Crews have started an ambitious venture to raise, rebuild and redevelop a stretch of Beach Drive in the primary commercial hub of Wasaga Beach to make the corridor more climate resilient.
Installation of a retaining wall has been completed. Crews are removing asphalt, curbs and sidewalks, and beginning installation of a storm sewer in the vicinity of Beach Area 1. In the coming weeks, backfilling, grading and more retaining wall work will continue in the project area.
It is one of the most significant community-building projects in the town’s history. The roadway is being lifted by a total of five feet and the underlying water, stormwater and sanitary systems are being rebuilt in response to decades of flooding that have damaged infrastructure.
The work is designed to make the shoreline strip able to withstand future lake-level changes, extreme weather events and the pressures of a growing community. It will set the stage for redevelopment of the town’s iconic beachfront into a year-round tourism and recreation destination.
Karla Findlay, special projects leader at the town, says the project is one piece of the broader Destination Wasaga Master Plan, a co-ordinated, long-term development strategy – spanning roughly 20 years – to renew, reimagine and strengthen the beachfront and surrounding area.
“Every investment we’re making, including Beach Drive, is about laying the groundwork for Wasaga Beach to grow into a more resilient, vibrant, year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Presently, the town is in the planning and design phase of the master plan. Urban Strategies recently shared early concept designs that were shaped by strong community input, and the team is continuing to refine them based on feedback and technical review. The vision is to transform Wasaga Beach into a true four-season destination.
“This includes enhancing the waterfront experience, improving public spaces, creating better pedestrian connections, and ensuring that development respects and protects the natural environment,” explains Findlay. “It’s about building on Wasaga Beach’s legacy as an iconic summer destination, while expanding what it can offer throughout the year.”
Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith says it’s a once-in-a-generation moment for the town.
“For over 100 years, people have come from across Ontario and Canada to enjoy Wasaga Beach and make summer memories that will last a lifetime. Now, we’re building on that legacy – strengthening our community and quality of life for residents, while designing a globally recognized, year-round destination that protects what makes this place special.”
Newly unveiled renderings show a downtown and beachfront with accessible public spaces, improved access to the water, an emphasis on eco-tourism, protection of critical habitat, ecological education and environmental stewardship, and a stronger connection between the town’s shoreline, Main Street, Nancy Island Historic Site and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
Officials heard from the public that the natural environment must be protected, green spaces should be expanded and the beach must remain a public space for everyone.
The project team will continue refining the plan over the coming months, with a final blueprint expected later this summer.
A 10-year concept plan for the area envisions the master plan aligning closely with significant private-sector investments already reshaping the downtown core, such as Sunray Group’s hotel and conference centre which will anchor a renewed hospitality district, and The Breakers mixed-use development that will introduce new residential and commercial spaces.
The plan also includes an arts centre, music hall, and tech incubator with a market building, in addition to an amusement deck, play-based museum, and adventure trail.
A revitalized promenade, new boardwalks, improved gathering spaces, more parks, a festival square and outdoor concert venues are also a focus.
However, none of this can happen without the foundational work being done along Beach Drive. The project, to be completed in 2027, will resolve flooding and other issues along the roadway which has impacted businesses, limited access and affected the overall visitor experience.
“By raising the road and modernizing infrastructure, the town is taking a proactive, long-term approach to climate resilience while also supporting future redevelopment in Beach Area 1,” says Findlay. “This important project is the groundwork that enables the larger Destination Wasaga vision to move forward.”
With a project of such a scale, there can be challenges – especially in a high-traffic tourism area.
The town is focused on maintaining access to the beach and supporting local businesses throughout construction, Findlay says. It is doing that by prioritizing clear, ongoing communication with residents, businesses and visitors – particularly during the summer season.
The town is also doing the work in phases to minimize disruption wherever possible and will be working to keep the area active during construction.
According to Findlay, Beach Drive may look like a road project, but it’s much more than that – it’s the foundation for a broader transformation.
“It’s about building the infrastructure, resilience and vision needed to support a thriving, year-round destination. And importantly, it’s a vision that continues to be shaped by the community every step of the way.”
