Land Transfer at Wasaga Beach Moves Ahead Despite Opposition

Even with 98 per cent of public feedback opposing the decision, the Ontario provincial government has approved the transfer of about 60 per cent of Wasaga Beach from Ontario Parks to the Town of Wasaga.

The town will now manage Beach Areas One and Two, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beach, which together form the longest freshwater beach in the world. Additionally, the Nancy Island Historic Site is being shifted from the Provincial Parks Act to the Historical Parks Act to facilitate a $25 million revitalization initiative.

This decision was announced in late January and has faced resistance from residents, many of whom voiced worries about environmental effects and whether the town can handle conservation properly.

“If the town gets control of areas of the provincial park, what is Wasaga’s plan for protecting that land? Who will monitor algae blooms? Will the beach be raked when it shouldn’t be? Will there be a body to test and monitor water quality? Will there be construction in this environmentally sensitive area?” reads one commenter.

Others raised concerns regarding how future development could affect local piping plover populations, an endangered bird species that Ontario Parks currently monitors and protects. “This needs to take into consideration strong environmental protections and stewardship,” said another commenter. “This land is home to the endangered piping plover, who nest in the area. It’s a critical habitat for the species.”

Despite this negative feedback, Doug Ford’s government pressed on with the land transfer as part of a plan aimed at making Wasaga Beach a “premier tourist destination.” The project known as Destination Wasaga received $38 million in funding from the province last spring and aims to enhance beaches, downtown areas, and historic sites to attract private investment and create jobs.

Brian Smith, mayor of Wasaga, defended this transfer back in January. He reiterated a statement made last July where he emphasized that locals would once again have a voice regarding Wasaga Beach’s future.

“This is not about selling out our natural heritage or sacrificing values. This is about restoring local voices and taking back responsibility for our community’s future,” said Smith. “For the first time in half a century, the people of Wasaga Beach may have a meaningful say in how we protect, enjoy, and share our waterfront.”

In the ’70s, hundreds of homes, cottages, and businesses were demolished by the province to create Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and ensure public access to its shores. Smith noted that this destruction “left our economy hollowed out and our future uncertain. We became dependent on two things we couldn’t control: weather patterns and provincial priorities.”

To prepare for this land transfer, Smith mentioned that they are working with conservation groups like Birds Canada while also conducting a national search for ecologists, designers, and planners to help develop a community-led Waterfront Master Plan.

Related Story The Ontario government is asking for public feedback on the new ownership of Wasaga BeachRelated Story Wasaga Beach aims to revitalize town by selling a section of beachfront to developers for $14 millionRelated Story Cottage country municipalities are cracking down on short-term rentals. But are the bylaws working?

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