Our Town - Our Future
INSPIRE WASAGA BEACH
When people think about Wasaga Beach, they often think of our beautiful shoreline, our river, our trails, our parks, and all of the incredible things that make this such a wonderful place to visit.
But I’ve come to believe that what truly makes Wasaga Beach special isn’t the beach, the buildings, the streets, the river, or the longest freshwater beach in the world.
IT'S THE PEOPLE!
I know that because I was born and raised right here in Wasaga Beach. This community shaped who I am.
I can remember when our population was around 700 people. Back then, everyone seemed to know everyone else, and if they didn’t, it didn’t take long for them to do so.
Growing up here, I learned what it means to look out for your neighbours, to lend a hand when someone needs it, and to celebrate each other’s successes while standing together through life’s challenges.
I remember the midway at Playland Park, where every summer it felt like the centre of the world. I remember buying day-old donuts at Caroline’s Bakery for ten cents each and selling them to the Kearneys for twenty-five cents—or trading them for free rides because they couldn’t leave their post.
Looking back, I guess that was my first entrepreneurial venture!
I remember Seymour Spiegelman and his wife Noreen------the Great Seymour—the Candyman, who sold all kinds of candy like candy floss, candy apples, chocolate-covered bananas and chocolate-covered ice cream on a stick rolled in nuts. This special man who gave away to children as much as he sold. His sister Adele Young, who ran the bingo hall day and night every summer.
I remember Peter Janda and his family operating the penny arcade. I remember Donald Fielding, who founded Playland Park, and his general managers Ralph Myles and Jack Ross. Ralph’s daughter Debbie still lives here and operates her own business. I remember when Don sold the business to his nephews, Billy and Barry Connell, who also operated Canada’s Conklin Shows and travelled the country, bringing smiles to communities everywhere.
I also remember Genos Pizza, Frank and Vito's Panzerottis, The Barn Board, the Pioneer and the Apollo 11 restaurant and Tavern.
I remember the Kowalik family at the Georgian Tavern, where I spent three summers singing upstairs. In fact, only a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with members of the Kowalik family, reminiscing about those wonderful days and the memories we all still cherish.
I also played in my band at The Allistona, Nancy Villa, Dyconya, and before that at Ireland's Tavern right at the corner of Main St and Glenwood Drive.
I remember playing Tonka trucks in the parking lot and the sandbox with Ernie Osborne the 3rd between the Osborne Five and Dime stores. Today, the fourth generation of the Osborne family continues that legacy at the Castle Gifts and the Jewel Box, just as they have for decades.
I remember the old joke shop, where you could buy every prank imaginable—fake poop, whoopee cushions—and, if you knew where to look, the only firecrackers you could seem to find anywhere.
I remember the Gupta family, the Mazitis family, the Pacini family at the Beacon, Louies Frys and Rex Haxhius Terris Tavern whose beautiful daughters Nika and Ava and their brother Jimmy still live here in Wasaga Beach.
So many other families whose names are woven into the fabric of this town. Many are still here today, continuing the traditions started generations ago.
I remember when Beach Builders Home Hardware wasn’t there at all. It was Tiger Carts—a go-kart track where so many of us spent our summers. I remember sliding down the giant slide at Pedro’s backwards while waxing the slide in the way down, and for that, I could ride anytime for free because Sam, Jacks dad was such a great guy, that’s another business that is generational, my mentor for years Jack Prezio is now in his 80s and his son Dean along with his wonderful wife Margo run the business today.
We often went to Jays Drive-In for a burger and onion rings located where Pizza Pizza is today and right across the street at Beck Squire was Wasaga Hydro, the Chamber of Commerce, the OPP station and below was a community center and above was the post office where I learned to shine my boots with Mr. Hewit Kwick who ran a janitorial business and cleaned the government buildings in the evenings. Hewit was the lead in bringing the cenotaph to Town Hall, and I remember playing the Last Post and Reveille at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nancy Island as a Sea Cadet on Remembrance Day.
And one of the greatest joys I still have today is running into my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Schneider. I’m proud to say that after all these years, she still helps me with every one of my election campaigns. That says something about Wasaga Beach. People here never stop believing in each other.
Those memories may seem small on their own, but together they tell the story of a community that has always cared for one another.
The people of this town have always been willing to help each other. That spirit of kindness isn’t something new—it’s who we’ve always been. Looking back, I know the encouragement, support and opportunities I received from so many people in this community played a huge role in helping me become the person I am today. I will always be grateful for that.
As our town continues to grow and evolve, there will be changes. New developments will come. New opportunities will arise. We’ll continue moving forward in a positive way, and we should.
But no matter what changes come, one thing must never change—the heart of Wasaga Beach.
Because no matter how much our town grows, it is the people who will always give Wasaga Beach its small-town feel, its welcoming spirit, and its incredible sense of community.
That is why I am so proud to serve as your Mayor. Not because of the title, but because I have the privilege of serving the people who make this community so extraordinary.
I often say that communities aren’t built with bricks and mortar. They aren’t defined by roads, buildings, rivers, or even the world’s longest freshwater beach in the world.
Those things make Wasaga Beach beautiful, but they don’t make it home.
The people do.
As long as we continue to care for one another, support one another, be kind to one another, and work together, Wasaga Beach will always be a place where people feel they belong.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in that Wasaga Beach. I’m fortunate enough to still call Wasaga Beach home. And my greatest hope is that our children and grandchildren will grow up feeling exactly what I felt—that this isn’t just a town.
It’s home.
Thank you for allowing me the honour of serving the community that has given me so much throughout my entire life.
This is why I ask for your support for Team Wasaga in this election.
Now let's keep it going.
This is why I ask for your support for Team Wasaga in this election.
Let's keep it going.