Wasaga Beach’s $38M revitalization takes shape

The Town of Wasaga Beach has selected Ontario-based firm Urban Strategies to lead the design and development of the Destination Wasaga Master Plan. The Town says the team will work closely with residents, business leaders, and stakeholders to create a bold vision for the town’s iconic waterfront, downtown area, and main tourist spots.

“Re-imagining a community is complex - and Wasaga Beach is no ordinary community. It’s the world’s longest freshwater beach and home to Ontario’s first and most visited urban provincial park, with dunes, forests, and over 30 kilometres of trails. It’s also one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities,” said Tim Smith, principal with Urban Strategies.

“At Urban Strategies, we bring fresh eyes and global best practices to complex projects, without preconceived conclusions. We look forward to crafting a bold vision and path forward with the citizens of Wasaga Beach – the people who live, work, learn and play in this iconic community 365 days of the year," Smith added.

The Town says public engagement will kick off this fall and winter, with surveys, workshops, and open houses, offering an opportunity for the community to share input and help shape the master plan.

Upgrades and Restoration

In addition to public feedback, several key projects are already underway.

These include:

• Rebuilding Beach Drive to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian accessibility
• Restoring the Nancy Island Historic Site, which will begin with an infrastructure audit and project planning
• Transferring roughly 60 hectares of beachfront land from the province to the municipality, pending approval

Four-Season Destination

The Destination Wasaga Master Plan aims to create a year-round destination that showcases the town’s beauty, history, and character.

“To build Wasaga Beach into a truly resilient, four-season destination, we will focus on fostering unique experiences, leveraging local assets, prioritizing sustainability, and actively engaging with residents,” Mayor Brian Smith stated.

The Town says the project is expected to create jobs, boost tourism, and support economic growth.