Ontario beach town fires back at claims people are pooping in the sand

The Town of Wasaga Beach has finally spoken out about viral claims that some visitors to the popular waterfront locale have been publicly defecating in the sand.

The allegations have spread like wildfire on TikTok, where one creator spawned a ton of chatter with multiple videos on the subject. 

She detailed how, as a local, she has witnessed people setting up tents to use as makeshift outhouses, relieving themselves along the sand where people gather and play.

"This is an actual issue and it's good to see that people are thanking me for bringing this up... you guys need to know what you're running into when you come to Wasaga Beach," she said in one video, responding to multiple comments from others who agree this is happening not just at Wasaga, but other Ontario beaches as well.

But, the municipality has since called these allegations completely "unverified."

They're not claims. This has been happening for years.

— Rob Brown (@RobBrow87686488) July 19, 2024

"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," Mayor Brian Smith wrote in a news release addressing the rumours on Monday.

"While the Town cannot speak for the Ministry of Environment or Ontario Parks, who operates, patrols, and manages all the beach areas within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, we can speak to the facts."

The facts outlined in the release include the abundant washroom facilities in the area that are "located strategically" and are "very visible to the public from the beachfront," along with insufficient proof from "residents, visitors or the Ontario government to verify that any undesirable, unsanitary behaviour has occurred on the beach areas."

Smith called the waterfront destination "one of the cleanest, safest and most beautiful beaches in the world," and reiterated its uniqueness and importance to residents and to the tourism industry.

"A significant amount of tourism across the region, and thousands of families and livelihoods in our community, depend on how well the Ontario government maintains Wasaga Beach Provincial Park," Smith wrote, ending with a call for people to "support the Town's advocacy efforts and help keep our beach beautiful and clean."

Seems to me that where there is smoke there is fire and that this should be investigated. Perception is reality until it is proven wrong. Mr. Mayor, don't ignore, your moral suasion could get something done here. This is a "not my problem" statement.

— Lloyd Ancaster (@AncasterL71) July 23, 2024

Despite this reassurance from leadership, as well as the fact that Ontario Parks confirmed their staff "have not observed this activity," some online are still standing by the reports, with some saying the phenomenon is real and is not new.