Growing up near the beautiful Provincial Park, I have always cherished its pristine natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The tranquility of the beach and the thriving greenery have been my refuge, a place to reconnect with nature and find solace amidst life's challenges. It's not just a piece of land; it's a sanctuary for wildlife and a precious inheritance for future generations.

The recent proposal to transfer or sell this invaluable conservation land to the Town of Wasaga Beach threatens the integrity of these protected areas. Development projects intended for this land could lead to irreversible environmental damage. This is a grave concern not only to me but also to thousands who hold this park dear.

Development on conservation land poses significant risks, including habitat destruction, pollution, and disruption of natural ecosystems. Wasaga Beach, known for its scenic beauty, could suffer long-term environmental degradation, compromising the beach and park's appeal for residents and tourists alike.

According to the Ontario Parks Natural Heritage Information Centre, the park is home to numerous species at risk. The encroachment on their natural habitat may lead to a decline in biodiversity, affecting both flora and fauna native to this region. With climate change accelerating, safeguarding and maintaining our natural spaces should be a top priority.

We urge the decision-makers to reconsider this proposal and sale/transfer of protected lands to facilitate development,  and set a precedent where any conservation land or Provincial Park is at risk of being put in the hands of development. 

The Town of Wasaga Beach is vigorously developing condos and a hotel on Beach 1 as it stands now.  Development throughout the town should be off of the greenspace and provincial parklands.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for the preservation of our Provincial Park's ecological heritage, ensuring that it remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for those seeking nature’s peace. Join us in urging local authorities and stakeholders to protect this land for the benefit of all living beings and future generations. 

------------------UPDATES----------------------------------------

Update - Sept. 7, 2025:  Since the making of this petition, two more protected Provincial Parks are now at risk.  French River Provincial Park (4.3 acres to the Township for landfill) and Grundy Lake Provincial Park (12.5 acres for roads) .  The Province said Wasaga Beach Provincial Park was unique and loss of further Provincial Parks were not in the cards.  This is a dangerous precedent to OUR protected parkland.   Read more here: (copy and paste URL)  https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/hwy-69-expansion-could-carve-into-grundy-lake-french-river-parks-11135150

Queens Park resumes sitting in the fall and the hope is to continue to collect signatures and present the petition to the decision-makers.  Updates will follow.

Input data has been collected by Environmental Registry Ontario.  Although the deadline for input has expired, you can obtain information and details, maps and more by visiting the site and following the notice.  Let's hope for enough opposition to stop the proposal.  Here is the ERO link:  https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0694?fbclid=IwY2xjawLyJRdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5TkV3OEN0SG9ES3lMck9pAR6aPRVJCLIe8RiTh6eXMpY52gyx7f1y81gz576lqlw0kkGeT-8WRKUBZDWT5A_aem_f5sv8id4Axf8AMjiZw6Sew