Proposed legislative amendments to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, and Historical Parks Act to support the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Tourism Enhancement Proposal

Proposed changes to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) are proposing to transfer administration and control of Nancy Island from MECP to MTCG by removing Nancy Island from the PPCRA and including it under the HPA. The transfer would total 2.91 hectares.

This proposal is part of the government’s 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario commitment to revitalize Nancy Island to boost tourism and drive economic growth in Wasaga Beach, while continuing to protect the area's natural and cultural heritage.

By removing Nancy Island from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and placing it under the HPA, MTCG would assume responsibility for its management and protection. This transition would support the Town of Wasaga Beach’s objectives to increase tourism and attract investment.

MECP is also proposing legislative amendments to the PPCRA to remove portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to support the Town’s overall strategy for increased tourism and investment, including the removal of all of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach.

The government is also proposing the sale of Crown-owned lands within Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach to the Town of Wasaga Beach to support their revitalization of the downtown area and tourism enhancement initiatives, while continuing to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Land in the Allenwood Beach area that was subject to the recent Court order vesting it in the ownership of the Town of Wasaga Beach, would remain under the ownership of the Town.

The government will continue to retain the Crown owned lake and riverbed portions of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach once removed from the park.

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is an 1,844-hectare recreational class provincial park located in the Town of Wasaga Beach. It was established in 1959.

Public consultation

We are interested in any comments the public may have. All comments received will be considered as part of government decision making processes.

In addition to this posting on the Environmental Registry, direct outreach to a contact list and placement of a media advertisement occurring to ensure that Indigenous communities, local stakeholders, government organizations, adjacent landowners, and others expected to have an interest, will all be included in the consultation process. Persons not included in the initial distribution who wish to be involved in the process may have their names added to the distribution list by communicating with the contact listed in this notice.

Concurrent with this proposal, a notice is also posted on the Regulatory Registry.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

MECP anticipates some impacts to regulated entities resulting from the proposed removal and transfer of lands and change of governing legislation from the PPCRA to the HPA.

If approved, it is likely that the local municipality and businesses will benefit from this proposal as it supports their ongoing tourism enhancement efforts and the broader revitalization of the downtown area. It is possible that some non-profit organizations also may be impacted by this proposal.

As this is an initial analysis, the Ministry welcomes any further feedback and will ensure its consideration prior to finalizing the assessment.