To the Ministry of the…

To the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks:

I am writing to express my strong concern about the proposed transfer of land at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the Town of Wasaga Beach. This is a critical issue that directly impacts the future of the endangered Piping Plover in Ontario.

Wasaga Beach is a remarkable success story. It has proven that tourism and conservation can thrive side-by-side, welcoming millions of visitors annually while also being home to the most important Piping Plover nesting habitat in the province. As I understand it, this one beach has produced half of all the Piping Plover fledglings in Ontario since 2007.

The proposed land transfer threatens to undo this success. If this land is transferred, recent changes to the Endangered Species Act mean that this essential habitat will be left with no provincial protection. Since federal legislation also does not apply, this would leave the Piping Plover's most valuable habitat in Ontario with no legal safeguards.

This is simply unacceptable. We should be strengthening protections for endangered species, not eliminating them. While I have heard that the Town of Wasaga Beach is committed to environmental leadership, the responsibility for such a fragile and critical population cannot fall solely on a municipality without the long-term support and expertise of the Province.

If this land transfer is to proceed, I urge the government to ensure that specific, non-negotiable conditions are included in the agreement to guarantee the continued protection and conservation of Piping Plover and their habitat. This must include:

A science-based management plan that is fully funded.

The engagement of conservation experts, such as Birds Canada, who have a long history of success at this site.

Specific commitments to protect the habitat itself, including a ban on harmful practices like mechanical raking and dune alteration.

The Province has a responsibility to protect its endangered species. Please do not move forward with a plan that puts the future of the Piping Plover at risk.