I have grave concerns…

I have grave concerns regarding the proposal by the government of Ontario to sell/transfer parts of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the township of Wasaga, and likely eventually private ownership.

Even more concerning is the method; by making changes to the provincial parks act. Making it easier for this to be done at other parks.

The park is important in many ways to the people of Ontario, as an accessible waterfront beach for day use and as an environmentally significant space, protecting wildlife and the habitat for not just the wildlife, but a natural barrier for erosion and water quality. Beach Area 1 is an example of this, an area of access for people, protection for wildlife and the mouth of the river.

The park is what makes Wasaga Beach unique, by removing any of it changes that for generations to come. Breaking a promise by previous governments to protect this park and others for perpetuity.

Keep the act as is. The work being done currently in Wasaga Beach to improve the experience and economic vitality of the area is mostly a measured one. Work within the act, which was constructed to keep the representatives of all the peoples of Ontario mindful of everyone and not a small group or township. Build the future Wasaga Beach tourism economy around the park, it’s the centre of the attraction, not development that will replace it.

A reminder for the purpose of the parks act and objectives, - Wasaga Beach and all our parks are for all Ontarians and should not change.
Purpose
1 The purpose of this Act is to permanently protect a system of provincial parks and conservation reserves that includes ecosystems that are representative of all of Ontario’s natural regions, protects provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, maintains biodiversity and provides opportunities for compatible, ecologically sustainable recreation. 2006, c. 12, s. 1.
Objectives
Objectives: provincial parks
2 (1) The following are the objectives in establishing and managing provincial parks:
1. To permanently protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity and provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and to manage these areas to ensure that ecological integrity is maintained.
2. To provide opportunities for ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and encourage associated economic benefits.
3. To provide opportunities for residents of Ontario and visitors to increase their knowledge and appreciation of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage.
4. To facilitate scientific research and to provide points of reference to support monitoring of ecological change on the broader landscape. 2006, c. 12, s. 2 (1).