To Whom It May Concern, I am…

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed changes to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act that would remove approximately 60% of the shoreline from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and transfer it to the Town of Wasaga Beach for potential development.

Wasaga Beach is not only Ontario’s most visited provincial park—it is a vital ecological treasure. The proposed removal threatens critical habitats, including nesting grounds for the endangered piping plover, and undermines decades of conservation work. The sand dunes and shoreline serve as natural flood barriers, protecting the town from storm surges off Georgian Bay. Removing these protections for short-term tourism development is reckless and shortsighted.

Moreover, this move sets a dangerous precedent. Amending the Act to bypass legislative scrutiny for land transfers over 50 hectares erodes public trust and opens the door to further dismantling of protected lands across Ontario. Conservation laws exist to safeguard our natural heritage, not to be rewritten for convenience or profit.

As a resident of Wasaga Beach, I care deeply about preserving the beauty, biodiversity, and ecological integrity of our provincial park. My priority is not to see our shoreline turned into luxury hotels, restaurants, or manicured tourist zones, but to ensure that future generations—my children and grandchildren—can enjoy the natural wonder of this park as it is today. The Ford government’s $38 million investment in tourism may sound appealing on paper, but it comes at the cost of irreplaceable ecosystems and a legacy of environmental stewardship.

Instead of prioritizing overtourism and economic gain, the government should focus on strengthening conservation efforts, protecting endangered species, and honoring Canada’s commitment to preserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park must remain protected, not parceled out for development.

Sincerely, A Concerned Ontario and Wasaga Beach Resident