Many of us remember Wasaga Beach as a place for summer fun and sun, but today's Wasaga Beach is so much more than just a summer weekend retreat. Today, it's known as a "Four Seasons" area, where there is something happening year-round. The winter months give way to miles of snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails to everyone to explore. Within 30 minutes of Wasaga Beach you'll find numerous downhill and alpine ski resorts. Summertime means sunny days of sand and water sports abound throughout the area, while spring and fall brings a host of hikers and people who love to explore nature. Wasaga Beach has the world's longest freshwater beach which contributes to it being a summer mecca for tourists.

A recent study, by the Town of Wasaga Beach, predicts a strong growth rate in the area over the next ten years. The average for each year is predicted to be in the 2% range, and housing will have to be built to meet this need. This of course will mean more job opportunities for residents. The town of Wasaga Beach is preparing for this increase in population and continues to develop plans to meet the infrastructure needs of the area. From 2001 until 2006, the Wasaga Beach area saw a 21% increase in population and there are no signs of that growth slowing.

For residents in the area, the population growth and "Four Seasons" distinction will mean jobs for the area, but more importantly it means more activities for younger residents and more funding for education. It is hoped that with the increase in population that there will be a high school built in the near future, while currently students take bus transportation to high schools in surrounding areas.

One other reason for an influx of new residents is the "baby boomer" factor. Those who spent summers at Wasaga Beach are now returning to it with the idea of retirement living in the area. A number of different facilities exist for aging boomers but more often it's the active boomer who is looking at home ownership in Wasaga Beach.

Transit opportunities in Wasaga Beach have been growing since July 2008, when Georgian Coach Lines offered one route. Due to massive need in the community it expanded again in 2009, and now has hourly service in what is known as the "loop". With continued expansion in the area the town council expects that bus services will increase in the coming years.

Unemployment in the area is low, partly due to the tourism industry, and there are many manufacturing jobs available to local residents. Wasaga Beach has an active Chamber of Commerce which works with local business to develop future opportunity for residents.

Compared to Ontario, the median mortgage payment in this area is about 30% lower than the rest of the province. Homes are well built and the area offers a wide range of dwellings. The real estate market has been stable for some years now, and because this is a "Four Season" area it's expected that if there is a downturn in the market, it will have little effect on Wasaga Beach. Eighty-nine percent of the area is single-detached homes with the 11% balance going to other style homes, including apartments at 4%.

Overall, Wasaga Beach offers something for every age group and is one of the most prized areas to live in. Nestled in Nottawasaga Bay at the southern end of Georgian Bay it's easy to understand why this is a popular area in which to live, and with baby boomers retiring to the area the town can expect an influx of buyers in this age group.

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