Heritage Park Elmvale – 25th Anniversary
By George Allen and Matt Garwood, May 16, 2025
Twenty-five years ago, on Canada Day, Elmvale and the surrounding area came together in the park to celebrate. After two years of removing old buildings, building an amphitheater, cutting some trees and relocating others, seeding and sodding, building a pavilion and stage, creating a parking lot, and grooming a trail, the community was ready to put the new facilities to use. Over one hundred people had put in 30 or more hours to bring this project to completion. Many people generously donated equipment, such as trucks, loaders, tractors, chainsaws, and planters, providing whatever was needed to get the job done.
Every organization contributed through its own fundraising efforts. The Federal Government provided $35,000 to help turn a vision into reality. Springwater Township purchased the land, and the community came together to build the park. It was a true partnership in action, effective, collaborative, and inspiring.
In the years since that original Canada Day celebration, there have been countless concerts for the enjoyment of the community, each with a BBQ for those that wished to come early, meet old friends and prepare for an evening of music. There is much to celebrate, both past and present, about this community project.
This Canada Day, the community will come together in the park to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Heritage Park. Join us on July 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for an afternoon of festivities as we commemorate this milestone. There will be food, music, a salute to Canada, dedication of the soon to be newly renovated entrance sign, and so much more. It will be an opportunity to learn a little history of the park, celebrate our wonderful country, and strengthen the bonds of community. Prizes will be awarded for the ‘Best Dressed’ (Canadian theme), and we can’t wait to come together in celebration on July 1, 2025!
CLASSIC LIGHTFOOT LIVE comes to Simcoe County SPRING 2025
John Stinson, and the Classic Lightfoot Live – GORDON LIGHTFOOT Tribute show is returning to the Orillia Opera House Saturday May 3 and the Midland Cultural Centre Sunday June 8th, 2025. Originally from Toronto, Stinson has been performing for more than 30 years. While raising his family in Aurora he became neighbours with Lightfoot’s original lead guitarists, Red Shea and Terry Clements.
“Spending time with Red Shea and Terry Clements brought me even closer to understanding the details and nuances of Lightfoot’s music,” Stinson says. “Its important in these times for Canadians to support our country, our artists and our musicians.” “To me, Lightfoot’s music really does reflect what it means to be Canadian. His lyrics tell stories: his stories, our stories, Canadian stories. They reach out and touch audiences in deep emotional ways.”
Stinson has been recreating Lightfoot’s music in a full theatre show since 2011. Thousands of patrons across Ontario have filled theatres and commented.
“Others can tell, even if they don’t know how or why John’s renditions come off as being so faithful. I’ve been told before, and many did that night, they can’t believe how well John sings Gord’s tunes.” John Swartz, SunOnlineMedia.ca, Nov 2023.
All the band members are born and raised in Canada. And they all have close relationships with Lightfoot. You can’t get much more real than having Lightfoot’s nephew( Steve Eyers) on board as the bass guitarist and Lightfoot’s record producer(Bob Doidge) as Music Director. Bob Doidge produced Lightfoot’s last 5 albums at his Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, Ontario.
Clearly, connection to Lightfoot runs deep in this band.
The Classic Lightfoot Live show, featuring highlights from Lightfoot’s 20 studio albums, will be sure to have Lightfoot lovers tapping their toes. They can expect to hear some little-known tracks along with the much-loved ones such as Rainy Day People, If You Could Read My Mind, and The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Find out more at www.classiclightfootlive.com. Orillia Opera House www.orilliaoperahouse.ca , 705-326-8011. Midland Cultural Centre. www.midlandculturalcentre.com 705-527-4420
Ontario Building Destination Wasaga
Ontario is investing $38 million to increase tourism in Wasaga Beach, including by revitalizing Nancy Island Historic Site.
“I want to thank Premier Ford and his entire team for this historic investment in the Town of Wasaga Beach, and in Nancy Island Historic Site,” said Brian Smith, Mayor of Wasaga Beach. “Today, we are celebrating a new partnership — one where the town and province will work together to ignite tourism, breathe new life into our town’s main commercial area along Beach Drive at Beach Area 1 and transform Wasaga Beach into a truly unforgettable, iconic Ontario destination. Today’s investment will ensure Wasaga Beach thrives as Ontario’s summer playground — and that we evolve into a year-round destination that will grow Ontario’s tourism sector, increase our municipal tax base, support local businesses and better support the high levels of growth that our community has been experiencing.”
WASAGA BEACH — Ontario is investing nearly $38 million to build Destination Wasaga, a premier tourist destination that includes beaches, a revitalized downtown area and important historic sites, in partnership with the Town of Wasaga Beach. These investments, including from the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, will help protect and expand the number of jobs in the local tourism sector and boost economic growth across Simcoe County.
“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re helping bring this important part of Ontario’s history back to life and we’re working with the municipality to revitalize the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”
Ontario’s investments in support of Destination Wasaga, which are intended to preserve local heritage, create jobs, boost tourism and support economic growth across the region, include:
- $25 million to support the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site, along with the proposed transfer of administrative responsibility for the site from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)
- Nearly $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support the reconstruction of the Wasaga Beach Area roadways project, providing critical infrastructure that will support more than 3,000 new homes and improve access to Wasaga Beach’s tourist areas
- $2 million for the Town of Wasaga Beach to support tourism planning work in the redevelopment of its downtown area.
Ontario will soon begin the process of transferring a portion of the provincially owned beachfront in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town in order to support its integration into the broader development of Destination Wasaga, under the condition that the beach remains public.
“This investment is part of our government’s ongoing plan to protect Ontario by supporting the people, places and local economies that make our province strong,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By preserving the unique character of Wasaga Beach, we’re helping to protect a valued part of Ontario’s heritage while promoting long-term economic growth in the region.”
Nancy Island is the site where the HMS Nancy fought against three American schooners during the War of 1812, with support from the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs. Although the HMS Nancy was lost during the conflict, two of the attacking American ships were soon captured by the Nancy’s crew, stopping their advance and protecting Canadian territory. The current site tells the story of the War of 1812 and houses substantial artifacts, including the charred hull of the HMS Nancy. A theatre, museum and replica lighthouse are also located on the island. While visitors can still admire these invaluable artifacts and visit the site, there is an urgent need to restore and preserve the facility and ensure its sustainability, which the funding announced today will help meet.
“The revitalization of the beachfront and Nancy Island Historic Site will help transform Wasaga Beach into a premier, world-class tourism destination and draw more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations and main street businesses,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government’s investments in Wasaga Beach are part of our plan to protect workers and businesses in the tourism industry across Ontario by driving visitation and economic growth, while preserving critical pieces of Canadian culture and history.”
This project builds on the government’s continued efforts to protect Ontario’s economy and the workers who depend on our tourism sector by promoting tourism across Ontario. It also preserves an important part of Ontario and Canada’s heritage at a time when Ontario’s economy is being directly targeted by American tariffs.
Celebrate Summer at Longest Freshwater Beach in the World!
By Town of Wasaga Beach – Here’s the full lineup:
Kick-off to Summer featuring Elton Rohn, and The Carpet Frogs. June 27 at the Wasaga Stars Arena. Tickets available now at wbse.ca.
Summer Sets – Stonebridge Gazebo
- June 6: Kitty and the Boys
- June 13: Huronia Hot Strings
- June 20: Too Nice
- June 27: Whisky River
- July 4: The Sandra Good Band
- July 11: Déjà vu
- July 18: Jess Bowman
- July 25: Sydney Riley
- August 1: Beaver Valley Concert Band
- August 8: Mirage
- August 15: Motes and Oates
- August 22: Queen M
- August 29: Freez’Careeb
Beach Area 1 – Main Stage
- June 28: Canada Day concert featuring Reggaddiction.
- August 30: Memories of Summer, featuring Queen Flash.
Trail Tunes – The award-winning Trail Tunes returns June 7, featuring The Black & Blues, Genevieve Cyr and The Trio+.
Music in the Park – Oakview Woods Gazebo
- June 24: Andrea Johnston
- July 1: The James Brown Trio
- July 8: The Sean Stanly Duo
- July 15: The Sidewalk Crusaders
- July 22: Jim & Randi
- July 29: Gayle Ackroyd
- August 5: Michel DeQuevedo
- August 12: The Mugs
- August 19: Key Legends (Dan McVeigh)
- August 26: Mariachi Fuego
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival. September 12-14. Get tickets here.
Summer fun for the whole family
In addition to live music, the Town of Wasaga Beach has organized a full summer of fun for the whole family.
- 5K Foam Fest returns on July 19th.
- The annual Multisport Triathalon is set to take place on August 23.
- Delicious food trucks return to Beach Area 1 in our new beachfront Fun Zone.
- Movies Under the Stars begins July 2nd, featuring Wicked. Note the location has changed to 120 Glenwood across from Town Hall. Other movies include Wild Robot, Mama Mia, Guardians of the Galaxy, Cars, Avengers End Game, Inside Out 2 and more!
For more information, visit wasagabeach.com/events