Dear Friends,
I hope you’ve enjoyed a happy and healthy “off-season”. It’s now the time many of us turn our focus to the Summer ahead in our special Bay of Islands. Britt and I can’t wait to get to the Bay and see you all.
Your committed board of directors has been active over the Winter, acting on the priorities we members decided on together last Summer at our AGM.
First has been fire protection & emergency planning. Our application to NEMI council resulted in a major fire pump subsidy from the local government. Other measures, including a fire alert text system and pump training will be rolled out soon. We’ll hold training this Summer for all BICA members on emergency planning and CPR.
We have a full social calendar in store starting in July, including, by popular demand, bringing back Kids Fun Day after a hiatus of many years. Please consult the calendar and make plans to attend as many events as possible. Remember, our events are open to all.
We continue to prioritize concern for our local environment. We’ll be active fighting invasive species like phragmites, facilitating water quality testing, and guiding members to help reduce light pollution, other invasive species, and working together to Love Our Bay.
Whitefish River First Nation has a new Chief and Council. It’s an opportunity to renew our relationship with our neighbours. Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow recently wrote to me, “As we settle into my new role, I acknowledge the responsibility to maintain the strong relationships already in place.”
Finally, water levels are always top of mind, and Lake Michigan-Huron continues to be below the level it was at this time last year. We must all be thinking about how to create adaptive dock solutions, with continued wide fluctuations expected in the years to come.
I wish each of you a fun and healthy Summer in the Bay with family and friends.
Best personal regards,
Patrick
Patrick Thoburn
President
Bay of Islands Community Association
patrickthoburn@gmail.com
Bay Of Islands Community Association