Comment
I do not have any concerns with the first part of this proposal. "The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) are proposing to transfer administration and control of Nancy Island from MECP to MTCG by removing Nancy Island from the PPCRA and including it under the HPA. The transfer would total 2.91 hectares."
I do have serious concerns with the second part of this proposal. "MECP is also proposing legislative amendments to the PPCRA to remove portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to support the Town’s overall strategy for increased tourism and investment, including the removal of all of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach." and all other aspects regarding this proposal.
I am concerned that the transfer of Beach Area 1 and 2 and Allenwood Beach will put these areas under municipal access controls and causing restrictive access and fee measures to non residents. As I am a resident of Springwater Township which has virtually no beach access. Currently I support the Ontario Provincial Parks through the annual park pass program and this proposal would lead to the elimination of that. As we have seen in many municipalities where non resident access fees are being employed it has created a restrictive environment and access to Ontario's water and beach resources. The Ontario Park Pass program has at least made it possible to enjoy access to many Ontario areas with out being encumbered with restrictive fees in every area within the province.
Also clarify what is meant by this statement” The government will continue to retain the Crown owned lake and riverbed portions of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach once removed from the park." What is the impact of that to the access of these areas.
Supporting the Town’s overall strategy for increased tourism and investment is a reasonable initiative but it should not be done to the detriment of the Ontario public as a whole and for the benefit of Town's tax base and private financial gains. These things should be done on available private or Town Lands. We have already seen how Ontario Place has been removed from public access and turned over to private entities.
If the current Town's Beach front redevelopment is any indication of what their strategy is creating mixed private condos with reduced public access the conflicts between the two will emerge as time progresses. Turning these areas over to the Town of Wasaga Beach without any conditions or land use controls seems absurd. One only has to look to Balm Beach in Tiny Township over the water access situation that has created conflicts.
In summary I have no problem with the Nancy Island part of this proposal however the transfer of Provincial Parks to the Town of Wasaga Beach is unacceptable.
Submitted August 10, 2025 9:29 PM
Comment on
Proposed legislative amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, and Historical Parks Act to support the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Tourism Enhancement Proposal
ERO number
025-0694
Comment ID
156234
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status