$45 Million Marriott Hotel Coming to Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach is about to undergo a significant transformation with the announcement of a new $45 million premium Marriott hotel development at Beach Drive in Beach Area 1. Spearheaded by the Sunray Group, this multi-phase redevelopment project is poised to elevate the town's tourism appeal and reshape its waterfront into a vibrant, year-round destination.

Phase One: Hotel Construction Begins in 2026

Construction on the first phase is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This initial stage centers on the creation of a 120-room Marriott hotel that will serve as the focal point of the new tourism district. Designed with year-round functionality in mind, the hotel will include:

• A high-quality restaurant

• Convention and wedding facilities

• Retail shops

• A wellness area featuring fitness, spa, or pool amenities

This phase alone represents an investment of over $45 million, with Sunray Group committed to covering full development charges across all four phases of the project.

Festival Square: A New Community Hub

As part of its contribution to the broader community vision, Sunray Group will also invest $1.5 million to build a new outdoor Festival Square next to the hotel. This flexible event space will serve as a venue for concerts, markets, and municipal programming, becoming a centerpiece for community engagement and tourism activities.

Multi-Phase Development Vision

The announcement marks just the beginning of a four-phase redevelopment plan. While phase one is focused on the hotel and immediate commercial offerings, future phases are expected to bring additional amenities and residences to the area. The Town and Sunray Group have entered into a joint venture, profit-sharing agreement for the subsequent phases.

Wasaga Beach News reports that Sunray is also exploring the integration of branded Marriott Residences as part of these later phases. These residential units could be placed in a rental pool, allowing owners to rent out their properties seasonally, a concept already in use at Blue Mountain Village.

Strategic Location and Long-Term Benefits

Located along Beach Drive at the heart of Wasaga Beach’s main tourism zone, this development is part of a broader shift to reposition the town as a high-value destination. The beachfront area, previously under the jurisdiction of Ontario Parks, will now be integrated into the town's development framework under a new agreement. This transition supports a more cohesive vision for the future of the waterfront.

The new Marriott hotel is expected to strengthen Wasaga Beach’s seasonal economy by attracting longer, higher-value visits. Mayor Brian Smith emphasized the town’s commitment to "unlocking the community's full potential to become a thriving, year-round destination."

Impacts on Construction and the Local Workforce

While no specific contractors or timelines for the full build-out were disclosed beyond the 2026 hotel start, the project is expected to require a wide range of trades and professionals, including:

• Concrete workers for foundational and structural work

• Framers, roofers, and general carpenters for framing and finishing

• HVAC and mechanical trades for spa, pool, and fitness center infrastructure

• Plumbers and electricians for hotel services and amenities

• Interior finishers and installers for guest rooms, lobbies, and public spaces

• Landscaping crews for Festival Square and outdoor amenities

This development will also create numerous opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors, in addition to permanent hospitality and retail jobs upon completion.

Looking Ahead

With Sunray Group preparing to refine the project’s design and layout based on community feedback, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the waterfront. Once completed, the Marriott hotel and its surrounding development are expected to redefine Wasaga Beach's reputation as a tourism hotspot and provide lasting economic benefits to the local community.

As one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, Wasaga Beach is making a bold investment in its future—anchored by a landmark hotel, new residential options, and a reimagined commercial district built for long-term success.