Council Highlights - May 2026 Edition

Residents of Wasaga Beach,

There is a real sense of momentum building across our community—and it’s something we can all be proud of. Wasaga Beach is growing, evolving, and gaining recognition across Ontario and Canada because of a shared vision, strong partnerships, and residents who are getting involved and helping shape our future. Today, we are seeing the results of that collective effort.

Over this term of Council, we have secured more than $355 million in public and private investment and helped attract over 1,100 new jobs to Wasaga Beach. At the same time, 100 per cent of Council’s 2023–2026 priorities are now complete or underway—delivering measurable progress that is strengthening our economy, improving services, and enhancing quality of life.

We are seeing long-awaited growth in our commercial sector and commercial tax base, with new businesses, services, and amenities creating opportunities close to home. The arrival of Costco alone represents a $50 million investment and more than 370 jobs, while developments such as Food Basics, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the Hampton Inn are expanding services, giving residents more choice, and supporting our year-round economy.

Our tourism and downtown areas are also being reimagined. The new $60 million Marriott hotel by Sunray Group is expected to create more than 100 local jobs, while the Stonebridge redevelopment is helping bring new energy, investment, and year-round activity to our downtown.

We are also making meaningful investments in education and community infrastructure. The Province’s $64.9 million commitment toward a new Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board school and community hub will bring student and childcare spaces, shared-use classrooms for post-secondary, and continuing education in partnership with Canadore College and Lakehead University, as well as community amenities, including a 300-seat theatre to Wasaga Beach. At the same time, the Simcoe County District School Board is moving forward with a public high school—a long-awaited milestone for local families and students.

Beyond infrastructure, we have expanded healthcare services, attracted new doctors, supported housing opportunities, and continued investing in parks, trails, transit, and public spaces that improve everyday life for residents.

Council has also worked hard to keep life more affordable by securing more than $155 million in provincial funding for schools, infrastructure, healthcare, roads, and community projects—helping reduce pressure on local taxpayers while delivering long-term benefits for residents.

Our progress is also gaining recognition beyond our community. Destination Wasaga was recently featured in a national Destination Canada case study, highlighting how our community is bringing together investment, tourism, partnerships, and resident input to build a strong and sustainable future.

As we move forward, one thing remains clear: there are no plans to build on the beach.

Our beachfront, dunes, and the waters of Georgian Bay are at the heart of who we are. Protecting these natural assets remains essential, while we continue improving how residents and visitors experience these spaces through thoughtful planning and design and long-term stewardship.

This is an exciting time for Wasaga Beach. We are seeing unprecedented investment, meaningful job creation, and renewed confidence in our community.

We are not just growing—we are building something better together: a stronger economy, greater opportunities, and a community where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive.

Thank you for continuing to help shape the future of Wasaga Beach. As we look ahead, our greatest strength will always be our ability to come together as one community—because, in the end, united we stand, divided we fall.

Mayor Brian Smith

View the full May 2026 Edition - Council Highlights newsletter