Peter Goering passed-away on October 14, 2020 after complications from a severe fall. He had an outstanding career as an architect with a large firm in Toronto and eventually he started his own business designing homes, cottages and dwellings in the Arctic. While successful in his professional career, it was with environmental issues that Peter made a very significant mark.

In the 1990s, feeling the need to protect land in Muskoka he became a member of the Muskoka Heritage Foundation and the Muskoka Heritage Trust, which would later merge to become Muskoka Conservancy (MC). His drive and leadership soon put him on track to becoming a very active director. In 1998 he paved the way to the first Conservation Easement for Muskoka Conservancy. This pioneer agreement was on his own property on Lake of Bays, ensuring 1,800 feet of shoreline and 34 acres of mature forest would remain natural forever. This easement continues to be one of the keystone properties for Muskoka Conservancy.

Once this was completed, he set his sights on the need for “Dark Skies” for sake of astronomy, wildlife and human health. Working with Jan McDonnell from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Mike Silver, a Torrance resident, he strove to achieve the designation of the Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve as a “dark sky preserve”. This was attained in 1999 and was the first dark sky reserve in Canada. This set the stage for more to follow and was even mentioned in the new astronomy sections of the Grade 9 science texts in Ontario. At Peter’s encouragement, wording to protect the dark skies was incorporated into the guideline documents for all the Conservation Reserves in Parry Sound District. Peter then pushed for and worked on an “Ecology of the Night” symposium fall 2003 in Dorset. This international conference attracted speakers from Europe and across North America resulting in segments being re-broadcasted on CBC “Ideas” show. The direct result was dark sky protocols for all Parks Canada and a new word added to international lexicon: “Scotobiology”—the study of biological systems that require nightly darkness for their effective performance.

Peter remained active with the “dark sky” movement for the next decade and in 2009 spearheaded the 10th anniversary of the Torrance Barrens as a Dark Sky Conservation Reserve. This highly successful event was a joint effort by MNR, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), MC, the Township of Muskoka Lakes, and many community volunteers.

Peter was the highest profiled member of our organization from the mid 90’s to the mid 2000’s. In recognition of his outstanding contributions over many years, Peter was named an Honourary Director of Muskoka Conservancy. His determination, energy and dedication will be greatly missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Beryl and the rest of his family.