The Construction of a New History, Experiences, and Memories of Wasaga Beach

The town of Wasaga Beach has become such a popular destination among the summer months for teenagers and adults since the main strips is full of bars, hotels, arcades, bikini shops, and many other attractions that these people enjoy. People come here to party by the beach where they catch some summer rays, hang out with friends, meet new people, and get drunk, even though it is illegal. Wasaga Beach began as a small community where businesses began to start up by the beach in order to attract more city people that would invest their money into the town. Wasaga has transformed from a rural space into a place that is known by large amounts of Ontarioians as a wild party scene that has become a mini city of its own. Stepping into this place for the first time, one is aware of its beach party vibe that is made up of mainly younger individuals. It is not a place for relaxation or a family vacation because it so loud with music blaring from bars, stereos, and cars that are lined up on the strip to show off. As well, there are so many young males and females walking around barely dressed in anything acting rowdy and drunk which may be a reason why families do not come and expose their young children. The town has become so attractive to people that it is home to many seasonal people that have bought cottages just for the excitement that comes along during the summer months, as well for temporary residents that rent motels and cottages to get away from the large city.
However, Wasaga Beach on Novermber 30, 2007 experienced a large fire that burnt down 70% of the main strip that consisted historical buildings and shops that dated back from the 1930’s. Not only did businesses and residents suffer because their community had been destroyed and has lost its history due to all the structures that were lost. The phenomenological approach would illustrate how people will now gain a new experience in Wasaga Beach that will transform it into a different place. This place that had given a fun experience and used to celebrate prom after parties or long weekends will now only become a memory. They can no longer go back and have the same experiences since the original setting has been damaged and the reconstruction will give a new vibe to the place. In a way, people that have relied on it as a summer vacation will experience homelessness this year since they cannot return to it and must find another place to give them a similar experience.
Although, it is not to say that this is totally a negative impact because although the history of town have been destroyed, the town has a new chance to give off a new meaning, image, and experience. The fact that the city will have to build new structures may be positive since it could attract more people to check out the new facilities where they can invest their money and continue its streak of fun experiences. A $400 million development is being planned along the beach and is expected to revamp the area with upscale restaurants, trendy boutiques and a new theme park. This plan for a modern look may be beneficial since before the fire, the main strip gave off a raunchy vibe due to the older rundown buildings. Wasaga Beach will continue to be known by many people as a place full of excitement from all the memories and experiences shared by individuals. It will still be a beautiful setting and popular due to its beach even after the disaster. It will also allow for new experiences and give the town a new history and improved look. Many businesses have suffered and full time and temporary residents were forced to lose out this summer where any plans that they made from before the fire have to be changed. People can only wait and see how the new Wasaga Beach strip will look and the vibe it will give off. It might be successful in attracting more people whereas some will miss its old ways. However, people will try to make the best of it because it has been a home to many whether all year round or only in the summer months. But it is definite that visitors will come to check out the new Wasaga Beach.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/281363
Karolina Kepa