"This is exactly the kind of private-sector interest we hoped Destination Wasaga would generate," said Mayor Brian Smith. "We have one of the most extraordinary natural and tourism destinations in the country, and experienced partners are seeing its potential. This gives us an opportunity to explore bold ideas that could improve how people move around our community while creating new reasons for people to visit and enjoy Wasaga Beach throughout the year."
The agreement creates a framework to explore potential concepts, routes, locations, technical requirements and business models that could improve connections between key destinations while creating distinctive new visitor experiences near the beachfront.
The Town is also entering into discussions with Ecotrek to explore complementary nature-based attractions and accommodations, including year-round treetop trekking, camping and glamping, and elevated net attractions.
Doppelmayr is a global leader in ropeway engineering and aerial transportation, delivering gondolas, automated people movers (APM) and other passenger transportation systems in tourism destinations and urban environments around the world.
"Wasaga Beach has the ingredients of a truly exceptional destination--a world-renowned waterfront, a strong visitor market and an ambitious long-term vision," said Luc Guy, CEO of Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. "We see exciting potential to explore how proven ropeway technology could improve connectivity on the next level while creating an experience that is uniquely Wasaga Beach."
Among the opportunities being explored are aerial gondola systems similar to those used in major tourism destinations around the world, where they function as both visitor attractions and efficient mobility solutions. The parties will examine how this technology could potentially connect key areas near the beachfront and become part of the Destination Wasaga experience.
"These are the kinds of experiences that can help strengthen Wasaga Beach as a four-season destination," said Sandra Watts, General Manager of External Relations for the Town of Wasaga Beach. "The opportunity is not simply to attract more people on our busiest summer days, but to give the millions of visitors who already know and love Wasaga Beach more reasons to stay longer, come back throughout the year and support local businesses."
The work will proceed concurrently with, and be informed by and aligned with, the emerging Destination Wasaga Master Plan vision, which is exploring improved connectivity, four-season recreation and nature-based tourism while protecting the natural features that makes Wasaga Beach extraordinary.
Concept renderings and reference images illustrate some of the transportation and recreation experiences being explored. No final project, route, location or design has been approved.
The Letter of Intent with Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. and discussions with Ecotrek are exploratory and do not commit the Town to construction or financial investment. Any project moving forward would be subject to further feasibility and business-case analysis, technical and environmental review, funding decisions, and all applicable planning, regulatory, consultation and public approval processes.
Quick Facts
- Home to the world's longest freshwater beach, the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes more than two million visitors annually, making it one of Ontario's best-known tourism destinations.
- Wasaga Beach is consistently ranked one of Canada's top beaches. In 2026, Lonely Planet named Wasaga Beach the #1 beach for swimming in Canada in 2026 and ranked it among Canada's Top Ten Beaches.
- Destination Wasaga is being developed as a community-first, four-season vision, guided by the principle that a place where people love to live is a place people will want to visit.
- The Town's tourism strategy is focused on creating more value from existing visitation by encouraging longer stays, more year-round visits and greater spending with local businesses.
- The Town's approach to Destination Wasaga emphasizes environmental stewardship, responsible tourism and protecting public access to the beach as individual projects are considered and advanced.
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Media Contact:
Karla Findlay
Team Lead, Communications, Customer Experience & Public Engagement
Email Karla
Sandra Watts
General Manager of External Relations | Director of Communications, Destination Marketing & Intergovernmental Affairs
Email Sandra
SOURCE Town of Wasaga Beach
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