Town reminding tourists that Wasaga Beach is ‘wide open’ despite reconstruction

As Wasaga’s waterfront undergoes a rebuild, locals say the construction is deterring visitors.

The Canada Day weekend is a crucial one on the Wasaga Beach tourism calendar, but this summer could be different, as the ongoing beachfront reconstruction could bring short-term pain with its expected long-term gain.

Friday morning did not feel like summer at the beach with overcast, windy and chilly weather. Few people were at Beach Area 1 behind the fences closing off Beach Drive. Beach Area 2 and beyond were completely deserted.

Local businesses say they are hoping Friday’s calm brings on the storm of the usual summer long weekend crowd, and that the gloomy morning is not a sign of things to come.

“We’ve got a lot of phone calls, people are asking us if the beaches are open because of the construction,” said Dean Prezio, owner of Pedro’s Gift Shop on Mosley Street. “What everybody forgets is, yes, it’s a public beach. It’s owned by the ministry. It’s wide open.”

Another business owner told CTV News that they were not happy with the timing of the project, and with what they described as ‘not enough’ temporary restrooms and garbage cans for beachgoers.

But as the sun began to shine Friday afternoon, the beach started getting a little busier.

Town staff spent the day preparing for their summer concert schedule, which kicks off this weekend.

“We’ll also have other performers coming,” said Sandra Watts, Wasaga Beach communications director. “There will be food trucks that are arriving down at the beachfront with ice cream, pizza, [etc.]”

The Town reminds tourists that Beach Area 1 is still accessible and is only the tip of the world’s longest freshwater beach.

“Lots of fun things to see and do at Wasaga Beach this summer,” added Watts. “Regardless of the little bit of construction that’s happening on Beach Drive, it’s business as usual.”

Prezio also says there were a lot more tourists last weekend at the onset of the heatwave and is optimistic about outcome of the beachfront redevelopment.

“I think it’s going to be nothing but positive, for sure,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for this for as long as I can remember down in Wasaga Beach,”

For those making the trip to the beach this weekend, the town is reminding residents that while Beach Drive is closed to vehicle traffic, the municipal parking lot for Beach Area 1 and other lots are open.

Officials also confirm that the beachfront reconstruction remains on schedule.