Town has signed letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada to explore aerial attractions and ‘ropeway solutions’ as part of emerging Destination Wasaga vision
NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH
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The Town of Wasaga Beach has signed a letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada to look into new aerial attractions and ropeway options as part of the evolving Destination Wasaga vision. This agreement sets the stage for examining various concepts, routes, locations, technical needs, and business models that could enhance connections between major sites while creating unique experiences for visitors near the beachfront. The town is also starting discussions with Ecotrek to consider complementary nature-focused attractions and accommodations. These include year-round treetop trekking, camping and glamping options, along with elevated net attractions. Doppelmayr is a world leader in ropeway engineering and aerial transport, providing gondolas, automated people movers (APM), and other passenger transportation systems in tourism hubs and urban areas globally. “Wasaga Beach has the ingredients of a truly exceptional destination – a world-renowned waterfront, a strong visitor market and an ambitious long-term vision,” said Luc Guy, CEO of Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. “We see exciting potential to explore how proven ropeway technology could improve connectivity on the next level while creating an experience that is uniquely Wasaga Beach.” Among the possibilities being considered are aerial gondola systems similar to those found in major tourist spots worldwide, where they serve as both attractions for visitors and effective mobility solutions. The parties will investigate how this technology could connect key areas near the beachfront and become part of the Destination Wasaga experience. “These are the kinds of experiences that can help strengthen Wasaga Beach as a four-season destination,” said Sandra Watts, general manager of external relations for the Town of Wasaga Beach. “The opportunity is not simply to attract more people on our busiest summer days but to give the millions of visitors who already know and love Wasaga Beach more reasons to stay longer, come back throughout the year and support local businesses.” The work will proceed concurrently with-and be informed by-the emerging Destination Wasaga master plan vision. This plan explores improved connectivity, four-season recreation, and nature-based tourism while protecting the natural features that make Wasaga Beach extraordinary. Concept renderings and reference images illustrate some transportation and recreational experiences under consideration. No final project details including routes or designs have been approved yet. The letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. along with talks with Ecotrek are exploratory steps that do not commit the town to any construction or financial investment at this time. Any future project would need further feasibility analysis, technical reviews, funding decisions, along with all relevant planning regulations including public consultations. Quick facts: Home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes more than two million visitors annually, making it one of Ontario’s best-known tourism destinations. Wasaga Beach consistently ranks among Canada’s top beaches. In 2026, Lonely Planet named it No. 1 beach for swimming in Canada in 2026 while placing it among Canada’s Top 10 Beaches. Destination Wasaga is being developed as a community-first four-season vision guided by principles suggesting that places where people enjoy living are also places people want to visit. The town’s tourism strategy aims at generating more value from current visitation by encouraging longer stays alongside more year-round visits which would lead to increased spending at local businesses. The town’s approach towards Destination Wasaga emphasizes environmental care while ensuring responsible tourism practices along with maintaining public access when advancing individual projects. *************************
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TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH
*************************
The Town of Wasaga Beach has signed a letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada to look into new aerial attractions and ropeway options as part of the evolving Destination Wasaga vision. This agreement sets the stage for examining various concepts, routes, locations, technical needs, and business models that could enhance connections between major sites while creating unique experiences for visitors near the beachfront. The town is also starting discussions with Ecotrek to consider complementary nature-focused attractions and accommodations. These include year-round treetop trekking, camping and glamping options, along with elevated net attractions. Doppelmayr is a world leader in ropeway engineering and aerial transport, providing gondolas, automated people movers (APM), and other passenger transportation systems in tourism hubs and urban areas globally. “Wasaga Beach has the ingredients of a truly exceptional destination – a world-renowned waterfront, a strong visitor market and an ambitious long-term vision,” said Luc Guy, CEO of Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. “We see exciting potential to explore how proven ropeway technology could improve connectivity on the next level while creating an experience that is uniquely Wasaga Beach.” Among the possibilities being considered are aerial gondola systems similar to those found in major tourist spots worldwide, where they serve as both attractions for visitors and effective mobility solutions. The parties will investigate how this technology could connect key areas near the beachfront and become part of the Destination Wasaga experience. “These are the kinds of experiences that can help strengthen Wasaga Beach as a four-season destination,” said Sandra Watts, general manager of external relations for the Town of Wasaga Beach. “The opportunity is not simply to attract more people on our busiest summer days but to give the millions of visitors who already know and love Wasaga Beach more reasons to stay longer, come back throughout the year and support local businesses.” The work will proceed concurrently with-and be informed by-the emerging Destination Wasaga master plan vision. This plan explores improved connectivity, four-season recreation, and nature-based tourism while protecting the natural features that make Wasaga Beach extraordinary. Concept renderings and reference images illustrate some transportation and recreational experiences under consideration. No final project details including routes or designs have been approved yet. The letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. along with talks with Ecotrek are exploratory steps that do not commit the town to any construction or financial investment at this time. Any future project would need further feasibility analysis, technical reviews, funding decisions, along with all relevant planning regulations including public consultations. Quick facts: Home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes more than two million visitors annually, making it one of Ontario’s best-known tourism destinations. Wasaga Beach consistently ranks among Canada’s top beaches. In 2026, Lonely Planet named it No. 1 beach for swimming in Canada in 2026 while placing it among Canada’s Top 10 Beaches. Destination Wasaga is being developed as a community-first four-season vision guided by principles suggesting that places where people enjoy living are also places people want to visit. The town’s tourism strategy aims at generating more value from current visitation by encouraging longer stays alongside more year-round visits which would lead to increased spending at local businesses. The town’s approach towards Destination Wasaga emphasizes environmental care while ensuring responsible tourism practices along with maintaining public access when advancing individual projects. *************************
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