Government of Ontario…

Government of Ontario
Environmental Registry of Ontario

August 8, 2025

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to voice my concerns for the Piping Plovers at Wasaga Beach. To conserve and preserve the environment, safety and health of these endangered birds, the Ontario government must be committed to supporting continued conservation efforts. Wasaga Beach is the world’s longest freshwater beach at eighteen kilometers in length. It requires scientific-based management that would reduce threats to the Piping Plover. This would include year-round protection of their habitat by restricting mechanical raking so that the habitat is not destroyed, prohibiting dune alteration, and protecting nests with fenced buffer zones and natural predator mitigations.

If the land transfer goes through, the responsibility falls to the Town of Wasaga Beach to ensure this success story continues. Town officials indicated they want to see both plovers and people thrive and see themselves as environmental leaders. However, their conservation efforts will require additional support from the provincial government.

As I watch our neighbours to the south diminish their support for a variety of species I am concerned that the Ontario Government will follow suite. The Great Lakes area is a paradise for many different species, and it is the responsibility of the people, through their government, to ensure that we maximize our efforts to preserve and conserve these natural gifts for future generations. This requires funding, commitment, knowledgeable people and a sustainable plan of stewardship. I beseech the government not to sacrifice this beautiful, endangered bird through indifference or ignorance of their plight.