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Georgian Bay in danger of grass carp invasion, wetland destruction

A Midland-based foundation is worried about grass carp invading the Great Lakes and destroying Georgian Bay wetlands.

The Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation is calling for the United States Environmental Protection Agency to begin grass carp eradication measures immediately.

“Grass carp eat vegetation and they will eat up all of our wetlands,” said Mary Muter, Chair of the Foundation. “They will rip our wetlands apart and chop them all down.”

Muter believes the Great Lakes are in danger, as grass carp have invaded two Ohio rivers that flow into Lake Erie and nothing is being done to stop them from spawning downstream.

Grass carp have already been found in Lake Erie and Lake Huron. The largest grass carp discovered in Lake Erie was over 51 inches long and weighed 72 pounds.

Research by Pat Chow-Fraser, a professor at McMaster University, states that Georgian Bay contains the highest quality, most diverse and extensive wetlands found in the Great Lakes.

“We don’t want our wetlands destroyed by these very large invasive fish,” said Muter. “Our native fish and other species need that wetlands for spawning, nursing and feeding habitat.”

The Foundation is calling for increased co-operation between Ontario, Ohio and Michigan and would like to see a collaborative approach taken to eradicate grass carp.

“I think it is time for Canadians to speak up. We don’t need to be polite on this anymore,” said Muter. “We need our federal and provincial governments to tell Ohio and Michigan … that we want to see a plan for eradication begin.”

Muter is frustrated by the lack of appropriate response she has seen from United States on the matter and believes it is time for them to ask Canada for help.

“This is now a crisis,” said Muter. “Our Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff stand ready to go down and assist in an eradication program.”

The Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation is hosting a fundraiser on Aug. 11 in Tiny Township which will feature the tribute band Classic Lightfoot. All proceeds will be directed toward ecologically responsible measures to eradicate grass carp.

For tickets go to the website


‘This is your home’: Matthews House Hospice unveils Centre of Excellence in Alliston

After all those years of fundraising and planning, the dream has finally become reality.

Hundreds of guests came out to celebrate the grand opening of Matthews House Hospice’s Centre of Excellence at 131 Wellington St. E. in Alliston.

The brand new $6-million facility features 10 beds for palliative care, along with a host of programs and services.

Hospice president Margo Cooney told the crowd the new facility will act as a place of “service, compassion and welcome” for those facing life threatening or life limiting illnesses, the bereaved and their families

“This is your home,” she said. “At some point in our lives we may need the care of Matthews House or we will know someone who will, and Mathews House will be here, ready to help at any time.”

She said none of this would have been possible without the tremendous amount of support the community has given to the organization.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to our incredibility generous community, our benevolent corporate donors, our caring provincial, county and municipal governments, all of whom provided funds and resources to make this construction possible,” she said.

CEO Kim Woodland said the real job now begins.

“For us it’s about a new beginning, a fresh start based on a solid foundation of really great support from our community and volunteers,” she said. “We will be having chats and journeys together about living and living well before we die, because that’s what hospice is.”

The state-of-the-art facility, which began construction last fall, boasts a living room, kitchen and garden where families can spend time together, along with several other areas where guests can make and listen to music, draw pictures, take part in reiki and reflexology sessions, watch movies and more.

“You can do whatever you want to do,” Woodland said. “We will make sure your days are meaningful and pain free.”

The organization has raised all of the capital funding for the new building, but will require about $1.2 million every year to cover the operational costs.

To become a supporter or a volunteer, or to learn more about the programs and services, visit .