Section 3.1 Overall I agree…

Section 3.1

Overall I agree with all the elements listed re. the purpose statement. I think particular focus should be on protecting Ontario's natural heritage as well as maintaining biodiversity. I think too much emphasis has been on the park as an economic driver as opposed to an area of ecological significance which needs to be protected. Recreational/economic growth needs to be environmentally sustainable.

Section 3.2

All of the elements listed are relevant however protecting the ecology and biodiversity of the park for future generations should be key.

Section 4

The rationale for determining whether an activity will be permitted should be made public as well as the input from 'experts'. This process needs to be transparent.

Section 5

The most relevant question that should be asked when considering a parcel of property is 'How would a proposed addition/deletion of the parcel of property affect Ontario Parks' ability to achieve park and PPCRA purpose and objectives'.

Also I have a real concern that a review of the park's boundary is underway but no information can be provided because of the complexity. What this says is that it is not transparent process and it absolutely needs to be.

Section 6.1
I think Wasaga Beach Provincial Park should provide overnight accommodation however I do not think it should be in residential areas such as Shore Lane or on 24th street.

Section 6.2

I support the reclassification to natural environment since we should be protecting provincially, regionally and locally significant fauna and flora as well as the shoreline, dunes, forested and wetland areas.

Section 6.3

I think that some private land owners remove far too much vegetation, not just for paths but the entire beach in front of their properties. This should not be allowed and owners should be fined. As for paths - I think they should be as narrow as possible to avoid damaging the shoreline.

Section 6.4

I don't think you need to waste money renaming the beach areas especially if the main point is to describe what each beach area has to offer. This can be done within the existing numbering system.

Additional comments:

Any opportunity to enlarge the park should be taken in order to mitigate habitat loss due to development which further threatens species at risk such as the hognose snake for example.