Premier Doug Ford has asked Ontario residents and visitors not to "poop on the beach" following unconfirmed claims that began circulating on social media last month, which alleged that people had been defecating on the sand in Wasaga Beach. 

During a press conference on Wednesday morning, Ford was asked about the social media rumours, which claimed that some beachgoers were putting up tents, digging holes, and pooping in the sand. 

The claims can largely be traced back to a now-viral TikTok, where a local resident claimed that defecation at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has been an ongoing issue for years, particularly at Beach 1. 

"They don't have 100 per cent proof. We've given Wasaga Beach $1 million to build bathrooms and hire more people, but I'd be more than to talk to the Mayor, it's a very popular beach," Ford said about the summertime destination. 

Premier Doug Ford is asked about claims some people are “pooping on the beach” in Wasaga Beach.
He says there’s no proof but asks people not to poop on the beach.
Can’t believe I heard him say that, using that language. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/I8Hh42aYJa

— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) August 7, 2024

"Folks don't be poopin' on the beach, simple as that. We have no proof of it either." 

Claims of defecation on Wasaga Beach have been refuted by town and provincial officials, including Mayor Brian Smith, who said that the town has been "gravely harmed" by the misinformation. 

"The Town 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," Smith said in a July 22 news release. 

"If any evidence comes to light, I assure you that we will be quick to act."

At a special council meeting on Monday, Smith reiterated that Wasaga Beach is consistently safe and clean. 

People horrified by claims visitors to Ontario beaches are pooping in the sandhttps://t.co/sZ1Q4FUT15

— blogTO (@blogTO) July 18, 2024

"The level of frustration for me is that this is our community, and it's an amazing community....When there are beaches closed all over the place across this province, in this country, Wasaga Beach is still open," he said. 

In an effort to put a lid on the misinformation, the Town of Wasaga Beach passed a motion last month calling on the province to ban tents on the beach at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

The Town has also requested a meeting with Premier Ford, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport at the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in August.