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.

 

Phragmites Action Plan Progress: Year 2

As Wasaga Beach Provincial Park begins another season, the Phragmites Action Plan is well under way. Last Fall, a herbicide was applied to selected plots along Beach Areas 5, 6 and west of Beach Area 6. A monitoring program was established to determine the success rate of the herbicide application.

Each plot corresponds to a GPS point, and is being sampled by using a Random Vegetation Survey method. This method entails locating the treated plots and surveying a 1m2 area. A minimum of 5 Phragmites plants within the area are measured to determine the average height of the plant, along with a survey of the native species that are within the plots. Preliminary results suggest that the herbicide treatment was successful. These plots will be retreated in the Fall of 2010 in order to further reduce the infestation of Phragmites along those Beach Areas.

Phragmites stands along Allenwood and New Wasaga Beach will be cut in early July and will be treated with herbicide in the Fall. Cutting (or mowing) of Phragmites is used to stress the plant which prevents seed heads from forming, and in turn spreading seeds. It also reduces the amount of herbicide that needs to be applied to plant during herbicide treatment. These stands will be included in the monitoring program next year.

 

Update - Piping Plovers

Currently there are at least four adult Piping Plovers on Wasaga Beach. Two of the plovers are nesting just east of Spruce Street on Beach Area 1. Their clutch of four eggs is due to hatch the last week of July.

You can help protect the Piping Plovers as they incubate their eggs by:

• not entering the perimeter fence,
• not eating near the perimeter fence as this attracts predators,
• walking your dog along the river and NOT on the beach,
• staying away from the fence if you are playing with a ball or frisbee, and
• not flying a kite over their nest as this may cause the plovers to leave their eggs unattended.

 To learn more about Piping Plovers click here.

 

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.

 

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 the River Side of Beach Area 1.

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

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

 

Feast of 1812

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