Poop on the beach? Ontario mayor slams social media ‘misinformation’
The stench of social media posts on TikTok and Facebook has become too much to ignore for the mayor of a popular beach town, who has released a lengthy statement denouncing talk of people pooping in the sand “that lack evidence and promote misinformation.”
Town of Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith writes that the municipality has received “no evidence – from residents, visitors or the Ontario government – to verify that any undesirable, unsanitary behaviour has occurred on the beach areas that make up Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.”
“If any evidence comes to light,” Smith stresses, “I assure you that we will be quick to act.”
In response to Global News inquiring if public defecation or urination on the sand has ever been an issue on Wasaga Beach’s beaches since 2020, a spokesperson with the town said “the answer is no.”
Smith’s statement also notes that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks operates, patrols and manages the beach areas within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in conjunction with Ontario Parks.
A ministry spokesperson said staff at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park “have not observed this behaviour during their regular patrols of the beachfront or in response to any complaints.”
“We encourage park visitors to contact the park office if they observe visitors misusing the park,” they added.
“If evidence of the activity is found, the individuals responsible may be subject to enforcement action, including a fine.”
Another ministry spokesperson said that staff have “occasionally received complaints about defecation or urination on beaches since 2020, however no specific evidence of these allegations has been found.”
Social media suggests Smith’s statement isn’t sitting well with everyone, as several
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