As a deeply concerned…

As a deeply concerned citizen and advocate for wildlife conservation, I urge the Ontario government to reconsider the proposed transfer of land at Wasaga Beach from Ontario Parks to the Town of Wasaga Beach. This area is not just a popular tourist destination-it is the most critical nesting habitat for the endangered Piping Plover in Ontario, responsible for half of the province’s fledglings since 2007.

Under Ontario Parks’ stewardship, Wasaga Beach has become a rare conservation success story, balancing tourism with the protection of a species that only recently returned after a 30-year absence. If this land is transferred without strong, enforceable conditions, the habitat will lose its provincial protection, especially in light of weakened safeguards under the Endangered Species Act -
,and federal protections do not apply unless the land is federally owned.

I respectfully request that the Province either:
- Halt the land transfer entirely, or
- Include binding conditions that guarantee the continued protection of Piping Plover habitat.

These conditions must include:
- A science-based management plan that prohibits mechanical raking and dune alteration, and protects nests with buffer zones and predator mitigation.
- Dedicated funding for year-round stewardship and conservation.
- Ongoing collaboration with experts like Birds Canada, who have led successful conservation efforts since 2018.

Ontario has a responsibility to protect its endangered species, not just for their survival, but for the legacy we leave future generations. Please ensure that Wasaga Beach remains a safe haven for Piping Plovers.