Statement by Mayor Brian Smith on Council's Federal and Provincial Advocacy Priorities

"As Wasaga Beach moves beyond its 50th anniversary, our community is entering a new chapter — one defined by a shared vision, partnership, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

In 2024, Council made a deliberate choice: we could continue doing things the way they had been done for decades — approaches that failed to deliver a vibrant, four-season resort community that puts residents first — or we could remember where we came from and why Wasaga Beach Provincial Park exists in the first place. Wasaga Beach is unique — in Ontario, in Canada, and in the world — and it was always intended to be more than Ontario’s summer playground.

Council made a choice to be bold, to lead, to tackle the long-term health, resilience and affordability of our community, and to build something extraordinary for future generations.

We chose change. And that choice is already delivering results.

Today, through Destination Wasaga, we are advancing a vision that supports housing supply, economic growth, tourism diversification, environmental stewardship, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

On behalf of Council and the residents of Wasaga Beach, I want to acknowledge and thank Premier Doug Ford, Minister Stan Cho, their teams, and the many dedicated public servants who continue to support and work alongside us. As we begin 2026, Council is preparing for a renewed and expanded year of advocacy at both the provincial and federal levels — focused on delivering tangible results for our community.

A great place to live is a great place to visit. 

That remains our north star.

When we invest in creating a complete, thriving community — one where people love to live, work, learn, and play — we also strengthen our tourism economy and attract visitors from across Ontario, Canada, and beyond. In Wasaga Beach, those goals are not competing priorities; they are inseparable.

In the year ahead, Council and senior staff will continue to engage with provincial and federal partners through key advocacy forums, including the AMO Conference and direct meetings in Ottawa. Our focus is on advancing bold, made-in-Wasaga solutions — including unlocking the full potential of Wasaga Beach and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park beyond the shoreline. 

Stretching along the Nottawasaga River, across magnificent dunes, and through more than 30 kilometres of forested trails, our landscape presents a generational opportunity to create a first-of-its-kind, nature-based destination — one that advances conservation, recreation, and sustainable economic growth.

Our advocacy does not stop there.

We are working to reinvigorate our main street; deliver a bold and diversified tourism strategy that expands sports, cultural, and live music programming; accelerate housing delivery — including affordable housing; support long-term care and seniors’ needs; and build an economy that works for full-time residents while strengthening South Georgian Bay and Ontario as a whole.

I encourage residents and partners to review the Town’s advocacy priorities to learn more about Council’s focus and the partnerships we are pursuing.

We are thinking big — proposing bold, collaborative ways for the Town, province, and federal government to work together to build a stronger Ontario and a stronger Canada, while positioning Wasaga Beach as one of the best and most affordable places to live, and one of the most recognized recreation and nature-based destinations in the world."

Mayor Brian Smith

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Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
Email Sandra