Destination Wasaga draft plan unveiled to community

An artist's rendering of Wasaga's future beachfront. Wed., April 8, 2026. PHOTO: TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH

The Town of Wasaga Beach unveiled the first draft of its Destination Wasaga as transformational of one of Ontario’s iconic beachfronts.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for Wasaga Beach,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “For over one hundred years, people have come from across Ontario and Canada to enjoy Wasaga Beach and make summer memories that will last a lifetime.

“Now, we’re building on that legacy—strengthening our community and quality of life for residents, while designing a globally recognized, year-round destination that protects what makes this place special,” Smith said.

The draft plan unveiled reflects what the community has told city staff matters most, Smith said, adding, “(It) helps position Wasaga Beach as one of the great recreation and nature-based destinations of the world.”

What Matters Most to Local Residents

The draft Destination Wasaga Master Plan reflects community priorities:

• The beach remains public—forever: The shoreline will continue to be protected as a public space for everyone to enjoy.
• No residential development on transferred parkland: Provincial parkland transferred back to the town will remain focused on tourism, destination development, attractions, public infrastructure, public uses, and green space.
• A strong commitment to nature and sustainability: Expanded green spaces, ecological protection, and nature-based experiences are central to the plan.
• A balanced, year-round destination: The Destination Wasaga Master Plan is meant to help grow and support the local economy, attract visitors year-round, and protect the natural beauty and ecology.

Highlights

The draft plan proposes gathering places, flexible parks and event spaces for all seasons, accessible boardwalks, a river marina, a world-class music hall and an iconic pedestrian bridge, designed to bring people closer to the water and nature.

The new renderings show a downtown and beachfront with:

• Accessible public spaces
• Improved access to the water
• An emphasis on eco-tourism, protection of critical habitat, ecological education and environmental stewardship
• A stronger connection between the town’s shoreline, Main Street, the Nancy Island Historic Site and the recreation-class provincial park.  

Public engagement continues April 8 and 9 with workshops, stakeholder meetings, and an online survey, giving residents more opportunities to review the concepts and share feedback.

Input from this final phase will be used to refine the plan, which will be aligned with upcoming infrastructure projects and provincial and federal priorities.

The final Destination Wasaga plan is expected to be completed and announced in July.