July 17, 2019 Our input is…

July 17, 2019
Our input is the following points:
3.1 Purpose statement
The following elements should be a part of the purpose statement
• protect significant or representative elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, including:
• significant or rare ecosystems, including provincially significant parabolic and freshwater dunes, prairies, and wetlands o species at risk and their habitats
• artifacts and information from the HMS Nancy and the War of 1812
• Indigenous history associated with the park area
• cultural history of the community of Wasaga Beach and surrounding area
• play an active role in the natural, cultural, economic and social health and growth of the community of Wasaga Beach
• provide opportunities for scientific research

3.2 Vision Statement Considerations
The following elements I feel should be a part of vision statement
o Manage the park for the benefit of future generations.
o Protect the park’s ecological integrity and contribute to climate change resilience
o Balance diverse interests
o Pursue education, outreach and partnerships
4) Permitted uses and Activities
• No additional questions or considerations needed at this time to decision framework
5) Boundary considerations
It is my opinion the following questions should be included when considering a parcel of property.
• How would a proposed addition/deletion of this parcel of property affect Indigenous communities, stakeholders, or members of the public?
• How would a proposed addition/deletion of this parcel of property increase or decrease operational or financial burden for the park, the Ontario government, stakeholders, or others?
6.1 Overnight accommodation
Ontario Parks would like input on the following questions:
• Should Wasaga Beach Provincial Park provide overnight accommodation? NO
• If so, what type of opportunity should be provided, and where should it be located? Not Applicable
• Do you think introducing overnight accommodation in the park would contribute to or detract from local tourism and economic development? I think it would detract from local tourism and economic development. I would recommend that private sector continue to provide these accommodations needs. I think that parks limited resources (personnel and money) continue focus on day park faculties and activities.
6.2 Park classification
Ontario Parks would like input on the following questions:
• Should Ontario Parks retain the recreational classification for Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, or change the park’s classification to natural environment? I would retain the recreational classification
• Why do you feel this way? I feel that there is too much focus on natural environment already as the park doesn’t cut back shoreline vegetation enough to maintain wide surface of sandy beach without vegetation. This practice of not cutting back the vegetation is particularly troublesome in recent cycle of high water at the park. The park management and staffing can’t really keep up with its current recreational commits let alone adding another commit to being national environment. One might argue the park would get more money and staff if it increased its mandate but I think that might happen initially but it is likely not to be sustained by the provincial government.
6.3 Beach access paths
However, Ontario Parks would like input on the following questions:
I would support the following statement
• Should Wasaga Beach Provincial Park retain the same number of access paths at the current allowable width (3 m),
6.4 Rename the beach areas
Ontario Parks would like input on the following questions:
• Should Ontario Parks explore renaming the beach areas, or should the existing numbering system be kept as it is? Explore renaming the beach areas like in the past
• Why? I believe that numbering does not give a good sense of the types of beach experiences or 7 environments that exist in each beach area. I like the idea that Ontario Parks could work with the Town of Wasaga Beach, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and members of the public to rename the beach areas. I.E. rename Beach Area One as The Point is good example. Also Beach Area Two as Beach Drive and Shopping Area.