Ontario beach town responds to claims people are pooping in the sand

The city of Wasaga Beach has finally responded to viral claims that visitors to the popular beach spot were relieving themselves in the sand.

The allegations spread rapidly on TikTok, where one creator sparked a wave of controversy with multiple videos on the topic.

She detailed how, as a local, she has seen people setting up tents as makeshift toilets and relieving themselves on the sand where people gather and play.

“This is a real issue and it’s nice to see people thanking me for bringing this up… you need to know what you’re getting into when you come to Wasaga Beach,” she said in a video, responding to several comments from others who agreed that this is happening not only at Wasaga but at other beaches in Ontario.

However, the municipality has since described these allegations as ‘completely unconfirmed’.

These are not claims. This has been happening for years.

— Rob Brown (@RobBrow87686488) July 19, 2024

“The City of Wasaga Beach takes all feedback from residents and visitors seriously. However, we reject the premise of complaints that have no substantiated evidence and promote misinformation,” Mayor Brian Smith wrote in a press release responding to the rumors Monday.

“While the City cannot speak on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment or Ontario Parks, who manage and administer all beach areas in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, we can comment on the facts.”

Among the facts cited in the press release are the many restroom facilities in the area that are “strategically located” and “clearly visible to the public from the beach,” and the fact that there is insufficient evidence from “residents, visitors or the Ontario Government to verify that any untoward, unsanitary conduct has occurred on the beaches.”

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

“A large portion of the region’s tourism 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 an appeal for people to “support the city’s efforts and help keep our beach beautiful and clean.”

Seems to me that where there’s smoke there’s fire and this needs to be investigated. Perception is reality until proven otherwise. Mr. Mayor, don’t ignore this, your moral convictions could get something done here. This is a “not my problem” statement.

— Lloyd Ancaster (@AncasterL71) July 23, 2024

Despite this reassurance from management, and the fact that Ontario Parks has confirmed that their staff “did not observe this activity,” some online continue to comment on the reports. Some even claim that the phenomenon is real and not new.