I am a local Town of Wasaga…

I am a local Town of Wasaga Beach resident and I work as a Building Official in Ontario, not within the Town of Wasaga Beach. I understand the value, impact and requirement for growth. However with saying that, I do not support the proposed changes to remove land from under Provincial Parks and under control of the Town of Wasaga Beach. I support the change for Beach area 1 only. Beach area 1 is undergoing a significant change already with development taking place. I believe there are opportunities and benefits for Beach 1 to be owned by the Town to further support that development and have a positive impact for tourism there. Beach area 2, Allenwood and New Wasaga, should remain as green space under the operation of Ontario Parks. These areas have some endangered species, dunes and grasses. The ecological impact is significant. Not only that, but there are a lot of tourists and residence who prefer a beach that is more natural and not “built up”. The best of both worlds can be had where beach 2 is adjacent to the development and tourist area proposed for beach 1. The other consideration is the cost of future development, maintenance, and all that comes with ownership of these proposed areas. The Town of Wasaga Beach property taxes have increased significantly over the last few years. If the proposed lands are all transferred to the Town, this will bring significant costs to tax payers now and in the future.
I believe growth is important. Tourism is important to the Town of Wasaga beach since we do not have industrial opportunities here. Although I believe a balance is more important and consideration needs to made for the environment, resources and costs to those who live here.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please do not go thru with this change as it is currently proposed.