I am against developing…

I am against developing Wasaga Beach into a tourist attraction to attract investment. Wasaga beach is the largest freshwater beach in the world and the entire beach should remain protected as a natural and cultural heritage site. The amendment to the act also proposes removing parts of the beach and selling crown owned lands which I believe would negatively impact the community and this province. Once the land is sold to private entities and it will lose its protected status, allowing it to be developed into beachfront housing and resorts. This will make the beach inaccessible to local residents and harm native endangered species such as the Piping Plover. The passing of Bill 5 earlier this year has already eroded protections for endangered species in the province of Ontario. Wasaga beach is one of the most important nesting sites of the Piping Plover and it has produced half of all the province’s fledglings since 2007. As a concerned resident of Ontario, I urge the government to reconsider its decision to sell and develop Wasaga beach. This province has already lost other important green spaces such as Ontario Place which is being turned into a spa against the wishes of residents and taxpayers. Ontario cannot afford another project that enriches private developers at the cost of residents. The natural beauty of our province must be preserved and enjoyed by all not just those who can afford it.