I do not support the…

I do not support the proposal of the removal of “Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beach” plus Nancy Island from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
Legislative amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) to enable these land removals, including a sale of Crown‑owned lands to the Town of Wasaga Beach.
What this means:
1. Changing the PPCRA
Currently, section 9(4) of the PPCRA mandates that any removal of park lands exceeding 50 ha or 1% of a park requires:
-A minister’s report to the Legislative Assembly,
-Tabling of new boundaries,
-Assembly endorsement before proceeding.
The proposed amendments would weaken or override that requirement, possibly eliminating the need for MPP approval before parkland transfers. Critics warn that this gives the government a tool to bypass democratic oversight. It gives a doorway for bad actors who may come into a position to develop on the beach fronts without the environment and stewardship in mind; it's a slippery slope that could be devastating to the dunes, piping plovers, and ecosystem.
2. Applying Across Ontario
While the proposal currently targets Wasaga Beach, the legislative change would apply province‑wide. This means any provincial park or conservation reserve could be subject to removal or sale under the same new rules. Environmental groups have flagged this as an “awful precedent.”
3. Environmental and Regulatory Implications
Wasaga Beach contains critical habitat for endangered species, especially piping plovers, and sensitive dune ecosystems. Environmental groups note that transferring these lands out of the park system risks undermining protections under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, which has already been targeted by Bill 5. The town has so much property it already owns that needs to be updated or developed: many run-down buildings, streets, and businesses that could be invested in and built upon without the need for additional provincial park land. That land is the essence of the town to begin with, and it is the reason the tourists visit Wasaga Beach. To expect a town council that changes over every 4 years to maintain protections on this obtained parkland in "good faith" is dangerous and leaves room for "bad actors" to come in and destroy the habitats for profit.