Partners Working Together to Keep Georgian Bay Free From Plastic

The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup (GLPC) — a joint initiative of Pollution Probe and the Council of the Great Lakes Region — is pleased to announce that two more marinas have joined the initiative in Georgian Bay. Cliff Richardson Boats Ltd. in Meaford, and Georgian Shores Marina in Owen Sound, are welcome additions to the GLPC network, strengthening the initiative’s existing efforts in the Georgian Bay region. Each marina has installed a Seabin that will collect both macro and microplastics, ensuring that they are removed before causing harm to the local ecosystem and wildlife. These plastic capture devices will also contribute to important data gathering and engagement of the local community to address plastic pollution.

“We are delighted that Cliff Richardson Boats Ltd., Georgian Shores Marina and new waste characterization partners are joining the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup’s efforts to put an end to plastic pollution,” says Christopher Hilkene, CEO of Pollution Probe. “Their contributions to the initiative will help to expand its scope and impact, ensuring that Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes are kept clean for future generations, while also bringing new audiences into discussions about plastic pollution and the importance of proper resource management.”

Spanning over 15,000 square kilometres, Georgian Bay is not much smaller than Lake Ontario and is often referred to as the sixth Great Lake. The bay features more than 30,000 islands and 2,000 kilometres of shoreline. The municipality of Meaford is situated on the south shore of Georgian Bay, while Owen Sound, also known as the Scenic City, is located at the foot of the Bruce Peninsula. Both municipalities are known for their beautiful harbours, scenic views, and thriving communities. Georgian Bay residents are committed to keeping the waters of the bay pristine, and the installation of two new Seabins will help to ensure they remain free from plastic and other debris, both today and into the future.

“Having a clean and healthy lake is one of the most valuable things to our boaters and community,” says Steve Thornton, General Manager, Georgian Shores Marina. “Without it, future generations won’t have the luxury of enjoying the beauty and lifestyle being on a great lake provides. Georgian Shores Marina is pleased to be taking part in initiatives that help preserve the health of Georgian Bay.”

“Cliff Richardson Boats is proud to be a part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup initiative, to ensure Georgian Bay and the rest of our Great Lakes will be enjoyed by the next generation and beyond, just as we have at our location here in Meaford for almost 90 years,” says Brian Laporte, Office Manager at Cliff Richardson Boats.

The Meaford Rotary Club has also joined the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, acting as the waste characterization partner for Cliff Richardson Boats Ltd in Meaford. A team of dedicated local Rotarians will be responsible for collecting plastic and other debris captured by the Seabin, as well as sorting and characterizing what is found. The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is the latest in worthy causes that the Meaford Rotary Club has contributed to over its long history, having received its charter way back in 1937. The rotary club’s efforts will contribute to building a better understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution in the Georgian Bay community.

“Rotary clubs around the world are increasingly placing a focus on environmental projects,” says Sonja Glass, Environmental Area of Focus Chair, Meaford Rotary Club. “Working with the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup gives our club the opportunity to quantify any plastic issues within the major river in our community and will give us guidance on how to respond to these issues.”

Data collected through the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup in 2021 showed more than 28,000 pieces of plastic removed by Seabins at participating marinas in Georgian Bay, with the top three items reported being small foam, small film and small hard plastic fragments. The new marinas in Meaford and Owen Sound will contribute to building out a more detailed picture of plastic types, sources and impacts for the region.

About the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup

The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, an initiative of Pollution Probe and the Council of the Great Lakes Region, with support from a network of funders and collaborators, is the largest initiative of its kind in the world, using innovative plastic capture technology to remove plastic and other litter from Lake Ontario to Lake Superior and everywhere in between. Through research, outreach and education, the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is gathering data on litter entering our waterways and identifying how government, industry, and consumers can work together to reduce, reuse and recycle material waste. To learn more, visit www.greatlakesplasticcleanup.org.

About Georgian Shores Marina

Georgian Shores Marina is located on the shores of Southwestern Georgian Bay, within the growing City of Owen Sound. The property has undergone significant investment over the past few years and was acquired by Maple Leaf Marinas, the largest owner of operating marinas in Canada, during the Spring of 2021. Georgian Shores prides itself on preserving the quality of the harbour for the boaters and community.

About Cliff Richardson Boats Ltd.

Cliff Richardson Boats Limited has been a family run company, located off Georgian Bay in Meaford, since 1933. We strive to serve our valued customers with the best quality service in the area and provide the best customer experience.