wasaga beach

Wasaga Beach bans commenting on social media due to hate and bullying

One Ontario town decided they have had enough of "hate" and "misinformation"and banned commenting on all their social media channels.

Effective on Oct. 26, the Town of Wasaga Beach is no longer allowing commenting on social media platforms.

"We are making this change due to individuals in our community who are using the pages to bully, spread hate, and misinformation," the town posted.

In a video posted on the Town's social media, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, explained the town had been experiencing not just contrary opinions but out and out lies.

She says staff members prepare content for the town's webpage and social media pages and monitor comments to ensure they adhere to the rules for posting.

"Unfortunately, a small handful of people in our community are using the town's social media platform to spread their hate lies and bullying behavior," Bifolchi says in the video.

She says the group claims they are being censored.

"Toxic people love playing the victim," she says. "They're twisting of the facts to suit their needs and narcissistic ways is keeping staff busy monitoring the town's social media platform, taking away from other productive activities."

So they have decided to turn off the commenting ability, for now, on social media posts.

She adds the commenters don't just have a difference of opinion or opposing view to the towns.

"This is not about the town trying to control the narrative," she says. "This is about a small handful of people who spread lies, twist facts, harass and play the victim when they are called out for it."

The public is encouraged to email or phone the town with comments or suggestions for now.

At least one group in town isn't happy with council. Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association is planning a protest this Friday.

But the town is not giving in.

"To the small group, you will not be given a town platform to speak your hate and lies to those who have been respectful of the town's social media rules and shared your views in a respectful manner, even when it was an opposing view," the mayor says.

Lead photo by

Suzanne Schroeter


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

This is why we still have mounted police in Toronto

Ontario might see rainy and unpleasant weather for 2024 Victoria Day weekend

Yet another shocking GTA shopping mall jewellery store robbery caught on video

Toronto neighbourhood is getting a stunning new boardwalk near a ravine

Canada will have best chance to see Northern Lights this weekend in almost 20 years

Metrolinx shows off basically complete Toronto LRT that you still aren't allowed to ride

A 'zombie' virus is running rampant among Toronto raccoons

An invasive insect is threatening the destruction of Ontario forests