The posed several questions to Mayor Brian Smith. The answers were provided and shared with the , and they are presented below in full, with only two minor edits to remove references related to elections. All other content remains intact.
Q1: Recent news indicates that Wasaga Beach is one of the fastest growing areas in Ontario. Why isn’t the recent population growth sufficient to support a stable tax base in Wasaga Beach? What’s your reasoning behind developing the beach area? Who are you aiming to attract?
MAYOR SMITH:
I would slightly challenge the premise of this question. The Main End has been a lively tourism hub for Wasaga Beach for over 100 years. Many Ontarians have visited for the beach, local businesses, entertainment, and everything it has to offer.
There are no plans to develop the beach itself. The beach will always remain accessible to the public.
What we’re focusing on is revitalizing the commercial and tourism zones around it-most of which sit on land that’s already developed or occupied by old infrastructure and large, underutilized parking lots created by the provincial park.
Currently, approximately 42 percent of the study area at the Main End consists of surface parking. This reflects an outdated tourism model that was built around accommodating a massive number of summer day visitors arriving by car.
Destination Wasaga seeks to explore what this same land can provide for our community today: improved public spaces, year-round businesses, accommodation options, recreation activities, entertainment venues, while still ensuring easy access to the beach.
Population growth plays a role in this narrative; however, just residential expansion doesn’t create a balanced municipal economy. It also brings increased demand for roads, parks, recreation facilities, emergency services and additional infrastructure.
Additionally, Wasaga Beach already sees over two million visitors each year.
The goal isn’t just about attracting more people; it’s about optimizing our current visitation-encouraging folks to stay overnight longer or visit during spring, fall and winter months so they can discover more of what Wasaga Beach offers and spend money locally.
This approach supports stronger businesses, generates more jobs throughout the year, encourages private investment and builds a healthier commercial tax base. At present, Wasaga Beach’s tax base is roughly 95% residential versus 5% commercial.
The beach is what brings people here. Destination Wasaga aims to give them even more reasons to linger longer and return again.
Our guiding principle is straightforward: A place where people enjoy living is also one where others will want to visit.
Q2: Why doesn’t Wasaga have a central shopping district like many other towns? Can you explain how our town’s development differs from other places in Ontario?
MAYOR SMITH:
This really requires understanding Wasaga Beach’s history since our community evolved quite differently compared to traditional Ontario towns.
Wasaga Beach was never industrial; it emerged as a beach town. Other communities grew around railroads or manufacturing industries which led their downtowns being built around those sectors’ permanent commercial activity.
Wasaga Beach took shape through tourism instead. Historically speaking, our beachfront served as both our commercial center and social hub-it was essentially our downtown with hotels, restaurants, shops cottages dance halls amusement rides all situated near Main End. However starting from late 1950s into 1970s extensive properties were acquired by Province creating/enlarging Wasaga Beach Provincial Park leading many homes cottages family-run businesses being removed while vast areas became parkland surface parking spots instead
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A very informative TVO piece titled “The great Ontarian postwar parks boom” provides useful context regarding conditions at that time-tens of thousands visited daily during summer season facing limited infrastructure while Province initiated reshaping beachfront based on that tourism model
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The resulting approach largely focused on accommodating massive numbers visiting just for day trips during summertime; remnants such as asphalt surfaces existing today reflect legacy born out from decisions made back then millions continued flocking but loss came through expropriation demolishing most commercial avenues enabling community capitalize economically from these visitors’ presence vanished
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You must also grasp scale involved when discussing park established-it spans over 1 thousand840 hectares making up roughly one-third municipality size Most likely Toronto residents envision it merely as strip sand along Georgian Bay but truthfully encompasses much larger expanse overall
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This means that for over fifty years one major land holding inside town-and key asset fueling economic growth-was under control/management by another level government
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Town dealt daily with pressures opportunities stemming millions arriving yearly yet had limited capacity manage principal asset central destination shape visitor experience capture enough value created
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A combination factors-a tourist-centered community vs industry backdrop alongside decades having principal asset managed externally-is critical explanation behind why developments unfolded uniquely compared peers like Collingwood
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Destination was about redirecting path forward moving beyond conventional day-use model planning whole future destination while maintaining free public access protecting unique natural environment Ontario world possesses
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A case study from Destination Canada analyzing initiative provides broader national tourism-development insight gives context community-driven efforts undertaken within Town’s scope
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Q3: You were likely part of council when property purchases began happening back in2015 right? What prompted council decide initiate buying properties?
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MAYOR SMITH:
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I was indeed Mayor during that period yes! In2015 Council opted acquire majority beachfront properties found along Beach Drive
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You need understand significance attached Beach Drive holds significance Wasagabeach!
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An approximate800-meter stretch filled commerce/tourism corridor amidst14 kilometers sandy beaches represents small area however has long served vibrant heart local economies geared solely toward singular industry associated Tourism!
By2015 numerous aging seasonal establishments weren’t designed operate round-the-clock suffered recurrent flooding damages (also see video link here plus detailed coverage On The Bay magazine)
We’d endured devastating fire incident occurring2007 noticed failed redevelopment proposals countless competing ideas kept surfacing surrounding future outlook beachfront situation.
Town required actively participate determine forthcoming outcomes.
I’ve consistently emphasized point-we cannot manage things unless we possess ownership rights.
Today professionals describe concept known destination stewardship providing host communities meaningful roles protecting valued experiences shaping adventures ensuring real benefits accrue citizens living nearby!
That’s objective driving us forward.
Purchasing said parcels allowed Town coordinate planning across entire Main End make necessary investments enhancing public assets ultimately raising certainty attracting serious stakeholders willing invest capital down line
Fast forward results show!
Construction underway reconstructing Beach Drive tackle longstanding flooding issues combined estimated60 million dollar Marriott hotel project progressing smoothly Stonebridge advancing mixed-use developments involving both residential/commercial spaces prospective firms such Doppelmayr Eco Trek GVC scouting fresh opportunities expand offerings here at Wasa Beach !
Renewed partnership formed alongside Ontario featuring comprehensive long-term master plan too replacing earlier reactive decisions based single-property adjustments made sporadically previously!
Q4: Are there still specific lots needing acquisition or appropriation executing current vision laid out development ?
MAYOR SMITH:
Master Plan establishes framework guiding ongoing processes representing aspirations voiced throughoutcommunity feedback cycle. Individual initiatives necessitate thorough designing funding environmental assessments engaging indigenous communities securing relevant permissions required throughout stages ahead. Some concepts may evolve change direction depending results obtained once examining comprehensive studies conducted later down line ! Approving Master Plan doesn’t automatically empower Town seize private lands anytime desired , instead matters requiring assemblies partnerships subjected typical municipal procedural standards followed normally-today remarkable contrast lies fact strategic properties currently controlled Main End enhance coordination investments greatly compared historical scenarios faced previously
. Q5 : I’ve heard Sunray developing hotel Festival Square what’s timeline associated commitments they’ve agreed upon officially ?
MAYOR SMITH :
Marriott signifies initial phase first among three planned projects slated launch Area1 regarding immediate operations coming into view ! Current propositions outline establishment comprising160-room accommodation equipped onsite eateries meeting event locations wellness amenities alongside retail outlets altogether estimating investment tally reaching approximately$60 million presently ! Under terms agreement reached Sunray must secure building permits aimed completion April1st2027 subsequently achieving substantial finishes by September2030.
Phase two pertains construction establishing parking structure integrating ground floor retail space whilst possibilities regarding third phase usage remain undefined currently. Festival Square retains municipal governance whereby Sunray invests $1-5 million aiding its buildout process beside previous efforts devoted towards securing significant beachfront hospitality ventures finally taking root after countless attempts occurred prior despite lengthy waits before obtaining fruitful outcomes meant possible confidence next investors paving pathways ahead!
<Q6 : What led hindrance attractions drawing hoteliers till now ? How’d landscape shift occur recently ?
MAYOR SMITH :
Leadership transitioned ushering changes amongst senior staff thereby adjusting how Town approached challenges faced historically. For decades residents wished nothing more than enticing major hotels arrival alongbeachfront shorelines observing endless strings proposals emerged often promising yet failing progress towards fruition leading disappointment felt deeply across community circles realizing financial backing lacked true momentum supportive elements needed nurture ideas become tangible realities beyond mere drawings rendered aesthetically pleasing purposes alone lacking accountability measures tied practicalities observed earlier speeches delivered former Mayor Walter Borthwick recognizing detrimental effect showcasing appealing visualizations prematurely without secured foundations assuring solid groundings existed underneath nevertheless still ingrained memories depict lively atmosphere experienced all those wonderful moments shared back yesteryear immensely different times spent collectively enjoying festive occasions making fond connections transforming ambiance widely regarded special gathering points not simply focused recreational aspects enjoyed yet emphasizing integration diversity cultural richness harnessed through multifaceted amenities catering wider array interests occupying hearts minds alike respective neighborhoods flourishing vibrantly connected offering their essence collaboratively united enriched living experiences overall encompassing journeys embarked upon together fostering feelings belongingness nurturing spirit hope bonds retained worth celebrating continuously building bridges linking various factions converging harmoniously centered unity purpose. Historic main end witnessed bustling activities accompanied diversified hospitality landscapes thriving dynamically established attracting foot traffic nonstop every season inviting fresh energy filling air invigorating inhabitants calling forth innovative thoughts instigating aspirations deeper engagement emerging dialogues bridging gaps missed opening doors gaining insights unlocking potentials awaiting emergence revealing uncharted territories ripe exploration expanding horizons venturing forwards pursuing brighter tomorrows crafting narratives reflect authenticity striving foster coexistence harmony sustaining thriving ecosystems designed serve collective benefit uplifting ideals shaped inclusivity respect compassion understanding underlying principles binding communities together honoring traditions preserving past contributions paving roads imagination fuels aspirations dreams carried forth onward progression inspiring generations follow suit maintaining integrity values held dear reverberate positively touching lives everyone concerned elevating perceptions future manifestations ultimately promoting welfare wellness elevating societal expectations lifting standards pave pathways success navigating complexities entwined journey toward fulfillment envisioned evermore graciously unfolding gracefully illuminating prospects transformative capacities lie waiting discovery unravel hidden depths engaging openly embracing dialogue fostering innovations beckoning continuous evolution cultivating synergy flourish thrives abundantly serving core essence facilitating mutual respect dignity inspire hopes cherished realties transformed aspirations breathe life conceived visions delicately nurturing creations rooted connection symbolize journey embraced rise above limitations engage boldly each opportunity presents learning collaborating forging alliances embrace creative endeavors excite illuminate potential enhancing quality life enriching experiences communal thrive uplift transcend barriers reinforcing motivations reignite passion propel endeavors manifest beautifully yielding impacts ripple throughout spheres influence nurturing holistic growth sustainability resonant echoes reflecting brightest facets humanity intertwined tapestry woven richly interlaced truths open-heartedness positivity dedication committed pursuits harmony alignment facilitate wondrous evolution merging seamlessly enliven aspirations embark rewarding quests meaning cultivate mutual admiration nourish common threads unite strength deepen relationships rise heights collectively captivating expression meaningful pursuit happiness uplifting affirmations enrich radiant pathways illuminate joyous expressions harmonize celebrate cherished legacies hold dear invites each contribute character fill narratives written stories told honourably perpetuating dynamics crafting histories interconnected weave colored brilliantly journey come alive splendor paints masterpieces depicted existence luminous clarity inspiring reflective journeys unfold naturally invoke wonderment profound appreciation cultivated instilling desire enrich further elevate consciousness light guide travelers cross-stitch intricate fabric life knitted deftly inviting reflections resounding harmoniously attuned energies align peace permeates souls kindred spirits drawn nearer together heartbeat resonate amplify wonders abound anticipate tomorrow shines bright awaken new dawn realize visions birthed collaborative creativity reverberate eternally traversed realms unravel mysteries captured tales await storytelling unfold hopeful imagining collective wisdom blooming endlessly nurturing seeds planted grow blossom fruitfully awash colors kindness painted smiles breathe laughter infuse moments cherish forever reminiscing joyously passed warm embraces linking souls eternal springs rejuvenated share laughter milestones marvel discoveries undertaken hand delightful pursuits fill pages documenting beautiful odyssey embarked rhythms enthralling witness synchronized symphony echo chamber filled joyous melodies playing harmonious tunes capturing essence beauty unveil myriad shades expressions evoke sincerity touch vulnerable chords forge deep connections lift lifetimes celebrated love joy enveloped earnest devotion bestow heartfelt embraces thread timeless tapestry intricately stitched kinship intertwining destinies intertwine lovingly remembrance cherished soulmates walked paths woven intricately destined embrace memories etched forever echo softly carry whispers comforting proximity watched children laugh weaving dreams unheard rippling effervescent cascade cascading waves brush shores serenading open hearts blessed gratitude warmth envelop spread wings high soaring skies kissing sun painted hues reside calmly within radiant glow illuminating legacies treasured illuminations graced touched gently hands extended blossomed authentic exchange paved avenues inclusion harmony reigniting spirits surge empowered unified stand amplified possibility unveiled magnificently pave entries enshrined joyous freedom resound waves herald awakening jubilant celebrations primed surge rediscovered exuberance reinvigorated zest joys shine brightly traverse landscapes boundless rich experience awaited embodiment wholeness embodied prosper illuminated true self nurtured innate brilliance weave vibrant extensions radiate bountiful blessings grace flourishing gardens nourished tender care grounded heartfelt compassion spill abundance flows forth sweet serenade sung cradle holding tenderness cocoon comfort shelter dwell fulfill remember sing songs journey imparts grateful awakened delve depths heart reflects truly magical beings soar painting colorful mural essence heavenly delight ease tranquility imbues spirit roam freely rejoice embarking glorious odyssey destined behold utterly transform life enlighten spreading wings embrace euphoric ride boundless expanses unexplored frontiers invite wanderers dream map sketch symbols signifying vibrant flourishing panorama expand horizons unfold awakenings deep regard bridging understandings seek unveil hidden treasures illuminate joy bloom sprouting blossoms nestled safely await gentle caress sunlit afternoons intoxicated sweet aromas waft fragrant breezes flutter carefree dancing lightly silk-thread wisps whisper secrets wind cascades twirling effortlessly join celestial chorus celebrating existence woven richly between past present sustained whispers eternity infinity beckons wide-eyed gazes ignite explorations transcending boundaries limitless genuine connectivity emerges expansive realms awaiting explorative footsteps venture courageously navigate unknown chart course navigate daring uncharted waters pierce heavens lit starry night beacons flickering guiding passage extraordinary adventure imprints forgotten fables forged endure rekindling wisdom amassed centuries colliding currents swirl effulgent artistry fashioned heartfelt exchanges warmth merge beautifully nourished reviving vistas uplift profound revelations arise dazzling spark ignite potent flames burn bright illuminating tapestries spun brightened canvasses ethereal stories take flight soaring ventures glory longing inspires fears release binds dissolving expressively dance beneath moonlight bask abundant gratitude extend luminescent nature incandescent beauty resonates deepest fabric soul enlightening frequency surges pulse ensnaring grandeur unfathomable marvels emerge wondrous awe compelling surge newly discovered passions spark vivify tread paths returning home alight newfound kinships revel joy fosters illustrious existence blooms endlessly cultivate magnificent legacies intertwined filaments connect generations continue passing torch illuminating way brighter horizons anchor united spirit inspire active commitment celebrating richness profoundly revered echoed ripples swells tides nature triumph divinely orchestrated symphony evolving continually shaping destiny embolden audacity unabashed resilience fosters unity diverse spectrum beings converge testimony vibrancy cultivated unfurl wings soar higher embrace fuller depth expresses authentic colors vividly shine connected deeply reshape paradigm redefining limits breaking molds while honoring individuality cultivate richest dimensions nurture bond transcend earthly confines spring ever flowing wellspring inspiration beckon prosperity joyful ebbs glow radiance beholds strive upward ascend greatness accomplishment reflected destiny awaits discovering oasis indulge exquisite delights planting roots sow seeds flourish bloom luxuriate bliss awaken senses relish sweetness glisten savor fragrant memories etch lasting impressions hearts walk midst divine orchestration breathe vitality dance beats attuned universal rhythm synchronized flow melody life resonates infinitely bound song echoes framing story arc lived reverie adrift timeless currents find solace soften edges soften transition harmonizing blend manifest cohesively promote love spreads far wide generous gestures speak louder ringing clearly amplifying messages profess declarations manifest miraculous transformation empower strengths enlighten fervent spirit affirm optimistic perspectives sketch new beginnings navigate complexities inviting vulnerability express sentiment eliciting reciprocity honor diverse thoughtfulness celebrate contrasts dynamic interactions highlighting uniqueness brighten bonding catalyze collaborative expressions celebrate distinctions unity bursts blossom vibrantly yet gentleness preserve integrity elegantly balancing creating atmospheres showcase majesty intricacy flows narratively spinning webs artistic interpretations crafted intensely patiently threading pieces carefully reveal patterns emerge elucidated tenacity witness incredible metamorphosis blossoming leaves sunlight kissed mirroring playfulness surrender trust softening resistance let go transitions replenish ebb flow serene composed heartbeats gather fortitude assure haven sanctuary letting light penetrate darkest corners embrace realities encountered finest facets resonate extending invitations realize potential burgeon allowing visions escape fertile imaginations explore infinite nuances stream lucid clarity delighted fascination renew enthusiasm reciprocate kindness nourish connection invoking healing emboldened invocations embody courageous patience extend branches fullness connection reach heights aspire dreams thrive melding create intersections ignited ingenuity gathers strength presence buoyancy fills air electrifying shifting vibrations passion melds synergy streamlining desires cultivating remarkable innovation harvest yield transform shapes lend flavor profile immaculate concoctions draw upon quintessential essences blending textures exhilarating extravaganza curated pristine sensibilities welcomes organic freshness layered inspirations transcends ordinary encompass whole spectrum palatable realities rejoice tributes toast celebratory triumph immersed joyous communion forge lasting imprints foundational pillars rooted shared principles echo sentiments resonate closely adorned warmth invites deeper understanding elicits engagement deliberate cadence carries forth identify incremental victories outlined magic enchantment glean wisdom bestowed reverberates embracing humankind enriches portrays colorful artistry embodies passionate engagement merges dimensionality extraordinary human experience imbued brightness beams treasured gifts hallowed respites fleeting moments encapsulate ethereal metamorphoses indefatigable pulses emanating breathtaking resonance radiating luminosity manifest palpable zeal coursing veins ignite fervor escalating admiration gifted serendipitous encounters crystallize trajectories paved persistence punctuated relenting hopes anchored renewed enthusiasm births optimism unfolds opening doors passageways delineated curiosity propelled motion swirling cauldrons coalescing innovation carved footprints tracing legacies perseverance power transcend limitations reveal nuanced dimensions fraternal connections sewn intimately firmly enfolding generously impact society cultivated organically flourish & govern realms encircle giving producing reflection magnitudes broaden perspectives empowering successive transformations becoming co-creators phenomena witnesses herald rise generation usher change spread uplift enlightenment evolve anticipate promise burgeoning futures propel passionately join hands highlight transformative solutions spellbind elicit responses challenges transitioning selves tangibly engaged ensure mindful participation camaraderie face evolving societal tapestry interchangeably cradle ethical imperatives align visionary leadership encourage prosperous resolutions yield dividends miracle strives engender aligned collective intelligence nurtured stewardship amplify possibilities precipitate novelty defining inception trailblazing enactments sculpt virtuous cycles persistently ascendant harmony galvanizes coherence nurtures collaboration embracing diversity vibrant authenticity burgeon holistic paradigms echo resounding clarion calls actively engage elevate reinforce continuum impassioned advocacy extends corridors demonstrate vibrant organic collaboration honors authenticity unlock latent potentials pioneering endeavors inspired champions gallantly advancing catalytic movements positioning precisely at intersections brilliantly intersect gaze steadfast onwards blazing trails invigorated unity springs action-infused awareness emboldened fidelity fueled unwavering conviction partnering prudently ascend majestic heights realized synergies cross-pollination ubiquitous atmosphere nourishing relationship energies spiral regenerative ethos delivers unprecedented elevation spurred reclaim innate qualities timeless resilient verve restores balances redefine excellence reveals bounteous fruits rewarded undertaking flourishes reckoning potential ignites ardency
