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.
Next Steps and Estimated Timing
Floor plans and expected rental rates
With the selected option, it includes 155 total suites (including 122 1-bedroom suites, 23 BF 1-bedroom suites, 8 2-bedroom suites, and 2 guest/emergency suites. The building will include a tenant common room with direct access to tenant laundry facilities, rooftop patio amenity area including raised garden boxes, secure residential elevator, ground level community program room and community kitchen, secure indoor bike and scooter storage, and indoor garbage and recycling room.
As this is an affordable rental development, the proposed affordability mix will include:
- 80% of Average Market Rent: 122 suites
- 100% of Average Market Rent: 16 suites
- 120% of Average Market Rent: 15 suites
With the selected option, there are 122 1-bedroom suites proposed along with 23 BF 1-bedroom suites proposed.
In this building, rents will range from 80-120% of Average Market Rents for these units. Based on CMHC’s Rental Market Survey Data (October 2025), 1-bedroom units expected rents would range between $1134-$1702 (subject to change based on CMHC Rental Market Survey Data).
With the selected option, there are 8 2-bedroom suites proposed.
In this building, rents will range from 80-120% of Average Market Rents for these units. Based on CMHC’s Rental Market Survey Data (October 2025), 2-bedroom units expected rents would range between $1307-$1961 (subject to change based on CMHC Rental Market Survey Data).
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