I wish to share my concern…

I wish to share my concern related to the Provincial government's proposal to transfer the land at Wasaga Beach, where Piping Plovers nest, from Ontario Parks to the Town of Wasaga Beach. Although I am aware of a level of commitment by the Town to preserve the habitat, a municipality cannot be the best steward for something as unique as a natural habitat.

I know from first hand experience that municipalities have multiple competing priorities and also are governed by very different legislations and regulations that often take precedence over what might be the 'right' thing to do or what the local population might wish to happen.

Rather than having Provincial funding support, the municipality will acquire full responsibility for the costs to preserve this sensitive environment - hence positioning this obligation against all of the normal responsibilities of a municipality - infrastructure, roads, policing, emergency services, garbage etc. etc. etc. Also, unless there is going to be specific language about forbidding any land development proposals, I am very concerned that this land could be lost to development.

I have followed the story of these Piping Plovers for years and can only emphasize the importance of maintaining responsibility with the experts who have the knowledge and skills to preserve this special bird population.