Rotary Island was created by the Rotary Club of Barrie as a wildlife refuge. 

Since the arrival of the jet ski rentals (Barrie Watersports) in 2024, there has been a significant decrease in the bird population. 

Our aim is to have this business moved to a more appropriate location.

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Since 2024, and the advent of the jet ski operation situated beside Rotary Island, the bird population has decreased significantly. It is not only the birds that are impacted, however. There are fish, amphibians, pollinating insects, and mammals that all make use of the space.

Rotary Island is a man-made island funded and constructed by the Rotary Club of Barrie, completed in 2000. A great deal of thought, passion, fundraising, and research was put into the project. Rotary volunteers worked with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to create a beneficial environment for spawning fish as a direct response to the loss of waterfront habitats due to urban expansion. The city of Barrie was behind this project one hundred percent.

The citizens of Barrie have spoken loudly and clearly that they want to retain a passive waterfront area from Minet's Point to the Tiffin Boat Launch. Rotary Island is a wildlife refuge by design and execution. The Military Heritage Park is an extension of this concept as a quiet area where benches and beautiful flower beds encourage contemplation.

We are not asking for the jet ski rentals to be banned from Barrie. We understand that the business is profitable and brings tourism to the city. We simply want to see them relocated away from the passive Southshore area. Jet skis and a wildlife refuge side by side are not compatible companions.

If you agree with these sentiments, we ask that you please sign our petition to change the location of this business.

https://www.barrietoday.com/rooted/rotary-islands-create-lakeside-refuge-for-residents-wildlife-alike-6-photos-4340592#:~:text=To%20offset%20deterioration%20of%20shoreline,disappearing%20rapidly%20around%20Lake%20Simcoe