Hubbry Logo
Wasaga BeachWasaga BeachMain
Open search
Wasaga Beach
Community hub
Wasaga Beach
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Wasaga Beach (or simply Wasaga) is a town in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Situated along the longest freshwater beach in the world,[4] it is a popular summer tourist destination. It is located at the southern end of Nottawasaga Bay (a sub-bay of Georgian Bay) approximately 150 km (93 mi) north of Toronto and about 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Barrie. To the west, Collingwood and The Blue Mountains also attract visitors much of the year. The town is situated along a very long sandy beach partly between the bay and the Nottawasaga River.[5] The beaches are part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park; the park area totals 168 hectares (420 acres).[6] Wasaga Beach has a year-round population of 24,862 as of 2021, but during the summer months the population increases with many seasonal residents.

Key Information

The economy has struggled for some years, particularly since a major fire in late November 2007 destroyed many of the stores. It depends on tourists in an area where the primary shopping season is three to four months per year.[7] In March 2017, the town passed its Downtown Development Master Plan, a 20-year strategy for significant redevelopment of the tourist area and adding a downtown to the business area. The goal is to improve tourism, diversify the economy, and get beyond its "party town" image.[8]

History

[edit]
Automobiles parked on the beach (c. 1925)

Wasaga Beach and the surrounding area was inhabited by the Huron-Wendat Nation for centuries before they were conquered and driven from their ancestral lands in 1649 by the Iroquois Haudenosaunee (Known as the Five Nation Iroquois Confederacy). Wasaga is a contraction of the Algonquin word Nottawasaga. Nottawa means "Iroquois" and saga means "mouth of the river"; the word "Nottawasaga" was used by Algonquin scouts as a warning if they saw Iroquois raiding parties approaching their villages.[9]

In 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britain and invaded Upper Canada on several occasions. Wasaga Beach became a strategic location at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River leading to Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage which was part of the supply line for British forces in the War of 1812 to Fort Michilimackinac and points to the north and west.[10] The Royal Navy schooner HMS Nancy was scuttled in the Nottawasaga River to prevent the Americans from capturing her and her stores.[11]

Lumbering was the main industry for the remainder of the 19th century. Logs were floated downriver and into the bay, gathered at ports to feed local saw mills.[9]

Because Wasaga Beach had sandy soil unsuitable for cultivation, it did not attract early European settlement. In the 1820s the first sign of settlement in the area began as John Goessman surveyed Flos Township. In 1826, land was being sold for four shillings an acre. Though unsuitable for farming, the Wasaga Beach area had an abundance of trees. In the late 1830s and throughout the rest of the century, the logging industry was key to the economy and integral to development of the area.[12] The first permanent settler was John Van Vlack, who arrived in 1869 and founded a settlement on the south side of the Nottawasaga River near its mouth and named it after himself. In 1872, a wooden bridge, the Vanvlack Bridge, was constructed east of the present Main Street bridge to provide access to the beach, then used mainly as a road. The name Wasaga Beach was first used in the area in the late 19th Century.[9]

Aerial view of Wasaga Beach from the southwest

During the 1900s, families began to discover the beauty of the area. The beach gradually became a place for family picnics and holidays during the summer months, and the first cottages were built. In 1909, a new steel bridge was constructed to replace the Vanvlack Bridge.[13] Wasaga Beach had its beginning as a major resort area when the first beachfront hotel, The Capstan Inn, was opened in 1915 by entrepreneur John McLean in what would later develop into the present Beach One area. In 1918, he opened the Dardanella Dance Hall, and over the next several decades more hotels, venues, and amusements would open.[14] During the 1940s, servicemen stationed at Base Borden, a nearby military base, visited Wasaga Beach's amusement park (named Playland), and they made Wasaga Beach known across the country. After the war, Wasaga Beach continued to be a popular place for cottagers and day trippers. However, most of the attractions would subsequently close down, with Playland ceasing operations in 1985.[15] Two water parks, both named Waterworld, opened that year, with Blue Mountain resorts first constructing the Waterslides at beach area 1 with Waterworld taking over. The main park closed at the end of the 2007 summer season whilst the beach area 1 park closed in 2006 and subsequently being demolished due to multiple cost issues, with the location at Beach One converted into a splash pad,[16] which was itself later closed and turned into a performance space.

Wasaga Beach entered history's headlines in 1934. It was the site of departure for the first overseas flight from mainland Canada across the Atlantic Ocean to England. A plane, named Trail of the Caribou, used the beach as a makeshift runway.[17]

The town was originally referred to as "the northern border of Flos, Sunnidale and Nottawasaga Townships". The first municipal reference occurred with a designation of a Local Improvement District in 1947. In 1949, Wasaga Beach was classified as a police village within Sunnidale Township, and was incorporated as a village in 1951.

In 1959, the beach was designated as a "Crown beach", which was the precursor to the establishment of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. The province began expropriating beachfront properties to create a continuous belt of parkland along the full length of the beach, save for keeping part of the main beach area for commercial uses. This proved controversial; so the province scaled down plans and settled for separated park areas, which are today's Beach Areas 2–6. Driving and parking on the beach was previously permitted and popular, but in 1973 the province took cars off the beach.[18] However, a paved beachfront street, Beach Drive, was constructed along Beach 1 shortly thereafter.

Wasaga Beach's later 20th Century growth was largely due to it absorbing many nearby smaller beach communities strung out along the bay: In 1966, the village annexed the adjacent Oakview Beach from Sunnidale Township.[19] On January 1, 1974, Wasaga Beach was incorporated as a town and annexed additional beach communities such Springhurst Beach (also from Sunnidale), New Wasaga Beach, and Brock's Beach from Flos and Nottawasaga Townships respectively.[20] That year, the permanent population stood at 4,034, a dramatic increase from 1965, when 500 people were residents.[9]

The last expansion took place in 1994, when Bower's Beach was annexed from Nottawasaga Township.[20] Today, the town has 24,862 full-time residents and 16,000 seasonal and part-time residents.[9]

2007 Beach One fire

[edit]
Aftermath of the Beach One fire

On November 30, 2007, a major fire destroyed 90 per cent of the buildings along the street mall in the Beach One area. About 17 seasonal businesses were said to have been affected, including bikini shops, ice cream parlours, a restaurant, a motel, and an arcade.[21] Nearly 100 firefighters, most from surrounding municipalities, battled the blaze for hours. The Toronto Star later reported that "Twenty-one businesses in eight buildings overlooking Georgian Bay were destroyed, causing an estimated $5 million in damages."[22]

Controversy also arose over whether or not the fire was deliberately set in order to allow unobstructed progression with the planned development or whether it was simply an accident. Two young men (one from Barrie and the other from Springwater) were charged with arson, although there was no evidence that the fire was deliberately set to remove the old buildings in advance of planned development.[22]

The Town of Wasaga Beach worked out a plan to help the remaining businesses open for the season but plans for hotels, a theme park and a monorail were cancelled.[23] However, a new development plan (albeit with only a hotel initially) was released in January 2017.[24]

New development plans

[edit]
Wasaga Beach residents protesting Town development plans outside the RecPlex in October 2021
Demolition of old buildings at the main beach to make way for the beachfront redevelopment in May 2025

An entirely new Downtown Development Master Plan was released by town council in late January 2017, with an estimate for capital investment of $625 million and a 20 plus year time frame for completion. The first phase (five to 10 years) will cost about $200 million for two development areas, one on the beach and one across the river.[24]

In July 2018, under the council led by then-mayor Brian Smith, council agreed to enter into a Letter of Intent with FRAM Building Group for the development of town-owned land in the downtown and at the beachfront.

In December 2018, under a new council, with Nina Bifolchi as mayor, council decided to undertake a review of the development of town-owned lands in the downtown and at the beachfront.

The council agreed to let the Letter of Intent the town had with FRAM Building Group Ltd. lapse at the end of December 2018 as a first step in the review process. The Downtown Master Plan, however, remained in place. In March 2019, FRAM advised the town it was not interested in being a part of future development of the beachfront. The town began looking for other developers interested in developing town-owned land at the beachfront.[25]

In September 2021, the Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association opposed the scope of what they perceived to be excessively high densities in the development plans, and the association's president was accused by the Town of spreading false information and exaggerating said densities, as well as claiming residents were being shut out of Town Hall. This led to residents protesting in October.[26]

By June 2024, the years-long plan for the beachfront redevelopment was finally approved, and was unveiled at a public meeting attended by hundreds at the RecPlex on June 20 by Mayor Brian Smith (during his second term) and the project leader from FRAM Building Group – who had initially pulled out of the project in 2019 before rejoining – and Sunray Group of Hotels.[27] In 2025, most of the old buildings along Beach Drive were demolished, and development of the first phase began that June with the construction of townhomes and retail space, with a Marriott hotel set to break ground in 2026.[28]

Reconstruction of Beach Drive

[edit]
Reconstruction of Beach Drive in November 2025

Construction also began in 2025 to reconstruct Beach Drive by raising the road 5 feet (1.5 metres) above the beach level to avoid flooding issues during periods of high water levels,[29] with the last time this having occurred being between 2020 and 2022, when it was closed and covered in sand as a result of this (and by beachgoers ignoring physical-distancing protocols on the narrowed beach during the COVID-19 pandemic).[30][31]

Geography

[edit]
A cottage-lined side street

The Town of Wasaga Beach covers an area of 61.13 square kilometres (23.60 sq mi) composed predominantly of sand and loamy sand that exhibit excessive to good drainage and irregular to moderately sloping topography. The poor soil quality[32] makes it difficult to sustain lush lawns in the town. The Canada Land Inventory for Agriculture rates the lands as predominately Class Six and Seven with primary restrictions of adverse topography, erosion damage and low natural fertility.[33]

Wasaga Beach is also a major "cottage country" town with many seasonal residents. An unusual aspect of the town compared to other such communities in Ontario is that most of the cottages are non-waterfront and are closely spaced on a network of side streets within the town itself (mostly between Mosley Street and the bay), rather than being located on larger lots in more rustic settings, often well outside the resort towns as is the typical case elsewhere.[34][35] Due to this aspect of its history, older residential areas also typically have a dispersed, "woodsy" character, although more recent developments are suburban in nature. [36]

Demographics

[edit]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wasaga Beach had a population of 24,862 living in 10,811 of its 13,768 total private dwellings, a change of 20.3% from its 2016 population of 20,675. With a land area of 57.42 km2 (22.17 sq mi), it had a population density of 433.0/km2 (1,121.4/sq mi) in 2021.[2]

Canada census – Wasaga Beach community profile
202120162011
Population24,862 (+20.3% from 2016)20,675 (17.9% from 2011)17,537 (16.7% from 2006)
Land area57.42 km2 (22.17 sq mi)58.64 km2 (22.64 sq mi)
Population density433.0/km2 (1,121/sq mi)352.6/km2 (913/sq mi)300.1/km2 (777/sq mi)
Median age56.4 (M: 55.2, F: 57.2)55.3 (M: 54.3, F: 56.2)
Private dwellings13,768 (total)  10,811 (occupied)12,516 (total)  9,005 (occupied)11,645 (total) 
Median household income$76,000$62,150
References: 2021[37] 2016[38] 2011[39]

The 2006 Canadian census indicated a population of 15,029 residents. When compared to its 2001 population of 12,419, Wasaga Beach was one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, based on population growth percentage (21.0% over 5 years).[40][41]

Economy

[edit]
Main Street Mall as it appeared in August 2000. Fire destroyed most of the buildings in November 2007.

Despite the major fire, the beach and the remaining businesses reopened the following summer. Although the destroyed buildings had been considered dated, they were missed by residents and visitors.[43][44] In 2008, an entertainment dome was built, intended as a temporary structure until development started. It lasted until February 2011 when the exterior cover was destroyed during a storm; repairs were not done and the dome never reopened. The structure was removed in May 2012.[45]

The long-term plans after the fire, by Armand and Dov Levy's Blue Beach Avenue corporation, included a rebuild of the area in a modern style with shopping and the aforementioned indoor/outdoor theme park, two major hotels and monorail. The proposed development came to an abrupt end when Blue Beach Avenue declared bankruptcy in 2010. "The past couple of years haven't been kind to the tourist industry ... So I gather there were some major cash shortfalls that put them in this situation," the town's mayor said at that time.[46] Armand Levy was subsequently charged with fraud in 2012 after an investigation of misappropriation of the insurance money paid out after the 2007 fire but was ultimately acquitted.[47][48]

Reduced tourism, partly because of the loss of many retail buildings, has continued to be a problem in the area. The majority of sales take place during the tourist season, which is typically not much longer than three months per year. (The most recent stats indicate a decline in tourism "of roughly 100,000 a year between 2002 and 2012".)

To step up development, in 2015 the town spent $13.5 million to purchase seven properties, including eight buildings and 28 rental units, along Beach Area One, becoming a landlord to some businesses, including three bars. The town acquired any existing leases from tenants and succeeded in leasing most of the empty space to commercial enterprises by July 2016.[49] A few of the tenants subsequently enquired about the possibility of breaking their leases because they were struggling financially. The town council agreed to a one-time opportunity for businesses to break their leases without a penalty; requests to do so had to be submitted no later than September 23, 2016.[7]

The beach is the town's primary attraction. Of the six main beach areas, Beach areas One and Two and the adjacent private/public lands have historically functioned as the main destination for tourism activity. Due to the economic climate, losses due to the fire, and a series of failed private redevelopment plans (until the present plan; see section below), Beach areas One and Two have been in steady decline.

This area is so important to the town that it undertook an in-depth community visioning exercise, called Opportunity Wasaga, to develop a long-term vision for the future of the public and private lands in this area.[50][51]

There has been a great deal of controversy (among the public and council members) about the previous strategies used by the Town of Wasaga Beach, including the 2015 purchase of the seven properties for $13.8 million, using borrowed money. "That's no small sum for the town of 18,000 that will collect $20.3 million in property taxes this year and spend $48 million in operating and capital costs," according to a report by the Toronto Star.[52]

Attractions

[edit]

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park had 1,693,731 visitors in 2022, making it the most-visited operating provincial park in Ontario.[53]

Casino

[edit]
Playtime Casino Wasaga

The Playtime Casino Wasaga on Mosley Street in the town's west end opened on November 23, 2022.[54] The casino was first proposed in March 2018 by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation who selected Gateway Casinos to operate a casino in the South Georgian Bay area, and Wasaga Beach was selected as the location in October of that year.[55]

Between April 16 and May 1, 2023, the casino was closed due to Gateway Casinos being the victim of a cyberattack, which resulted in the closure of all its casinos in Ontario.[56]

In August 2025, site preparation began for the construction of a Hampton Inn hotel and a new retail zone adjacent to the casino. The retail will be constructed as a later phase that will include Wasaga Beach's second McDonald's location and a Circle K gas station.[57]

Civic facilities

[edit]
Wasaga Stars Arena

The town has a large community centre; the RecPlex, which has an auditorium, an amphitheatre and a YMCA. There is also the Wasaga Stars Arena, which contains twin-pad hockey rinks. It began construction in September 2021 on the former main Waterworld site and opened on January 27, 2024, replacing an older single-rink facility.[58][59]

The arena building is also home to the third relocation of the Wasaga Beach Public Library.[60]

Transportation

[edit]

Wasaga Beach Transit

[edit]
Main article: Wasaga Beach Transit

Wasaga Beach Transit provides transit service in the town. It is operated by Sinton-Landmark Bus Lines, using town-owned buses.[61] The service was started with one route in July 2008, then operated by Georgian Coach Lines, and quickly expanded to two routes in the summer of 2009.[62] Route 1 runs from Walmart in the east to the Playtime Casino in the west every 90 minutes, and Route 2 runs from the old Wasaga Stars Arena in the east to 70th Street in the west every hour, with both routes operating from 7 am to 9 pm; including weekends and holidays (except Christmas).[63] Route 1 originally continued east to Archer Road, but on November 6, 2023, the portion of east of Walmart was changed to an on-demand service format, with booking required in advance.[64]

Simcoe County LINX

[edit]
Main article: Simcoe County LINX

Simcoe County LINX connects Wasaga Beach with two routes running to Barrie (Route 2) and Collingwood (Route 4); with transfers with both Wasaga Beach Transit routes made at the Real Canadian Superstore. It has separate fares from Wasaga Beach Transit and there are no free transfers.[65]

Education

[edit]

There are four schools in Wasaga Beach: Birchview Dunes Elementary School, St Noel Chabanal Catholic Elementary School, Wasaga Beach Public School, and Worsley Elementary School. The town has no secondary school, and buses transport over 760 students to high schools located in the nearby communities of Stayner, Elmvale, and Collingwood. However, in 2024 and 2025, the construction of two high schools for Wasaga Beach, one public and one separate (Catholic), were announced, with preparation of both sites underway as of October 2025.[66][67]

Notable residents

[edit]
  • Jason Arnott – NHL hockey player; born in Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach; in the summer of 2000, Jason Arnott Day was declared in Wasaga Beach to celebrate his Stanley-Cup-winning goal scored in double overtime.[68] An art piece of the 2000 Stanley Cup Final can be seen at the Wasaga Stars Arena.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wasaga Beach

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wasaga Beach is a town in , , , situated along the southern shore of and home to the world's longest freshwater beach, which extends 14 kilometres along Nottawasaga Bay. The beach, characterized by white sands and dunes, forms the core of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, a encompassing river, lake, and dune ecosystems vital to the region's . With a permanent population of 24,862 as of recent estimates, the town experiences substantial seasonal influxes from tourists and cottagers during summer months, transforming it into a bustling resort community. Its economy relies heavily on , drawing visitors for activities, water sports, and proximity to historical sites tied to the , including the preserved wreck of HMS Nancy on Nancy Island. In recent years, Wasaga Beach has pursued of its beachfront commercial strip, including the 2024 of aging structures like the Dardanella building to foster year-round tourism infrastructure such as hotels and enhanced public spaces, supported by provincial investments exceeding $38 million. These efforts, aimed at economic diversification beyond seasonal peaks, have sparked local controversies over , expropriation risks, and preservation of the area's character, leading to public protests and a temporary parting with a key developer in 2024.

Geography

Location and Topography

Wasaga Beach is situated in , in the region of , along the southeastern shore of —an arm of —at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River. The town's geographic coordinates are approximately 44°31′N 80°01′W. It lies about 150 kilometers north of , within the broader lowlands. The municipality covers a land area of 57.42 square kilometers, characterized by predominantly sandy and loamy sand soils with good drainage. Topographically, the area features low-lying coastal plains with extensive sandy beaches extending along Nottawasaga Bay, backed by parabolic dunes and historic beach ridges formed by glacial and post-glacial processes. The average elevation is around 190 meters above sea level, with terrain gently sloping northward toward the bay from slightly higher inland areas averaging under 200 meters. The landscape includes active shorelines, wetlands, and relict beaches, contributing to a dynamic coastal environment influenced by lake levels and sediment transport.

Geology and Coastal Features

The geological underpinnings of Wasaga Beach stem from post-glacial processes following the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet around 12,000 years ago, when the site lay submerged beneath glacial Lake Algonquin at depths exceeding 70 meters. Drainage of this lake phase approximately 10,000 years ago gave way to lower water levels, such as those of Hough Lake, enabling initial terrestrial colonization by vegetation on exposed sediments derived from glacial till and fluvial inputs from the Nottawasaga River. A subsequent transgression during the Nipissing lake stage, spanning 8,000 to 4,700 years ago, reshaped the landscape through wave erosion of glacial deposits, fostering the development of a barrier island system enclosing a lagoon; as levels receded thereafter, aeolian and littoral processes molded the characteristic barrier features. This Holocene barrier, a relict lacustrine system with no active sand replenishment, overlies Paleozoic bedrock but is dominated by unconsolidated Quaternary sands transported via longshore drift and wind. Key coastal landforms include a prominent sand spit extending into Nottawasaga Bay, backed by a wide fronted by offshore ridges and bars formed through wave and sorting. Inland, low foredunes—typically a few meters high and aligned transverse to —transition to expansive parabolic dune fields, the largest uninterrupted such system in , with nested forms reaching heights of 25 meters or more. These dunes, stabilized around 2,500–3,000 years ago, exhibit geomorphic progression from active blowouts to vegetated ridges, punctuated by swales, pannes (marshy depressions), and over 40 raised scarps documenting episodic lake level falls. Processes such as saltation—wherein wind or water entrains sand grains—continue to influence morphology, though the system's relic nature renders it susceptible to without natural influx. Vegetation, including marram grass (), plays a critical role in dune stabilization by trapping sand and mitigating , underscoring the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors in preserving these features against modern stressors like storm surges. The overall configuration contrasts with the rocky coastlines elsewhere on , highlighting Wasaga's unique soft-sediment shaped by ancestral lake dynamics rather than resistant .

History

Indigenous and Early Settlement

The region encompassing Wasaga Beach, at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River on the southeastern shore of , was part of the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples predating European contact. Archaeological evidence and historical records indicate occupation by the (also known as the or Tobacco Nation), a group affiliated with the broader Wyandot confederacy, who maintained villages and utilized the area's resources for agriculture, , and trade until their dispersal around 1650 amid conflicts with the (Iroquois). Following this period, peoples of the Three Fires Confederacy—comprising (Chippewa), (Ottawa), and —dominated the landscape, employing the Nottawasaga River for seasonal camps, , and as a linking to and beyond. A notable event underscoring this presence was the 1696 Battle of the Blue Mountains at the river's mouth, where forces, including warriors, clashed with invaders, resulting in significant casualties and affirming Indigenous control over the territory. Algonquin bands also frequented the Nottawasaga River valley for resource extraction, integrating it into their broader seasonal migrations from the watershed. The area's proximity to Huronia, the heartland of Wyandot and related groups, facilitated early European-Indigenous interactions during French exploration in the , including Jesuit missions established nearby by 1639, though no permanent European outposts existed at Wasaga itself until much later. These Indigenous societies relied on the bay's fisheries—particularly whitefish and sturgeon—and the river's tributaries for sustenance, with evidence of sustained habitation spanning millennia based on regional archaeological surveys. European settlement in the Wasaga Beach area lagged significantly behind other parts of due to the prevalence of sandy, nutrient-poor soils ill-suited for , rendering it unattractive for farming pioneers. Transient European activity occurred during the , when British forces used the Nottawasaga River as a supply route from to ; the Nancy was scuttled there in August 1814 to evade American capture, marking a pivotal naval engagement but not leading to colonization. Permanent European influx began in the late 1860s with lumbering operations, as the region's pine stands and river access drew loggers and millers. John Van Vlack established the first documented settlement in 1870, constructing a homestead and bridge over the Nottawasaga east of the present , initiating modest tied to timber extraction rather than agrarian pursuits. By the 1880s, small clusters of families had formed, supported by rudimentary sawmills, though the township remained sparsely populated with fewer than 100 residents until the early .

Emergence as a Resort Destination

The of Wasaga Beach as a destination in the early was driven by enhanced transportation infrastructure, which facilitated greater visitor access to its expansive sandy shoreline on . By the 1900s, improvements in railways and roads from southern Ontario connected the area more efficiently, shifting it from a remote settlement with limited inland accommodations—such as the Ivandale Hotel on the Nottawasaga River and scattered hunting lodges—to a viable summer retreat. The completion of a across the Nottawasaga River in 1909 further eased beachfront access, encouraging the construction of the first cottages along the shore. A pivotal development occurred in 1912 with the construction of the Capstan Inn, the inaugural beachfront hotel, built by John and Sarah McLean on a lot east of First Street. This marked a departure from prior inland lodging and catalyzed the resort community's expansion, as the inn—rebuilt after a fire and reopening in 1915—drew vacationers seeking direct proximity to the beach. Shortly thereafter, in 1919, the McLeans' sons erected the Dardanella adjacent to the Capstan Inn, establishing a social hub that amplified the area's appeal for leisure and entertainment. These venues, combined with proliferating cottage courts and rental cabins by the , transformed Wasaga Beach into a burgeoning summer tourist hub attracting families and day-trippers from across . Subsequent hotel constructions, including the Wasaga Inn, Breakers Hotel, Hiawatha Inn, and Dyconia, reinforced this trajectory, solidifying the local economy around seasonal recreation amid growing automobile ownership and regional promotion. By the interwar period, these foundations supported crowds exceeding 100,000 on peak weekends, underscoring the causal link between infrastructural enablers, private investments in hospitality, and the natural allure of the world's longest freshwater beach.

Mid-20th Century Growth and the 2007 Beach Fire

Following , Wasaga Beach emerged as a prominent resort destination in , drawing families from the for affordable beach holidays and day trips, facilitated by expanded automobile ownership and highway improvements. The town's white sandy beaches along became a key attraction, spurring the construction of seasonal cottages, motels, and rudimentary amusement facilities during the and . Commercial development concentrated along Beach Area 1 and , where wooden storefronts, arcades, and eateries catered to summer crowds, transforming the formerly quiet village into a bustling tourist hub by the . grew modestly amid this seasonal influx; the year-round stood at approximately 500 in 1965, reflecting limited year-round , though annexations of adjacent areas like Oakview Beach and parts of Sunnidale Township in 1966 expanded municipal boundaries and supported further accommodation builds. Housing stock expanded notably , with 635 dwellings erected between 1946 and 1960, followed by 770 more from 1961 to 1970, underscoring the shift toward appeal. This mid-century commercial strip faced a catastrophic setback on November 30, 2007, when a four-alarm arson fire erupted around 1 a.m. in the Main Street Pedestrian Mall along the beachfront, destroying eight wooden buildings that housed 21 businesses including shops, restaurants, and attractions. The blaze caused over $5 million in damages, razing structures emblematic of the town's postwar tourist heyday and displacing operators reliant on seasonal foot traffic. Suspects were apprehended in February 2009 after being caught with gasoline cans near the site, confirming deliberate ignition amid suspicions of insurance motives or grudge-related acts, though the incident accelerated long-debated of the aging, fire-prone wooden . The fire symbolized the vulnerability of Wasaga Beach's outdated beach , prompting municipal reviews of and amid calls to preserve nostalgic elements while addressing and issues from decades of unchecked growth.

Post-2007 Redevelopment and 2025 Parkland Transfer Debate

Following a devastating fire on November 30, 2007, that destroyed much of the privately owned properties along Beach Area 1, Wasaga Beach faced significant economic challenges and delays in reconstruction. The blaze, determined to be with two individuals charged, prompted early proposals for a $400 million revitalization project led by developers Dov and Armand Levy, though these plans did not materialize. In March 2017, the town adopted the Development Master Plan, outlining a 20-year strategy with approximately $625 million in capital investments to redevelop the tourist district, including mixed-use commercial and residential spaces. Redevelopment efforts accelerated in the mid-2020s amid ongoing struggles to revive the beachfront. In February 2025, town councillors approved the sale of five acres of beachfront property to Stonebridge Building Group for $14 million to facilitate revitalization. By October 2024, the town signed a with the Sunray Hotel Group and launched a request for proposals, leading to plans for a mixed-use project featuring over 150 residential units, 31 commercial spaces, a public park, and live-work townhomes, with construction targeted to begin as early as summer 2025. The government committed $38 million in May 2025 toward "Destination Wasaga," aiming to enhance infrastructure and downtown vitality. Demolition of legacy structures, such as the Dardanella building, commenced in 2025 to clear sites for these initiatives. The parkland transfer debate centered on a provincial proposal to convey approximately 60 hectares—about 3% of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park's land—to the municipality, requiring an amendment to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act for transfers exceeding 50 hectares or 1% of . Mayor Smith endorsed the transfer on July 30, , arguing it rectified a historical anomaly by returning land originally under municipal jurisdiction before park designation, enabling coordinated redevelopment of Beach Area 1 to boost tourism without encroaching on core park functions. Opposition from environmental groups and residents highlighted risks of precedent-setting erosion of protected parkland, potentially facilitating private development and privatization of public beaches. A rally on August 25, 2025, drew around 60 participants, including NDP MPP Chris Glover, who warned the move could invite broader divestitures under the Ford government, prioritizing profit over conservation. Proponents countered that the transfer aligned with tourism enhancement goals, with the town assuming maintenance of peripheral areas like Allenwood Beach in 2025 to improve management efficiency. A petition against the transfer amassed nearly 2,700 signatures by late August 2025, reflecting community divisions over balancing economic revival with environmental safeguards.

Demographics

The population of Wasaga Beach has expanded substantially over the past two decades, reflecting its appeal as a and recreational destination proximate to the . According to census data, the town recorded consistent double-digit percentage increases in each intercensal period from 2001 to 2021, with net migration serving as the primary driver rather than natural increase.
Census YearPopulationPercentage Change from Previous Census
200112,419—
200615,029+21.0%
201117,537+16.7%
201620,675+17.9%
202124,862+20.3%
Data from censuses. This trajectory positioned Wasaga Beach as Canada's second-fastest-growing census agglomeration by percentage change between 2016 and 2021, surpassing the national average and many urban centers. The bulk of recent inflows originated from other regions, attracted by lower housing costs relative to southern urban areas, natural amenities including the world's longest freshwater beach, and lifestyle factors favoring older demographics. Historically, growth stemmed from retirees relocating permanently from seasonal cottages, a pattern that continues amid broader diversification including younger families and immigrants. Municipal projections anticipate further acceleration, with the population forecasted to reach 38,090 by 2051, necessitating expanded to accommodate density increases.

Socioeconomic Composition

In the 2021 Census, the total household in Wasaga Beach stood at $76,000 for 2020, below the provincial of approximately $91,000, while the average household was $90,100. After-tax household was $68,000, reflecting a with a significant proportion of retirees and seasonal workers contributing to lower overall earnings compared to broader provincial figures. levels are influenced by the town's resort , where approximately 40% of households earned under $60,000 annually in 2020, higher than in averages but indicative of reliance on part-time and tourism-related jobs. Educational attainment among residents aged 25-64 shows 18.6% without a and 35% with a as their highest level, lower postsecondary completion rates than Ontario's 30% degree holders, with diplomas comprising a plurality among those with credentials. This profile aligns with a oriented toward practical trades and service sectors rather than advanced professional fields, as evidenced by data on skills training emphasizing vocational areas over graduate-level . The labour force participation rate for those aged 15 and over was approximately 40.5% in 2021, with 10,200 individuals in the labour force, reflecting a high proportion of retirees and seasonal non-participants outside peak tourism months. stood at 13.9%, elevated due to the seasonal of in accommodation, food services, and retail—key industries employing over 20% of workers—rather than chronic structural mismatches. Occupations are dominated by sales and service (around 25%), trades and transport (20%), and business/finance/administration roles, with limited representation in high-skill sectors like natural resources or professional sciences. Housing affordability challenges affect about 20% of households, defined as those spending 30% or more of on shelter costs, amid an average value of $634,500 in 2021, driven by demand from seasonal cottagers and retirees. Owner-occupied predominate (around 80%), but rising values have strained lower- renters, with core housing need indicators showing suitability and adequacy issues for 60% of renters versus 20% of owners. This composition underscores a socioeconomic base of middle- families, pension-dependent seniors, and transient workers, with limited income inequality data but evident stratification between year-round locals and affluent seasonal residents.

Government and Administration

Municipal Structure

The Town of Wasaga Beach is governed by a seven-member council comprising a mayor, a deputy mayor, and five councillors, all elected at-large without wards by qualified voters for staggered four-year terms. The council's primary responsibilities include enacting bylaws, approving annual budgets, setting policy directions, and providing oversight for municipal administration, in accordance with Ontario's Municipal Act. Regular council meetings occur biweekly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 30 Lewis Street, with provisions for special meetings and public deputations governed by the town's procedural by-law. The current , elected in the October 2022 municipal election, serves until the 2026 election and includes Brian Smith, Tanya Snell, and Councillors Joe Belanger, Sasha-Rose Dileo, Faye Ego, Ellen Timms, and Richard White. The chairs meetings, represents the town externally, and votes on all matters, while the assumes these duties in the absence and participates equally in deliberations. Councillors focus on constituent representation and committee assignments, with the appointing members to standing and advisory committees for specialized oversight, such as or , though specific committee compositions vary by term. Day-to-day administration is led by the (CAO), who implements council policies, manages staff, and handles operational execution across departments like , finance, and community services. Andrew McNeill has held the CAO position since January 10, 2023, supported by a CAO and department directors reporting through a hierarchical structure. As a lower-tier within , Wasaga Beach retains authority over local matters like and recreation, while delegating regional services such as transportation and social housing to the county level.

Key Policies and Fiscal Management

The Town of Wasaga Beach structures its fiscal management around annual operating and capital budgets, which encompass property taxes, fees, and capital expenditures for infrastructure and services. The 2025 budget, approved by council on December 12, 2024, incorporates a 3.96% property tax increase while allocating over $1 million in provincial funding to counter inflation, insurance premiums, and utility costs. This approach aligns with broader financial strategies, including notes receivable from entities like Wasaga Distribution Inc. valued at $3.6 million, aimed at stabilizing revenue amid seasonal economic fluctuations. Asset management forms a core fiscal policy, with the Strategic Asset Management Policy mandating integration of lifecycle costs, risk assessments, and levels of service into budgeting processes to ensure long-term sustainability of municipal infrastructure. The accompanying 2025 Asset Management Plan outlines strategies for prioritizing investments in roads, facilities, and equipment, drawing on provincial guidelines to avoid deferred maintenance liabilities. These policies emphasize data-driven decision-making, with annual budget adoption by-laws requiring public input and alignment with reserve funds for capital projects. Development-related policies significantly influence fiscal outcomes, as the Official Plan and Zoning By-law regulate growth to mitigate adverse effects on adjacent properties while generating revenue through development charges. However, 2025 provincial amendments to development charge , which defer collections and cap certain fees, pose risks of short-term cash shortages for Wasaga Beach, potentially delaying tied to beachfront redevelopment. The 2023-2026 Term of Council Priorities further guide fiscal allocations toward enhancement and economic diversification, incorporating provincial grants—such as $38 million from the 2025 Budget for revitalizing Beach Drive and downtown areas—to offset local debt and fund non-revenue-generating assets.

Economy

Tourism-Driven Foundations

Wasaga Beach's economy is predominantly structured around , with the town's expansive sandy beaches along serving as the primary attractor for visitors seeking recreational activities such as , sunbathing, and water sports. This reliance stems from the natural asset of the world's longest freshwater beach, spanning approximately 14 kilometers, which draws seasonal influxes that far exceed the permanent of around 24,000 residents. Local businesses, including hotels, , campgrounds, and eateries, cater primarily to these , generating employment and revenue during peak summer months from May to . Visitor statistics highlight tourism's foundational economic role, with nearly 2 million tourists recorded in 2023, marking a 20.9% increase from 2019 pre-pandemic figures and the highest numbers in over a decade. This surge, up 20% from pre-COVID levels, sustains a service-oriented where accommodations and sectors dominate, though specific tourism-generated figures remain tied to broader municipal operations estimated at $136.8 million annually. The influx supports ancillary services like retail and events, but underscores a dependence on external spending, with domestic visitors peaking at 446,667 in July 2025 alone. Provincial recognition of this tourism base has prompted targeted investments, such as the $38 million allocated in May 2025 for Destination Wasaga initiatives, aimed at enhancing beachfront , revitalizing downtown areas, and promoting year-round appeal to mitigate . These efforts build on the town's framework, which assists entrepreneurs in -related ventures to capitalize on visitor traffic and foster job creation in and . Despite growth, the economy's foundations expose vulnerabilities to weather, environmental regulations, and external shocks, as evidenced by dips like the 4.4% visitor decline in relative to 2019.

Seasonal Challenges and Diversification Efforts

Wasaga Beach's economy remains predominantly reliant on seasonal , with the majority of visitor activity and related occurring between May and , resulting in pronounced off-season economic slowdowns. The services sector, encompassing accommodations, food services, and retail, accounts for the bulk of local jobs, many of which are temporary or part-time and tied to summer peaks, leading to elevated rates outside peak periods—such as the 12.2% rate recorded for working-age residents (25-64) in the 2021 data, which reflects broader structural vulnerabilities exacerbated by . This dependence has historically contributed to lower year-round participation rates and viability challenges, as evidenced by pre-pandemic analyses showing the town lagging in sustained metrics compared to regional averages. To mitigate these challenges, the Town of Wasaga Beach has pursued an Economic Development Strategy explicitly designed to diversify beyond low-value, summer-centric by fostering new commercial opportunities and investments. Key initiatives include the $38 million provincial funding for "Destination Wasaga," announced in May 2025, which supports beachfront redevelopment, downtown revitalization, and enhanced amenities aimed at extending tourist appeal into shoulder seasons and potentially establishing year-round attractions through preserved heritage sites and modern facilities. Complementary projects, such as a new twin-pad arena and , target community and recreational uses that operate independently of , while the 2024-2027 Tourism Destination Management Plan emphasizes sustainable growth by leveraging the town's growing resident base—including retirees and families—for off-season events and local economic anchors. These efforts, guided by consultants like Urban Strategies selected in September 2025, prioritize job creation and heritage integration to reduce seasonal volatility, though their long-term success in achieving diversification remains contingent on execution amid ongoing debates over and environmental constraints.

Infrastructure and Development Initiatives

The Town of Wasaga Beach has pursued several infrastructure projects under the Destination Wasaga initiative, launched to revitalize the downtown and beachfront areas while enhancing and infrastructure. In May 2025, the Ontario government committed nearly $38 million to support these efforts, including roadway reconstructions and planning for mixed-use developments to create jobs and accommodate . This funding builds on the 2017 Downtown Development Master Plan, a 20-year emphasizing flood mitigation, public realm improvements, and economic diversification beyond seasonal . A core component involves the redevelopment of Beach Drive, the primary beachfront corridor prone to flooding. Reconstruction began in early 2025 following demolition of outdated commercial structures, with $10.9 million in provincial funding allocated to elevate roadways, install resilient drainage systems, and integrate pedestrian-friendly designs. These upgrades aim to unlock private investment in housing and retail, projected to generate economic spillovers across the community by improving access to tourist attractions and supporting over 3,000 new residential units. Complementary investments include $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for broader roadway expansions in the Wasaga Beach Area, facilitating connections to new developments and reducing seasonal congestion. Private-sector initiatives, such as the February 2025 sale of town-owned beachfront land for $1.4 million to developers, will yield 150 residential units and 31 commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings. Construction on a nearby village project commenced in June 2025, featuring 26 initial residential units and five commercial spaces to bolster year-round economic activity. In September 2025, the town engaged Urban Strategies to oversee design phases, prioritizing environmental sustainability and heritage preservation amid these transformations. These projects address longstanding infrastructure deficits, such as vulnerability to and limited off-season viability, with goals of fostering job growth in , , and services while mitigating reliance on summer visitors. However, implementation has sparked local debates over environmental impacts and parkland use, though official plans emphasize compliance with provincial standards for coastal resilience.

Natural and Recreational Resources

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park encompasses 1,844.3 hectares of land along the southeastern shore of in Nottawasaga Bay, , and was established as a recreational class in 1959. The protects segments of the world's longest freshwater beach, which stretches approximately 14 kilometers along the bay, characterized by wide sandy expanses, dunes, and backshore wetlands. Divided into eight distinct beach areas, each equipped with dedicated parking lots, the facilitates day-use access for , walking, and , though overnight is not permitted within its boundaries—nearby like Awenda and Craigleith offer such facilities instead. The park's formation involved provincial expropriation of private lands during the and to consolidate beachfront and adjacent areas for use and conservation, reflecting a policy shift toward prioritizing recreational and over fragmented private development. Key natural features include dynamic dune systems that buffer inland areas from and surges, as well as habitats supporting like the endangered , whose nesting sites necessitate seasonal beach closures and fencing to minimize human disturbance. Management efforts emphasize shoreline stabilization, control—such as removal—and dune restoration through volunteer stewardship programs, alongside regular monitoring to maintain safe recreational conditions. Vehicle entry requires a valid permit, with operations restricted to designated roads to protect sensitive ecosystems; off-road use is prohibited. Winter activities include snowshoeing and on trails, leveraging the beach's frozen expanse when conditions allow. As of 2025, ongoing management planning addresses pressures from high visitation—peaking at millions annually—while balancing conservation with public access, amid debates over potential land dispositions that could reduce boundaries by up to 60% for redevelopment, raising concerns among environmental groups about and long-term ecological integrity.

Beach Areas and Environmental Management

Wasaga Beach features approximately 14 kilometers of sandy shoreline along , comprising the world's longest freshwater beach. The area is divided into eight designated beach parks, including six primary sections (Beach Areas 1 through 6) within Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and additional zones such as Allenwood Beach, facilitating public access and recreational use. The shoreline supports a unique coastal dune ecosystem, providing habitat for various species while consisting of non-replenishing relict sand vulnerable to natural processes. Environmental management emphasizes and preservation amid challenges from runoff, wave action, and human activity. The Beach Management Secondary Plan, approved in 2017, outlines site-specific actions including filling eroded areas, deploying silt fencing, and installing barriers to minimize sediment loss and maintain beach integrity for natural, cultural, and recreational values. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority partners with the Town of Wasaga Beach under a 2024 memorandum to implement watershed-wide and protection, encompassing permit reviews and regulatory enforcement. Municipal engineering standards require developers to submit erosion and sediment control plans for all projects, mandating measures such as silt fences and vegetation stabilization to prevent off-site impacts until site restoration is complete. Biodiversity studies highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of water quality, dune stabilization, and species protection, including endangered piping plovers, with management incorporating environmental education to balance tourism pressures. Recent provincial proposals to amend park boundaries for potential land transfers have elicited concerns from environmental groups over risks to ecological integrity, though official priorities remain focused on sustainable shoreline stewardship.

Infrastructure and Services

Civic and Educational Facilities

The Town of Wasaga Beach's civic facilities include the Municipal Office at 30 Lewis Street, which serves as the primary administrative hub for operations, including departments for building standards, clerk services, and . The RecPlex Community Centre at 1724 Mosley Street functions as a multifunctional venue with amenities such as a pool, , fitness area, sports gymnasium, auditorium, and meeting rooms, supporting community events and programs. Additional recreational infrastructure encompasses the Wasaga Beach Arena at 544 River Road West, a twin-pad facility designed to accommodate growing demands projected to exceed 30,000 households. The Wasaga Beach Youth Centre at 1621 Mosley Street provides drop-in recreational space for students in grades 6-12, offering activities, technology access, and social programs. The Wasaga Beach Public Library, recently relocated to a new facility, operates as a hub beyond traditional lending, partnering with organizations for free access to computers, , tech help, and outreach programs while maintaining extended hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends. Educational facilities primarily consist of elementary schools under the Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. These include Birchview Dunes Elementary School, Worsley Elementary School, the newly opened Wasaga Beach Public School (fall 2024) featuring modern learning spaces and a community gym funded partly by the town, and St. Noel Chabanel Catholic Elementary School. Wasaga Beach lacks a dedicated , with students attending institutions in nearby Collingwood or Stayner, though a new state-of-the-art high school funded at $59.3 million for 1,145 pupil places—incorporating childcare, dual gymnasiums, and theatre space—was approved in 2024 with construction underway as of early 2025. A Simcoe Shores outreach location at 14 Ramblewood Drive supports alternative programming for local students.

Transportation and Transit Systems

Wasaga Beach relies predominantly on road transportation, with primary access via County Road 10 (Mosley Street extension) and connections to Provincial Highway 26, which extends northwest from through Stayner to provide regional linkage. The town lacks rail service or a local , with the nearest major facilities being Barrie-Lloydtown (approximately 50 km southeast) and (about 140 km south). Local public transit is operated by Wasaga Beach Transit, which runs seven days a week using municipally owned minibuses on two fixed overlapping routes with a 60-90 minute , facilitating transfers at key hubs near the fire hall, medical centre, and . Route 1 serves areas from westward to Lyons Court, with on-demand extensions to Archer Road, while Route 2 covers from the former Wasaga Stars Arena to 70th Street. Specialized accessible services are integrated, and fares include single rides at $2 for adults and $1.50 for seniors/students, with a $40 monthly universal pass valid across Wasaga, Collingwood, and linking systems. Inter-municipal connectivity is supported by Simcoe County's LINX service, offering weekday bus routes from Wasaga Beach to Barrie via Route 5, with additional links to Orillia and Midland on select lines. As of October 2025, the town is developing a 10-year Transit Master Plan to expand service frequency and coverage amid growing seasonal and year-round demand. Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure along beachfront roads supplements transit, though the town's layout emphasizes car dependency due to its sprawl and tourism peaks.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Notable Residents and Community Life

, a former National Hockey League player who appeared in 1,244 games across 18 seasons from 1993 to 2011, was raised in Wasaga Beach after his birth in nearby Collingwood on October 11, 1974. The town honored his contributions, including a win with the in 2003, by declaring "Jason Arnott Day" during the summer of 2000. Wasaga Beach recorded a population of 24,862 in the 2021 Canadian Census, reflecting a 20.2% increase from 20,675 in 2016, driven by its appeal as a retirement and recreational destination. The average age stands at 50.4 years, with children under 15 comprising 11.7% and youth aged 15-24 at 7.7%, indicating a skew toward older residents amid ongoing growth. Year-round community life centers on recreational facilities, neighborhood associations, and seasonal influxes that swell the population, supporting local engagement through programs managed by the Recreation, Events and Facilities Department. Annual events strengthen social ties, including the Fall Market for local vendors, Truck or Treat for family-oriented Halloween activities, celebrations with fireworks and parades, and services. These gatherings, alongside access to parks and trails, promote inclusivity in a characterized by diverse neighborhoods and a focus on outdoor pursuits, though winter months see quieter routines compared to summer tourism peaks.

Events and Local Traditions

Wasaga Beach hosts a variety of annual events coordinated by the town's Special Events Division, emphasizing , gatherings, and seasonal , with over 30 outdoor concerts and displays presented in 2025 alone. The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Festival occurs each summer, showcasing approximately 20 international blues performers over a weekend, fostering local culture and attracting visitors to beachside venues. Canada Day celebrations take place annually on July 1 at Meadows Beach, including live entertainment, family activities, and a display from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., drawing residents and tourists to commemorate national . Recurring summer series such as Summer Sets concerts on Fridays and Saturdays starting mid-June, and Music in the Park on Tuesday evenings from early July through late August, provide free live performances at beachfront locations, supporting the town's tradition of accessible outdoor recreation. Winter events include the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink, featuring holiday illumination and community participation to mark the season. Newer fall initiatives, such as the inaugural Mayor's Charity RAM and in 2025, aim to extend event programming beyond summer, incorporating competitions and music to boost off-season . Local traditions remain tied to the town's beach-centric identity, with informal gatherings evolving into structured festivals since the mid-20th century, though no formalized indigenous or historical customs beyond commemorations at Nancy Island are prominently observed in contemporary programming.

References

  1. https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/cities-towns/wasaga-beach
  2. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/index.aspx
  3. https://www.point2homes.com/CA/Demographics/ON/Wasaga-Beach-Demographics.html
  4. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/business-and-development/economic-development-and-tourism.aspx
  5. https://experience.simcoe.ca/places-to-go/south-georgian-bay/wasaga-beach/
  6. https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/wasaga-beach-parts-ways-with-developer-on-multi-million-dollar-redevelopment-project/
  7. https://www.insidehalton.com/news/wasaga-beach-main-strip-photos/article_c3343432-baab-50b5-aaf7-e6d44435a3ae.html
  8. https://wasagachronicle.com/beach-area-one-development-plans-should-not-be-a-secret
  9. https://engagewasaga.ca/beachfront-redevelopment
  10. http://www.ontario.ca/page/wasaga-beach-provincial-park-beach-management-secondary-plan
  11. https://latitudelongitude.org/ca/wasaga-beach/
  12. https://www.comeexplorecanada.com/ontario/wasaga-beach
  13. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/page.cfm?lang=E&topic=1&dguid=2021S0504565
  14. https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/geology-and-formations/
  15. https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/map-47wngp/Wasaga-Beach/
  16. https://medium.com/%40lovefoods_54026/wasaga-beach-the-worlds-longest-freshwater-beach-and-its-impact-on-collingwood-ontario-786241b5db81
  17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/003707387590024X
  18. https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/GC/article/view/1127
  19. https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/gpq/1981-v35-n2-gpq1496625/1000438ar.pdf
  20. https://planetearth.utsc.utoronto.ca/georgianbay/mod8.html
  21. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/town-of-wasaga-beach-adopts-new-indigenous-land-acknowledgement.aspx
  22. https://www.dufferinmuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/Dufferin-County-Indigenous-History-and-Treaty-Lands-Resource-Document_v1.5.pdf
  23. https://engagewasaga.ca/42873/widgets/179039/documents/140978
  24. https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/more-than-three-centuries-ago-battle-waged-along-nottawasaga-river-3553947
  25. https://explorewasagabeach.com/history-art-culture/
  26. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2af63b18bc264c188907bdc3040285e4
  27. https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Wasaga_Beach
  28. https://www.simcoe.com/news/history-of-clearview-wasaga-began-before-confederation/article_9b3ad08a-01bd-59e5-8bc2-987857d380ea.html
  29. https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/early-resort-community/
  30. https://www.simcoe.com/life/how-did-wasaga-grow/article_e9ba82a7-b3b2-5ef3-b8ea-27808cb3c890.html
  31. https://www.facebook.com/TownOfWasagaBeach/posts/john-and-sarah-mclean-built-the-capstan-inn-in-1912-on-the-shores-of-wasaga-beac/1207955989411015/
  32. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/business-and-development/downtown-development.aspx
  33. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/explore-and-discover/resources/Archives%2520and%2520History/History%2520of%2520Wasaga%2520Beach%2520Updated.docx
  34. https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/arrests-made-in-2007-wasaga-beach-fire/
  35. https://www.simcoe.com/news/behind-the-crimes-nostalgic-legacy-burns-in-2007-wasaga-beach-arson/article_4411e7a6-2e41-5c5a-8d7c-3dc62aee99ab.html
  36. https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/wasaga-fire-end-of-an-era/article_eee40992-5d78-5de1-93ba-1f08f669d8b2.html
  37. https://www.georgianbaygroup.com/Wasaga-beach-development-update-May-2025
  38. https://simcoecountygreenbelt.ca/issue-brief-wasaga-beach-the-town-and-the-provincial-park/
  39. https://cottagelife.com/realestate/wasaga-beach-aims-to-revitalize-town-by-selling-a-section-of-beachfront-to-developers-for-14-million/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19IHj6967jI
  41. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4124233.html
  42. https://storeys.com/wasaga-beach-38m-provincial-investment/
  43. https://www.senecajournalism.ca/reimagining-wasaga-beach/
  44. https://www.thestar.com/real-estate/who-owns-wasaga-beach-critics-fear-ford-plan-to-transfer-part-of-popular-beach-could/article_a016d1a1-e64b-406c-94ef-9735771d1f0a.html
  45. https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/wasaga-beach-ontario-park-plan/
  46. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/statement-by-mayor-brian-smith-on-province-s-proposal-to-return-3-of-parkland-to-the-town.aspx
  47. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/08/14/wasaga-beach-transfer-of-land-from-ontario-government/
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNkWoE_oduM
  49. https://www.simcoe.com/news/thin-edge-of-the-wedge-ndp-s-chris-glover-wasaga-residents-rally-on-beachfront-against/article_9801f024-8c05-5148-92df-f7b9e2c151e0.html
  50. https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-provinces-wasaga-beach-plan-is-fine-actually
  51. https://www.facebook.com/TownOfWasagaBeach/posts/%25EF%25B8%258Fin-2025-the-town-of-wasaga-beach-took-over-maintenance-of-allenwood-beach-from-/1252447646927665/
  52. https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/highway-expansion-tourism-projects-could-shrink-protected-parkland-11135068
  53. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Wasaga%20Beach&DGUIDlist=2021A00053543064&GENDERlist=1%2C2%2C3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
  54. https://storeys.com/four-canada-10-fastest-growing-regions-ontario-cottage-country/
  55. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=3543064&Geo2=PR&Code2=35&Data=Count&SearchText=&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=
  56. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=3543064&Geo2=PR&Code2=35&SearchText=Wasaga%20Beach&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=3543064&TABID=1&type=0
  57. https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/local-news/tbm-second-in-canada-for-population-growth-over-5-years-stats-can-5045365
  58. https://www.simcoe.com/news/we-love-the-people-new-canadian-contributes-to-wasaga-beach-census-growth/article_89fbc430-d2ef-5b8a-9ccc-14b69342a314.html
  59. https://engagewasaga.ca/39644/widgets/164623/documents/115126
  60. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/page.cfm?lang=e&topic=5&dguid=2021S0504565
  61. https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/canada/ontario/wasaga-beach
  62. https://engagewasaga.ca/42873/widgets/179039/documents/129541
  63. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/council.aspx
  64. https://lignesantesnm.ca/displayService.aspx?id=220099
  65. https://wasagaratepayers.com/how-do-i/ask-a-question-or-provide-a-comment-at-a-meeting-of-town-council/
  66. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/members-of-council.aspx
  67. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/administration.aspx
  68. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/mcneill-named-wasaga-beach-cao.aspx
  69. https://www.amo.on.ca/about-us/municipal-101/ontario-municipalities
  70. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/budget-and-finances.aspx
  71. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/council-approves-2025-budget-to-continue-moving-wasaga-beach-forward.aspx
  72. https://pub-wasagabeach.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=12058
  73. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/resources/Documents/-%2520Studies/AssetManagementPlan_2024.pdf
  74. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/by-laws-and-policies.aspx
  75. https://www.simcoe.com/news/council/provincial-changes-to-development-fee-legislation-could-mean-cash-crunch-for-towns-like-wasaga-beach/article_62eb9c48-073e-5b51-9d0e-04699a47d2db.html
  76. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/term-of-council-priorities.aspx
  77. https://budget.ontario.ca/2025/pdf/2025-ontario-budget-en.pdf
  78. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-celebrates-summer-by-launching-bold-new-destination-management-plan-and-tourism-website.aspx
  79. https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/wasaga-beach-reports-highest-tourist-numbers-in-a-decade/
  80. https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/wasaga-beach-rides-tourism-wave-165400298.html
  81. https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005915/ontario-building-destination-wasaga
  82. https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/spectacular-ford-unveils-38m-for-tourism-in-wasaga-beach-10673586
  83. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/alternative.cfm?topic=12&lang=E&dguid=2021S0504565&objectId=1
  84. https://engagewasaga.ca/economic-development-strategy
  85. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-selects-ontario-based-urban-strategies-to-help-design-and-build-destination-wasaga.aspx
  86. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-begins-rebuilding-beach-drive-here-s-4-things-you-need-to-know.aspx
  87. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-is-rebuilding-beach-drive-here-s-a-birds-eye-view-of-construction-that-is-underway.aspx
  88. https://carolinemulroneympp.ca/ontario-building-destination-wasaga/
  89. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/construction-begins-on-village-near-beach-area-1-in-wasaga-beach.aspx
  90. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/wasaga-beach-unveils-groundbreaking-master-plan-to-redesign-waterfront-downtown-and-tourism-landscape-marking-a-new-era-with-destination-wasaga/
  91. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/wasagabeach
  92. https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/attractions/wasaga-beach-provincial-park
  93. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/wasagabeach/activities
  94. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/wasagabeach/camping
  95. https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/resources/casestudies/wasaga-beach/
  96. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/wasagabeach/rules
  97. https://environmentaldefence.ca/2025/07/28/ontario-to-sell-wasaga-beach-for-development/
  98. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/explore-and-discover/parks-gardens-trails-and-beaches.aspx
  99. https://explorewasagabeach.com/beaches/
  100. https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/our-beach/
  101. https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/about-the-park/
  102. https://www.nvca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NVCA-MOU-and-CA-Agreement_Wasaga-Beach_reduced.pdf
  103. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/resources/Documents/Engineering/Engineering%2520Standards.pdf
  104. https://www.stateofthebay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Wasaga-Beach-Beachfront-Biodiversity-Study-2016-FINAL.pdf
  105. https://www.wasagabeach.com/Modules/contact/search.aspx?s=RJ22QlihD5KuYJVlUEly6weQuAleQuAl
  106. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/departments-and-divisions.aspx
  107. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/explore-and-discover/recplex-community-centre.aspx
  108. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/business-and-development/twin-pad-arena-and-library.aspx
  109. https://www.mapquest.com/ca/ontario/wasaga-beach-arena-280041094
  110. https://www.facebook.com/WBYouthCentre/
  111. https://wasagabeachpubliclibrary.ca/
  112. https://www.facebook.com/wasagabeachpubliclibrary/
  113. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/services-and-payments/community-services-and-schools.aspx
  114. https://wbp.scdsb.on.ca/
  115. https://briansaundersonmpp.ca/ontario-opening-new-school-in-wasaga-beach/
  116. https://scdsboncahil.ss14.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=13540901&pageId=52794966
  117. https://barrie360.com/wasaga-beach-town-high-school/
  118. https://scdsboncasim.ss14.sharpschool.com/our_school/locations/wasaga_beach
  119. https://www.ontario.ca/files/2022-03/mto-orm-map5-2022-03-16.pdf
  120. https://simcoe.ca/residents/linx-transit/routes-schedules/
  121. https://centraleastontario.cioc.ca/record/CWD6338
  122. https://engagewasaga.ca/transit-master-plan
  123. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/home-and-property/transit.aspx
  124. https://1000towns.ca/wasaga-beach-ontario/
  125. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Wasaga%20Beach&DGUIDlist=2021A00053543064%2C2021A000235&GENDERlist=1%2C2%2C3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
  126. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/town-and-government/recreation-events-and-facilities.aspx
  127. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/explore-and-discover/events-and-festivals.aspx
  128. https://blog.remax.ca/life-on-the-beach-discovering-wasaga-beach-homes-for-sale/
  129. https://getleo.com/blogs/wasaga-beach-community-profile/
  130. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-is-preparing-to-host-the-most-epic-live-music-event-of-the-summer-and-it-is-free.aspx
  131. https://www.barrietoday.com/local-entertainment/wasaga-festival-not-feeling-the-blues-after-provincial-grant-11242486
  132. https://www.lake.com/events/stonebridge-wasaga-beach-blues/
  133. https://www.todocanada.ca/wasaga-beach-summer-festivals-schedule-2024-beachfront-concerts-fireworks-and-more-this-season/
  134. https://www.facebook.com/groups/593950698463984/posts/1462221858303526/
  135. https://explorewasagabeach.com/events-archive/list/
  136. https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/news/wasaga-beach-celebrates-a-successful-summer-and-kicks-off-fall-festivals.aspx
  137. https://wasagabeachpark.com/nancy-island-historic-site/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.