WASAGA BEACH – Today, Mayor Brian Smith shared a statement regarding the town’s goal for Wasaga Beach to evolve into a prominent, all-season recreation and nature-focused destination, along with the Province’s plan to return 3% of parkland back to the Town:
“I want to take a moment to clarify our community’s vision for the future of Wasaga Beach’s iconic shoreline, and respond to concerns about the Province of Ontario’s proposal to return less than 60 hectares of parkland to the Town. Wasaga Beach is more than just a destination. It’s a town rich in character, home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, Ontario’s most popular provincial park, and a cherished summer getaway for countless families. Every year, over 2 million visitors come here to enjoy our 14-kilometre sandy shoreline, bustling local businesses, community-organized festivals and events – not to mention some of the most stunning sunsets you can find anywhere. For those of us who live here, Wasaga Beach means even more. It’s where we reside, work, raise families, and build our futures. The beach isn’t merely part of our landscape – it’s woven into our identity. The longest freshwater beach in the world – including its lake, river and dune ecosystem that makes it all possible – forms the heart and soul of our community. They support our local businesses and economy, inspire artists and musicians from around here, and provide an unmatched quality of life for residents. What many people might not realize is that over 50 years ago, our town underwent significant change. To create Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, hundreds of homes, family-run cottages, and thriving small businesses were demolished by the province. While this mass expropriation granted public access to the beach – something we will always protect – it left us with a struggling economy and an uncertain future. We found ourselves dependent on two unpredictable factors: weather conditions and provincial priorities. Additionally, it resulted in vast parking lots that remain largely empty throughout much of the year at places like Beach Area 1. We often say Joni Mitchell wrote her song as a reflection on what transpired here in Wasaga Beach during the 1970s. Looking ahead now offers us an opportunity to reclaim what was lost without repeating past mistakes. The province is considering transferring less than 60 hectares of land – just 3% of the park’s total area measuring 1,844 hectares – back to us. Let me be clear: this land would belong to the Town rather than developers – with stipulations ensuring that access remains public. The residents of Wasaga Beach wouldn’t accept anything less. About half of this proposed land consists of beaches and environmentally sensitive dunes – areas that will be preserved for everyone. This leaves approximately 30 hectares primarily made up of paved parking lots that could be revitalized through a thoughtful approach guided by a community-led Waterfront Master Plan. That process is already underway; in June we initiated a national search for an interdisciplinary team comprising ecologists, designers, and planners who will lead this effort grounded in sustainability while incorporating public feedback. Our aim is for Wasaga Beach to become an iconic four-season recreation hub focused on nature while protecting and educating people about its unique dunes, wildlife habitats, and heritage. The plans do not include any construction on beaches or threats toward sensitive habitats. On the contrary, making municipal stewardship allows better community-driven protection programs while encouraging responsible year-round use. We’re currently collaborating with conservation organizations like Birds Canada, and we’re open for further partnerships. We all share one common goal: to ensure that generations enjoy healthy protected access to our beach. This isn’t about compromising our natural heritage or abandoning values. This is about bringing back local voices while taking responsibility for how we shape our community’s future. For possibly the first time in fifty years, the people of Wasaga Beach may have real influence over how we safeguard, enjoy, and share our waterfront space. We believe that Wasaga Beach can hold its own among great recreation destinations worldwide-where tourism, economy, and conservation coexist harmoniously.” -30- MEDIA CONTACTS Sandra WattsDirector of Strategic Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs, Town Of Wasaga Beach
(705)443-9248 sandra. watts@wasagabeach. com wasagabeach. com/news
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