Wasaga Beach takes step forward in iconic Beach Drive transformation awarding contract to local company

Demolition continues along the beachfront in Wasaga Beach, Ont. on Thurs., April 24, 2025. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)

Wasaga Beach is entering a new chapter in its waterfront redevelopment as the town awarded the contract to rebuild the iconic Beach Drive to Arnott Construction, a locally owned and operated company out of Midhurst.

Town council approved the decision during a regular meeting this week, marking a milestone in the long-term plan to transform Beach Area one into a year-round destination.

“Today we’re taking the next step to reinvent our town’s main commercial area along Beach Drive at Beach Area 1,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “For year-round hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions to succeed near the beachfront, we need to rebuild Beach Drive and make it climate resilient. This is vitally important to ensure Wasaga Beach thrives as Ontario’s summer playground – and that we evolve into a year-round destination that will grow Ontario’s tourism sector, increase our municipal tax base, support local businesses, and better support the high levels of growth that our community has been experiencing.”

The announcement comes as demolition of iconic buildings along Beach Drive nears completion.

“Our government understands how important this project is to resolve flooding and other issues along Beach Drive. This will unlock investment, housing, jobs, tourism and economic growth throughout the community and region,” stated Smith in a news release Thursday.

The revitalized Beach Drive will also support a major redevelopment plan, including a mixed-use residential and commercial complex, and a premium hotel expected to break ground in 2026.

Local officials renewed their call for the province to further invest in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, including better maintenance, upgraded amenities, and returning the Nancy Island Historic Site to the Ministry of Tourism. The town says these enhancements are critical to fully realizing the area’s potential as a four-season destination.

On Friday, Premier Doug Ford visited Wasaga to announce the province was investing $38 million to support tourism in the beachfront town and to help it evolve into a year-round destination.

Work on the next phase is expected to begin shortly following final demolition and design approvals.

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