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WASAGA BEACH, ON, Sept. 11, 2025 /CNW/ – The Town of Wasaga Beach has chosen the Ontario firm Urban Strategies to spearhead the design and implementation of Destination Wasaga-a significant planning initiative aimed at transforming the community’s waterfront, downtown area, and tourism sector.
Urban Strategies will now engage with local residents, business owners, and stakeholders to create the Destination Wasaga Master Plan. This accomplished firm has put together a diverse team of experts including architects, landscape architects, engineers, Indigenous design consultants, economists, tourism specialists as well as environmental and cost advisors.
The Destination Wasaga Master Plan will cover a vast portion of the Town’s renowned waterfront and main tourist zones; it promises to be one of the most impactful planning and public engagement initiatives in Wasaga Beach’s history.
In May 2025, during the presentation of the 2025 Ontario Budget by Premier Doug Ford, $38 million was allocated to assist Wasaga Beach in re-envisioning and revitalizing its downtown areas and main tourist attractions into a recognized four-season destination.
The provincial investment supporting Destination Wasaga aims to protect local heritage while creating jobs and enhancing tourism that supports regional economic growth. This includes:
$25 million for redeveloping Nancy Island Historic Site with plans for administrative oversight transitioning from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Tourism. Nearly $11 million for reconstructing Beach Drive. $2 million allocated for tourism planning in Wasaga Beach to help develop the Destination Wasaga Master Plan.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Wasaga Beach. It marks the most crucial master planning effort since 1978 when significant sections of downtown were taken by the Ontario government-resulting in homes and businesses being demolished-to create what we know today as Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
This is what’s coming up next:
Fall/Winter 2025
Public engagement begins
Community members along with businesses will have opportunities to provide input through surveys and open houses ensuring that local needs are included in shaping this Master Plan. Construction on roadway at Beach Area 1 continues
Improvements on Beach Drive along with updates on infrastructure near Beach Area 1 will enhance flood resilience while boosting safety and accessibility-this lays down essential groundwork for future commercial developments like a new premium Marriott Hotel. Restoration efforts at Nancy Island begin
Work will kick off on restoring Nancy Island Historic Site which includes historical artifacts and structures-aimed at revamping this important heritage site to make it more appealing year-round for tourists. Land Transfer from Province to Town
The province will review plans regarding transferring about 60 hectares of beachfront land back to town control under conditions maintaining public access. This could facilitate implementing parts of the Destination Wasaga Master Plan. Spring/Summer 2026 Development Design & Technical Analysis
The Urban Strategies group alongside planners will delve into community needs while developing concepts that prioritize ecological integrity along with urban design principles. Infrastructure Planning Integration
Their conceptual designs will align seamlessly with ongoing infrastructure projects (e. g., road upgrades), ensuring cohesion between master plans and real-world projects. Council Approval Process
Finalized concept proposals from Urban Strategies will be presented before town officials involving potential reviews by provincial partners prior to launching community implementations. Implementation Strategy
A phased plan showcasing actionable short-term goals (like improvements in public spaces) followed by larger-scale investments (such as mobility upgrades) will be outlined. Monitoring Progress
The project’s success metrics include indicators such as job creation rates or increases in visitor numbers-all focused on benefiting local economies while preserving environmental aspects. QUOTES
“Wasaga Beach is ready to become a globally recognized recreation and nature-based destination.. To build Wasaga Beach into a truly resilient four-season destination.. our final plan must integrate green infrastructure..”
– Mayor Brian Smith “Across Ontario.. This bold transformation project will revitalize.. iconic waterfront..”
– Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming “Wasaga Beach is one of South Georgian Bay’s crown jewels.. I’m excited to see this project moving forward.”
– Brian Saunderson, MPP Simcoe-Grey “Re-imagining a community is complex-and Wasaga Beach is no ordinary community.. We look forward to crafting a bold vision..”
— Tim Smith Principal at Urban Strategies Quick Facts In May 2025 Premier Doug Ford visited Town Hall announcing $38 million funding towards building Destination Wasaga. Unique within Ontario: it’s home not just any provincial park but one situated entirely within active tourist zones. Designed primarily around outdoor recreation experiences available for visitors-the newly developed Waterfront Plan expands upon existing Downtown Development strategies. Recent wins include two Canadian Awards for Planning Excellence recognizing their innovative contributions. This is what people are saying: “As Chair… I’m incredibly excited… we’re building more than a globally-recognized recreation destination-we’re building communities where residents thrive all year long.”
– Steve Harlow Chair Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee “As President… I’m thrilled… We’re poised to unlock incredible investment…and celebrate our natural beauty..”
– Karin Greig President Chamber Commerce & Tourism “As someone who spent my youth enjoying… returning now… investing feels rewarding personally…and professionally.”
– Ray Gupta Chairman Sunray Group Hotels “As CAO … I’m encouraged by collaborative momentum behind … smart planning aligns closely with our mission…”
– Jennifer Vincent Chief Administrative Officer NVCA “As someone who helps bring culture together … couldn’t be more excited about…”
– Kathy Mulgrew Blues Festival “I’m proud support … revitalizing downtown preserves heritage creates opportunities.”
– Ken Voss Dealer Principal Canadian Tire (Wasga beach ) “I’m thrilled see our town step into new chapter …big ideas thoughtful infrastructure can transform..”
– Mark Crowe Stonebridge Building Group “We’re excited support.. visionary project providing memorable experiences.. ”
– Garry Hewines Partner Skull Island Mini Golf “Support because it’s about imagining exceptional experiences. draw people directly supports local business..”
– Bob Bickmore Owner Catch22 Fresh Market Grill About Wasa beach,
For over hundred years it’s been summer playground – fun place create memories. Now aiming become year-round recreational music destination. Through building designed priorities , grow economy jobs complete communities lead sustainability creativity innovation. Celebrating history cultures natural beauty rivers bay longest freshwater beach world.
Community members along with businesses will have opportunities to provide input through surveys and open houses ensuring that local needs are included in shaping this Master Plan. Construction on roadway at Beach Area 1 continues
Improvements on Beach Drive along with updates on infrastructure near Beach Area 1 will enhance flood resilience while boosting safety and accessibility-this lays down essential groundwork for future commercial developments like a new premium Marriott Hotel. Restoration efforts at Nancy Island begin
Work will kick off on restoring Nancy Island Historic Site which includes historical artifacts and structures-aimed at revamping this important heritage site to make it more appealing year-round for tourists. Land Transfer from Province to Town
The province will review plans regarding transferring about 60 hectares of beachfront land back to town control under conditions maintaining public access. This could facilitate implementing parts of the Destination Wasaga Master Plan. Spring/Summer 2026 Development Design & Technical Analysis
The Urban Strategies group alongside planners will delve into community needs while developing concepts that prioritize ecological integrity along with urban design principles. Infrastructure Planning Integration
Their conceptual designs will align seamlessly with ongoing infrastructure projects (e. g., road upgrades), ensuring cohesion between master plans and real-world projects. Council Approval Process
Finalized concept proposals from Urban Strategies will be presented before town officials involving potential reviews by provincial partners prior to launching community implementations. Implementation Strategy
A phased plan showcasing actionable short-term goals (like improvements in public spaces) followed by larger-scale investments (such as mobility upgrades) will be outlined. Monitoring Progress
The project’s success metrics include indicators such as job creation rates or increases in visitor numbers-all focused on benefiting local economies while preserving environmental aspects. QUOTES
“Wasaga Beach is ready to become a globally recognized recreation and nature-based destination.. To build Wasaga Beach into a truly resilient four-season destination.. our final plan must integrate green infrastructure..”
– Mayor Brian Smith “Across Ontario.. This bold transformation project will revitalize.. iconic waterfront..”
– Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming “Wasaga Beach is one of South Georgian Bay’s crown jewels.. I’m excited to see this project moving forward.”
– Brian Saunderson, MPP Simcoe-Grey “Re-imagining a community is complex-and Wasaga Beach is no ordinary community.. We look forward to crafting a bold vision..”
— Tim Smith Principal at Urban Strategies Quick Facts In May 2025 Premier Doug Ford visited Town Hall announcing $38 million funding towards building Destination Wasaga. Unique within Ontario: it’s home not just any provincial park but one situated entirely within active tourist zones. Designed primarily around outdoor recreation experiences available for visitors-the newly developed Waterfront Plan expands upon existing Downtown Development strategies. Recent wins include two Canadian Awards for Planning Excellence recognizing their innovative contributions. This is what people are saying: “As Chair… I’m incredibly excited… we’re building more than a globally-recognized recreation destination-we’re building communities where residents thrive all year long.”
– Steve Harlow Chair Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee “As President… I’m thrilled… We’re poised to unlock incredible investment…and celebrate our natural beauty..”
– Karin Greig President Chamber Commerce & Tourism “As someone who spent my youth enjoying… returning now… investing feels rewarding personally…and professionally.”
– Ray Gupta Chairman Sunray Group Hotels “As CAO … I’m encouraged by collaborative momentum behind … smart planning aligns closely with our mission…”
– Jennifer Vincent Chief Administrative Officer NVCA “As someone who helps bring culture together … couldn’t be more excited about…”
– Kathy Mulgrew Blues Festival “I’m proud support … revitalizing downtown preserves heritage creates opportunities.”
– Ken Voss Dealer Principal Canadian Tire (Wasga beach ) “I’m thrilled see our town step into new chapter …big ideas thoughtful infrastructure can transform..”
– Mark Crowe Stonebridge Building Group “We’re excited support.. visionary project providing memorable experiences.. ”
– Garry Hewines Partner Skull Island Mini Golf “Support because it’s about imagining exceptional experiences. draw people directly supports local business..”
– Bob Bickmore Owner Catch22 Fresh Market Grill About Wasa beach,
For over hundred years it’s been summer playground – fun place create memories. Now aiming become year-round recreational music destination. Through building designed priorities , grow economy jobs complete communities lead sustainability creativity innovation. Celebrating history cultures natural beauty rivers bay longest freshwater beach world.
>Get latest news information updates about Destination Wasa : wasagabeach. com/imagine
>Learn how Ontario government supports Destinatin Wasa.
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