of Ontario is teaming up with the Town of Wasaga Beach, investing nearly $38 million to create Destination Wasaga.
The project will focus on upgrading beaches, refreshing the downtown area, and preserving the historic Nancy Island site.
This provincial support for these projects aims to maintain local heritage, generate jobs, enhance tourism, and foster economic growth throughout Simcoe Region.
Here’s a breakdown of the investment projects:
$25 million to aid in the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site and facilitate the proposed transfer of administrative oversight for this 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 go towards reconstructing roadways in the Wasaga Beach Area. $2 million allocated for the Town of Wasaga Beach to assist with tourism planning as part of its downtown redevelopment, maximizing 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 invested through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for reconstructing roadways in Wasaga Beach Area.
The province is set to start transferring part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park’s beachfront property currently owned by them to the town on condition that it stays public.
“The town and province need to collaborate on reimagining and unlocking all that Wasaga Beach – Ontario’s summer playground – can offer, including Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Nancy Island Historic Site,” stated Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Nancy Island urgently needs restoration; it’s where you can see the charred hull of HMS Nancy from the War of 1812 along with other historical houses, artifacts, a theatre, museum, and replica lighthouse.
“The revitalization of both our beachfront and Nancy Island Historic Site will help transform Wasaga Beach into a premier tourist destination while attracting more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations and main street businesses,” said Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming.
A recent news release from various provincial offices-including that of the premier-highlights how Destination Wasaga builds upon efforts aimed at protecting Ontario’s economy along with workers who rely on tourism. It also seeks to preserve aspects of both Ontario’s and Canada’s heritage “at a time when American tariffs are directly impacting Ontario’s economy.”
In another improvement initiative for Wasaga Beach, officials have awarded an RFP for redesigning and rebuilding Beach Drive to Arnott Construction-a locally owned company.
This marks what will be historically their largest infrastructure investment after it was confirmed by Ontario government announcing over $10.9 million toward covering half costs associated with redeveloping Beach Drive. The remaining expenses will be funded by Sunray Group and Stonebridge Building Group.
Upgrading roads alongside Beach Drive-described by local officials as “the heart and lungs” supporting town tourism-alongside improvements near beach area 1’s main commercial zone should resolve flooding issues that have been negatively affecting both tourism numbers as well as businesses along this corridor.
“It’ll also open up millions worth investments including mixed-use residential-commercial developments at beach area 1 inspired by Village at Blue Mountain plus plans for premium hotel construction set for completion in 2026 under award-winning Sunray Group,” mentioned details shared within their news release about ongoing developments regarding Wasaga beach projects.
Source link
Source link
