As a resident of Nova Scotia…

As a resident of Nova Scotia, I am appalled by the proposed land transfer of portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town of Wasaga Beach. As someone passionate about the conservation of the piping plover on my shores, I feel I must say something regarding how this land transfer will affect the population.

Piping plovers live and thrive on Wasaga Beach, it's an incredibly important habitat for piping plovers. Half of the province's fledglings come from breeding pairs on Wasaga Beach. The mechanical combing that the town performs on the beach not only makes the beach look ugly, but also destroys habitats and discourages breeding. It's only in recent years that piping plover populations are recovering, and to continue the trend we need provincial support.

The effect that just a portion of the land being transferred could have would be devastating. People don't visit the town of Wasaga Beach to gamble at casinos or to have an artificially curated experience of nature—they visit to see the natural beauty of the great lakes region.

Piping plovers are also helpful to the beach, they help keep insects under control by consuming fly larvae and contribute to a more pleasant experience for tourists. When I visit a beach without shorebirds, the deerflies, blackflies, horseflies, are out of control.

The government needs to put a science based action plan in place so Wasaga Beach can continue to be a conservation success story. We need to protect the nests and prevent alteration of the sand dunes. Wasaga Beach has been host to 57 nests since 2007, and has contributed 87 fledglings to the great lakes population. Such actions should not be taken without not only the consultation of the people and Birds Canada, but the indigenous peoples who are stewards of the land and are being disrespected by the commercialization of our parks.

If this deal proceeds, me and many others will not be visiting the town of Wasaga Beach again any time soon.