Re: ERO-025-0694 I keep…

Re: ERO-025-0694

I keep seeing, from Town Officials that only 3% of our Provincial Park will be transferred (sold) to the Town. But in reality, it is much more, approximately 60%.

The Province owns 1,840 hectares of land, which includes 1/4 kms out into the water, the length of the beach plus all the forest where the trails are.

Mapping of just the beach and adjacent provincial land shows about 60% is to be transferred - 5 - 6 kms of the total 14 kms in length. See attached map.

An Official of an environmental group says that Provincial parks are meant to be protected and managed to maintain their ecological integrity, and they’re dedicated to the people of Ontario,” and have raised alarm bells about the proposal. “They’re meant to be protected forever.” And I wholeheartedly agree.

PLEASE do not transfer, sell or in any way give control of our pristine and important beaches and dunes to the Town. They will destroy it as evidenced by multiple statements by Town Officials in various medias that the Town wants to turn this important eco system into a tourism destination. Which means, in my world, more condos and stores.

The area heading east on BA #1 (Beach Area #1), towards the mouth of the river, is home to nesting endangered Piping Plovers and IS INCLUDED in this transfer. Development of any kind is contrary to the fact that it is currently protected by Ontario Parks. This part of BA #1 is designated a provincially significant earth science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

As for the Town’s comments that most of this land transfer involves unused parking lots, well, the attached images show the truth. The parking lots within BA #1 also contain parks and picnic areas, with the parking areas being interspersed. This is where hundreds of people do park and who are out enjoying our unspoiled beaches and dunes. Please help us keep them that way. Please do not let the Town pave paradise and put up condos and stores.

Current council's greed should stop at the Town parking lot on Spruce Street - period.

Thank you in advance.