Council expands resident-first parking program ahead of another busy summer season
Wasaga Beach Expands Free Resident Parking to Beach Areas 1 and 2 for First Time
“Summer in Wasaga Beach is about making memories at the waterfront, and we want residents to be able to enjoy the beach as easily as possible. Council introduced free resident parking in 2023 to make it easier and more affordable for residents to enjoy the waterfront, and now we’re expanding that benefit to Beach Areas 1 and 2 for the very first time. At a time when costs are high, this is one small way we can help residents save money, stay close to home, and enjoy more of what makes summer in Wasaga Beach special — from the waterfront and live music to family events and evenings by the beach.”
WASAGA BEACH – Just in time for summer, Wasaga Beach residents will have more free places to park near the beachfront than ever before.
Following direction from Council, Beach Areas 1 and 2 will operate as municipal parking lots for the first time, joining New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach as waterfront locations where residents with a valid digital Resident Parking Permit can park free of charge throughout the summer season.
The expansion comes as Wasaga Beach prepares for another exciting summer season featuring more than 80 live music performances, the new Wasaga BeachLife Festival and Midway, expanded waterfront celebrations, and signature events along the world’s longest freshwater beach
The expansion reflects Council’s continued commitment to improving resident access to the waterfront while supporting a vibrant summer tourism season.
The Town’s free resident parking program was introduced in 2023 as part of Council’s commitment to improving resident access to the waterfront while supporting the continued growth of tourism and events in the community. Visitor parking fees help offset the cost of the resident parking program and support waterfront operations, maintenance, festivals and events, and services throughout the summer season.
Free Parking for Residents
Residents with a valid digital Resident Parking Permit can park free of charge at all municipal parking lots, including Beach Areas 1 and 2.
Digital resident parking permits are available now and can be obtained or renewed online before the summer season begins.
Get our free resident parking pass now.
Learn more about festivals and events in Wasaga Beach this summer.
Parking Options for Visitors
Visitors can also access municipal parking lots through daily or hourly paid parking options through the Honk mobile app, with digital payment available at all locations.
Additional parking is also available through Ontario Parks at Beach Areas 3 through 6 using daily provincial vehicle permits or seasonal Ontario Parks passes. Provincial and municipal parking permits are not interchangeable.
Plan Ahead Before You Hit the Beach
Residents and visitors are encouraged to review parking maps, rates, and options before arriving, particularly during peak weekends, long weekends, and major events.
For parking information, maps, rates, and resident permits, visit: wasagabeach.com/parking
Quick Facts
- Free resident parking was introduced by Wasaga Beach Council in 2023.
- Beach Areas 1 and 2 are joining the Town’s municipal parking system for the first time in 2026.
- More than 14,000 resident digital parking permits were claimed during the first season of the program.
- Visitor parking revenues help fund free resident parking permits, waterfront operations, maintenance, events, and summer services across the community.
- Each year, the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes upwards of 2 million visitors to its iconic Ontario beachfront community, drawn by local businesses, live music festivals and events, and 14 km of sandy beach — the longest freshwater beach in the world.
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Media Contact
Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
Email Sandra
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