Councillor says managing beach park is Ontario’s duty
Last month, Smith issued an extensive statement condemning these posts as “complaints that lack evidence and promote misinformation.” “The town hasn’t received any proof – from residents, visitors or the Ontario government – that suggests any unsanitary behavior has occurred on the beach areas within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park,” he said. “If we receive any evidence, I promise we will act swiftly.” This statement didn’t sit well with some individuals, as many comments in Facebook groups about Wasaga Beach continued to spread rumors shortly after.
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Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. The Tik Tok user who went viral, Natty Lynn, claimed in her July 9 video that defecation at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has been an ongoing issue for years. She mentioned people setting up small tents and digging holes for bathroom use. Story continues below In her video, she shared that she doesn’t allow her kids to dig in the sand on Beach 1. “The mayor can’t deny all of us having experiences,” Lynn told via email last month while using her social media username. “If you look through my social media comments, you’ll see people discussing this happening at nearly every beach across Ontario and Canada. This isn’t a new problem.” Visitors enjoy the warm sun and sand of Wasaga beach on July 15, 2008. Charla Jones/Globe and Mail file photo via The Canadian Press The environment ministry in Ontario oversees Wasaga Beach Provincial Park along with Ontario Parks; however, local officials say they’ve been receiving most complaints about it. Councillor Richard White commented during Monday’s meeting that “A lot of negative attention on social media … has been unfairly directed at our town and residents as if our leadership isn’t doing anything.” Story continues below “It’s up to the province to manage that provincial park. We’re here today saying we need better support.”It’s time for Ford to take action: Smith
A spokesperson from the environment ministry told last month that staff at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park “haven’t seen this behavior during their regular patrols along the beachfront or following complaints.” An additional spokesperson noted they’ve “occasionally heard complaints about defecation or urination on beaches since 2020; however no specific proof supporting these claims has been found.”The town spokesperson confirmed in response to questions from about whether public defecation or urination has ever been an issue at Wasaga Beaches since 2020 stated “no.”
Visitors bask warm sun at Wasaga beach on July 15, 2008. Charla Jones/Globe and Mail file photo via The Canadian Press Durng Monday’s meeting Smith proposed arranging a discussion with Ford along with several ministers while also seeking support from his government in establishing provincial regulations against tents on beaches-similar to their own rule banning those temporary structures on town-owned waterfront properties.The motion also asked for more investment into improvements like garbage collection efforts and building repairs within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. He called for additional provincial park wardens for rule enforcement as well as harsher penalties for those violating these rules.
“With all due respect towards the province because I understand both local challenges we face plus those faced by them … but it’s time they step up,” he asserted.
“They set up this provincial park intending it be a recreational area for everyone (and) this country. Initially it was such a beautiful park – it’s unfortunately fallen into disrepair over time.”
The council unanimously approved Smith’s motion.
The premier’s office did not respond immediately when contacted by before publication time.
– With contributions from Jacquelyn Le Bel More Politics stories More videos
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