I strongly oppose the…

Comment

I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, and changes to the Historical Parks Act that would enable development in Wasaga Beach under the guise of heritage restoration and economic growth.
While tourism and local economic initiatives are important, they must not come at the expense of irreplaceable ecosystems and endangered species. Wasaga Beach is home to sensitive dune habitats and several at-risk species, including the piping plover—a federally protected bird whose survival depends on undisturbed shoreline environments.
Key concerns include:
• ⚠️ Disruption of critical habitat for endangered and threatened species
• 🚧 Increased human activity and infrastructure that could degrade fragile ecosystems
• ❌ Weakening of conservation protections enshrined in the PPCRA, which were designed to prioritize ecological integrity
• 🐾 Lack of transparent ecological impact assessments and meaningful consultation with environmental experts and Indigenous communities
Restoration should not be a euphemism for development. True heritage preservation includes protecting the natural landscapes that define Wasaga Beach’s identity. I urge decision-makers to reject these amendments and uphold Ontario’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.