Following stories of individuals defecating on the seashore, Wasaga Seashore Mayor Brian Smith handed a movement in council on Monday, formally requesting the province to ban four-sided tents on the seashore.
“This has now got to be to a point where it is so disheartening,” stated Mayor Smith in Council on Monday of the backlash the city has obtained.
The City of Wasaga Seashore handed a bylaw again in 2020 prohibiting four-sided short-term constructions on municipal property. Nonetheless, the City doesn’t have jurisdiction on the seashore itself.
On Tuesday, beach-goers and enterprise operators on Seashore Drive expressed their help for banning tents on the world’s longest freshwater seashore.
“If there needs to be a ban, there needs to be a ban,” stated Manny Amos, Splash and Shore District Supervisor. “Just go poop in the bathroom, you know what I mean? It’s as simple as that.”
Different enterprise house owners informed Ontario Chronicle that there are usually not sufficient public washrooms to satisfy the calls for of the seashore’s giant crowds on weekends.
A part of the City’s movement in Council on Monday additionally known as on the province to higher preserve the seashore’s washroom amenities, enhance rubbish receptacles, and enhance rubbish assortment.
In a press release to Ontario Chronicle, the Ontario Ministry of the Surroundings, Conservation and Parks stated partially:
“Wasaga Beach Provincial Park staff have occasionally received complaints about defecation or urination on beaches since 2020, however no specific evidence of these allegations has been found during patrols by staff or regular beach maintenance. Park staff continue to investigate and address complaints from visitors. If evidence of this activity is found, the individuals responsible may be subject to enforcement action, including a fine or removal from the park.”
Mayor Smith urgently requested for a response from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and a gathering with the Ford and Surroundings, Conservation and Parks Minister Andrea Khanjin.
It stays unclear as to if and when any tent bylaws shall be applied.
