I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislative amendments outlined in ERO 025-0694, which would strip Nancy Island (2.91 ha) and portions of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beach from Provincial Parks and either transfer or sell them for tourism development.

Ontario’s parks have critical carbon sinks, wildlife corridors, and should be public spaces for all to enjoy. Sacrificing these protected areas to boost short-term economic gains ignores the very real costs of habitat loss, shoreline erosion, and increased pollution. Betting our environmental health on future tourism dollars is a gamble we can’t afford.

We’ve seen time and again that when protected lands are repurposed for short-term economic gain, the environment pays the price. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, established in 1959 and covering 1,844 hectares, offers critical habitat, air and water filtration, and climate-cooling green space for the communities. Removing 2.91 hectares, let alone entire beach areas, undermines decades of conservation work and sends a message that economic interests trump environmental stewardship.

Tourism can thrive without sacrificing parklands. Communities across Ontario have successfully promoted eco-friendly experiences, from guided nature tours to local-food festivals, while leaving core protected areas intact.

Many Ontarians cherish Wasaga Beach for its unspoiled natural beauty and the ecosystem services it provides, like clean air, flood buffering, and habitat for migratory birds. Once these lands are removed from provincial protection or sold off, they will be effectively lost forever.

This proposal places the personal interests of a narrow economic agenda above the long-term well-being of our climate, our communities, and Indigenous heritage.

Our parks are not commodities to be traded for short-lived economic boosts. They are living systems that sustain wildlife, clean our air and water, and help buffer us against the worst impacts of climate change. Sacrificing them now is both foolish and short-sighted. I trust you will reconsider this proposal and work with Ontarians to find solutions that honour both our environment and our economy.

Therefore, I formally urge you to withdraw the proposed legislative amendments outlined in ERO 025-0694, and instead, convene a roundtable that includes local residents, environmental experts and Indigenous partners to explore sustainable alternatives that protect Ontario’s greatest assets.