“As Wasaga Beach celebrates over 50 years, our community is stepping into a new era – one that’s driven by a common vision, teamwork, and a readiness to shake things up.
In 2024, Council made an intentional decision: we could keep doing things the same old way – methods that haven’t created a lively, all-year-round resort community focused on residents – or we could remember our roots and the true purpose of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Wasaga Beach is special – in Ontario, in Canada, and globally – and it was always meant to be more than just Ontario’s summer retreat.
Council chose to be daring, to take charge, to address the long-term health, resilience and affordability of our community, and to create something remarkable for future generations.
We opted for change. And that decision is already showing positive results.
Today, through Destination Wasaga, we’re pushing forward with a vision that promotes housing availability, economic growth, tourism variety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable finances for the long term.
On behalf of Council and the people of Wasaga Beach, I want to express my gratitude to Premier Doug Ford, Minister Stan Cho, their teams, and all the dedicated public servants who are continually supporting us. As we head into 2026, Council is gearing up for another year of expanded advocacy at both provincial and federal levels – aimed at achieving real outcomes for our community.
A fantastic place to live also makes for a great destination.
That remains our guiding principle.
When we focus on building a complete and vibrant community – one where people enjoy living, working, learning and playing – we also enhance our tourism sector and draw visitors from across Ontario, Canada and beyond. In Wasaga Beach, those objectives go hand in hand; they’re not opposing goals.
This coming year will see Council and senior staff engaging with provincial and federal partners through key advocacy events like the AMO Conference as well as direct discussions in Ottawa. Our aim is to push forward bold solutions crafted specifically for Wasaga – including realizing the full potential of Wasaga Beach and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park beyond just the waterfront.
Spanning along the Nottawasaga River amidst beautiful dunes and over more than 30 kilometres of wooded trails, our landscape offers an incredible opportunity to develop a unique nature-based destination-one that supports conservation efforts while boosting recreation options as well as sustainable economic growth.
Our advocacy doesn’t end there.
We’re aiming to revitalize our main street; create an ambitious tourism strategy that expands sports activities along with cultural events including live music; speed up housing development – especially affordable housing; address long-term care needs for seniors; all while building an economy that benefits full-time residents while strengthening South Georgian Bay as well as Ontario overall.
I encourage residents and partners alike to check out the Town’s advocacy priorities so you can learn about what Council’s focusing on along with the partnerships we’re forming.
We’re thinking big-proposing innovative ways for the Town alongside provincial and federal governments to collaborate in building a stronger Ontario as well as Canada while positioning Wasaga Beach among one of the best places to live affordably while being recognized globally as an outstanding recreational nature-based destination.”
Mayor Brian Smith
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