I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed removal of Nancy Island and portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park from the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act. This change would eliminate important protections for conservation and biodiversity, leaving sensitive ecosystems like dunes, wetlands, and shoreline habitats vulnerable to degradation from increased tourism development. The shift in governance does not offer equivalent environmental safeguards. Transferring Crown land to the Town of Wasaga Beach also raises serious concerns about the potential for privatization, which could reduce public access and alter the nature of these cherished public spaces. While the proposal may support local economic goals, it risks diminishing benefits for the broader Ontario public; especially if park services or accessibility are compromised. This decision could set a troubling precedent for reducing the boundaries of protected parks in favour of development, undermining the province’s long-term conservation commitments. The proposal also lacks a clear and respectful plan for meaningfully addressing Indigenous rights and relationships to the land, beyond general consultation. For these reasons, I oppose the proposal and urge the government to prioritize environmental integrity, public access, and cultural responsibility over short-term economic gains.