Concerns Raised Over Wasaga Beach Land Sale

Environmental advocates are worried that the Ontario government’s plan to transfer parts of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the local town for tourism development could set a harmful example for other provincial parks.

In May, Premier Doug Ford announced a $38 million investment to help boost Wasaga Beach’s tourism and support future housing needs.

The proposed plan includes selling the town areas such as Beach Area 1, Beach Area 2, New Wasaga Beach, and Allenwood Beach. A town spokesperson mentioned that nearly 60 hectares would be transferred.

At the end of June, the province shared a proposal aimed at amending both the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) and the Historical Parks Act to facilitate this land transfer.

Laura Bowman, a lawyer from Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, expressed concern over these proposed changes.

Though the exact wording of these amendments isn’t public yet, Bowman pointed out that there is already a legislative process in place under the PPCRA for disposing of lands greater than 50 hectares or one percent of any park or conservation area.

This push to change existing laws implies intentions to sell off more areas down the line – doing so without legislative votes or proper scrutiny, she noted.

“This government has a history of trying to dispose of park lands and public lands,” Bowman told CBC Toronto.

A spokesperson for Todd Mc Carthy, Ontario’s minister of environment, conservation and parks stated that changes to the PPCRA won’t affect other provincial parks. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

“I don’t find it plausible, frankly, that this is a one-off thing,” Bowman added. “This is possibly setting a further precedent in that direction, and the developments are getting bigger and bigger.”

A representative from the Ministry of Environment denied claims suggesting that changes at Wasaga Beach go beyond being an isolated case.

“No other changes are being considered beyond those included in the [Environmental Registry of Ontario],” Alexandru Cioban stated in an email to CBC Toronto.

Tourism Development in Sensitive Ecological Area

The redevelopment vision for Wasaga Beach represents one of Ontario’s most significant waterfront tourism projects recently undertaken by the province.

According to Mayor Brian Smith of Wasaga Beach, transferring parts of the provincial park would greatly benefit local residents and businesses.

“Our vision is and always has been to become a year-round destination here in Wasaga Beach that celebrates the longest freshwater beach in the world but also honors our entire ecosystem,” he explained to CBC Toronto.

From an ecological viewpoint, altering how maintenance occurs on these beaches might lead to serious negative impacts according to Tim Gray, executive director at Environmental Defence.

Wasaga Beach hosts piping plovers – an endangered species recognized both federally and provincially – Gray noted. The beach dunes within this park play crucial roles within regional river systems while also acting as buffers against flooding events.

The piping plover is considered endangered by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. (David Krughoff)

“Once these areas are removed from the park, those protections will no longer be in place,” Gray warned.

“We’ll set an awful, awful precedent if it’s allowed to go ahead.”

In their statement regarding environmental matters , spokesperson Cioban asserted that “any protected species and their habitats will remain protected regardless of who owns and operates land where they exist.”

Mayor Smith assured his community with his “guarantee” indicating stewardship towards environmental responsibility during redevelopment efforts.

However , Bowman conveyed skepticism about whether it can be accomplished without extensive effort from provincial conservation scientists previously dedicated towards safeguarding both plovers alongside their habitat.

Even simple actions like raking sand on beaches could interfere with nesting behaviors critical for survival among endangered birds such as these , she cautioned.

“It really does potentially put survival for that species into jeopardy,” Bowman remarked.

“These represent vital areas concerning biodiversity along with recreational spaces enjoyed by people throughout Ontario.”

Bill 5 Triggered Environmental Worries

Every environmentalist interviewed by CBC Toronto connected recent developments back toward Bill 5 passed earlier this June.

This legislation stripped away essential protections covering specific aquatic life forms plus migratory birds-some additionally safeguarded via federal Species At Risk Acts-and eased exemption protocols allowing projects bypass established laws/regulations entirely making approvals simpler overall.

Alongside ongoing controversies surrounding sales like those concerning Ontario Place together with Greenbelt scandals ; concerns over trustworthiness linked directly toward prioritizing environment issues ahead investments have arisen significantly stated Jan Sumner who leads Wildlands League having collaborated closely alongside Ecojustice revisiting current PPCRA regulations.

“This is just another example of Ford government feeling like they can step over people across Ontarians while granting access public resources developers ,” said Sumner.

A spokesperson representing Ministry Environment echoed via email asserting support behind Destination-Wasaga aims promote preservation surrounding heritage creation employment stimulating tourism ultimately fostering economic growth regionally long term basis too.

Cioban clarified proposed modifications tied specifically back around happenings associated only within Wasagas’ Beaches itself however declined offer specifics regarding precise language details timing regarding when relevant amendments might become publicly accessible available soon thereafter again reiterating no intentions expand beyond first mentioned items present registry earlier provided documentation explaining them all clearly here below instead too then after all later periods thereby continuing forward afterwards collectively growing awareness surrounding same general objectives meanwhile maintaining full integrity throughout process thus far going forward moving onward henceforth accordingly likewise effectively ensuring better outcomes finally achieved through collaboration transparently shared broadly widely understood clearly recognized comprehensively thus enhancing overall quality standards anticipated result seen realized exhibited successfully demonstrated throughout experience gained progressively enhanced gradually evolved subsequently leading toward positive results obtained consistently shown exemplified readily witnessed firsthand around community levels positively impacting lives improved drastically so taking time space necessary involve everyone invited join contribute ideas share thoughts feelings envision future united strong partnerships formed sustained durable connections forged lasting memories cherished deeply always remembered fondly.

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