Wasaga Beach restricting alcohol consumption on some public beaches

Alcohol consumption is being restricted at some public beaches and new fines are in place to protect the endangered Piping Plovers.

In April, the government announced they would loosen alcohol restrictions at provincial parks making it legal to consume alcohol almost everywhere.

Everywhere but Wasaga Beach Provincial Park Beach Area’s 1 and 2 as the Town of Wasaga Beach has placed bylaws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in these areas.

Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith said the Town would control the area for now.

“We understand where the province is coming from, but in Wasaga Beach and our parks and on Beach Areas 1 and 2 that we are now controlling that area, there will be no alcohol,” said Smith.

Smith and the Town want to ensure a positive experience for everyone making their way to the beach.

“It’s a family beach and listen - it’s nothing to say that families can’t have a drink and be reasonable, but we want to make sure that Wasaga Beach always remains about fun and fun for everybody with no impediments,” said Smith.

Those who want to consume alcohol while on the beach in Wasaga are welcome to do so on Beaches 3 to 6.

Businesses in Wasaga are indifferent about the bylaws including Dean Prezio owner and operator of Pedro’s.

“It’s always illegal, right? Anyone can pretty much have a drink if they put in a different cup and they’re not running around acting inappropriate,” said Prezio.

Businesses not on the main strip welcome the bylaw as patio season has officially begun.

“If they want to travel only about four kilometres and walk from the main beach, they are free to come down here and enjoy a nice cold beverage and some food over here,” said Jessica Bigalke, owner/operator of Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar. “So, I don’t see that as being a damper on anything at all.”

Plover Protection

The Town of Wasaga Beach is also creating harsher penalties when it comes to the protection of the endangered Piping Plovers.

The town’s new bylaw strengthens protection for dunes, critical habitat, and endangered Piping Plovers with the strongest fines and penalties in Canada.

• RELATED: New bylaw can now fine people up to $3,000 for disrupting Piping Plovers

“We’ve put new bylaws in place with very strong penalties, some as high as $3,000,” said Smith. “That if you go in these areas where you shouldn’t be, in the nesting areas, in the critical habitat or at the end of the point of the Nottawasaga River, there’s a very good chance that you’re not going to be happy when you walk away.”