I recently visited Wasaga…

I recently visited Wasaga Beach for the first time this year. The reason for my visit was an opportunity to see Piping Plovers and I went for "Ploverpalozza" hosted by Ontario Parks.

I learnt a lot during this event, like the Piping Plover was extripated from Ontario for 30 years, and the first breeding pair in the mid 2000s to hatch offspring, were at Wasaga Beach. This happened because Wasaga Beach is the perfect habitat for them. They are an endangered species in Ontario, but they have continued to thrive at Wasaga Beach despite having millions of visitors each year, because Ontario Parks staff educate visitors, fence off nests to keep them safe, and do observations and research on the species.

My concern with the sell of the land to the municipality, is to my knowledge, no one has mentioned how or even if the species will continue to be monitored and protected, which is very concerning especially given the removal of the Endangered Species Act. To me it makes sense that Ontario Parks would have the expericed staff and equipment to handle such an endeavor. The municipality seems solely focused on tourism, but not eco tourism or species protection. Now with weaker environmental laws in Ontario, the amount of irreversible destruction that can occur is vast. I don't think the beaches should be sold, however I don't see any issue with Nancy Island being sold as this isn't Piping Plover habitat. This is my opinion, in which I hope our provincial government will take into serious consideration.