This article was first published by CollingwoodToday, a Village Media publication.
Premier Doug Ford came to Wasaga Beach on Friday to announce major provincial funding for the town’s tourism, but the event was overshadowed by protesters looking to get the eye of the premier on the topic of Bill 5.
Ford was near Beach Area 1 to announce funding for a series of projects to aid Wasaga Beach’s tourism sector, including $25 million to support the redevelopment of the Nancy Island Historic Site over two years, $11 million to support the reconstruction of the Wasaga Beach area roadways project and $2 million for the town to support tourism planning work in Wasaga Beach.
“This is spectacular now, and it’s going to be even more spectacular,” said Ford in his remarks. “We know that economic uncertainty is being felt in every corner of our province. That includes Ontario’s tourism sector.
“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re investing in these destinations.”
He shared that Ontario would soon begin the process of transferring a portion of the provincially owned beachfront in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town in order to support its integration into the broader development of Destination Wasaga, under the condition that the beach remains public.
Ford made the announcement alongside Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming, Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson and Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Smith said the town would be working with the province to determine how the funds could be best spent to revitalize the Nancy Island Historic Site. Huronia Historical Parks is planned to oversee and operate the site moving forward, and will also collaborate on the process.
Nancy Island is the site where the HMS Nancy fought against three American schooners during the War of 1812, with support from the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs. The current site tells the story of the War of 1812 and houses substantial artifacts, including the charred hull of the HMS Nancy. A theatre, museum and replica lighthouse are also located on the island.
“We’re promoting homegrown tourism, celebrating our heritage and making Ontario a top destination for visitors across Canada and around the world,” said Ford.
Representatives of the not-for-profit Friends of Nancy Island were in attendance for the announcement, and spoke about what the funding pledge meant to them.
“We are delighted,” said Trish Wilde. “It’s a long time coming and greatly needed. Nancy Island has been in a deteriorating condition for far too long.
“We’re looking forward to working with Huronia (Historical) Parks and the Ministry of Tourism as we move forward on our new path.”
Marilyn Beecroft said that, in three years, the town will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nancy Island.
“This is a really significant announcement,” she said.
The protesters who attended the announcement are the same who have been holding rolling protests outside of Saunderson’s office all week.
They’re protesting against Bill 5, the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, which has been touted by Ford’s government as an economic response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
If passed, it will give the province the power to designate “special economic zones” that fit criteria to be developed by cabinet. Cabinet would then be empowered to exempt selected proponents and projects from requirements under any provincial law or regulation, including bylaws of municipalities and local boards, that would otherwise apply in those zones.
Ford’s government has said it would use these powers to enable companies to more quickly access minerals from the resource-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario.
The bill also repeals the Endangered Species Act and replaces it with legislation environmental groups argue offers far weaker protection. Last week, Bill 5 passed second reading at Queen’s Park.
Protesters told CollingwoodToday on Friday that they were told they were not allowed on site, though the announcement took place at the public parking lot adjacent to Beach Area 1.
“We came to be behind the news cameras on this municipal, public lot, where we are entitled to protest, and we were asked and escorted by the police to be moved to the front of the lot,” said Taylor Larking. “We did it because we’re trying to be respectful and peaceful, but at the same time, it’s upsetting.”
One protester made it through the barricade, though she was asked not to bring a sign. She complied.
Another protester took the long way around with her signs and held them high on the beach itself behind the location of Ford’s announcement. As the announcement took place, one of Ford’s staffers was seen approaching her and having a conversation. She was not forcibly removed and stayed throughout the announcement.
Following the announcement, CollingwoodToday asked Ford directly whether his office had heard the criticisms of Bill 5, and whether they would be taken into consideration as the bill makes its way through the process.
“We just have to make sure we get through these regulations and red tape. I respect the environment and we have to continue to always be conscious of that,” Ford responded. “We’re always going to have the best environmental assessments (EAs) there are, but EAs should not take two, three or four years.
“We can have the highest standards and still get things built. We have to get shovels in the ground and get through this red tape or we’ll have zero investment.”
The protesters said they had a meeting booked with Saunderson on Friday afternoon to hear their concerns.
