I totally disagree with the…

I totally disagree with the proposed transfer of ecologically sensitive beaches to the Town of Wasaga Beach for the purposes of tourism and investment.

Tourists already come to the beaches that are maintained by the provincial parks so I believe the true motive is to capitalize on these properties through development.

Development will have no regard for ecosystems nor the alarming effects of climate change as profit is wrung from the land. Currently, the provincial park maintains habitat for endangered species, raises awareness regarding invasive species that threaten waterfronts, promotes dune rehabilitation, works with organizations such Georgian Bay Forever to promote community awareness and ecological action.

The town will not dedicate itself to these objectives. Already Allenwood Beach is being raked clean to remove driftwood, stones and shells that are a natural part of beach ecosystems -- while raking away valuable sand.

Town administration's vague promise to "try" to protect the dunes is not adequate and the premise that we should just trust the administration's intentions is not adequate. Administrations come and go but provincial park mandates to protect and make accessible to the public will remain.

If the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act 2006 is altered to allow municipal government to enhance the local economy through development, the current Conservative government will allow other tracts of protected land to be plundered.

This action will have significant consequences: land that serves to mitigate climate change will be paved, mismanaged and eradicated thus intensifying climate change; access to public recreation land will diminish, leaving a growing societal divide between waterfront property owners and the growing number of disenfranchised people who can now no longer own a home, let alone a recreational property.

We need more provincial park land, not less.