The Province of Ontario is partnering with the Town of Wasaga beach with an investment of almost $38 million to build Destination Wasaga.
The work will include revamping beaches, a revitalized downtown core and the preservation of the historic Nancy Island site.
The provincial support of the collective projects is with the intent of preserving local heritage, creating jobs, boosting tourism and supporting economic growth across Simcoe Region.
Investment project breakdowns include:
- $25 million to support the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site, along with the proposed transfer of administrative responsibility for the site from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
- Nearly $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support the reconstruction of the Wasaga Beach Area roadways project.
- $2 million for the Town of Wasaga Beach to support tourism planning work in the redevelopment of its downtown area to unlock full, year-round recreational tourism potential.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” said Premier Doug Ford 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.”
Ontario will soon begin the process of transferring part of the beachfront on Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, currently owned by the province to the town, under the condition the beach remains public.
“The town and province need to work together to re-imagine and unlock the full potential of Wasaga Beach — Ontario’s summer playground — including Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and Nancy Island Historic Site,” said Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Nancy Island, in urgent need of restoration, is the site where the charred hull of the HMS Nancy, who fought in the war of 1812 can be viewed, as well as other period houses and artifacts, a theatre, museum and replica lighthouse.
“The revitalization of the beachfront and Nancy Island Historic Site will help transform Wasaga Beach into a premier, world-class tourism destination and draw more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations and main street businesses,” said Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming.
In a news release from various provincial offices, including that of the premier, it outlines Destination Wasaga builds on efforts to protect Ontario’s economy and workers who depend on the tourism sector. It also aims to preserve part of Ontario and Canadian heritage “at a time when Ontario’s economy is being directly targeted by American tariffs.”
In another Wasaga Beach improvement issue, the municipality has awarded an RFP to redesign and rebuild Beach Drive to locally owned and operated Arnott Construction.
This will be the largest infrastructure investment in the history of Wasaga Beach and was solidified when the Ontario government announced it would invest over $10.9 million to help fund half of the costs of the redevelopment of Beach Drive. Sunray Group and Stonebridge Building Group will fund the remaining costs.
Improving roads and infrastructure along Beach Drive — described by Wasaga Beach officials as “the heart and lungs of the town’s tourism economy” — and at the town’s main commercial area at Beach Area 1, will resolve flooding issues that have continued to negatively impact tourism and businesses along the corridor.
“It will also unlock millions of dollars of investment, including a mixed-use, residential and commercial development at Beach Area 1 inspired by the Village at Blue Mountain, and a premium hotel that is set to be built in 2026 by the award-winning Sunray Group,” stated the Wasaga Beach news release.
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