John Cropper, one of the co-founders of Wasaga Bares, said he was pleased with the decision.

“We’re way better off - I’m as happy as a pig in doo-doo,” Cropper told Simcoe.com. “It’s the area we’ve asked for.”

Cropper acknowledged the concerns of Parks staff, noting they seem willing to accept the ‘informal’ use of the area as a clothing-optional spot.

“They (Ontario Parks) haven’t said yes … (but) they’re not saying no, let’s put it that way,” he said.

The group held a protest on the beach last August as they hadn’t been able to get any kind of response from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

According to Wasaga CAO George Vadeboncoeur, Ontario Parks staff is not prepared to make the proposed clothing-optional area official as it does not consider the activity to be consistent with the “family-friendly” environment of the beach.

Vadeboncoeur said local park staff are also concerned it could set a precedent for the entire Ontario Parks system.

However, he said, Ontario Parks has consented to temporary signs cautioning people they are going into a clothing-optional area, as well as considering the use as part of the park’s master planning process.

Coun. Bill Stockwell said the use of that section of beach as clothing-optional is not new, and the issue only came to a head after Ontario Parks put up a snow fence cutting off part of the point.

“I’m satisfied that this is a good first step,” he said. “They (Wasaga Bares’ members) were getting harassment they didn’t need … I understand people going through and being shocked by what they see, and that does call for signs.

“It should be clearly signed on what people could see so they won’t be outraged.”