
Updating your information: You must now update your license information within 30 days of it changing (e.g., changes to name or phone number). Updating your information is free.
Cancellation of a PCL: The criteria for cancelling a license have expanded. A license must be cancelled if the vessel is no longer seaworthy or for other specific reasons outlined by the Minister of Transport.
Wind-powered craft: Starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will also need a pleasure craft license.
Failure to comply may result in a fine.
You can read more details posted on the Georgian Bay Association site.
Mark your calendars! Once again, the BICA board has planned a fun filled summer for 2026. With both beloved, traditional events and new creative celebrations, we have many opportunities to bring our community together this coming summer! More details and requests for volunteers will be forthcoming as we get closer to summer, but please mark your calendars for the following:
July 5th - A Celebration of Bill Williams
July 11th - Fish Derby and Fish Fry
July 12th - New Member Reception
July 23rd - Bas Bleu Book Discussion - A Town Called Solace, by Mary LawsonJuly 25th - Annual Member Meeting at Ireson Island
July 25th - Mordolphton Lodge 100 Years Celebration at Ireson Island
July 27th - FireSmart Training July 27th - August 9th - Love Your Bay Days August 1st - Annual Sailboat Regatta
August 2nd - Annual Social with Auction and Raffle
August 8th - Bay of Islands Olympics at Sharks Jaw
You can find the full calendar with times, locations and details on our BICA Website.
P.S. It's not too early to pay your BICA dues or join BICA and support the important work we do for our very special Bay of Islands.
Hugh McLelland
Hugh McLelland was one of the Georgian Bay Association’s first board members and long-time supporters. He was also active in the BICA community over his many years in the bay.
Sylvia McLelland wrote a beautiful tribute to her husband, Hugh.The work Hugh was most committed to was saving the waters of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and the North Channel via his ongoing support of GBF’s science-based work. Three months of Hugh’s last summer on earth were spent enjoying The LaCloche mountains, Bay of Islands, District of Manitoulin, wishing he never had to leave.
Her full tribute to Hugh can be found here on the GBA website: https://www.georgianbayforever.org/hughmclelland
Please note that Hugh’s family requests that in-memoriam gifts be made to Georgian Bay Forever.
Leona Catherine Nahwegahbow Mno Aankwad Kwe
Chief Rodney Nawegahbow shared a moving tribute to his mother, Leonia, who recently passed away.She was committed to a life of service to her community and the Anishinaabe people, where she was voted in as a band councillor and eventually as Chief. She and her husband Adam met and fell in love at the Mordolphton Lodge. You can read her full obituary here: https://www.sudbury.com/obituaries/nahwegahbow-leona-11848990
Bay Of Islands Community Association