I opposed the proposed…

I opposed the proposed legislative amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act for several reasons:

1. This amendment sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the government to transfer lands from any park, not just Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

2. Ontario’s Provincial Parks are intended to be protected for both the public and future generations. As the Act states: “Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves are dedicated to the people of Ontario and visitors for their inspiration, education, health, recreational enjoyment and other benefits, with the intention that these areas shall be managed to maintain their ecological integrity and to leave them unimpaired for future generations." Wasaga Beach is already a popular tourist destination; we should not transfer land to developers for tourism purposes. This would create spaces accessible only to the wealthy, thereby commodifying areas that were previously Provincial Parks and closing the door on equitable access.

3. Provincial Parks are crucial for preserving ecosystems for future generations. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act specifies that: “The purpose of this Act is to permanently protect a system of provincial parks and conservation reserves that includes ecosystems representative of all of Ontario’s natural regions, protects significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, maintains biodiversity, and provides opportunities for compatible, ecologically sustainable recreation." Removing areas from protection undermines these regulations.

4. Ontario Provincial Parks serve as critical habitats for species at risk. By removing parcels of land, we jeopardize the protections for these habitats. For example, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park provides essential nesting grounds for migratory shorebirds like the Piping Plover (Endangered), which rely on freshwater beaches. With the impending threat of Bill 5 now being passed, species at risk will already lose habitat protections due to changes in the Endangered Species Act, 2007.

5. Provincial Parks play a vital role in delivering ecosystem services and safeguarding unique ecosystems. In Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, mature sand dunes act as a protective buffer against high water, wind, and storms, a function that becomes increasingly important as climate change escalates. The park also hosts significant vegetation communities and important wetlands.

Given the immense value of Ontario’s Provincial Parks, we should focus on improving management plans and acquiring more land for protection rather than removing it. Canada has an international obligation to protect 30% of its land by 2030 (30 by 30). This amendment represents a step in the wrong direction concerning environmental protection for the future.