Premier Doug Ford visited Wasaga Beach to share news of a $38 million investment aimed at enhancing local tourism.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Wasaga Beach Friday morning to showcase the province’s plan to inject nearly $38 million into boosting tourism in this beachfront area and helping it become a year-round destination.
“It’s great to be here in beautiful Wasaga Beach,” Ford said while standing at a podium set up by the waterfront.
The premier’s appearance came just a day after Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy presented the $232.5 billion budget, emphasizing support for Ontario’s economy, particularly the tourism sector.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist spot, boasting the longest freshwater beach globally and an incredible history, including Nancy Island,” noted Ford. “We’re helping bring this vital part of Ontario’s past back to life, and we’re collaborating with the municipality to revitalize downtown, create jobs, and attract visitors from across Ontario and beyond.”
“Tourism is essential for us in Wasaga Beach – it supports our local businesses and entrepreneurs; it helps us build homes, parks, schools, roads, and water towers; it’s a major economic driver for our province,” remarked Mayor Brian Smith in a social media update on Thursday. “Investing in making Wasaga Beach a more viable and sustainable year-round destination means investing in a stronger Ontario.”
The mayor received personal recognition from the premier on Friday when Ford called Smith “incredible,” adding, ”He is the champion of all champs because he’s been advocating for this for years. But I love your vision,” Ford told the town’s mayor while commenting on the ongoing transformation of downtown with its redevelopment of Beach Area one-an initiative that will lead to new homes and businesses being built. “This is going to be spectacular now but even more so down the road.”
Ontario’s investment into Destination Wasaga includes $25 million earmarked for upgrading Nancy Island Historic Site, nearly $11 million allocated for reconstructing town roadways as well as critical infrastructure for over 3,000 new homes, plus an additional $2 million directed toward downtown redevelopment.
“We’re investing in workers, infrastructure, and communities like we are here today; this also includes supporting tourism across our province,” Ford pointed out. “If you don’t create favorable conditions for companies to grow-they simply won’t develop. One hundred percent of zero equals zero. So we believe that cutting red tape in regulations is crucial – We’re committed to building like never before.”
On Thursday, the Town of Wasaga Beach announced progress on its redevelopment project by awarding Arnott Construction-a locally owned company based out of Midhurst-the contract to rebuild iconic Beach Drive.
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Ford Wasaga Beach Ontario Premier Doug Ford makes an announcement in Wasaga Beach on Fri., May 16, 2025.Source link
