The Town of South Bruce Peninsula seems stuck in their view that the rules and regulations for protecting endangered species shouldn’t apply to them. Despite being convicted of two counts of damaging the places where piping plovers hatch and raise their chicks, at a cost of at least $600,000 to taxpayers in legal fees, the town has applied for permits to mechanically rake the beach this summer. The application lacks scientific rigour and provides no alternatives that would minimize damage. Heavy machinery should be prohibited on the beach, especially during the critical nesting period for these endangered birds. The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks needs to stand up for endangered species and deny the town these permits.

Kelsey Scarfone
Water Program Manager
Environmental Defence