I am wholeheartedly against…

I am wholeheartedly against the deregulation of lands from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park from the PPCRA. The decision to remove regulated park lands (from one of the most popular parks in Ontario, no less) and leave them to the municipality to develop as they see fit is a tragic waste of an incredible natural asset, and sets a terrible precedent for carving off pieces of other parks. Lots of Provincial Parks have zones that support economic development that is consistent with park management planning. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park should be no different - if the town wants to develop parts of the beach, that development should be consistent with the values of the park management plan to protect biodiversity and recreational public access. I was just in Algonquin Park this summer and talked to folks who lease property within the park boundary for a range of business needs and campgrounds. Why should Wasaga Beach be treated any differently? Not only does this allow the town to develop in a way inconsistent with park planning, but the province is throwing away a potentially huge revenue source that could be supporting park operation and improving the lives of all Ontarians rather than a few business owners.

This decision is disgraceful and will be a horrible legacy of this government.