As a proud resident of…

As a proud resident of Wasaga Beach, I write this comment from the comfort of my home studio on 12th St. A block from the water and neighbouring the park area near Beach 2. As a millenial who has travelled, I can appreciate the impacts of tourism and development in a Beach town like ours. As an artist who studies our ladnscapes, I also know how important the land is along Georgian Bay. I would hope that any growth to our town can be done respectfully, creatively, and with environmental impacts at the forefront.

After spending the last 6 year in Wasaga, Ive come to understand the rhythm, the seasons, and the geography well enough to write this comment with confidence.

Our town has many pieces that need tending to. Many outdated cabins and short term rentals turned into full time, low income options for our residents. Using tax money, gov funding, town resources to focus on the real estate that is already cleared or needs a rebuild, would be ideal. Vs the thought of using green space that gives back our community year round. Beach 1 is well under way for new builds and long over due development, but I'd like to see how the town is able to manage that before giving all access to the government park areas. A transparent plan and understanding of what the town will do with this greenspace is necessary. If the town were to preserve the park lands while engaging its visitors with playgrounds, workout stations, event areas, seating & tables, a beautiful balance could be met. To give access that will only clear way for more builds would be reckless. Our parks, as we all know is home to endangered species, wildlife, and native tree and plant species. Its the longest freshwater Beach in the world, and that needs to be celebrated in the most respectful way possible.

My comment feels more like questions.. one of which is timing.. why now? Why the rush for this land? I think best to keep it as a provincial park area and see how the town manages the current Beach 1 developments before giving power to more valuable land.

We plan to purchase a home in the beach, with hopes to start a family, and it would be great to be able to walk through our parks and preserve the land so many people come to enjoy.

S