Public defecation on beaches in Ontario could be real, reports suggest

After the mayor of Wasaga Beach stated earlier this week that rumors concerning public defecation on the town’s beachfront were false, there is now confirmation that provincial officials have been receiving reports of these kinds of incidents for several years. 

According to Ontario bylaws, jurisdiction for outdoor areas, such as Wasaga Beach’s beachfront, falls on provincial administrators — and in this specific case — the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. 

INsauga.com reached out to the ministry to gain insight into the ongoing situation in Wasaga Beach, as recent online activity has alleged that individuals have been using makeshift tents to hide public defecation throughout the town’s beachfront. 

“Park staff has occasionally received complaints about defecation or urination on beaches since 2020,” said Lindsay Davidson, communications liaison for the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks in an emailed response to INsauga.com. 

Davidson went on to note that while the ministry has been receiving reports of pubic defecation on the beachfront for the last several years, no substantial evidence has been found by beach patrol officers. This, in turn, lines up with what Brian Smith — Mayor of Wasaga Beach — said last week concerning the uptick in online allegations of public defecation. 

“The Town of Wasaga Beach takes all resident and visitor feedback seriously. However, we reject the premise of complaints that lack evidence and promote misinformation,” said Smith in a public statement. 

As a result of continued outcry — and recent confirmation from provincial agencies — rumblings surrounding a tent ban have been circulating within city channels.

However, provincial authorities have confirmed that any enforcement of such a ban is outside their wheelhouse. 

“Ontario Parks does not have a policy or regulation prohibiting the use of tent shelters on beaches. However, it is important to note that Park Wardens have the same powers as police to address any specific cases of misuse that may occur on park property,” said Davidson. 

As a byproduct of these allegations, an administrative game of hot potato has now ensued, as the logistics behind a tent ban would fall on municipal authorities and not provincial ones.

As for any repercussions from provincial park patrols in the event of public defecation, Davidson stated, “Enforcement actions are dependent on the specific circumstances of the activity.”

At the time of publication, no official evidence of public defecation has been found by provincial beach patrol authorities as well as any indication of a tent ban.