“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for Wasaga Beach,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “For over one hundred years, people have come from across Ontario and Canada to enjoy Wasaga Beach and make summer memories that will last a lifetime. Now, we’re building on that legacy–strengthening our community and quality of life for residents, while designing a globally recognized, year-round destination that protects what makes this place special. The draft plan we are unveiling today reflects what our community has told us matters most and helps position Wasaga Beach as one of the great recreation and nature-based destinations of the world.”
A Vision Grounded in What Matters Most to Local Residents
The draft Destination Wasaga Master plan reflects clear and consistent community priorities:
The beach remains public–forever: The shoreline will continue to be protected as a public space for everyone to enjoy. No residential development on transferred parkland: Provincial parkland transferred back to the Town will remain focused on tourism, destination development, attractions, public infrastructure, public uses, and green space. A strong commitment to nature and sustainability: Expanded green spaces, ecological protection, and nature-based experiences are central to the plan. A balanced, year-round destination: The Destination Wasaga Master Plan will help grow and support the local economy, attract visitors year-round, and protect the natural beauty and ecology that make Wasaga Beach extraordinary and unique in the world.
Highlights
The draft plan proposes vibrant gathering places, flexible parks and event spaces for all seasons, accessible boardwalks, a river marina, a world-class music hall (The Dard 2.0), and an iconic pedestrian bridge–all designed to bring people closer to the water, nature, and each other.
The newly unveiled renderings show a downtown and beachfront that is timeless and forward-looking, with:
Three signature corridors are envisioned to help connect the waterfront, downtown, Nancy Island and provincial parkland–to help weave these elements together, creating a more seamless, intentional and extraordinary resident and visitor experience.
A Plan Shaped by the Community – and Kids!
The draft Destination Wasaga Master Plan is grounded in extensive public engagement that began in November 2025, with over 500 residents, businesses, and stakeholders contributing ideas through public meetings, workshops, and online surveys.
Earlier this month, that engagement extended into local classrooms where more than 200 Grade 6 and Grade 7 students from across Wasaga Beach shared their vision for the future of the community beachfront , and provincial park. This input reinforced key priorities–from protecting the natural environment to attracting fun family-friendly businesses. Students emphasized how important it is to create a place kids can be proud of.
Together this feedback is shaping a plan that reflects what local residents , and businesses need along with hopes from our youngest voices.
Here’s What Happens Next
Public engagement continues April 8-9 with workshops , stakeholder meetings , and an online survey giving residents more opportunities to review concepts , and share feedback. Input from this final phase will be used refine plans which align with upcoming infrastructure projects alongside provincial , and federal priorities.
The final Destination Wasaga plan is expected to be completed , and announced in July.
Learn more: www. wasagabeach. com/imagine
Quick FactsWasaga Beach is longest freshwater beach in world stretching more than 14 kilometres across eight beach areas. Wasaga Beach continues being recognized leading travel publications organizations — including Lonely Planet Narcity Canada –as one Canada’s top beach destinations. Town Of wasagabeach welcomes over two million visitors annually making it one Ontario’s most visited destinations. It also only Canadian municipality with provincial park fully within its municipal boundaries. Wasagabeach Provincial Park “recreation class” intended designed managed provide high level outdoor recreation experiences visitors. Destination wasagabeach master plan process supported by $38 million investment province Ontario helping redevelop Town waterfront downtown key heritage areas including Nancy island. Destination wasagabeach masterplan developed Urban Strategies award winning Canadian planning urban design firm recently won two awards Canadian planning excellence.
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Wasagabeach Wraps Up First Phase Community Engagement For Destination wasagabeach
Destination wasagabeach Begins ! Town Calls Residents Get Involved Community Meetings & Workshops
Wasagasbeach Selects Ontario Based Urban strategies Help Design Build Destination wasagasbeach SOURCE Town Of WASAGABEACH Mediacontact Karla Findlay Special Projects Leader email protected Sandra Watts General Manager External Relations email protected
Source link
