I am totally opposed to the…

I am totally opposed to the transfer of portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, namely removal all of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach, and the sale of Crown-owned land within Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach, to the Town of Wasaga Beach.

Our provincial parks should not be for transfer or sale for development. The beaches and dunes are precious, environmentally sensitive areas. They should remain protected and managed by Ontario Parks.

Under the management of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Ontario Parks, critically endangered Piping Plovers have received the protection they needed to breed successfully since their re-establishment as a breeder in Ontario in 2007. This natural beach at Wasaga has produced 87 nests and raised 57 young. It’s not easy, there are many threats to their survival. Ontario Parks did an amazing job, and is recognized internationally for what it has done to save Piping Plovers in Ontario for the Great Lakes population. The Ontario Government must continue its responsibilities to maintain and protect habitat for Piping Plovers.

Piping Plovers need a natural beach with no raking. Their nests need to be protected by a buffer zone to prevent trampling and disturbance. And they need predator mitigation strategies.

Please ensure the continuation of legislative protection and financial commitment to maintain habitat for the endangered Wasaga Beach Piping Plovers.