Urgent Action Needed for Piping Plover at Wasaga Beach

Urgent Federal Court order sought to stop damage to critical habitat at Wasaga Beach

TORONTO | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – Ecojustice, representing Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature, has filed a pressing injunction request in the Federal Court of Canada to halt further harm to Piping Plover critical habitat at Wasaga Beach, Ontario.

The injunction motion, submitted today, asks the Court to immediately stop mechanical beach raking, sand dune clearing, motorized vehicle use, and other actions that damage or destroy crucial habitat or interfere with Piping Plover life processes in Beach Area 1 at Wasaga Beach while Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature’s lawsuit to protect the Piping Plover moves forward. The underlying lawsuit contests Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin’s delay in suggesting emergency protections under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) for Canada’s most vital Great Lakes Piping Plover habitat.

Although the one nest established this year in the area unfortunately failed, this location remains critically important as a potential stopover site for migrating Piping Plovers and for future nesting. This stretch of shoreline is recognized by the federal government as critical habitat for the endangered Piping Plover and has produced nearly half of all fledglings in Ontario since the species returned to the province in 2007.

That habitat is currently being harmed and doesn’t have enough protection from either the province or the Town of Wasaga Beach (Town).

Evidence presented before the Court shows that this spring, the Town mechanically raked parts of Piping Plover habitat and continues to dig up important sand dunes and vegetation within that area. There is also considerable evidence of either Town employees or third parties driving motorized vehicles along both the beach and through various dunes. A leading expert on Piping Plovers confirms that this kind of habitat damage could jeopardize their survival if it continues.

With only four successful breeding pairs of Piping Plovers left in Ontario as of 2025, conservation groups emphasize that protecting Wasaga Beach is crucial for their survival and recovery in our province. The repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act removed essential provincial protections for habitats leaving it up to federal authorities to prevent further destruction.

“The window to protect Piping Plovers’ habitat is closing rapidly,” said Tim Gray from Environmental Defence. “The federal Minister should act to protect this species under threat. But when she hasn’t taken action, we must ask the Court to step in and enforce compliance with existing laws.”

“Wasaga Beach is by far our most vital habitat for Piping Plovers,” stated Tony Morris, Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director at Ontario Nature. “Responsibilities under SARA must be upheld by courts if federal action does not occur-especially given there are no provincial protections.”

“An urgent injunction is needed to prevent irreversible harm while we wait for a decision on whether or not Minister has fulfilled her legal obligations under SARA,” explained Ecojustice lawyer Kegan Pepper-Smith.

It is expected that this injunction motion will be heard quickly.

ABOUT

Environmental Defence is a prominent Canadian advocacy group working alongside governments, industries, and individuals to defend clean water, safe climates, and healthy communities.

Ecojustice utilizes legal avenues to protect nature, fight climate change, and advocate for a healthy environment. Their strategic public interest lawsuits lead to landmark court decisions shaping policies that provide lasting solutions against Canada’s urgent environmental challenges. As Canada’s largest environmental law charity, Ecojustice operates offices across Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax.

Ontario Nature aims at preserving wild species along with natural spaces through conservation efforts combined with education initiatives designed for public engagement. As a charitable organization representing 9 ,500 members along with 130 ,000 supporters from over 150 member groups throughout Ontario.

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