I have strong concerns about…

I have strong concerns about removing portions of land that is operated and protected by Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Ontario's provincial park system is so important to the residents of this province. Our provincial parks are key to a healthy tourism economy as well.

Ontario Parks Staff are trained to protect environmentally sensitive lands and ensure they can be lovingly used by residents and visitors, alike. From the materials provided, it is not clear how such environmental and recreational protection will be maintained by the town, which doesn't have the same income as the province. Will environmental protection and public access be mandated and financially supported? Who will oversee this? How can we ensure that the town's decisions won't be driven by profit over all else? The current mayor says public access and the environment will be protected, but what will future town leaders say? Will the Province provide financial support to this small town to oversee such important lands?

There is so much room and potential for development in the town of Wasaga Beach without touching the provincial park. Removing land from the park is a dangerous move affecting a resource that people from all over Ontario enjoy, which is why it needs Provincial support and collaborative oversight.

Perhaps even more important is that this shortsighted proposal also sets a terrible precedent for the future of other provincial parks. Please reconsider. Harness your imagination. We must protect our Provincial parks!