Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) is planning to hand off ownership of sections of Wasaga Beach, and it’s asking the public to weigh in.
In May, the MECP announced that it would be transferring ownership of Nancy Island to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, and that it would be selling Beach Areas One and Two of Wasaga Beach, as well as New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach, to the Town of Wasaga Beach.
This proposal came after the Town of Wasaga Beach called on the provincial government to help transform the area into a world-class, year-round destination.
“Wasaga Beach and Nancy Island are unique in the world—they do not belong under the Provincial Parks Act, which is one size fits all—they belong under a ministry with the expertise and funding envelope to collaboratively oversee and inspire the development of world-class attractions and destinations,” said Town of Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith, in a statement.
Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, stretching 14 kilometres along the southern shore of Georgian Bay. It’s been operated by the MECP since the province founded Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in 1959.
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But the Town of Wasaga Beach has argued that the MECP could be doing more to promote the area. As a top tourism destination, Wasaga Beach saw nearly two million visitors in 2023. Yet, according to the town, the MECP has invested only $1 million in the beach since 2017.
And under the MECP, historic Nancy Island has fallen into disrepair. Nancy Island is where the HMS Nancy fought against three American schooners during the War of 1812, with support from the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs.
In a January 2024 statement, Rob Potter, the president of The Friends of Nancy Island and Wasaga Beach Park, said that the island’s lighthouse and bridge have been closed for four years, and that the roofs of both the museum and theatre leak, damaging the interiors.
Mayor Smith added that right now, Nancy Island is closed more months of the year than it’s open.
As part of the ownership transfer, the provincial government has committed $38 million to Destination Wasaga, a project aimed at driving tourism and economic growth to the area. Of the $38 million, $25 million will go towards the redevelopment of Nancy Island, $11 million towards roadway infrastructure in Wasaga, and $2 million towards the town’s tourism planning.
In response to the investment, Smith said it will ensure “Wasaga Beach thrives as Ontario’s summer playground—and that we evolve into a year-round destination that will grow Ontario’s tourism sector, increase our municipal tax base, support local businesses, and better support the high levels of growth that our community has been experiencing.”
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Purchasing Beach Areas One and Two aligns with the town’s Downtown Development Plan. In 2015, the town purchased 70 per cent of the commercial properties adjoining Beach Areas One and Two with plans to transform the site into a more livable, diversified, and accessible downtown area. Construction has already begun on a development project along Beach Drive, which includes a residential and commercial village, a premium Marriott Hotel, shops, restaurants, attractions, and other amenities.
As the purchase of land is still just a proposal, the town has not released plans for Beach Areas One and Two, but the province has stipulated that if the transfer happens these sections of beach must remain open to the public. If the town does take ownership, Smith says the plan is to consult with citizens of all ages to find out what they want to see in their community.
“Hypothetically speaking, because there are no plans and no decisions have been made by the province or council at this time, the municipality could collect revenue from parking, it could consider introducing life guards along the beach, it could consider disallowing four-sided tents on the beach, it could consider allowing guests to rent beach umbrellas from vendors on the beach, or consider permitting a limited number of kiosks near the boardwalk where visitors could purchase coconut water and other refreshments,” says Smith. “Currently, under provincial ownership and provincial parks legislation, none of this is possible.”
The town has issued a request for proposal to find a development partner who can craft a waterfront master plan, transforming the area into a globally recognized destination.
Members of the public who wish to voice an opinion on the transfer of ownership can do so on the province’s environmental registry until August 11.
Clarification: A previous version of this story stated that Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in North America; it’s been updated to reflect that it’s the longest freshwater beach in the world.
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