I am expressing my deep…

I am expressing my deep concern with this proposal to sell large parts if Wasaga provincial park (specially Beach areas 1 and 2, as well as New Wasaga).  It seems extremely shortsigned for the province of Ontario to sell precious public lands for development, a move that is irreversible once developped, for no tangible public benefit.

The provincial park lands is what makes this beach so amazing when you walk along it, the rare lands that provide big mature trees and nature spaces.   This park makes this beautiful beach accessible for all, with comfort stations and pic nic spots in shade, and it one of the most visited day parks in Ontario.  This is truly a unique site, a real gem, the largest freshwater beach in the world.  It's special to swim on these waters.  when I visited, Beach areas 1 and 2 were particularly busy stretch of beach, enjoyed by so many people.

I was so happy that the Park protected it and made it available for the public to enjoy.   Until now, where more than half of beach lands are threatened.

Of course, the proposal is quite concerning for environmental reasons also.
On the Wasaga park website, in the last few years, Beach area 1 was where they finally have a SAR bird nesting (piping plover), as it provides now rare habitat for this threatened bird that nests in the sand dunes, that only a public organization like Ontario Parks can protect.  The Town will not afford it similar protections, nor will it need to do so once the habitat is lost, as the piping plover will not come to nest. The areas proposed to be divested is precisely the point where the river meets the bay, where sands may shift and where ecology is particularly special.

 
Contrary to the statements on the Rrgistry page, I find it doubtful that most businesses will benefit from this proposal.  There are so many vacation rentals in the area already, which all direclty depend on the famous beach nearby, and this is precisely what adds value to this town. 

Of course the municipality will directly benefit from more taxes collected from development properties, as such it is thus incentivized to develop.  It is unlikely to allow any conservation, there are no incentives ro do so. And this is precisely why public organizations like Ontario Parks need to keep these rare areas under its stewardship.  Ontario is not required to sell public lands whenever outside forces demand that it do so.

We need to think carefully before giving up precious punlic lands.

I urge you to please reconsider and take this part of the proposal off the table to protect this gem for generations.