Provincial Parks, Plovers & Protests: July 2025
Ontario grapples with Bill 5 fallout, threatening endangered species and protected lands, while a proposed James Bay port faces scrutiny
JULY IN REVIEW
Howdy everyone, I hope you have all been doing well.
For July, across Ontario, we saw many people continuing to make their voices heard in opposition to Bill 5. I had the opportunity to attend and speak with Mike Schreiner, the Leader of the Ontario Green Party, gathering his thoughts.
One thing of note during my interview with Schreiner was the proposed James Bay Deep-sea port, which was reportedly proposed as a way to export minerals extracted from the Ring of Fire. Beyond the politics, evidence strongly suggests that the bay cannot support tankers. Given the Federal Government’s agreement with First Nations to explore a national marine protected zone in James Bay, the prospects for the port's materialization appear significantly diminished. However, the situation warrants continued monitoring
We’ve also begun to see the other far-reaching effects of Bill 5 take form across the Province. As Doug Ford proposes selling off portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, concerns are being raised because many endangered species rely on the habitat provided by the park, including the Piping Plover. Due to Bill 5, the Endangered Species Act will be replaced by a weakened Species Conservation Act, which will no longer afford protections previously provided to the Plover. Instead, the only protections that may be provided are at the federal level, but many have warned that this may not be enough.
Did you know that Piping Plovers only returned to Ontario roughly 30 years ago, and Wasaga Beach is one of the most important breeding locations?
I spent a considerable amount of time this month investigating the proposed transfer and the effects it could have on the Piping Plover population. I published the results of my investigation this month in an article titled “Wasaga Beach Transfer Raises Alarms for Endangered Piping Plover Habitat.” It’s on the longer side. Still, I highly suggest reading about it if you’re interested in Plovers or living in Ontario.
On a more personal note, my shoulder injury has become a significant barrier to being in the field as much as I’d like to lately. This has also been exacerbated by the repeated heat waves that Ontario continues to face. However, I hope to be producing some new work to share soon!
But for now, enjoy a selection of my spring wildflower photography in a photo essay I published this month.
Until the next issue,
- Greg Noakes
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In the "In Other News" section, I'll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
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Published on: 18/JUL/2025
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