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Wow! It’s been a busy summer and an incredible year so far. Over the past nine months, your Council has secured more than $156 million in provincial funding and investment in our community—that’s more than any other Council in the history of Wasaga Beach.
In May, we also welcomed Premier Doug Ford to town for a $38 million Destination Wasaga announcement that will help transform Wasaga Beach into one of Ontario’s top recreation and nature-based destinations. This includes $25 million to reinvent and revitalize Nancy Island Historic Site, and $2 million to create a community-led waterfront and Destination Wasaga Master Plan that puts local residents first. Cool fact: Premier Ford is the first sitting Premier to visit Wasaga Beach.
Here are more of Council’s recent accomplishments:
✅ Welcomed $10.9 million in provincial funding to rebuild Beach Drive and improve roads, infrastructure, and underground services near Beach Area 1. This will make Beach Drive flood and climate-resilient, improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian accessibility — and lay the groundwork for future development on commercially-zoned land near Beach Area 1.
✅ Welcomed a $45 million investment by Sunray Group to build a premium Marriott Hotel near Beach Drive, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and residences. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
✅ Welcomed a $59.3 million investment by the Ontario government to build a second high school in Wasaga Beach, creating 1,145 new student spaces.
✅ Confirmed municipal ownership of Allenwood Beach! As a result, Council was able to introduce free resident parking and have our hardworking Town staff clean and maintain that section of our shoreline throughout the summer.
✅ Welcomed an almost $400,000 grant from the Ontario government to support destination marketing, promote local businesses and events, build capacity, and improve the visitor experience at Beach Area 1 this summer, as construction along Beach Drive got underway.
✅ Welcomed the town’s second new family doctor in less than two years. Dr. Yannick Charette is already working out of the municipally-owned medical centre. This means almost 2000 patients and families will soon have access to consistent primary care in our community.
✅ Announced the First Annual Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo & Hootenanny Fall Festival, coming October 4–5, 2025. From bull riding to barrel racing, it’s a full weekend of classic rodeo and fall fair fun for the whole family—all in support of local charities. Get your tickets now: wasagabeach.com/RODEO
✅ Issued a statement and spoke with local, regional and national news outlets in response to the province’s proposal to return 3% of provincial parkland to the Town, on the condition that the beach remain public. This partnership will help Wasaga Beach thrive as a complete community where tourism, conservation, and local community go hand-in-hand. Questions or concerns? You can read more here: wasagabeach.com/TRANSFER
✅ Attended the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa. Members of Council and senior staff met with key ministries and ministers, including Tourism, Environment, Long-Term Care, Energy, and Infrastructure. It’s here that we unveiled The Power of 10—ten big ideas meant to challenge and inspire our residents and provincial partners to think big, as we prepare to begin community consultation on Destination Wasaga.
✅ Following a competitive, nation-wide RFP process, Council selected Ontario-based firm Urban Strategies to lead the public consultation, design, and delivery of Destination Wasaga. For our community, Destination Wasaga is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure Wasaga Beach thrives as Ontario’s summer playground – and that we evolve into a thriving, year-round destination that will grow Ontario’s tourism sector, grow our municipal tax base, support local businesses, and make life better for our full-time residents. Learn more at: wasagabeach.com/IMAGINE
Fall is shaping up to be exciting and busy as well. Staff are preparing the 2026 Budget, and your input is essential. Please join us for the Budget Public Meeting on October 16th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Wasaga Stars Arena, or share your feedback online at engagewasaga.ca starting October 10th.
Of course, this update is just a snapshot of the important work that is happening at Town Hall and in our community. I encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and subscribe to receive all of the latest Council news and updates, delivered straight to your inbox: wasagabeach.com/SUBSCRIBE
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you out in the community this fall!
Mayor Brian Smith
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