Could waterfront gondola be coming to Wasaga Beach?

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Tourists could soon get an aerial view of Wasaga Beach’s popular and picturesque waterfront.

On Thursday, the Town of Wasaga Beach announced that it’s put a plan in motion to explore adding an aerial ropeway along the beachfront, which will serve as a means of transportation and a tourist attraction.

The town signed a letter of intent with Doppelmayr Canada to explore a possible gondola system as part of its Destination Wasaga vision.

‘Improve how people move around’

Doppelmayr is a worldwide producer of ropeway engineering and aerial transport systems for functions such as public transportation, sightseeing and access to mountain points.

A gondola system would have a dual role for Wasaga Beach, moving people along the waterfront without added congestion on local roads while also providing a new way for them to see the popular beach spot.

“This is exactly the kind of private-sector interest we hoped Destination Wasaga would generate,” Wasaga Beach mayor Brian Smith said in a media release.

“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.”

Doppelmayr Canada CEO Luc Guy said the town has the “ ingredients of a truly exceptional destination — a world-renowned waterfront, a strong visitor market and an ambitious long-term vision.”

“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,” Guy said in a statement.

Nature-based attractions

Wasaga Beach has also entered into talks with adventure tourism company Ecotrek about adding nature-based attractions and accommodations such as year-round treetop trekking, camping and glamping, and elevated net attractions.

Sandra Watts, General Manager of External Relations for the Town of Wasaga Beach, said she hoped these new types of attractions can help transform the town into a “four-season destination.”

“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,” said Watts.