of Ontario is collaborating with the Town of Wasaga Beach by investing nearly $38 million to create Destination Wasaga.
The plan will involve improving beaches, refreshing the downtown area, and safeguarding the historic Nancy Island site.
The provincial backing for these projects aims to protect local heritage, generate jobs, enhance tourism, and promote economic development throughout Simcoe Region.
Here’s how the investment breaks down:
$25 million will support the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site. This includes a proposed shift in administrative duties for the site from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Almost $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program will help fund the reconstruction of roads in Wasaga Beach Area. $2 million will go to the Town of Wasaga Beach to assist with tourism planning efforts in revamping its downtown area to maximize year-round recreational tourism potential.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” said Premier Doug Ford 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 downtown, create jobs, and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH – Nearly $11 million will be allocated through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for reconstructing roadways in Wasaga Beach Area.
The province plans to start transferring part of beachfront at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park-currently owned by them-to town officials on one condition: that it remains accessible to everyone.
“The town and province need to work together to re-imagine and unlock the full potential of Wasaga Beach – Ontario’s summer playground – including Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Nancy Island Historic Site,” said Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Nancy Island needs urgent restoration; it’s home to remnants like the charred hull of HMS Nancy from the War of 1812 as well as period houses, artifacts, a theatre, museum, and replica lighthouse.
“The revitalization of both beachfront areas and Nancy Island Historic Site will help turn Wasaga Beach into a premier tourist destination while attracting more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and main street businesses,” stated Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming.
A recent news release from various provincial offices highlights that Destination Wasaga builds on initiatives aimed at supporting Ontario’s economy and workers reliant on tourism. It also seeks to preserve parts of Ontario’s heritage “at a time when American tariffs are directly targeting Ontario’s economy.”
In another effort regarding improvements in Wasaga Beach, officials have awarded an RFP for redesigning and rebuilding Beach Drive to Arnott Construction-a locally owned company.
This marks a significant infrastructure investment for Wasaga Beach after it was confirmed that over $10.9 million would come from government funding covering half costs associated with redeveloping Beach Drive. Sunray Group along with Stonebridge Building Group will cover remaining expenses.
The upgrades along Beach Drive-deemed “the heart and lungs” of our tourism sector-and at main commercial areas near Beach Area 1 aim at resolving ongoing flooding issues that have hurt tourism businesses along that route.
“It will also pave way for millions worth investments like mixed-use residential/commercial developments near Beaches Area 1 inspired by Village at Blue Mountain alongside an upscale hotel set for construction in 2026 by award-winning Sunray Group,” reads their news release.
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