WASAGA BEACH – Today Mayor Brian Smith released a statement regarding the town’s goal for Wasaga Beach to become a well-known, year-round recreation and nature destination, along with the Province’s plan to return 3% of parkland 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 spot on a map. It’s a town with a rich history, featuring the longest freshwater beach in the world, Ontario’s most popular provincial park, and a summer getaway for countless families over generations. Each year, over 2 million visitors come here to enjoy our 14-kilometre sandy shoreline, lively local businesses, community-led festivals and events – and some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see. For those of us who live here, Wasaga Beach means so much more. It’s where we reside, work, raise families, and look towards our future. The beach isn’t just scenery – it’s part of our identity. The longest freshwater beach in the world – including its lake, river and dune ecosystem that supports it all – are essential components of our community. They drive our local economy and inspire artists and musicians while providing an unparalleled quality of life for residents. What many people may not realize is that over 50 years ago, everything changed in our town. To create Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, hundreds of homes, family-run cottages, and thriving small businesses were demolished by the province. While this drastic action did provide public access to the beach – something we will always support – it left us with an economic void and an uncertain future. We became reliant on two factors beyond our control: weather conditions and provincial priorities. Plus, we ended up with vast parking lots that remain empty most of the year-especially at Beach Area 1. We like to say Joni Mitchell was inspired by what occurred here in Wasaga Beach during the 1970s. As we move forward, we have an opportunity to reclaim what was lost without repeating past mistakes. The province is contemplating transferring less than 60 hectares back to us-just 3% out of 1,844 hectares total. Let me be clear: this land would belong to the Town-not developers-and there would be strict requirements ensuring that access remains public. The citizens of Wasaga Beach wouldn’t accept anything less. Around half of this proposed land includes beaches and environmentally sensitive dunes-areas set aside for preservation. This leaves about 30 hectares primarily made up of paved parking lots that could be reimagined through a thoughtful Waterfront Master Plan driven by community input. That process has already started; back in June we began looking nationwide for ecologists, designers, and planners who can lead this effort focused on sustainability. Our goal is simple: transform Wasaga Beach into an iconic four-season recreation spot that values nature while educating people about its rare dunes, wildlife habitats and unique heritage. There are no intentions to build on any part of the beach itself; no sensitive areas are under threat here. In fact-with municipal stewardship-we can enhance protection efforts while also boosting educational opportunities as well as responsible use throughout all seasons. We’re actively collaborating with conservation groups such as Birds Canada while welcoming further partnerships because everyone shares one common goal: maintaining healthy beaches accessible for future generations. This isn’t about compromising on our natural heritage or giving up what matters most; it’s about restoring local voices so we can take responsibility for shaping how we manage our community moving forward after fifty years without meaningful input from locals regarding waterfront management practices The people living here know that Wasaga Beach deserves recognition alongside top-tier recreational spots around globe-where tourism flourishes alongside conservation efforts benefiting both communities involved.” -30-Source link
