Premier’s Office, May 16 – With the release of the 2025 Ontario budget, Doug Ford’s government has announced that they plan to invest $38 million into Destination Wasaga, a new tourist destination which will encompass the beaches, downtown core, and historic sites of the town of Wasaga.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re helping bring this important part of Ontario’s history back to life and we’re working with the municipality to revitalize the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
Breakdown of Destination Wasaga Funds
Included in the $38 million dollar investment for Destination Wasaga is a $25 million investment for the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site. This also includes a proposed transfer of administration from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG).
Another nearly $11 million will come to Destination Wasaga through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support the reconstruction of the Wasaga Beach Area roadways project. The infrastructure built with this money is expected to support over 3,000 new homes and improve ease of access to tourist areas in Wasaga.
Finally, Wasaga will see $2 million for purposes related to tourism planning and efforts to revitalize the town’s downtown core over the coming years.
The government of Ontario plans to begin transferring jurisdiction and governing powers of parts of the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the municipal government of Wasaga Beach in order to continue development of Destination Wasaga under the condition that the city keeps the beach public. This notes a general continuation of the PCPO transferring power more frequently to local governments.
“This investment is part of our government’s ongoing plan to protect Ontario by supporting the people, places and local economies that make our province strong,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By preserving the unique character of Wasaga Beach, we’re helping to protect a valued part of Ontario’s heritage while promoting long-term economic growth in the region.”
Destination Wasaga for Nancy Island
Nancy Island is the site where the HMS Nancy fought against three American schooners during the War of 1812, with support from the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs. Although the HMS Nancy was lost during the conflict, two of the attacking American ships were soon captured by the Nancy’s crew, stopping their advance and protecting Canadian territory. The current site tells the story of the War of 1812 and houses substantial artifacts, including the charred hull of the HMS Nancy. A theatre, museum and replica lighthouse are also located on the island. While visitors can still admire these invaluable artifacts and visit the site, there is an urgent need to restore and preserve the facility and ensure its sustainability, which the funding announced today for Destination Wasaga will help meet.
“The revitalization of the beachfront and Nancy Island Historic Site will help transform Wasaga Beach into a premier, world-class tourism destination and draw more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations and main street businesses,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government’s investments in Wasaga Beach are part of our plan to protect workers and businesses in the tourism industry across Ontario by driving visitation and economic growth, while preserving critical pieces of Canadian culture and history.”
Destination Wasaga marks a continuation of the government’s efforts to promote local Ontario economies through smart investment that will promote tourism. The government of Ontario notes that this is especially crucial in the era of Trump tariffs.
“I want to thank Premier Ford and his entire team for this historic investment in the Town of Wasaga Beach, and in Nancy Island Historic Site,” said Brian Smith, Mayor of Wasaga Beach. “Today, we are celebrating a new partnership — one where the town and province will work together to ignite tourism, breathe new life into our town’s main commercial area along Beach Drive at Beach Area 1 and transform Wasaga Beach into a truly unforgettable, iconic Ontario destination. Today’s investment 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.”
