Ontario Construction News staff writer
The province of Ontario is putting nearly $38 million into upgrading Wasaga Beach, a beloved summer spot at the southern end of Georgian Bay that has attracted visitors since the early 1900s.
On May 16, Premier Doug Ford visited to share the funding news, which has already led to work starting on part of the more than 14 kilometres of sandy beach. The government plans to allocate $11 million for road improvements along the coast to facilitate a new development featuring 3,000 homes, as well as $2 million aimed at revitalizing downtown Wasaga Beach.
Ford mentioned that the section of beach owned by the province will be handed over to the town, with the condition that it stays public.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” Ford said in a statement. “We’re helping bring this important part of Ontario’s history back to life and we’re working with the municipality to revitalize the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
The funding collaboration with Wasaga Beach aims to preserve local heritage, generate jobs, increase tourism, and foster economic growth throughout the region. Key components include:
$25 million for redeveloping Nancy Island Historic Site while transferring its management from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to Tourism, Culture and Gaming Almost $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for reconstructing roads in Wasaga Beach that will support new housing and enhance access to tourist areas $2 million for downtown redevelopment tourism planning in Wasaga Beach.
The province states it will soon start transferring some provincially owned beachfront land in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to support its inclusion in a broader initiative called Destination Wasaga.
“By preserving the unique character of Wasaga Beach, we’re helping protect a valued part of Ontario’s heritage while promoting long-term economic growth in the region,” Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, said in his statement.
Nancy Island is known for being where HMS Nancy battled three American schooners during the War of 1812 with help from Anishinaabe-Ojibwe people and French-Canadian voyageurs. While HMS Nancy was lost during this conflict, two attacking American ships were captured by her crew-halting their advance and safeguarding Canadian territory.
The site currently shares stories about the War of 1812 and features artifacts like parts of HMS Nancy’s charred hull. It also includes a theater, museum, and replica lighthouse on-site.
Ford emphasized that restoring and preserving this facility is crucial for its future viability while Tourism Minister Stan Cho noted that there will be an upcoming marketing campaign designed to attract tourists not just to Wasaga but other destinations across Ontario too.
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