New arena, resort among ideas for downtown Wasaga Beach

CTV Barrie: Wasaga Beach plan Plans to turn Wasaga Beach into a four-season destination have been laid out. Mike Walker has more.

A bold new vision to transform Wasaga Beach is starting to take shape.

The master plan for a new downtown was unveiled to the community on Wednesday night; a plan the mayor hopes will make Wasaga Beach a four-season destination and draw more families.

“Wasaga Beach is well known for many years as a place to come and enjoy to have fun with the family and that's what we're trying to get back to,” says Mayor Brian Smith.

Main Street would be dubbed the heart of the downtown. The plan calls for a town square, new shops and condos. Other suggestions include a new arena, library and even an arts and culture centre.

The town is also looking to redeveloped beach areas one and two. There would be a festival square, shops, more indoor and outdoor activities, and even a boutique, hotel and resort.

Creating the vision is costing $350,000, with taxpayers paying for less than 10 per cent. The rest is covered by grants and private contributions.

As for the cost of building the downtown, the town will be banking on developers. Smith hopes it will start to take shape within the next two years.

“Don't expect pie in the sky ideas,” he says. “It's going to be something that works for our residents first and tourist second.”

The community will have a chance to give their feedback at an open house Thursday night.

The master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year, but there will be a whole slew of approvals before any shovels break ground.