Wasaga Beach Provincial Park…

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park provides protection to the unique ecological habitat of the world’s longest fresh water beach. It is home to a federally recognized endangered species, the piping plover, and development will severely impact the species. This proposal will allow developers to build in a sensitive environment that regulates flooding and is home to a fragile sand dunes ecosystem.

The current park allows many visitors of varying socioeconomic backgrounds to enjoy the beach and experience nature along Georgian Bay. Private ownership and development could limit access to exclusive groups of people in an unfair and inequitable manner. The beach should not be the exclusive playground of the wealthy. This has already occurred in Wasaga Beach and many other areas of Ontario, such as Muskoka, and should be further prevented at Wasaga Beach.

This proposal is poorly thought out and has no protection measures to preserve the habitat and species which occupy Wasaga Beach. The proposal for development is irresponsible and shows a lack of forethought to the importance of the conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Without proper protection development should not proceed. The only development that should be allowed must consider preserving the natural landscapes and enhancing visitor experience in a manner that respects the environment. Development should be very limited to areas that are not going to impact endangered species and their habitat, or restrict access to visitors to experience this special place.

There is no mention in the proposed amendment to consult with local First Nations or include them as stakeholders. Without consultation with First Nations this proposal should be rejected.

Wasaga Beach is a treasure to the people of Ontario and heavily impacted by visitors. Development should be done to ensure that the impact of visitors is minimal on the ecosystems of the beach. Only well thought out developments with sustainable, future-forward design which aim to protect the habitat of the area from climate change should occur at this time.

This proposal also sets a dangerous precedent to allow the sale and development of all of Ontario’s parks and crown land. The proposed amendment should be withdrawn immediately. These lands belong to all Ontario residents for the enjoyment of nature and should be protected for future generations.