New Vision for Wasaga Beach Revealed

The plan emphasizes the beachfront, downtown area, transportation, attractions, and visitor experiences.

Now, there’s a clear strategy to enhance one of Ontario’s most lively and well-known four-season recreation spots.

The Town of Wasaga Beach presented its Destination Wasaga Master Plan today.

“This plan belongs to the people who helped create it. It builds on everything our residents and generations of Ontarians have loved about Wasaga Beach and sets a bold course for what comes next-more jobs, more investment, more opportunity and a destination we will be proud to leave to future generations,” said Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.

The Master Plan outlines a long-term vision for Wasaga Beach’s beachfront, downtown areas, public spaces, transportation links, attractions, and visitor experiences.

“Our government is investing nearly $38 million in the Destination Wasaga Master Plan to position this iconic community as a world-class, year-round destination that attracts tourists, supports local businesses and drives Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come,” said Scott Clark, spokesperson for the ministry of tourism, culture and gaming.

Destination Wasaga states:

The beach will always remain public with access guaranteed for both residents and visitors. Wasaga Beach will prioritize being a community first; where people enjoy living is also a place that draws visitors. Environmental care and meaningful Indigenous engagement will guide development efforts while ensuring protection for the beach, dunes, shoreline, sensitive habitats and natural systems. There will be opportunities for Indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives to shape specific projects. Tourism growth will be carefully monitored with an emphasis on longer stays throughout the year while maximizing economic benefits from existing visitors. Implementation will occur in phases with each project undergoing necessary planning and regulatory approvals.

Among the ideas included in the Master Plan is a new Dardanella site aimed at restoring one of Wasaga Beach’s key historic tourism landmarks into a modern performance venue available year-round.

There’s also an exciting concept for an iconic pedestrian bridge across the Nottawasaga River that could connect the world’s longest freshwater beach from end to end like never before.

“Great communities do not stand still-they make deliberate choices about the future they want to build,” said Smith.

“Destination Wasaga is our community’s bold vision; with continued support from Ontario’s Province as well as our partners in Canada’s government along with others involved-we’re ready to bring that vision to life,” Smith added.

Quick Facts

Wasaga Beach features the world’s longest freshwater beach along with being one of Ontario’s top tourism spots attracting over two million visitors every year. The Master Plan emerged from one of the town’s largest public engagement initiatives ever undertaken; over 16,000 individuals including residents, visitors students businesses community groups participated through various methods such as public meetings online surveys comment boards workshops focus groups and webinars. The Master Plan suggests around 4.5 kilometers of new boardwalks combined with 3.2 kilometers of bike paths while enhancing 250 hectares across new or existing waterfront parks. In May 2025, the Province of Ontario committed $38 million towards building Destination Wasaga which includes $11 million earmarked specifically for rebuilding Beach Drive along with $25 million allocated towards revitalizing Nancy Island Historic Site.

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