Section 3.1 Purpose…

Section 3.1 Purpose statement

The protection of significant or representative elements of Ontario's natural and cultural heritage as well as the maintenance of biodiversity through the protection of species etc. should both be included in the purpose statement. A note on the protection of significant or representative elements of Ontario's natural and cultural heritage - it should not only focus on provincially significant ecosystems.

Any statement around recreational opportunities should include ecologically sustainable.

Section 3.2 Vision statement

All of the elements listed are important and relevant to what the park should aiming for for the future. Emphasis could be better placed on protecting biodiversity.

Section 4 Permitted uses and activities

I disagree with the final say on permitted use and activities coming down to the judgement of only the park superintendent (after being determined legal). However, if it remains with the superintendent, the process should be entirely transparent where the rational for the decision is made public and easily accessible.

Section 5 Boundary considerations

The key question that should be considered with respect to property is: how would a proposed addition/deletion of this parcel of property affect Ontario Parks' ability to achieve park and PPCRA purpose and objectives?

Section 6.1 Overnight Accommodation

Wasaga Beach Park should offer overnight accommodation. It should not be located in/around residential areas, or the dunes area (which is ecologically significant). The areas around Klondike Park would be a prime location for overnight camping. The overnight fee should also include parking near the beach. Introducing overnight accommodation would contribute to local tourism.

Section 6.2 Park classification

I do believe it should be reclassified from a recreational classification to natural environment because the park encompasses a wide variety of complex and diverse habitats and natural heritage features. They support significant species and vegetation and contribute meaningfully within the Ontario provincial park system.

Section 6.3 Beach access paths

I think that the number of paths should remain but the width reduced. Additionally, in front of private residences the removal of vegetation from the beach should be prohibited and punishable with fines. There have been many instances of the complete removal of vegetation on the beach in front of private property by mowing, and pulling it out which contributes negatively to the integrity of the beach and ecosystem.

Section 6.4 Rename the beach areas

I don't think renaming the beach areas would address the underlying issue here of describing what each beach has to offer, I think the numbering system should remain. That combined with the financial burden it would be to update everything makes it an unappealing solution. It would be more effective to have information describing what each beach area has to offer available on the provincial park website so it is easily accessible.

Additional comments:
- there should be more garbage and recycling bins available throughout the park to attempt to reduce the amount of litter left by beach goers
- there should be better enforcement towards littering and other activities that negatively affect the park and the environment
- with respect to boundary considerations, I feel that the focus should be on adding land to the provincial park and not removing it. Removing parcels of land would be against the purpose and vision statements to protect and preserve ecosystems and biodiversity