WASAGA BEACH – The Town of Wasaga Beach has chosen the Ontario-based company Urban Strategies to spearhead the design and development of Destination Wasaga-a major planning initiative aimed at transforming the community’s famous waterfront, downtown area, and tourism sector.
Urban Strategies is now responsible for involving local residents, business leaders, and other key stakeholders in crafting the Destination Wasaga Master Plan. This award-winning firm has put together a diverse team of specialists to support the development of this master plan, which includes architects, landscape architects, engineers, Indigenous design advisors, economists, tourism experts, as well as environmental and cost consultants.
The Destination Wasaga Master Plan will cover a significant portion of the Town’s well-known waterfront and downtown areas, making it one of the most substantial planning efforts and public engagement activities in Wasaga Beach’s history.
In May 2025, during the announcement of the 2025 Ontario Budget by Premier Doug Ford, $38 million was allocated to help revamp and enhance Wasaga Beach’s downtown and primary tourist locations to establish it as a renowned four-season destination.
The provincial investments aimed at supporting Destination Wasaga are designed to protect local heritage while creating jobs and boosting tourism along with economic growth across the region. These include:
$25 million for redeveloping Nancy Island Historic Site alongside plans for transferring management responsibilities from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) Almost $11 million for reconstructing Beach Drive $2 million for Wasaga Beach to assist in tourism planning and developing the Destination Wasaga Master Plan
For Wasaga Beach residents, Destination Wasaga represents a unique opportunity. This is likely the most transformative master planning effort since 1978 when large portions of downtown areas along with shorelines were expropriated by Ontario’s government-resulting in demolitions that included homes, businesses, restaurants, and family cottages-to create Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
– Brian Saunderson MPP Simcoe-Grey “Reimagining communities complex-and unlike others was not ordinary place It hosts longest freshwater beach first most visited urban provincial park featuring dunes forests over thirty kilometers trails Additionally one fastest-growing areas In Urban Strategies we bring fresh perspectives global best practices tackling intricate projects without preconceived conclusions We look forward crafting bold vision path ahead together citizens representing this iconic locale throughout every day year.” – Tim Smith Principal Urban Strategies Quick Facts In May 2025 Town welcomed Premier Doug Ford Minister Stan Cho announcement regarding $38 million investment assisting build Destination project. Wasaga unique globally: home notable parks only located entirely within main tourist regions town municipality Provincial Park recognized “recreation class” intended offering high-quality outdoor experiences visitors New Waterfront Master Plans build upon existing Downtown Development framework Urban Strategies earned two awards recognizing excellence creativity impact recent years: comprehensive development policy statement Jericho lands recognized similar achievements.
” As organizer annual music festival couldn’t happier about There are many visitors drawn around province who spend money enrich livelihood direct result events purpose brings energy our space beyond summer months supports ongoing push promoting culture vitality therefore it’s essential we achieve ambitious goals above mentioned initiatives connecting nature love music.”
– Kathy Mulgrew Blues Festival Organizer
” As longtime business owner proud endorse dedicated effort Over years honored sponsor events help neighbors come together initiative allows revitalize community strengthen spaces attract seasonal visitors keep celebrating what makes ours special too!”
– Ken Voss Dealer Principal Canadian Tire (Wasagabeach)
As passionate developer welcoming chapter imagine its potential promise transforming into vibrant recreation spot By combining innovative ideas thoughtful approaches showing leadership heritage preservation becoming extraordinary destination enjoyed whether visiting residing regularly.”
– Mark Crowe Stonebridge Building Group
” Excited join partners creating memorable fun experiences guests enhancing shared spaces further cementing vibrancy year round key factors benefiting all concerned especially small enterprises involved embarking journey everyone better.”
– Garry Hewines Partner Skull Island Mini Golf
” Owner market grill keenly backing initiative because implies developing fresh exceptional offerings wider town draw people directly aiding vital economic facets encouraging return visits specifically fostering connections recreations dining options overall delightful moments experienced frequently continually elevating recognition upcoming seasons past summers alike”
– Bob Bickmore Owner Catch Fresh Market Grill About Wasagabeach For over century known serving summertime playground people visit generate unforgettable moments aiming become recreational live-music hub Rebuilding re-envisioning core commercial zone aligned priorities diversifying economies growing opportunities employment establishing inclusive neighborhoods leading sustainability creativity innovation aspiration where thriving establishments harmonize histories cultures natural wonders spanning rivers lakes beaches stretch far. Related links Stay updated news information regarding wasagabeach. com/imagine Learn how governmental support aids nurturing your trip here! -30-
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What’s Next
Fall/Winter 2025 Public engagement launches Residents, businesses, and relevant stakeholders will have opportunities to provide their feedback through surveys, workshops, and open houses to ensure that local needs are addressed in the Master Plan. Construction on Beach Area 1 continues Revamping Beach Drive along with improvements in roads infrastructure near Beach Area 1 will make these areas more resilient against flooding due to climate change. This initiative aims to enhance safety for pedestrians while improving traffic flow-setting up future developments including a new premium Marriott Hotel on commercially-zoned land nearby. Restoration efforts at Nancy Island begin Work on restoring Nancy Island Historic Site-which features artifacts from HMS Nancy along with a museum-is set to start with an infrastructure audit followed by project planning focused on revitalizing this important heritage site while boosting its year-round appeal for tourists. Land Transfer Proposal from Province to Town Ontario will review proposals regarding transferring about 60 hectares of beachfront land to local authorities provided that access remains public. This could allow better management of this shoreline section under local governance-facilitating implementation of Destination Wasaga Master Plan. Spring/Summer 2026 Development Design & Technical Analysis The Urban Strategies team will work closely with planners designers ecologists alongside external experts focusing on community needs while analyzing environmental aspects. They’ll draft initial concepts balancing ecological protection urban design opportunities economically viable solutions Combining Design & Infrastructure Planning The conceptual plan from Urban Strategies will align with ongoing infrastructure projects (like road upgrades or work at Nancy Island) ensuring coherence between master plans implemented capital projects. Approval Process Through Council & Province Urban Strategies will present finalized plans before Town Council possibly involving joint reviews alongside relevant stakeholders plus provincial partners prior community rollout begins. Implementation Strategy A phased approach featuring immediate actionable items (such as public realm enhancements temporary installations) followed by long-term investment initiatives including landscape works mobility improvements major infrastructures. Monitoring Effectiveness Success indicators including attracted investments job creation rising tourism numbers beneficial effects within local businesses environment preservation outcomes-all based upon metrics derived from Downtown Development Master Plan. QUOTES “Across Ontario our government is helping build tourism destinations that increase visitation create jobs drive economic growth. This bold collaborative transformation project aims revitalizing iconic waterfront elevating town into premier tourism location travelers across Canada around globe Our investment helps protect both workers businesses preserve cherished piece Canadian history.” – Stan Cho Minister Tourism Culture Gaming “Wasaga Beach stands out among gems South Georgian Bay it’s home where generations families have formed lasting memories beside world-famous shoreline Our government proudly invests vibrant growing community thrilled seeing this project advance Equally heartening Town partnering Ontario firm reimagining recognized globally four-season destination.”– Brian Saunderson MPP Simcoe-Grey “Reimagining communities complex-and unlike others was not ordinary place It hosts longest freshwater beach first most visited urban provincial park featuring dunes forests over thirty kilometers trails Additionally one fastest-growing areas In Urban Strategies we bring fresh perspectives global best practices tackling intricate projects without preconceived conclusions We look forward crafting bold vision path ahead together citizens representing this iconic locale throughout every day year.” – Tim Smith Principal Urban Strategies Quick Facts In May 2025 Town welcomed Premier Doug Ford Minister Stan Cho announcement regarding $38 million investment assisting build Destination project. Wasaga unique globally: home notable parks only located entirely within main tourist regions town municipality Provincial Park recognized “recreation class” intended offering high-quality outdoor experiences visitors New Waterfront Master Plans build upon existing Downtown Development framework Urban Strategies earned two awards recognizing excellence creativity impact recent years: comprehensive development policy statement Jericho lands recognized similar achievements.
This Is What Locals Are Saying:
“As Chair Economic Development Tourism Advisory Committee I’m excited see movement forward The process redefine our space global-class four season destination anchored world longest freshwater beach sites like Nancy Island revitalized downtown Thoughtful planning infrastructure renewal attracts strong community involvement reflects spirit locally thriving economy year round.” – Steve Harlow Chair Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee ” As President Chamber Commerce I’m thrilled support transformative opportunity For almost thirty-eight-million provincial funding revitalization our area restore heritage sites envision ourselves seasonal draw poised unlock incredible benefits From restaurants shops accommodations attractions enjoy increased visitors all sectors Stand ready also create welcoming sustainable everyday life embrace beauty history unique character.” – Karin Greig President Chamber Commerce & Tourism ” Having spent youth enjoying sun surf deeply connected Our family operated store here returning now invest bringing Marriott hotel rewarding personally professionally aligns commitment sustainability focus community support historic efforts enhancing appeal great living places.” – Ray Gupta Chairman CEO Sunray Group Hotels ” Encouraged collaborate momentum behind Local watershed relies resilient smart planning Project’s emphasis preserving natural habitats aligning mission protect environment foster sustainable growth Stand eager support transformational ensure enhances recreational opportunities keeping integrity intact future generations.” – Jennifer Vincent Chief Administrative Officer Nottawasga Valley Conservation Authority” As organizer annual music festival couldn’t happier about There are many visitors drawn around province who spend money enrich livelihood direct result events purpose brings energy our space beyond summer months supports ongoing push promoting culture vitality therefore it’s essential we achieve ambitious goals above mentioned initiatives connecting nature love music.”
– Kathy Mulgrew Blues Festival Organizer
” As longtime business owner proud endorse dedicated effort Over years honored sponsor events help neighbors come together initiative allows revitalize community strengthen spaces attract seasonal visitors keep celebrating what makes ours special too!”
– Ken Voss Dealer Principal Canadian Tire (Wasagabeach)
As passionate developer welcoming chapter imagine its potential promise transforming into vibrant recreation spot By combining innovative ideas thoughtful approaches showing leadership heritage preservation becoming extraordinary destination enjoyed whether visiting residing regularly.”
– Mark Crowe Stonebridge Building Group
” Excited join partners creating memorable fun experiences guests enhancing shared spaces further cementing vibrancy year round key factors benefiting all concerned especially small enterprises involved embarking journey everyone better.”
– Garry Hewines Partner Skull Island Mini Golf
” Owner market grill keenly backing initiative because implies developing fresh exceptional offerings wider town draw people directly aiding vital economic facets encouraging return visits specifically fostering connections recreations dining options overall delightful moments experienced frequently continually elevating recognition upcoming seasons past summers alike”
– Bob Bickmore Owner Catch Fresh Market Grill About Wasagabeach For over century known serving summertime playground people visit generate unforgettable moments aiming become recreational live-music hub Rebuilding re-envisioning core commercial zone aligned priorities diversifying economies growing opportunities employment establishing inclusive neighborhoods leading sustainability creativity innovation aspiration where thriving establishments harmonize histories cultures natural wonders spanning rivers lakes beaches stretch far. Related links Stay updated news information regarding wasagabeach. com/imagine Learn how governmental support aids nurturing your trip here! -30-
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