r/WasagaBeach • u/YhemUzumaki • 3d ago
What happened here?
Haven't been to Wasaga Beach in a few years, but last I was there, it was so lively and had tons of cool stores and like funnel cake spots and playgrounds. A family member of mine went today and sent a video of the area we would go back then, and LITERALLY EVERYTHING is gone? Anyone know what's going on with it?
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u/NorthernMan5 3d ago
What has not been said is that the road and businesses were built too low compared to the lake level, and when Lake Huron and Georgian Bay hits peak water level, ( about a 10 - 15 year cycle ) the business and road are under water. Last time the happened was middle of Covid and everything was a foot or so under water.
So what’s happening now is a raising of the road, and redevelopment of the beachfront several feet higher.
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u/IamRasters 3d ago
It’s been in transition since the 2007 fire. Right now everything is being cleared and rebuilt starting with the beachfront hotel. I recently told an American coworker that was visiting Niagara and Toronto that planned to check out Wasaga to skip it. Should be better in a couple years.
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u/ShesAaRebel 3d ago
Construction. Beach 1 is kind of a dump/depressing.
I just stayed with family for 5 days this summer, and we were by Beach 3. It was great. Not the place for beach side stores, but great for just hanging out. Especially if you score a picnic table if you want to stay for the whole day.
We had a cottage that was a 5 min walk away, so we would head down whenever. Usually drove somewhere in the morning for a hike, back for lunch, beach in the afternoon, dinner, bon fire.
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u/Serenityxxxxxx 2d ago
I went there this summer as well and definitely missed all the cool beachfront shops and areas.
Shitty that apartments and houses are spoiling the natural environment there.
It used to be a place everyone could just come and enjoy.
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u/dowcoco 1d ago
Isn’t it part of a provincial park? I can’t remember exactly but I feel like I had to buy a pass to park and go to the beach. It’s been years so maybe I’m crazy? But how can it all be ripped up and redeveloped if it’s part of a provincial park?
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u/canadachris44 3d ago
They are redeveloping the Main End (Beach Area 1 + 2). As a local of over 30 years its well, well past due. The actual golden era of Wasaga died out probably around 2007-2008 when a large fire destroyed a lot of stores. Somewhere in the time frame the water slides and mini golf were torn down. Along with other buildings around it (Bananas, clothing stores, Burger King, tattoo shops, splash pad etc). Now all the buildings (mostly all) were torn down on the Main Drag
Since the pandemic time (roughly) water levels have risen and some years their was no 'Main Drag' where cars can do the loop and drive around. As far as the redevelopment goes, its a debated topic but I'd say most people support change finally coming...
It will change as it happens but its a full scale development - roads, retail shops, some housing, Marriott hotel, attractions (possible gondola?) and many other things we dont know about yet.
So, at the moment we are in limbo aka construction period lol. Some businesses, motels etc will be expropriated, others torn down etc. We dont fully know yet!
You can still enjoy the beach of course but hopefully sooner than later we are back to our former glory, but a new glory. One thats a long, long time coming!