Beach Drive revamp begins in Wasaga Beach
More changes are coming to Wasaga Beach's iconic waterfront as crews officially break ground on a major reconstruction project along Beach Drive.
The work begins Tuesday, when a stretch of Beach Drive between Spruce and Second Streets will close to traffic as crews move in to start rebuilding the road and underlying infrastructure.
Town officials say this long-planned project is designed to make Beach Drive more resilient to flooding and climate impacts that have repeatedly plagued the area.
The upgrades are seen as critical to unlock millions of dollars of investment, 'including a premium Marriott hotel that is set to be built on a parcel of land near Beach Drive in 2026, by the award-winning Sunray Group.'
Wasaga Beach redevelopment
Beachfront Redevelopment plans.
(Drone Footage/Town of Wasaga Beach)
Road Closures
During this phase of construction, drivers won't be able to pass beyond the Spruce Street municipal parking lot, and First Street will be closed. However, Second and Third Streets and the section of Beach Drive connecting them will remain open for now.
Pedestrian Access
Access to the beachfront directly in front of Beach Drive will remain open throughout construction, the Town assures. The work is limited to the roadway and will not impact the beach itself or any other beach areas.
Summer Events
The Canada Day celebrations, the annual Midway and Memories of Summer concert, will proceed as planned. Additionally, the Town says several local businesses and food trucks will continue to operate as usual.
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Beachfront Construction Map
Mayor Brian Smith says the project is just one step to ensuring Wasaga Beach's success as a year-round destination and a growing community.
'For year-round hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions to succeed near the beachfront, we need to rebuild Beach Drive and make it climate resilient. This is vitally important to 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," Smith stated.
Earlier this year, the province announced it would contribute more than $10.9 million toward the project - the largest infrastructure investment in the waterfront town's history. The remaining cost will be covered by private developers, the Town noted.
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