Dear Ministry of the…

Dear Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks, and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming,

I am writing to formally oppose the proposed legislative amendments under ERO Notice 025-0694 that would:
• Remove Nancy Island Historic Site from the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA),
• Transfer Nancy Island under the Historical Parks Act (HPA),
• Remove Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park,
• And authorize the sale of Crown-owned lands to the Town of Wasaga Beach.
My reasons for opposing this proposal are as follows:
1. Loss of Environmental Protection
Removing these lands from the PPCRA undermines long-standing environmental protections for one of Ontario’s most fragile and unique freshwater beach ecosystems. These areas are home to species at risk, sensitive dune systems, and wetlands that serve as vital coastal buffers. Municipal or tourism-based redevelopment, even with good intentions, cannot match the enforceable conservation standards of Ontario Parks.
2. Commercialization Threatens Public Access
Selling Crown land and reclassifying public spaces opens the door to commercialization and restricted access. The natural beach environment should not be sacrificed for short-term tourism or commercial gain. Once public parkland is sold or reclassified, it is almost impossible to recover it for future generations.
3. Fragmented and Politicized Land Stewardship
Splitting management between MTCG, the Town, and private developers undermines the integrated ecological and cultural stewardship that provincial parks provide. Nancy Island deserves protection as part of the broader ecological and historical landscape—not as an isolated tourism attraction.
4. Lack of Meaningful Public and Indigenous Consultation
There is no indication that Indigenous nations or the broader public were consulted before this decision was initiated. These lands are part of a shared cultural and natural legacy. Any changes to their legal status require full public transparency, consultation, and consent—not post-facto justification.
Conclusion
I urge the Ontario government to withdraw ERO 025-0694, maintain all current Wasaga Beach park lands under the  Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA), and invest in revitalization without removing public ownership or environmental protections. There are creative ways to improve tourism, access, and heritage without selling out our shoreline or sacrificing conservation.