After four successful years of live and hybrid Polar Bear Dip events, Save Georgian Bay (SGB) is taking the plunge virtually in 2026 to unite voices across six municipalities opposing TC Energy’s proposed pumped storage project.
“This year’s event aims to amplify awareness, engage communities, and raise critical funds for a legal challenge to stop what experts call an unnecessary and environmentally destructive mega-project,” said Save Georgian Bay. “Georgian Bay is one of the last remaining natural bodies of water in Ontario, and its preservation is under threat. Environmental professionals and hydroelectric engineers have warned of irreversible ecological damage if TC Energy’s project proceeds. Despite the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) rejecting the project twice for being too costly and offering insufficient value to Ontario taxpayers, the Ontario government has committed $385 million for an ecological study and extended funding capped at $7 billion, with additional federal contributions anticipated.”
Save Georgian Bay said that, “Under the banner of climate change, this project has been shrouded in a lack of transparency since 2019, raising serious concerns about accountability and public trust. Save Georgian Bay believes Ontarians and Canadians deserve better—real climate solutions, not billion-dollar experiments that jeopardize ecosystems and communities.”
This year’s Virtual Polar Bear Dip invites participants from across Ontario to join the movement from their own homes, cottages, or waterfronts. By going virtual, SGB aims to engage thousands of supporters in Meaford, Owen Sound, Collingwood, Thornbury, Wasaga Beach, Parry Sound, and beyond.
“Every dip, photo, and donation will help fund the legal challenge needed to stop TC Energy’s pumped storage project and protect Georgian Bay for future generations,” said Save Georgian Bay.
How to participate:
- Register online (only if you plan to dip): polardip.savegeorgianbay.ca
- Take the Plunge Virtually: Dip in your local waters or create a fun indoor version!
- Share Your Photos & Videos: Tag #VirtualPolarDip2026 and #SaveGeorgianBay
- Sponsor a Dipper or Donate: Support our Double Your Impact campaign to help fund advocacy and legal efforts to safeguard Georgian Bay.
“This is more than a dip—it’s a stand for transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship. Georgian Bay is irreplaceable, and together we can stop unnecessary human engineering that threatens its future,” said Save Georgian Bay.
