July 20, 2019 Thank you for…

July 20, 2019

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed 2019 management plan for Wasaga Beach.

On behalf of Wasagabares – a core group of Naturists, who are primarily a collection of local homeowners who reside in Wasaga Beach and surrounding areas, and have a vested interest in our community and what it has to offer.

As “Naturists” (nudists) we have been enjoying the beach for 30 plus years.

Definition Naturism: “Naturism, or nudism, is a cultural and political movement practicing, advocating and defending social nudity, both in private and in public.” Source https://educalingo.com>dic-en

Naturism (nudity) is a calming state of mind. It is a practice that promotes health and well being, particularly important to the majority of participants who are seniors.
It is an opportunity to meet other like minded people, to socialize, to make new friends, locally and across Canada – Quebec in particular - and Worldwide.

As a World Class beach, on a daily basis we meet tourists who are looking for, and expecting a “CO” – Clothing Optional Beach at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

The area known as the “point” – the northeast section adjacent to the mouth of the Nottawasaga River has set a precedence and been used for nude sunbathing since the early 1900’s; with formal records dating back to 1956. Whether provincial or city owned, in park areas all across Canada, one should not underestimate the importance of precedence in the establishment of naturist or nude-optional areas within these different jurisdictions.

Since the fence has been erected and posted with “No Trespassing” signage - we Naturists can no longer access the beach in the area known as the “point”, so we are forced into a more public setting.

Our goal is not to offend, which is why having our own designated area with proper signage is essential. Events such as Pride Parade – both Toronto and Vancouver; and the WNBR (World Naked Bike Ride) have proven, and been upheld in Canadian courts – nudity, or the showing of genitals is accepted.

Nudity is legal in Ontario based on Federal Law where persons do not offend based on public decency or order (in other words, where it is socially accepted). We cannot find any reference to nudity in either Provincial or Park regulations.

Wasagabares has tried to minimize the impact to both the public and the MNRF who are regularly called reporting “naked” people at the beach by wearing minimal coverage over their genitals. Some public still consider this “nude”; and contact the MNRF.

We are respectful taxpayers and feel the misuse of MNRF’s time – and occasionally the OPP who attend and ultimately leave, is wasteful and poor use of resources for something that is lawful.

Occasionally the textile (clothed) public harass us. We have yet started calling the MNRF to attend to OUR protection, as we have successfully passively neutralized any incidents to date.

Sanctioning a portion of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park as a legal Clothing Optional beach keeps the self policing public at bay. Some wish to call in complaints, and others like to take the law into their own hands and will do less when it is deemed a lawful beach.

With the rising water levels there has been an increase in unsavory characters and/or disgruntled public attending the area. I do not wish myself, other Wasagabares, locals, or tourists to become another negative statistic associated with Wasaga Beach should these incidents escalate.

A “buddy system” and/or “safety in numbers” is tantamount to avoidance of negative conflict. Sanctioning the area as Clothing Optional will bring many more “numbers” because people will go when they know they will not be accosted by the public who call in MNRF and/or OPP with the threat of arrest - which is intimidating and not in keeping with the gentle style of Naturism.

We are proud of our community and want to share a small portion of the 14km beach with friends and tourists in a safe nude use (Clothing Optional) state.

Hanlans Beach is a great example of people enjoying Naturism (nudism) safely.

The benefit Wasaga Beach offers over Hanlans Beach (which is packed most days) is the amenities, such as accommodation, food and beverage purchases, shopping and local services. A Clothing Optional beach will boost much needed tourism and generate tourist’s dollars. Internationally acclaimed Clothing Optional day use Wreck Beach in Vancouver B.C. contributes approximately $100-million to the Canadian economy annually.

Signage such as “Nude Use Beach”, “Clothing Optional Beach” or “You may Encounter Nude People beyond this Point” (or similar verbiage) on a small portion of the beach would achieve the goal of: increased Tourism; increase visitors to the park who purchase parking passes; a SAFE place for like minded people to congregate; a sense of community; reduction in misuse of authorities’ time – both MNRF and OPP; and an area for well being and sound mental health.

In 2017, a “Committee of the Whole”, a sub-group to advise Town Council approved the idea that it would be a good venture for the Town of Wasaga Beach to have a Clothing Optional section of the beach.

We the Wasagabares respectfully request your consideration in designating a small area of Wasaga Beach for a Clothing Optional Beach.

Thanking you in advance for your consideration in this much anticipated and needed endeavor.

Kindest regards,
Lesley Rodenhiser
President Wasagabares