Wasaga Beach approves new by-law with stronger fines, protections
Wasaga Beach approved a new Beach By-law on May 15, 2026, giving the town stronger municipal tools to protect dunes, critical habitat and endangered Piping Plovers. The measure is part of Destination Wasaga, the town’s broader master planning process.
Mayor Brian Smith said the by-law strengthens local stewardship and helps position Wasaga Beach as a model for destination development. The town also said it will keep clearer rules in place for beach users, operators and enforcement staff.
Brian Smith and Destination Wasaga
Smith said, "Destination Wasaga is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine one of Canada's most iconic beach towns and waterfront destinations," and added, "Protecting our dunes, critical habitat and natural shoreline is central to that work."
He also said, "This by-law strengthens local stewardship and helps position Wasaga Beach as a model for destination development -- where tourism growth, community benefit and environmental protection thrive together."
In a separate statement, he said, "This Council believes Wasaga Beach can stand among the great recreation and nature-based destinations of the world, and that vision depends on protecting the dunes, critical habitat and natural shoreline that makes this place so special," tying the by-law directly to the town’s long-term planning.
Wasaga Beach protections
The town said the by-law strengthens protection for dunes, critical habitat, stewardship areas, active Piping Plover nesting areas, vegetation, natural features and wildlife. It also said the town has maintained established Ontario Parks conservation protocols, including long-standing no-go and no-rake zones.
Wasaga Beach has also restricted mechanical beach-cleaning equipment from protected habitat areas and advanced staff training and collaboration with Birds Canada. The town created dedicated Destination Wasaga Piping Plover stewardship roles and launched a Municipal Plover Stewardship Volunteer Program.
Plover stewardship strategy
The town said it continues to work with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority on a long-term Municipal Piping Plover Stewardship Strategy and Municipal Beach Management Plan. It is also delivering a comprehensive system of educational and interpretive signage for residents and visitors.
For beach users, the practical change is clearer rules around where they can go and what areas stay protected. The town says residents and visitors should enjoy the longest freshwater beach in the world while respecting fencing, signage and protected areas, which is now backed by a by-law built to support enforcement as well as stewardship.
