Protesters interrupted the announcement to voice their concerns about Bill 5; a local tourism official mentions that provincial funding is ‘long overdue and very necessary.’
Premier Doug Ford visited Wasaga Beach on Friday to unveil significant provincial funding aimed at boosting the town’s tourism, but his announcement was overshadowed by protesters hoping to draw attention to Bill 5.
Ford gathered near Beach Area 1 to announce funding for various projects designed to enhance Wasaga Beach’s tourism sector. This includes $25 million allocated for the redevelopment of the Nancy Island Historic Site over two years, $11 million earmarked for reconstructing roadways in the Wasaga Beach area, and an additional $2 million dedicated to supporting tourism planning efforts in Wasaga Beach.
“This is fantastic now, and it’s going to be even better,” Ford stated during his speech. “We know that economic uncertainty is being felt everywhere in our province. This includes Ontario’s tourism industry.”
“As part of our strategy to safeguard Ontario, we’re investing in these key destinations.”
He also mentioned that Ontario would soon begin transferring a section of provincially owned beachfront in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town. This move aims to support its integration into the broader development plan for Destination Wasaga, ensuring that the beach remains accessible to the public.
Ford made this announcement alongside Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson, and Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Mayor Smith indicated that they would collaborate with the province on determining how best to utilize these funds for revitalizing Nancy Island Historic Site. Huronia Historical Parks will oversee and manage the site moving forward and will also work together on this initiative.
Nancy Island is historically significant as it was where HMS Nancy battled against three American schooners during the War of 1812 with assistance from Anishinaabe-Ojibwe people and French-Canadian voyageurs. The current site narrates stories from the War of 1812 and houses notable artifacts like the charred remains of HMS Nancy. It also features a theatre, museum, and replica lighthouse.
“We’re encouraging local tourism, celebrating our history, and making Ontario a prime spot for visitors from Canada and around the globe,” Ford added.
The Friends of Nancy Island not-for-profit group were present at the announcement and expressed what this funding pledge means for them.
“We’re thrilled,” said Trish Wilde. “It’s been needed for quite some time now. Nancy Island has been falling apart for way too long.”
“We can’t wait to partner with Huronia (Historical) Parks along with the Ministry of Tourism as we embark on this new journey.”
Marilyn Beecroft noted that in three years’ time, they’ll be celebrating Nancy Island’s centennial anniversary.
“This is really an important announcement,” she remarked.
The protesters present during this event were those who have been holding ongoing demonstrations outside Saunderson’s office throughout the week.
Protesters against Bill 5 attended a visit from Premier Doug Ford in Wasaga Beach on Friday. | Jessica Owen/Collingwood Today
The protests are focused on Bill 5, known as Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, which Ford’s government promotes as an economic measure in response to tariffs imposed by U. S. President Donald Trump.
If enacted, it will allow provinces to designate “special economic zones” according to criteria set forth by cabinet members. Cabinet would then have authority over selected proponents and projects exempting them from compliance with any provincial law or regulation-including municipal bylaws-that usually apply within those zones.
The government claims it intends to use these powers so companies can gain quicker access to minerals found in northern Ontario’s resource-rich Ring of Fire region.
This bill also aims to repeal parts of the Endangered Species Act while replacing it with legislation criticized by environmental groups as offering weaker protections overall. Last week saw Bill 5 pass its second reading at Queen’s Park.
The protesters shared that they were told they could not remain on site during Friday’s event despite its location being a public parking lot next door to Beach Area 1.
“We came here hoping we’d be visible behind news cameras at this municipal lot where we have every right to protest but were asked by police officers to move towards another part of it,” Taylor Larking explained. “We did so because we wanted our approach respectful yet it’s still frustrating.”
A lone protester managed past security but was requested not bring her sign along; she complied without issue.
A Bill 5 protester attended Premier Doug Ford’s announcement in Wasaga Beach on Friday. She is seen speaking with a member of the premier’s staff. | Jessica Owen/Collingwood Today
An additional protester opted for an alternative route carrying her signs high above her head directly behind where Ford was speaking at the beach location itself during announcements; one member among Ford’s team approached her afterward leading discussions without forcibly removing her while she remained present through all proceedings held there today.
Following concluding remarks made earlier , Collingwood Today posed questions directed toward Mr. Ford regarding whether his office acknowledged criticisms relating towards proposed changes associated under Bill5and if opinions would factor into considerations proceeding further throughout legislative processes.
“What needs must always focus upon navigating regulations amidst red tape encountered ; I uphold respect stemming toward environment surrounding us hence priority forever rests thereat.”Fords responded “, but I assure standards deemed highest shall continuously exist whilst granting easements devoid needless delays elapsed over timelines wherein construction could proceed uninterruptedly unless seeking absolute zero investments outflows!”
Protestors revealed they secured meetings lined up alongside Souderson later afternoon hearing echoed grievances discussed earlier highlighted concerns raised amongst audience present today!
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A Bill 5 protester attended Premier Doug Ford’s announcement in Wasaga Beach on Friday. She is seen speaking with a member of the premier’s staff. | Jessica Owen/Collingwood Today
An additional protester opted for an alternative route carrying her signs high above her head directly behind where Ford was speaking at the beach location itself during announcements; one member among Ford’s team approached her afterward leading discussions without forcibly removing her while she remained present through all proceedings held there today.
Following concluding remarks made earlier , Collingwood Today posed questions directed toward Mr. Ford regarding whether his office acknowledged criticisms relating towards proposed changes associated under Bill5and if opinions would factor into considerations proceeding further throughout legislative processes.
“What needs must always focus upon navigating regulations amidst red tape encountered ; I uphold respect stemming toward environment surrounding us hence priority forever rests thereat.”Fords responded “, but I assure standards deemed highest shall continuously exist whilst granting easements devoid needless delays elapsed over timelines wherein construction could proceed uninterruptedly unless seeking absolute zero investments outflows!”
Protestors revealed they secured meetings lined up alongside Souderson later afternoon hearing echoed grievances discussed earlier highlighted concerns raised amongst audience present today!
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