Midhurst/August 12, 2026 – The County of Simcoe is taking the next step in delivering more affordable housing in Wasaga Beach, with County Council approving the advancement of planning approvals and detailed work design work for the proposed Zoo Park Phase 2 Affordable Housing Development.
Building on the success of the existing 99-unit Simcoe County Housing Corporation (SCHC) development at 175 Zoo Park Road, the proposed project would add new affordable housing opportunities for seniors and individuals while supporting the County’s long-term commitment to increasing housing supply across the region.
The proposed development includes a six-storey mixed-income building containing a total of 155 residential units. By maximizing the site’s potential, the proposed design would create additional affordable housing while incorporating County Social and Community Services space and a range of resident-focused amenities. The additional units are aimed to meet affordable housing needs in the area, and we thank the Town for working with us to ensure neighbourhood compatibility and function. Staff are proceeding with Council direction and will continue to evaluate Council’s feedback to potentially add a few smaller studio units and enhanced all-ages outdoor space.
With Council approval, County staff will now proceed with the planning, engineering and design work required to advance the project to a permit-ready stage. Staff will also continue to work with the Town of Wasaga Beach on the transfer of lands to the Simcoe County Housing Corporation, explore funding opportunities, and evaluate partnership options that could support the project’s long-term financial sustainability.
Subject to future funding approvals and Council authorization, construction could begin as early as 2028, with occupancy targeted for 2030.
The Zoo Park Phase 2 project forms part of the County’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy and supports the goals of the Building Up Simcoe County – Our Community Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention strategy by increasing access to affordable housing for residents across the housing continuum.
Quotes
“Advancing Zoo Park Phase 2 is another important step in the County of Simcoe’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing and ensuring residents have access to safe, stable places to call home. Projects like this are essential to achieving our housing target of 20,996 new homes between 2025 and 2035, as outlined in the County’s Community Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy. By creating more affordable housing opportunities in communities like Wasaga Beach, we are helping meet the needs of residents today while planning for future growth.”
- Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“During my previous term as Mayor, we worked with the County of Simcoe to deliver 99 much-needed affordable homes at Zoo Park Road. Today, we’re building on that success and taking another major step toward 155 more homes for seniors and residents who need affordable housing in Wasaga Beach. This project reflects years of advocacy and partnership, and I’m proud to see that work continuing to deliver results for our community. We appreciate the County’s continued commitment to helping us ensure Wasaga Beach remains a place that people of all ages and incomes can call home.”
- Brian Smith, Mayor of Wasaga Beach