Province proceeds with Wasaga Beach land transfer

The Ford Government will be going ahead with the transfer of Crown-owned lands within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach to the Town of Wasaga Beach to “support the town’s overall strategy for increased tourism and investment.”

The decision was posted Tuesday following a public consultation process resulting in about 98 per cent opposition to the proposal. The government reported receiving a total of 14,233 comments in addition to written public and stakeholder comments, and consultation staff from one Indigenous community.

The reasons for the opposition are listed as: environmental impacts; legal and governance issues; and public access, perceived equity and socio- economic concerns.

Submissions from 13 stakeholder groups, including a joint submission on behalf of 14 stakeholder groups, commonly expressed concern for the removal of beach areas, potential environmental impacts, as well as legal and governance issues.

Nancy Island Historic Site, totalling 2.91 hectares, has been transferred to the Historical Parks Act. This decision is part of the government’s 2025 Ontario Budget: “A Plan to Protect Ontario commitment to revitalize Nancy Island to boost tourism and drive economic growth in Wasaga Beach, while continuing to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.”

By removing Nancy Island Historic Site from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and placing it under the Historical Parks Act, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming assumed responsibility for its management and protection.

One submission supported transferring Nancy Island, while three opposed.

The government said in response, “We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received, given the Town of Wasaga Beach’s commitments to keeping the beach public, not building on the beach, and protecting environmentally sensitive dunes. In addition, the land removed from the PPCRA will continue to be subject to Ontario’s species protection and environmental laws.”