Ontario Construction News staff writer
The province of Ontario is putting nearly $38 million into improving Wasaga Beach, a popular summer spot at the southern end of Georgian Bay that has attracted visitors since the early 1900s.
On May 16, Premier Doug Ford visited the area to announce this funding, which has already started construction on a section of the more than 14 kilometers of beautiful white sandy beach. The government plans to allocate $11 million for road improvements along the coastline to support a new development of 3,000 homes, plus another $2 million aimed at revitalizing downtown Wasaga Beach.
Ford mentioned that the part of the beach owned by the province will be handed over to the town as long as it remains accessible to everyone.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” Ford said 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 the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
According to Ford, these investments made in partnership with Wasaga Beach are meant to protect local heritage, generate jobs, enhance tourism and foster economic growth throughout the region. They include:
$25 million aimed at redeveloping Nancy Island Historic Site and transferring administrative duties from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Almost $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for reconstructing roadways in Wasaga Beach that will facilitate new homes while improving access for tourists. $2 million allocated for tourism planning work by Town of Wasaga Beach focused on downtown redevelopment.
The province states it will soon start transferring part of its beachfront property in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park over to local authorities so it can be integrated into broader development known as Destination Wasaga.
“By preserving the unique character of Wasaga Beach, we’re helping protect a valued piece of Ontario’s heritage while promoting long-term economic growth in our region,” Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, noted in his statement.
Nancy Island is historically significant as it was where HMS Nancy engaged three American schooners during the War of 1812 with help from Anishinaabe-Ojibwe allies and French-Canadian voyageurs. Although HMS Nancy was lost during this conflict, her crew managed to capture two attacking American ships which halted their advance and safeguarded Canadian territory.
The current site shares stories about this conflict and features artifacts such as parts of HMS Nancy’s burned hull. Visitors can also find a theater, museum, and replica lighthouse on Nancy Island.
Ford emphasized that it’s essential to restore and maintain this facility for future generations while Tourism Minister Stan Cho added that there will be marketing campaigns launched by Ontario aimed at attracting visitors not just locally but also from other regions including places like Wasaga.
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