Subject: Opposition to ERO…

Subject: Opposition to ERO 025-0694 – Proposed Removal of Protections and Transfer of
Crown Lands in Wasaga Beach
To: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

I am writing to express serious concern regarding ERO 025-0694, which proposes removing
protections from nearly one-third of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, over 645 acres of vital
wetlands, dunes, forests, and public beaches. These lands are not surplus. They are
ecologically essential.

This area is both a cherished public space and critical habitat for endangered and threatened
species such as the piping plover, red-sided dace, red-headed woodpecker, and Blanding’s
turtle. Legislative changes have already weakened Ontario’s Endangered Species Act; this
proposal risks further erosion of legal safeguards for species at risk.

The plan to remove Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood from the Provincial Parks
and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) would dismantle protections for some of southern
Ontario’s last remaining coastal wetlands. These ecosystems regulate floodwaters, store
carbon, and filter pollutants. Their loss would further undermine Ontario’s already diminished
climate targets.

The proposal to sell Crown-owned lands to the Town of Wasaga Beach also disregards the fact
that these lands are within the traditional territories of Beausoleil First Nation and the Métis
Nation of Ontario. As such, no sale should proceed without free, prior, and informed consent in
accordance with Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Crown lands are not municipal assets
— they are held in trust for the public and for future generations.

The plan to transfer Nancy Island from PPCRA protection to the Heritage Places Act, under the
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, risks fragmenting the park system and weakening
ecological protections. While heritage promotion is important, it must not come at the cost of
ecological integrity.
Retaining Crown ownership of the lake and riverbed portions does little to mitigate the threat.
Aquatic systems are interdependent with surrounding lands. Fragmenting or selling these
parklands increases risks to water quality, biodiversity, and public access.

Despite widespread public concern over past attempts to develop protected lands, this pattern
continues under the guise of “revitalization.” These are not blank spaces for expansion; they
are living systems that sustain biodiversity and climate resilience.

I urge the Ministry to withdraw this proposal in full. Protecting Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is
essential to uphold Ontario’s climate responsibilities, safeguard species at risk, and honour
Indigenous rights.

Thank you for considering this submission.

References
1. Ontario Parks – Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/wasagabeach
Overview of the park’s natural features, recreational opportunities, and ecological
significance.
2. Species at Risk in Wasaga Beach Area
https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk
Information on endangered and threatened species, including piping plover and
Blandings turtle, found in Ontario.
3. Ontario’s Wetlands and Climate Change
https://www.ontario.ca/page/wetlands
Explains the critical role wetlands play in carbon storage, flood mitigation, and
biodiversity support.
4. Impact of Wetland Loss in Southern Ontario
https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/ontario/featured-proj…
etlands.html
Details on the significant loss of wetlands in southern Ontario and its environmental
consequences.
5. Bill 5: Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Its Economy Act
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s23005
Summary of recent legislative changes affecting environmental protections in Ontario.
6. Climate Change Action in Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/climate-change-action-plan
Ontario’s current climate targets and progress reports