Ontario beach town plans huge transformation to become year-round draw

Ontario's most popular beach town wants to be known for more than just summer fun, and a trip to the Wasaga Beach of the future might look a whole lot different if the town's ambitious new plans move forward.

The Town of Wasaga Beach unveiled a bold transformation plan on Thursday, with its Destination Wasaga Master Plan pitching a bright future for the Ontario tourism hot spot that aims to transition the travel destination into a year-round draw.

The new Master Plan — developed with provincial funding — sets out a long-term vision for the Town's tourist-heavy beachfront and downtown, as well as its public spaces, transit, and more.

The Town of Wasaga Beach says that its Master Plan is designed to bring in investment, support jobs, and strengthen the local tax base by turning its seasonal tourism economy into a year-round licence to print money.

"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 plan would create approximately 4.5 kilometres of new boardwalk and 3.2 kilometres of new bike paths, but it's the new attractions and landmarks that really shape this vision. One of the standouts of the new plan is a proposed replacement for the lost Dardanella club that was a longtime tourist draw up until its 2025 closure.

The business, described as "one of Wasaga Beach's most important historic tourism and cultural landmarks," would be reimagined as a modern year-round performance venue "keeping the Dard's celebrated dance-hall legacy while creating a year-round demand generator and destination anchor."

A marina and riverfront promenade would be built along Jenetta Street, transforming unsightly waterfront parking lots into a new gateway to the Main End. The Town says this will welcome boaters, create new boardwalk and cycling connections, and bring more people within walking distance of beachfront restaurants, shops, attractions and events.

Another feature of the plan is a pedestrian bridge envisioned to cross the Nottawasaga River, adding new access to the world's longest freshwater beach.

"Great communities do not stand still—they make deliberate choices about the future they want to build," said Mayor Smith. 

"Destination Wasaga is our community's bold vision, and with the continued support and partnership of the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and our other partners, we are ready to turn that vision into reality," he added.

Even before Thursday's announcement, signs of change were brewing in Wasaga Beach. A new premium Marriott hotel along the beachfront has been in the works for some time now, and a design was finally revealed earlier this year.

Wasaga Beach is also considering an aerial gondola system that would transport tourists and locals alike on a scenic ride along the beachfront.