The Township of the Archipelago is opposing the proposed aspiring Georgian Bay Geopark.
The Aspiring Georgian Bay Geopark is a grassroots initiative aiming to turn about 48,000 square kilometres of Georgian Bay into a UNESCO Geopark.
Geoparks are where sites and landscapes of international geological significant are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
At a meeting on Sept. 19, council approved a letter stating that the Archipelago does not support its inclusion within the boundaries of the proposed Geopark, and requests to be removed from all maps, plans and promotional materials related to the initiative.
As steward of approximately 26% of the total shoreline of Georgian Bay, The Archipelago places the highest priority on conservation, planning, and sustainable management,” states the letter. “The protection and preservation of the area’s natural heritage is central to our mandate and municipal operations. Council has determined that the Geopark initiative is not in the interest of our residents, nor the long-term stewardship of this fragile and irreplaceable region.”
During the Sept. 19 meeting, council passed a resolution formally opposition its inclusion in the proposed Georgian Bay Geopark.
