"Because I had been summering in Pointe au Baril all my life and had picnicked on this island many times, I couldnąt bear to see further development encroaching among the islands. More cottages, boats and docks would lead to loss of privacy and freedom of picnicking. It was important for me and my family that we preserve this island from development and we feel strongly that the Georgian Bay land Trust is doing this extremely important work for all of us."

-- Emery Prior


How You Can Get Involved
Property Donations

If you own properties that are surplus to your needs, you might consider donating or selling them to the Trust at a discount and receiving the benefit of a tax receipt. A representative of the Trust will visit with you and your family to review your prospective donation, outline options and discuss the terms and conditions you propose.

Part of your estate can be donated to the Trust through a bequest, and/or requests of friends and relatives for donations to the Trust can be mentioned in your obituary.

Conservation Easements

Conservation easements are the fastest growing mechanism used by donors to contribute to land trusts in Canada and the United States. You will still retain ownership of unique lands, yet grant specific rights and restrictions to the Trust in perpetuity. Conservation easements can ensure that the restrictions. e.g. limited or no development, are registered on title. Contact the Trust for further details.

Property Bequests

If you would like to transfer property to the Trust in your will, arrangements should be made now to ensure that the Trust is in a position to accept your bequest. Your wishes for its future use, and reasonable terms and conditions should be discussed in advance. Arrangements can normally be made to allow your family to continue to use the property during their lifetimes.

Cash Donations

Contributions in any amount are needed to enable the Trust to purchase significant properties, pay taxes on its properties and subsidize educational programs.The Mountain Equipment Co-op made a $30,000 contribution towards the purchase of Umbrella Island in 1997. Many more such endowments are required.


Donations of Shares

Donations of shares have significant tax benefits. For more information on how you can donate shares, please contact us.

Membership

You can become a sustaining member of the Trust for $150 per year. Members receive information on projects and advance notice of events, invitations to tours of Trust properties and the newsletter. By supporting the Trust in this way, you can contribute to its ongoing growth and development, help preserve land, and assist it in its public education endeavours. Charitable receipts will be issued.

Our membership categories are:
  • Granite - up to $150
  • Whitecap - $150
  • Pine - $500
  • Westwind - $1,000
  • Sky - $5,000

Planned Giving

To help better meet the interests of our donors, the Georgian Bay Land Trust recently developed a Planned Giving program. The various giving methods include bequests, gifts of life insurance, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder Trust and gifts of residual interest.

We are happy to provide assistance to you and your professional advisors in selecting from the available options that are appropriate for you to ensure that you have peace of mind. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our office and you will be directed to one of our Directors who have expertise in this area of giving.

Planned Giving Brochure