Wasaga Beach – home to the longest freshwater beach in the world – is about to undergo a significant transformation. While there’s something nostalgic and inviting about the town’s old-school charm, change is on the horizon – even if it means saying goodbye to beloved spots (RIP Bananas Beach Club).
Recently, following some new redevelopment plans (more on that later), the Ontario government revealed last week that it will invest almost $38 million to create Destination Wasaga. This initiative aims to revitalize this rapidly growing town by establishing a top-notch year-round tourist attraction featuring beautiful beaches, an updated downtown area, and restored historic sites.
The extensive project is being carried out in partnership with the Town of Wasaga Beach. Investments included in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario are focused on enhancing job opportunities within local tourism and boosting economic growth across Simcoe County, according to a press release from the Province.
“Today, we’re announcing a new partnership – one where both the town and province will collaborate to enhance tourism, rejuvenate our main commercial district along Beach Drive at Beach Area, and turn Wasaga Beach into a truly unforgettable destination for Ontario,” said Brian Smith, Mayor of Wasaga Beach. “This investment will ensure that Wasaga Beach continues to thrive as Ontario’s summer playground – while evolving into a year-round spot that expands our tourism sector, increases municipal revenue, supports local businesses, and accommodates the remarkable growth our community has been witnessing.”
“The Best Thing To Happen To The Town”
Joe Bickerstaff has lived in Wasaga Beach for 25 years and has been coming here since childhood when his father bought a beachfront property. A strong advocate for change in Wasaga Beach, Bickerstaff believes Destination Wasaga is “the best thing to happen to the town,” calling it “long overdue.” He points out that 25% of Wasaga Beach consists of provincial parkland. “It’s been overlooked; it’s not in great condition,” he states.
Bickerstaff notes stagnant uses of local land over recent years, like the Playland Parking Lot at what used to be an amusement park now slated for redevelopment. While those vintage beach bars were enjoyable, their time was bound to come eventually.
Local resident Pruthvi Desai agrees that redeveloping Wasaga Beach isn’t just appropriate; it’s essential right now. “Wasaga Beach is seeing an impressive number of development applications for both residential and commercial projects, making this revitalization perfectly timed,” says Desai. “We’re incredibly lucky to have access to a 14-kilometre stretch of clean public beach. This shoreline belongs not only to long-time residents but also newcomers who’ve made wise choices moving here recently and weekend visitors who contribute significantly to our economy.”
Unlike Bickerstaff, Desai doesn’t believe such major changes are overdue. “It’s happening exactly when it should,” he explains. “For decades now, most residents have been low- or middle-income adults or seniors contributing modestly toward property taxes. It’s time we bring in fresh developments which expand our tax base while modernizing old neighborhoods without compromising our heritage values.”
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Nancy Island: What’s Old Is New
The Ford government announced it will allocate $25 million towards redeveloping Nancy Island Historic Site. They also suggested transferring management responsibilities from the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks over to Tourism Culture and Gaming (MTCG).
A brief history lesson: During the War of 1812, Nancy Island was where HMS Nancy engaged three American schooners with support from Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs. Although HMS Nancy was lost during battle; two attacking American ships were captured by its crew stopping their advance and protecting Canadian territory.
Currently, this site shares stories from the War of 1812 through important artifacts like remnants from HMS Nancy’s charred hull along with a theater space museum plus replica lighthouse found there too! While guests can still appreciate these invaluable items today at their visit – sadly; facilities have seen better days needing urgent restoration efforts ensuring sustainability going forward.” In my opinion,” Bickerstaff mentions “Nancy Island holds so much historical significance deserving national historic site status however unfortunately since it’s provincially managed neglect has left island quite dilapidated.”
The need for improvements at Nancy Island seems widely agreed upon among locals too! “While $25 million earmarked here certainly feels long-awaited there remains concerns regarding shifting focus away from conservation towards prioritizing tourism revenue which may alter experiences visitors enjoy,” notes Dawne Leaney Davidson another resident from Wasaga beach area as well expressing worry over administrative transition implications could change essence felt throughout attractions offered up until now.
A Revamped Beach Drive
With such large-scale growth comes necessary infrastructure upgrades! reported nearly $11 million allocated via Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program aimed directly towards reconstructing roadways around famous areas including iconic stretch known as ‘Beach Drive’ designed bolster accessibility future tourists expected visit soon!
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