As a long time beachfront…

As a long time beachfront owner I have read recent negative perspectives on this matter from groups with head offices long distances from Wasaga Beach, such as the special interest group Environmental Defence. I must disagree with their knee-jerk criticism of plans to transfer sections of beach from the province, to the Town of Wasaga Beach.  

Residing directly on the beach, as noted, I have observed first hand Ontario Parks aloof treatment of local concerns and their poor performance with this provincial jewel.  Our beaches have fallen into neglect, under Parks supervision.  The historic site, Nancy Island, is also presently a wreck (no pun intended) and would do well to be transferred to Tourism Ontario to be reinvigorated.  

To be clear, our beaches were never truly Ontario government assets. The province has been forced to acknowledge this with the vesting of the eastern beach areas to the Town. Records proved they never legally owned them.  

At the main beach area, in the 1960’s, the province ruthlessly expropriated beach lands, demolishing personal homes and businesses, in a legal move that would never stand up today. At the mouth of the river, in this sixty's land grab, the province paved vast areas of land to build parking lots for Toronto day-visitors that have now turned into a dirty dustbowl. 

In my view, stewardship at levels of government closer to the people is always better.  Having observed Ontario Park's performance, I tend to believe in the Town's commitment to breathing new life into these areas, while ensuring beaches remain a welcoming space for people with protections for natural areas and the population of endangered Piping Plovers.