Wasaga Beach is set to undergo a major transformation with the announcement of a $45 million premium Marriott hotel, a project expected to revitalize the town’s beachfront and bolster year-round tourism. The new development, unveiled Wednesday by Sunray Group CEO Ray Gupta alongside Mayor Brian Smith and town officials, will be located at Beach Area 1, adjacent to the town’s iconic Beach Drive.
“This is a historic investment,” said Mayor Smith. “The new Marriott will enhance our beachfront, add new dining and retail options, and complement our local inns and restaurants. It means more jobs, extended tourist stays, and vital support for small businesses in Wasaga Beach.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s visit to the town, where he pledged nearly $38 million in provincial funding to grow Wasaga Beach into a year-round destination. The Marriott development is seen as a cornerstone of that vision.
Phase one of the project will feature a 120-room hotel and include upscale amenities such as a fine dining restaurant, convention space, fitness and wellness facilities, wedding venues, and ground-floor retail. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with Sunray Group committing to pay full development charges for all four phases of the larger project.
As part of its commitment to the community, Sunray will also invest $1.5 million to develop a new public “Festival Square” adjacent to the hotel, intended to serve as a vibrant hub for events and visitors.
“I grew up coming to this beach and have fond memories here,” said Gupta. “It’s incredibly meaningful to now help shape its future.”
Town officials believe the Marriott hotel will play a key role in strengthening the local economy, especially along Beach Drive, the town’s primary commercial strip. The project is expected to increase high-value tourism and create permanent jobs, aligning with broader municipal goals to revitalize the waterfront and surrounding areas.
Additional details on the remaining phases of the project are expected to be released later this year.
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