This effort builds on the excitement created earlier this year when Destination Canada showcased Destination Wasaga as a national tourism example. It highlighted Wasaga Beach’s community-focused planning method, strong public involvement, environmental care, and a long-term vision for sustainable development in tourism.
At the heart of Destination Wasaga is a dedication to safeguarding and improving the natural features that have made Wasaga Beach one of Canada’s most beloved tourist spots for years – including the world’s longest freshwater beach, important freshwater dune systems, delicate shoreline habitats, and the community’s special bond with nature, recreation, and history.
The final Master Plan for Destination Wasaga is set to be completed this summer. It will guide future choices regarding public areas, infrastructure, tourism, environmental care, economic growth, and investments throughout both the beachfront and downtown regions.
As part of this process, the Town has consistently stressed key aspects like environmental sustainability, shoreline management, transport connectivity, enhancements to public spaces, economic progress, and year-round tourism opportunities as essential elements of the emerging vision.
Residents can continue to explore engagement materials, participate actively, and keep up with the project as it enters its final stage at wasagabeach. com/imagine
Quotes
“Destination Wasaga is setting a strong example of how communities can plan for the future of tourism. This process is bringing residents, businesses, visitors, students, and partners into the conversation so we can grow as a destination while protecting the beach natural environment and community character that make Wasaga Beach so special.”
– Steve Harlow, Chair, Town of Wasaga Beach Tourism Committee “Our students were excited to be part of a real community planning process and to share their ideas for the future of the place they call home. Giving young people a voice in Destination Wasaga helps them see that their ideas matter and that they have a role to play in shaping the future of their community.”
– Jennifer Case, Principal Worsley Elementary School “Wasaga Beach students care deeply about their town their beach and the environment around them. This engagement gave them a meaningful opportunity to think creatively about the future and contribute to a vision that will affect their generation most.”
– Angela Cook Principal Birchview Dunes Elementary School “Last year’s provincial announcement marked an important milestone for the future of Wasaga Beach; it is encouraging to see continued momentum along with strong public engagement surrounding Destination Wasaga. As one of Ontario’s most iconic tourism destinations was indicated; it demonstrates how community-driven planning can help protect our natural surroundings while supporting long-term economic growth.”
– Brian Saunderson MPP for Simcoe-Grey “Destination Wasaga is strengthening local business efforts helping support local jobs while building resilience in our economy throughout all seasons. The project attracts new investment improves visitor experiences giving people more reasons to visit stay longer while supporting local businesses – all while preserving what makes our beach unique.”
– Karin Greig President Wassga Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Quick Facts Destination Wasaga stems from Council advocacy efforts initiated in 2023. It has become a top priority for Ontario’s government which has invested over $38 million towards reimagining what makes our beaches notable recreationally worldwide. Earlier this year Canada featured Destination Wasaga as an exemplary case study. Local students provided input on what they envision regarding beach futures during phase two engagements. A mural capturing student contributions will be unveiled on June 19 at Stars Arena. The final Master Plan should wrap up by summer. Related Links Watch Phase 2 Public Engagement wrap video
Watch visits made by Destination Wasaga team at local schools
Watch Premier Ford’s remarks from Building Destination announcement May 15 2025. Learn more about Destination Wasaga: wasagabeach. com/imagine -30-
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– Steve Harlow, Chair, Town of Wasaga Beach Tourism Committee “Our students were excited to be part of a real community planning process and to share their ideas for the future of the place they call home. Giving young people a voice in Destination Wasaga helps them see that their ideas matter and that they have a role to play in shaping the future of their community.”
– Jennifer Case, Principal Worsley Elementary School “Wasaga Beach students care deeply about their town their beach and the environment around them. This engagement gave them a meaningful opportunity to think creatively about the future and contribute to a vision that will affect their generation most.”
– Angela Cook Principal Birchview Dunes Elementary School “Last year’s provincial announcement marked an important milestone for the future of Wasaga Beach; it is encouraging to see continued momentum along with strong public engagement surrounding Destination Wasaga. As one of Ontario’s most iconic tourism destinations was indicated; it demonstrates how community-driven planning can help protect our natural surroundings while supporting long-term economic growth.”
– Brian Saunderson MPP for Simcoe-Grey “Destination Wasaga is strengthening local business efforts helping support local jobs while building resilience in our economy throughout all seasons. The project attracts new investment improves visitor experiences giving people more reasons to visit stay longer while supporting local businesses – all while preserving what makes our beach unique.”
– Karin Greig President Wassga Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Quick Facts Destination Wasaga stems from Council advocacy efforts initiated in 2023. It has become a top priority for Ontario’s government which has invested over $38 million towards reimagining what makes our beaches notable recreationally worldwide. Earlier this year Canada featured Destination Wasaga as an exemplary case study. Local students provided input on what they envision regarding beach futures during phase two engagements. A mural capturing student contributions will be unveiled on June 19 at Stars Arena. The final Master Plan should wrap up by summer. Related Links Watch Phase 2 Public Engagement wrap video
Watch visits made by Destination Wasaga team at local schools
Watch Premier Ford’s remarks from Building Destination announcement May 15 2025. Learn more about Destination Wasaga: wasagabeach. com/imagine -30-
Source link
