Wasaga Beach might be giving tourists a view from the top. Aerial apparatuses like a gondola or zipline could be making their way to the beach town. Although the plans are in the initial stages, the process to make this initiative come to fruition has already begun. Town Council has taken the first step to in the process for something like this to happen, which is approving the release of a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI). That means, council is welcoming ideas from qualified proponents, which are businesses selected through a competitive business process. Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith is all for a new aerial feature. “This is the kind of idea that gets people talking,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “A signature aerial attraction could give visitors another reason to choose Wasaga Beach for a day trip, weekend getaway or family vacation, while supporting local businesses and strengthening the year-round tourism economy.” While council hasn’t decided on which aerial activities it will bring to the beach, some options that have been brought forward include an aerial park, elevated walkway, canopy experience or an observation structure. The project is part of Destination Wasaga, an initiative to revamp Wasaga Beach into a world-class recreation and nature-based destination. The Town is still accepting submissions for ideas from companies and are looking for things like examples of similar projects, company experience and proposed attraction concepts. “This is about opening the door to big ideas while doing our homework,” said the Town’s CAO, Andrew McNeill. “The RFEOI will help the Town understand what the market is interested in delivering, what models may be feasible, and how potential attractions could align with the Destination Wasaga vision.” The deadline for companies to submit ideas is June 4.
