I am very concerned that the…

I am very concerned that the province is proposing to transfer parts of Wasaga Beach provincial park to the Town of Wasaga. PLEASE DO NOT TRANSFER THE LAND!

1.The provincial park was established to ensure that ALL people would be able to enjoy it, regardless of economic status. Taxpayer money already went to the purchase of this extremely valuable resource. The Town Council has already shown themselves to be interested in developing the lands for the wealthy, based on their announcements for the Beach 1 development.

2.The Town has shown little interest in the protection of the habitat for Piping Plovers, until very recently. The proposed development will not protect the area for the most successful piping plover breeding and nesting area in Ontario. The area needs regular work to maintain the integrity of the area with removal of invasive species, planting of marran grass, fencing off and protection of the area. Who will ensure the Town will continue the work currently being done by Provincial Parks staff.

3. The Town has said that they want the land to create a four season tourist area. The beach already covers off the summer season. The Town does not need the beach area to develop tourist attractions for the other 3 seasons. They need to be challenged to think creatively with lands outside of the beach area for that tourism development.

4. Increased development in the beach area threatens the natural environment. The provincial park mandate includes providing ecological integrity in addition to recreational and educational opportunities for the public. This is a unique ecological area. There are so many reports available highlighting that fact, that it seems alarming that the Province would entertain the greed of the local politicians and sacrifice the environment for all time by transferring it to a Town for development. Who will be able to ensure that the develpment takes into account the ecology and environmental concerns?

5. People need to be assured that they will have access to the provincial park land with beach access. This is an extremely busy provincial park for day use. That leaves the rest of the Town, beyond the beach, for development. Who can control who has beach access, if the transfer goes through? The Town? Then they can change their mind? With what recourse.

6. Why should my Town tax dollars go to paying for the Provincial park area if transferred. Currently provincial funds are used for the upkeep and maintenance.

7. The Town or province have an opportunity to embrace ecotourism. This has yet to be part of any discussions.