Re: Strong objection to the…

Re: Strong objection to the proposal to remove 645 acres of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park from protected status

I am writing to unequivocally oppose the proposed removal and transfer of 645 acres—nearly one-third—of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to private development. This action, outlined in the July 22, 2025 proposal from the Ontario government, would eviscerate one of Ontario’s most cherished and ecologically vital freshwater beaches.

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is more than just a recreational destination—it safeguards endangered species like the piping plover, preserves fragile sand dunes that stabilize coastal ecosystems, and protects provincially significant wetlands and earth‑science features . Selling off these lands would irrevocably damage habitats that took millennia to form, and it sets a dangerous precedent for the wholesale reversal of park protections province-wide by weakening the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act.

While I acknowledge the government’s goal of boosting tourism through “Destination Wasaga,” including new investments, these efforts do not justify surrendering our ecological heritage. Public lands are not assets to be liquidated when short‑term economic gains are on the table—they are legacy holdings belonging to all Ontarians.

I urge you to consider these critical points:
1. Irreplaceable environmental loss – Piping plover habitat, dune ecosystems, wetlands, and once-in-a-lifetime earth-science areas are non-renewable.
2. Precedent risk – Amending the Act to permit easier removal of parkland threatens every Ontario provincial park.
3. Public interest over private gain – Provincial parks must remain overseen by public trustees operating under transparent, democratic processes—not fast-tracked private deals.

I respectfully call on your office to withdraw this proposal, maintain existing legislation requiring legislative review for park land sales, and invest fully in protecting and enhancing Wasaga Beach Provincial Park for public enjoyment, ecosystem health, and future generations.

Thank you for your time and commitment to preserving our natural heritage. I trust you will act to protect these vital lands and uphold Ontario’s conservation mandate.