I vehemently oppose the…

I vehemently oppose the proposal to convey and/or sell provincial park and crown land to the town of Wasaga Beach. Provincial parks should be increased in size and number, not decreased.

I notice the proposal does not make any mention of the fact that this beach is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered Piping Plover in Ontario, let alone what will be done to safeguard this habitat. With the recent passage of Bill 5 and weakening of species at risk legislation, it is essential to ensure that the entire habitat used by this species is protected.

The critical natural beach habitat at Wasaga has produced half of the province’s Piping Plover fledglings since 2007. Many organizations and individuals have lead conservation efforts across Piping Plover nesting sites in Ontario since 2018.

Currently, as the habitat at Wasaga Beach is within the park boundaries, it is protected and managed through regulations that apply to provincial parks, not township parks. If this proposal is passed, there must be stipulations made in any agreements with the town that this endangered species’ habitat must be protected and not just nesting sites.

Through previous conservation and education efforts, Wasaga Beach has been the site of 57 nests and adults have successfully raised 87 fledglings. It is the most productive and valuable nesting habitat in the province, and one of few accessible and reliable sites for visitors to see Piping Plovers in Ontario, such that bird watchers travel to this beach to see Piping Plovers and watch them raise their young on the beach. This activity also adds to tourist dollars for the town.

The beach management plan needs to include protections for Piping Plovers and their habitat. The Ontario Government needs to ensure that Piping Plovers are conserved and protected by a science-based management plan and resources that:

• Reduce threats to Piping Plover and their habitat year-round 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

• Commit funding to protect, conserve, and steward Piping Plovers, their nests, and their habitats

• Engage non-governmental organizations and experts, such as Birds Canada, at all stages of development and implementation.

However, the best and simplest solution is not to sell or convey any land to the town.