To whom it may concern, I am…

To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to the proposed legislative amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and the Historical Parks Act, as well as the Government of Ontario’s proposal to sell Crown-owned lands within Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beach to the Town of Wasaga Beach.

While I understand the intent to support the Town's revitalization and tourism enhancement initiatives, I am deeply concerned about the implications of transferring provincially owned and protected beachfront land to municipal ownership. These lands are currently part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park — a vital public asset that ensures environmental protection, public access, and responsible stewardship under provincial oversight.

Selling off sections of this land risks undermining the core purpose of our provincial park system. Despite promises to “continue protecting the area’s natural and cultural heritage,” once these lands are no longer under the jurisdiction of Ontario Parks, protections could be weakened or altered to accommodate commercial interests. This could lead to increased privatization, reduced access for everyday Ontarians, and irreversible harm to fragile ecosystems.

Public land — especially waterfront property as ecologically and recreationally important as Wasaga Beach — should remain in public hands and under provincial protection. Ontario Parks has a proven track record of balancing public enjoyment with environmental responsibility. I do not believe transferring this responsibility to the Town — regardless of stated intentions — is in the best long-term interest of Ontarians or the natural landscape we all treasure.

I urge the Government of Ontario to:

- Maintain Crown ownership of all lands within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

- Reject any amendments that would weaken protections under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act or the Historical Parks Act

- Prioritize public interest, ecological sustainability, and the long-term protection of Wasaga Beach over short-term economic development goals

Wasaga Beach should remain a protected provincial park for everyone, not a real estate or tourism commodity.

Sincerely,

A Resident of Wasaga Beach and Surrounding Area