Wasaga Beach – The Town of Wasaga Beach has hit a significant achievement, with all of Council’s 2023-2026 priorities either completed or in progress, resulting in positive outcomes that foster economic development, enhance public services, and fortify the community.
Approved in 2023, the Term of Council Priorities plan features 84 initiatives across essential areas: Building a Complete and Inclusive Community, Creating Economic Opportunities, Establishing Well-Run Government and Demonstrating Green Leadership. These priorities were influenced by resident input and continue to steer the Town’s decisions and investments.
During this Council term, the Town has secured over $305 million in both public and private investments, which includes more than $155 million in provincial funding – surpassing any previous Council’s achievements in Wasaga Beach history.
Since 2023, the Town has also brought in over 1,100 jobs, helping to boost the local economy while relieving some financial pressure on local taxpayers.
“This incredible milestone shows how well Council and staff have worked together,” said CAO Andrew Mc Neill. “We’re managing daily services while pushing forward projects that will enhance life for residents of Wasaga Beach for many years ahead.”
www. wasagabeach. com/strategic-priorities -30-
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Positive Outcomes for Residents
Key successes under Council’s priorities include: Enhancing healthcare, education and housing Boosting the economy and generating jobs Welcomed major private-sector investments, including: $60+ million investment by Sunray Group to construct a premium Marriott Hotel near Beach Drive along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and homes-with construction expected to kick off in 2026. $90+ million investment by Stonebridge Building Group to develop part of Town-owned land near the beachfront which includes mixed-use residential and commercial spaces. Costco. Expanded bus service to Gateway Casino. Organized successful summer events that celebrated the Town’s 50th anniversary featuring exceptional live music and entertainment alongside record tourism growth seen over the last decade. Received an almost $400,000 grant from the Ontario government aimed at supporting destination marketing efforts as well as promoting local businesses/events while enhancing visitor experiences at Beach Area 1 in 2025 when construction along Beach Drive commenced. Opened Gateway Casino which generates over $4 million towards community contributions. Initiated business roundtables plus destination marketing efforts aimed at boosting tourism while supporting local businesses. Investing in infrastructure and public spaces Completed opening of new facilities like Wasaga Stars Arena and Wasaga Beach Public Library-a project initiated during the 2014-2018 term of Council. Reopened Beach Drive in 2023 while advancing beachfront redevelopment plans; secured $35 million from provincial funding for Destination Wasaga. Constructed new sidewalks along with improvements made on River Road West. Invested $2 million into park enhancements including refurbishments at William Arnill Park as well as Oakview Wood/BMX Park; added new parks at Ramblewood/River Road East. Upgraded wayfinding signage coupled with expanded transit services. Boosting tourism and year-round activities Launched Wasaga Beach’s inaugural “Breaking the Ice” winter music festival featuring rock icons Burton Cummings alongside Blue Rodeo-drawing nearly 6000 attendees including around 3000 visitors from outside communities. Hosted Canadian country star Tim Hicks along with six-time JUNO Award winner Sam Roberts Band at Wasaga Stars Arena-these concerts are just one way we’re fostering community spirit while working toward making our town a thriving year-round destination. Introduced Greater Metro Hockey League (GMHL) Junior A hockey team named Wasaga River Dragons for first time ever within Town limits. Unveiled an ambitious new destination management plan plus a revamped tourism website. Activated beachfront amenities like fresh food truck zones located at Beach Area 1 alongside signature events such as Memories of Summer (recognized among Top 100 Festivals & Events across Ontario), not forgetting Snowman Mania collaboration effort involving Nancy Island. Commenced Visioning Week-the initial significant step towards developing community-led Destination Wasaga Master Plan held between November 17-20 wherein various public meetings/workshops/open houses/dynamic mapping activities attracted participation from upwards of 500 residents plus business owners/local organizations/provincial partners/stakeholders throughout Ontario. Initial concept designs will be revealed during next round workshops set between April 7-9. Fostering affordability/community welfare Secured over $1 million worth financial aid sourced from province aimed specifically addressing increasing provincial OPP costs ensuring lower tax increase standing only at 3.96% instead of higher figure potentially reaching up-to 5.6% had there been no support provided covering unanticipated expenses incurred thus far through this council term. Launched very first Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program assisting eligible citizens-including low-income seniors & physically disabled individuals-in reducing driveway snow removal fees associated expenses incurred upon them annually. Collaborated with County Simcoe aiming bolstering emergency support networks introducing warming centers based out Faith Missionary Church/Town facilities located nearby vicinity. Provided free parking passes available exclusively for residents’ use only. Confirmed municipal ownership status regarding Allenwood beach leading introduction establishment free-of-charge resident parking availability whilst ensuring diligent maintenance responsibilities carried out effectively throughout summertime seasons via dedicated staff members present serving visitors alike. Engaged discussions among various media outlets concerning proposal submitted requesting return percentage amount equating approximately three percent overall total parkland belonging back town contingent upon agreement preserving open beach access ultimately fostering sustainable coexistence whereby tourism/conservation initiatives thrive harmoniously benefiting everyone involved within complete community framework established here altogether locally. Finalizing adoption implementation processes necessary related Municipal Accommodation Tax anticipated generating revenue figures exceeding estimated value topping-off upwardly one-million dollars designated solely targeting payment arrangements intended covering festival operations/promotion-related ventures focused directly showcasing homegrown experiences encouraged amongst visitors/tourists arriving here regularly enabling forward momentum across these spheres effortlessly. Enhancing transparency/governance practices Adopted updated Official Plan along Secondary Plan concerning West wasagas region surrounding areas deemed important moving forward beyond standard procedural requirements set previously. Strengthened engagement channels ensuring maximum levels transparency/accountability maintained within municipal governance systems incorporating regular occurrences featuring town hall meetings paired-up enhanced online tools creating user-friendly platforms allowing access easily found amidst myriad resources navigable by anyone curious enough explore current happenings surrounding their lives directly impacting those living here today actively engaging stakeholders involved thereof further facilitating meaningful conversations taking place throughout every corner possible now too bringing CAO Andrew Mc Neill directly accessible through informal office hours sessions where inquiries welcomed openly without reservations whatsoever expressed freely also “Ask Mayor Smith Anything” initiative designed facilitate easy communication pathways built right into fabric everyday life enabling greater connection enjoyed thoroughly everywhere too! Successfully conducted customer service review identifying efficiency gaps helping improve interactions experienced across departments/facilities utilized commonly being frequented regularly nowadays entirely reflecting positively garnered feedback received back accordingly thereafter later correcting mistakes made initially reported accordingly ultimately re-launching organizational assessments aiming establish strategic frameworks yielding effective organizational structures prompting forward-thinking approaches implemented henceforth bringing forth progressive policies introduced particularly revolving human resource management considerations attracting retaining top talent residing currently undertaking respective roles/functions needed fulfilling tasks demanded consistently based around core values shared widely held collectively embraced entire group operating cohesively together always striving reach excellence continually pursued relentlessly nonstop… Quick facts 84 Council priority initiatives identified for 2023-2026; all are now either completed or underway Over $305 million worth public/private investments attracted during current council term including upwards exceeding amounts previously designated years gone past! Residents can learn more about Term Of Councils Priorities track progress visit:www. wasagabeach. com/strategic-priorities -30-
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