For years it's been a destination for beach goers and young people, but away from the main strip of bars and tourist shops, Wasaga Beach doesn't really have a downtown.
Plans are being made to create a downtown, which will include Beach Area One and Main Street up to the Stonebridge Town Centre.
Consultants for the town have been listening to ideas from residents and just about everyone has a suggestion. They include everything from boutiques, salons and activities for children.
“We're looking to move more to a family culture,” says Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith. “We'll see a good combination of mom and pop shops, some franchises, commercial areas, hopefully some light industrial.”
Motels, campsites and some small businesses currently line a stretch of Main Street.
The town is looking at realigning some roads to improve traffic flow, provide better parking and to create an area for arts and culture.
"It would be nice to have one central area where everybody could meet," says Nancy McLaughlin of Saga Resort.
McLaughlin has managed the Saga Resort for nine years and would like to see the downtown include indoor attractions that can operate all year long.
“I would like to see a bowling alley, a movie theatre. On the bad days we have to send people to Collingwood for that.”
The master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The town is hoping the downtown will start to take shape within two years.
