As a resident of Wasaga…

As a resident of Wasaga Beach, I do not support the second section of the proposed legislative changes to the PPCRA proposed as follows: "MECP is also proposing legislative amendments to the PPCRA to remove portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to support the Town’s overall strategy for increased tourism and investment, including the removal of all of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach.

The government is also proposing the sale of Crown-owned lands within Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach to the Town of Wasaga Beach to support their revitalization of the downtown area and tourism enhancement initiatives, while continuing to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Land in the Allenwood Beach area that was subject to the recent Court order vesting it in the ownership of the Town of Wasaga Beach, would remain under the ownership of the Town.

The government will continue to retain the Crown owned lake and riverbed portions of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach once removed from the park."

The Town of Wasaga Beach does not have the financial or personnel resources to oversee the appropriate conservation of the lands of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach, nor do I believe that ownership/oversight of these lands will have an impact on the tourism enhancements proposed by the Town. I believe that the tourism initiatives can continue while the Province maintains its oversight of these lands. It is important that these lands remain protected and accessible to all. I have concerns that if oversight and ownership is given to the Town that the municipal government will not protect these lands and ensure they remain protected and accessible for future generations. The lack of transparency of the municipal government in their decision making and resulting transactions that have the optics of only benefiting those in power is concerning to me as a taxpayer. In addition, the costs of oversight, maintenance, etc. will be downloaded to the small residential tax base that exists in the Town while the benefits of these spaces are to be enjoyed by all and especially those visiting Wasaga Beach. The province should continue to maintain oversight and governance and protection of these lands in the future to ensure that they aren't mismanaged, sold to private corporations, developed in a way that impacts the ecosystem and the species that rely on this habitat. Our green spaces and naturalized spaces are at risk of being developed which will also contribute to the climate change impacts we will continue to face in the future. Keep these lands under Provincial jurisdiction so they aren't destroyed and continue to be maintain for future generations.