There is some uncertainty whether three of the four bars along the main drag in Wasaga Beach will open in time for the upcoming season.
The Golden rule at Wasaga Beach is that the people will come if the sun shines and the first long weekend of the season is just around the corner. However, it's still unclear if all of the bars along the waterfront will be open in time because three out the four have not been leased yet.
The bars and restaurants are anchors on the waterfront. Last summer The Dard and Bananas both closed when the operator ran into financial challenges .The Copa never opened.
In a statement to CTV News, town officials say, "The property owner is in discussions with reputable operators interested in the bars and they hope to have them leased shortly."
Sam Moncada does not expect the bars to open for the upcoming May long weekend. He was working on getting his own candy shop up and running on Sunday and wonders if the beach is better off without them.
“The excitement that the bars bring it’s a little bit of an attraction for some of the younger kids but for everybody else, families, there is still the beach which is the main draw and will continue to be the main draw,” he says.
The town is planning numerous special events for the summer and is recruiting new staff to help develop tourism.
The first special event of the season will be the Electric Elements Music Festival on May 17. Last year the event attracted more than 5,000 people.
