Ontario’s beloved beach town, Wasaga Beach, will soon be undergoing a major transformation as announced last week by Premier Doug Ford.
On May 16, a plan to invest nearly $38 million by the Ontario government to develop Destination Wasaga was unveiled, featuring revitalized beaches, a renewed downtown core, and significant historic sites.
Now just yesterday, Sunray Group CEO Ray Gupta joined Mayor Brian Smith and members of Wasaga Beach town council to officially announce a $45 million premium Marriott hotel is also part of the plan, and will open on the town’s waterfront in a prime setting overlooking Beach Area 1.
As part of a four-phase development project by Sunray Group, the Marriott is phase one and will feature 120 rooms, a high-end restaurant, convention and meeting facilities, fitness, spa, and pool amenities, retail shops, and wedding and event spaces.
Sunray Group will invest over $45 million in this initial phase, as well as commit $1.5 million to design and build a new “Festival Square” adjacent to the hotel, which will offer a public gathering space near the beachfront.
“This historic $45 million investment will complement smaller, family-owned inns and cottages, and restaurants in our community. It represents local jobs, higher-value tourism, and multi-day visits to Wasaga Beach which will support our small businesses,” said Mayor Brian Smith.
While Wasaga Beach is already a popular summer destination, the Marriott development is expected to draw year-round tourism and generate long-term employment opportunities for the local community. Home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, the province’s investment will help give the town a much-needed refresh, including the revitalization of the Nancy Island Historic Site.
More information about the project’s next phases will be released in the coming months. They are expected to break ground in 2026.