I say No to this proposal…

I say No to this proposal.

The wording of this proposal states that “removal of all of beach 1, beach 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood beach” are to part of the overall strategy to increase tourism and investment. How does removing beach area improve a beach tourism destination? Is this something that the community of Wasaga Beach want? I haven’t seen anything that states this is what they want.

Also with Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, significantly weakens environmental protections, reduces oversight of projects, and limits opportunities for First Nations consultation and consent. How will the community and First Nations be protected if oversight is reduced?

The legislation allows the Ontario government to bypass critical processes that safeguard species at risk, cultural heritage, and treaty rights. It concentrates decision-making power in the hands of ministers and the Lieutenant Governor without mandating First Nations involvement, threatening sovereignty, land stewardship, and ongoing reconciliation efforts. (Chiefs of Ontario org. Website)

The endangered species - Piping Plover- Birds Canada org website

The Government of Ontario is proposing to transfer the land at Wasaga Beach – where Piping Plovers nest – from Ontario Parks to the Town of Wasaga Beach.
Birds Canada is concerned that the proposed land transfer will put Ontario’s Endangered Piping Plovers at even higher risk. Piping Plover habitat in Wasaga Beach is protected and managed through regulations that apply within the provincial park boundaries. If these boundaries shift as the proposal outlines, the recent weakening of habitat protections under the Ontario Endangered Species Act with the passing of Bill 5 means this important Piping Plover habitat will be left with no provincial protection. Additionally, federal legislation doesn’t protect Piping Plover habitat in Ontario unless it’s on federal land.

So what oversight will there be to protect this endangered species ? What communication and how much input will First Nations have in the decision making ?

At first glance, this may seem like a promising move for investment and tourism. However, with weakened oversight, reduced protections for endangered species, decision-making concentrated in the hands of a few, and minimal opportunities for consultation or consent from First Nations, it appears to be yet another example of injustice—sacrificing environmental responsibility and Indigenous rights for financial gain.

Respectfully,
Concerned Citizen