Our Goals:

• To further public awareness, education, and understanding of the historical, archaeological, biological and geological resources of Wasaga Beach.
• To support research projects related to the park's natural and historical resources.
• To develop and make high quality, park specific items and publications available to the public.
• To operate a retail outlet where educational publications, maps, mementos and other items related to Nancy Island and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park are available.
• To generate funds through memberships, donations, bequests and other gifts, as well as through special events and activities.
• To ensure that Wasaga Beach Provincial Park's natural and historical legacy will remain for future generations.

 

Noteworthy News & Notices:

Please refer back to our site often for current news, notices and information regarding Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

 

Feast of 1812

Please join us for this amazing fundraising event for the new Wasaga Beach Welcome Centre

Tickets are on sale now at Nancy Island Historic Site, don't miss out on this amazing event and the musical styling of Wasaga Beach's very own Tyler Firestone!

 Click here for a brochure of the event!

 

Update - Piping Plovers

After a challenging and yet rewarding summer season at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, one Piping Plover chick fledged on August 16, 2010. The chick remains on the beach as he practices flying and continues to gain strength for migration.

The only other Piping Plover currently on the beach is the chick's father. The adult male continues to protect his chick against predators but his duties are almost finished for the season. The adult has also started to loose his breeding plumage as he too prepares for migration.

It was a busy season as a grand total of nine Piping Plovers foraged and mated at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. This is a remarkable improvement as this tiny shorebird had not been seen in Ontario for over 30 years!

Volunteers eagerly spoke with at least 4,500 beach visitors during the course of the summer! The chick would not have survived if it were not for the hard work and dedication of over 90 volunteers. Thank You!

The dog beach will remain closed until both Piping Plovers have left the beach. A temporary dog beach can be found in Beach Area 3, next to the Park Office (off 22nd Street North).

 To learn more about Piping Plovers click here.

 

Dog Beach Closure

The pet excercise area has been temporarily closed until further notice due to the endangered Piping Plovers nesting on our shores. To learn more about Piping Plovers and how you can help please check the rest of our website.

The pet excercise area has been re-located to BEACH AREA 3, located off of 22nd Street North.

The Town of Wasaga Beach also has the 'Bark Park' located West of the YMCA.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

 

Update: Phragmites

Implementation of the Phragmites Action Plan is well underway for the 2010 operating season. Last year's herbicide spray appears to have successfully reduced the density of Phragmites on the shoreline, particularly in the west end of Beach Area 6.

In July and early August, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park staff cut stands of Phragmites within the test plots in Beach Areas 1, 5 and 6. Cutting also took place at Allenwood Beach, New Wasaga Beach, and Craigleith Provincial Park which were added as new test plots this year. Participants in the Ministry of Natural Resources' Stewarship Rangers program assisted with hand-cutting Phragmites seed heads in a sensitive area of Beach Area 1.

Vegetation surveys were conducted at these test plots before cutting occurred, and monitoring of these plots is ongoing.

A second round of herbicide application is planned for mid-October.

For more information on the Phragmites program, please contact the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park Office, at 705-429-2516.

Click the Phragmites Action Plan to open a new window to download the document.

 

Storm Watch

At Wasaga Beach Provincial Park extreme weather conditions can appear rapidly on the Bay. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, changing wind patterns and large waves can accompany storms. When in the park, it is advised for visitors to 'keep an eye on the sky' and be prepared for these events. Dark, heavy clouds can signify an approaching storm, so take precautions even if a storm is not directly overhead, lightning can strike several kilometres from a storm.

Please read the 30 - 30 Guidline below.

 

The 30 - 30 Guideline:

Take shelter if thunder and lightning are less than 30 seconds apart. Avoid going outside to resume activity for 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning and rumble of thunder.

Environment Canada highlights the following safety information for inclement weather:

• If you are in the water, get out and get off the beach
• Know of a safe place off the beach that you can wait out a storm (ex. hard-topped vehicle, a comfort station, or other permanent structure). When inside a vehicle avoid touching metal.
• Avoid being near the tallest objects (ex. isolated tree) and objects that conduct an electrical charge (ex. power lines and towers, metal fencing, fishing rods, golf clubs).
• If you cannot find shelter, avoid being the tallest object. Stay clear of high ground and open fields.
• If in a building, stay away from windows and doors. Avoid using tap water.