Wasaga Beach Transfer Raises Alarms for Endangered Piping Plover Habitat
Environmental groups warn that the proposed land transfer and recent changes to the Endangered Species Act threaten recovery efforts. The Town of Wasaga Beach Reassures Public on Plover Protections.
Editor's note: This article was updated at 1:38 pm, July 28, 2025, to include a response from the Town of Wasaga Beach, which was provided after publication.
WASAGA BEACH, ON — A plan by the Doug Ford government to transfer significant portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, including critical habitat for the endangered Piping Plover, has raised alarms among environmental groups and conservationists. The proposal, announced in May 2025, includes the transfer of Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, Allenwood Beach, and Nancy Island, as part of a $38 million commitment to boost the Town of Wasaga Beach's tourism industry.
However, Beach 1, also sometimes referred to as 'Ploverland,' is a well-known habitat for the Piping Plover, a small shorebird species that was listed as Endangered provincially under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and federally under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Piping Plover, like other migratory birds, also receives protection under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
Conservationists Concerned Over Habitat Loss
Tony Morris, Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director at Ontario Nature, an environmental advocacy organization in the province, said when reached by email, “Ontario Nature is concerned with the proposal to transfer provincial park lands at Wasaga Beach. Proposing to transfer lands out of the provincial park system risks the ecological integrity of sensitive habitats and long-standing management approaches with no guarantee the Town of Wasaga Beach will manage the beach areas to the same standards.”
Morris further explained how ecologically significant Wasaga Beach is, writing, “Wasaga Beach is more than a popular recreational tourism destination, it is a diverse and active ecosystem home to freshwater dunes held together by marram grass – a globally rare ecosystem, as well habitat for the endangered Piping Plover.”
Piping Plovers returned to Ontario only in 2007, with a total of 85 nesting pairs reported across the entire Great Lakes Region in 2025. They historically bred throughout the region with populations in the 800s. However, by 1986, they were considered extirpated in Ontario, which means that none remained in the province. Their loss was attributed to human-led shoreline redevelopment, combined with the threats of weather and predation. Their return is attributed to human-led conservation efforts.
Ontario falls behind the rest of Canada in protecting its natural areas, Morris explained.
“Ontario has become a laggard nationally on expanding protected areas and remains at just under 11% total protected and conserved area. This is a far cry from the international and national targets of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 – a target which the Government of Ontario has still not committed,” wrote Morris.
New Legislation Threatens Plover Protections
The proposed sale of these beach lands comes amidst widespread criticism against the Ford government's recently passed Bill 5, the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.' Environmental groups and legal experts contend that the legislation significantly removes key protections previously afforded under the Endangered Species Act, as it is set to be replaced by what many are calling a weaker Species Conservation Act.
Morris explained, “Once in effect, the Species Conservation Act (replacing the Endangered Species Act due to Bill 5) and its regulations will not apply to species of migratory birds protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and federal Species at Risk Act.” Morris wrote instead that responsibility will fall to the Federal government, which will be responsible for the Piping Plover’s recovery and protection.
Federal Protections May Not Be Enough To Fully Safeguard Plover
The Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program, operated by Birds Canada, has publicly raised concerns about the Piping Plovers' future on their Facebook page, saying, “The recent passing of Bill 5 will eliminate provincial habitat protections for the Piping Plover.” On July 7, 2025, in a separate response to a user's comment regarding federal protections, they stated:
“Yes, there are some federal protections for Piping Plover that would remain, even if the land transfer continues. However we are concerned these protections may not be strong enough, especially for Ontario's most important Piping Plover beach.
Critical Habitat protections under SARA are in place where provincial or territorial laws do not effectively protect the habitat. The 2013 Action Plan for Piping Plover in Ontario notes that habitat protections under Ontario’s ESA were considered effective at the time, meaning protection fell under provincial jurisdiction. In addition, the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) has provided protection for Piping Plovers at Wasaga Beach. One of the objectives of the PPCRA is to “permanently protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity and provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, and to manage these areas to ensure ecological integrity is maintained.
Unfortunately, changes to Ontario’s ESA under Bill 5, and the removal of PPCRA protections through the proposed land transfer, mean the 2013 Action Plan is now out of date. This creates potential gaps in habitat protection. Updates to federal documents can be a lengthy process, and there may even be a need to consider an emergency Ministerial Protection Order.”
When Birds Canada was contacted for official comment on the matter, Andrea Gress, Communications Coordinator for Birds Canada, responded by email, “Birds Canada is actively working to better understand the implications of the proposed land transfer, and how best to work with all stakeholders involved to ensure continued habitat protection for endangered Piping Plovers at this site.” Gress further noted, however, that Birds Canada was not able to respond to our questions at this time.
Green Party Condemns Land Transfer
Mike Schreiner, leader of the Ontario Green Party, a vocal critic of Bill 5 and the proposed land transfer, warned of the precedent this could set, stating in an email, “Doug Ford is once again weakening environmental protections, just as he did with Bill 5, by proposing to change laws to make it easier to transfer provincial park lands. These lands belong to the people of Ontario, and this move sets a dangerous precedent. It erodes democratic oversight and paves the way for the degradation of Ontario’s environment, piece by piece.”
Schreiner also commented that the best way to protect Wasaga Beach is for it to remain under Provincial Park protections, writing, “It is vital that we protect these lands and the biodiversity they support.” Adding, “The best way to preserve these delicate ecosystems is for them to remain protected under the provincial park system.”
Lastly, Schreiner wrote, “This legislative change threatens the integrity of our parks and opens the door to further environmental rollbacks. In the case of Wasaga Beach, critical habitat for the endangered Piping Plover could be at risk without the protections that the provincial park system provides."
Environmental Registry Public Notice Lacks Mention Of Endangered Species
In addition to the concerns previously outlined, the Environmental Registry of Ontario's public notice (ERO 025-0694), detailing the proposed legislative amendments for this land transfer and soliciting public comment, lacks any mention of the presence of an endangered species. Tony Morris of Ontario Nature wrote that, “The ERO proposal is vague and provides no details on why this transfer is necessary, conditions that will be placed on the transfer, if any, or any details on cost-benefit analysis that were completed (e.g. lost revenue in the provincial parks system).”
The notice only makes broad references to protecting the area's natural and cultural heritage.
The current proposal meets the threshold where the sale should be reported to the legislative assembly, but Morris explained, “the ERO posting only states ‘MECP [Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks] is also proposing legislative amendments to the PPCRA to remove portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park’, without providing any details on those proposed amendments, raising questions on whether this proposal is setting a dangerous precedent. Ontarians deserve more transparency and meaningful engagement on matters related to the provincial park system.”
Town of Wasaga Beach Reassures Public on Plover Protection
In a detailed response provided to The Field & Shutter Press, Sandra Watts, Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs for the Town of Wasaga Beach, outlined the Town's perspective on the proposed land transfer and addressed the concerns raised by environmental groups.
Watts explained that Wasaga Beach is home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, “including the lake, river and dune ecosystem that makes it all possible – are the heart and lungs of the Wasaga Beach community.”
Watts went on to say the Town knows that the environment and tourism can co-exist, and are looking for a partner, which would include ecologists, for the future of Wasaga Beach, while reassuring Ontarians that, “There are no plans to build on the beach – the beach is public today, and it will be public forever.” Watts wrote, adding, “Once the team of award-winning experts including urban designers, ecologists and others is selected to help guide us in the planning of sections of the waterfront, and as the process unfolds, we will learn more about best practices, what’s currently being done, and how we can do even better.”
Watts did confirm that the Town of Wasaga Beach has been in contact with Birds Canada, the operators of the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program, with Watts saying, “We’ve already met with Birds Canada, and we’re happy to sit down and meet with other groups who care.”
The Field & Shutter Press has not been able to independently verify these claims with Birds Canada as of the time of publication. Once verified, the article will be updated.
It was further explained that over 50 years ago, 25% of Wasaga Beach was expropriated by the province, a process in which the government seizes lands from owners, usually with compensation. Watts wrote, “The entire beachfront and backbone of our local economy. Hundreds of homes, thriving businesses, accommodations and cottage courts were bulldozed to create Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. While a positive legacy is that most of the beach is public, it gutted our local economy and left us with parking lots that sit empty 8 months of the year, including the massive, overgrown, paved lot at Beach Area 1.”
She wrote that the Town's vision is, “planning to put paradise back where the parking lot is,” explaining that their future vision for Wasaga Beach is to become a year-round tourism destination, “that celebrates the longest freshwater beach in the world, but also the entire unique ecosystem here in Wasaga Beach, including the plants and animals that call it home.”
Clarification was also provided on specific claims regarding the land transfer. Watts stated that the province is proposing to transfer “about 148 acres – not 645 acres – to the municipality (not developers).”
Regarding the Nancy Island Historic Site, Watts asserted, “isn’t getting transferred to developers, it’s getting moved from one Ontario ministry to another (Environment to Tourism, where it makes more sense to be grouped and managed by the Ministry of Tourism which also oversees Discovery Harbour and Saint Marie among the Hurons.)”
However, Watts directly refuted claims made by Environmental Defence, characterizing their recent news release as "disappointing" and "factually inaccurate." Also writing, “Environmental Defense has not issued a correction to their news release, or extended any interest to meet or speak with the town to learn more about our advocacy or vision. This is unfortunate. Promoting misinformation, and mixing up the rich and complex history of our community and a 50-year experiment that has failed, with an NGO’s own political and advocacy agenda is like hitting a small town when it's down.”
Environmental Defence Responds to Town's Claims
When presented with the Town of Wasaga Beach's statements about Environmental Defence, Tim Gray, the organization's Executive Director, offered a direct counter-response. Gray stated that Environmental Defence is reacting to the Ontario government’s proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), “that is opaque and does not calculate the amount of land that is proposed for disposition. As more information has come to light, Environmental Defence has provided corrections to the print media and modified our socials that published the initial incorrect figures that erroneously included the lakebed included in the EBR registry posting.”
However, Gray maintained that the Town is unwilling to speak with them, writing, “While the Provincial government's statements are the source of our concerns, it has been the Town's choice not to speak to our non-profit organization. Environmental Defence staff directed questions to two separate planning department officials over twenty days ago to ask them to provide their own description of what the town's intentions were for the land to be sold to it, and what are the advantages of the transfer. There was no response to our voicemail messages.
The Field & Shutter Press has not been able to independently verify these claims with the Town of Wasaga Beach as of publication. Once verified, the article will be updated.
Gray emphasized that, “Ontario Parks has managed the area for decades, restoring dunes and protecting habitat. Under town ownership combined with development proposals and with recent passing of Bill 5 that gutted the Species at Risk Act, those protections are almost certainly going to disappear.”
The organization's Executive Director further argued, “The Town’s statement that they are proud of the community’s role in protecting the piping plover habitat rings hollow when Town of Wasaga Beach staff are on record as stating that they want more beach maintenance and don't want to be encumbered by protections for the Piping Plover. One instance is the Special Council meeting where Town staff expressed ‘concerns with significant restrictions to beach maintenance in Piping Plover nesting areas’ ”
The Field & Shutter Press, through a link provided by Environmental Defence, found that records show on February 19, 2019, George Vadeboncoeur, then Town Administrative Officer, who retired in November 2022, sent a letter to the ‘Public Input Coordinator Species Conservation Policy Branch’ with the subject line “Ontario Endangered Species Act 10-Year Review Discussion Paper – Protecting and Recovering Species at Risk.” In the letter, Vadeboncoeur wrote, “The Town supports the broader goals of the Endangered Species Act, in protecting species at risk and maintaining biodiversity in the province. However, there are areas of improvement for administration of the Endangered Species Act”
Vadeboncoeur continued, writing, “The development community in Wasaga Beach has experienced challenges with the efficiency of receiving comments from provincial agencies relating to development applications, creating delays in timing and uncertainty in economic development and investment opportunities.” He then provides a list of examples, with one example stating, “the uncertainty of the effects of species at risk ‘general’ habitat protection, particularly for the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Piping Plover, and Lake Sturgeon, on private development and public infrastructure and maintenance projects;” the complete list can be viewed on page 8 of the Agenda for the Wasaga Beach Special Council meeting, Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Additionally, regarding Piping Plovers specifically, Vadeboncoeur wrote, “particular beachfront neighbourhoods in Wasaga Beach have expressed concern with the lack of maintenance on significant portions of the beach due to nesting Piping Plovers dating back nearly 10 years. Once a pair of plovers has nested, the beach area within 400 meters of the nest cannot be maintained for 10 years. This has led to the portions of the beach being overgrown with vegetation. In a tourist town that relies on tourist visits to the beach as its main economic generator, this has created issues. Ontario Parks has done limited maintenance, but are constrained by the Act in how much maintenance they can do.”
However, Vadeboncoeur also wrote, “There have been some recent pilots of limited maintenance in nesting areas that have shown the plovers still return to the area to nest. The review of the Act is an opportunity to revisit the limitations on habitat maintenance.”
Gray wrote that Environmental Defence “continues to loudly and consistently advocate for the addition of workplaces and homes within the existing built up areas of Ontario's towns and cities. This approach applies equally to the Town of Wasaga Beach.” Adding that, “We are strongly supportive of building a Destination Wasaga that includes commercial and recreational development that redevelops the recently-demolished buildings and parking lots on commercial, residential and mixed use properties in the town.”
However, he stated that Environmental Defence “is strongly opposed to the proposal to dispose of 60 percent of Ontario Park owned beachfront lands in the Provincial Park to a municipality that does not have a track record or mandate for protecting endangered species including the Piping Plover.”
He concluded by writing, “Wasaga Beach provincial park that includes the longest freshwater beach belongs to the people of Ontario, not to a municipality intent on development and that recently disposed of its own lands to the private sector.”
Town Provides Additional Response
Responding to claims from Environmental Defence, Sandra Watts, Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs for the Town of Wasaga Beach, provided further details regarding the proposed land transfer and the Town's plans.
Addressing Piping Plover protection, Watts noted, “In our meeting with Birds Canada, we learned that in 2025, two piping plovers attempted to hatch chicks at Wasaga Beach but were unsuccessful under the current program,” adding that, “apparently the chicks did not survive natural predators, which include a protected falcon, and seagulls. We understand that Michigan seems to be having greater success, and we're interested to learn more about their experience as well as what has been taking place in Wasaga Beach. It’s also important to note that the protections for plovers will still be in place under federal legislation.”
The Field & Shutter Press is working to independently verify these specific details regarding 2025 Piping Plover nesting outcomes at Wasaga Beach with Birds Canada. We will update the article once confirmation is received.
Watts then provided a summary of the land facts, emphasizing the scope of the proposed transfer. “Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is a 1884 ha Provincial Park,” she stated. “The province is proposing to transfer about 50 ha to the municipality.” She clarified that if the 10 hectares of Allenwood Beach (already owned by the Town) are included, and the lakebed (which will not be transferred) is excluded, this amounts to "no more than 60 Hectares."
Of this, Watts asserted, “Half of that 60 ha is actual beach and Sand dunes, which is a no go zone from the Town's perspective,” further stressing, “The municipality has absolutely no plans to build on the beach.” She clarified that only approximately 30 hectares, “a large majority are parking lots and one massive crumbling, paved parking lot at beach area one,” are the focus for future plans. Watts referenced local sentiment, stating, "Here in Wasaga Beach we say Joni Mitchell wrote her song about what happened to Wasaga Beach in the 1970s. We can do better."
Concluding, Watts highlighted that the 60 ha represents about 3% of the entire provincial park, and the 30 ha intended for the waterfront master plan is "really 1.5% of the park." She stressed that this plan, led by a team including urban architects, designers, and an ecologist, aims to “put sustainable urban design and nature-based solutions first. We have once in a generation opportunity to get this right, And that's what we are intent on doing.”
The Field & Shutter Press made multiple attempts to contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Premier’s Office for comment on the matter. Still, it did not receive any response by the time of publication.
When first announced, Premier Doug Ford was quoted in a May 2025 press release, “Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” additionally stating, “We’re helping bring this important part of Ontario’s history back to life and we’re working with the municipality to revitalize the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
Public Comment Period Open
The proposed land transfer, combined with legislative changes, creates new complexities for Piping Plover protection. However, the Town of Wasaga Beach has stated its firm commitment to the species' protection should the transfer proceed. The public has an opportunity to weigh in on this decision, as the Environmental Registry of Ontario notice (ERO 025-0694) remains open for public comments until August 11, 2025.
Editor’s Note: The journalist for this article has previously provided freelance photography to Ontario Nature, an organization quoted in this report.
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