A new health and wellness village. A new Costco. A new hotel on top of the terminals! Collingwood isn't just growing – it's becoming a serious alternative to the GTA for people who want the lifestyle of a less urban setting, and a town that's actually investing in an exciting future.
But it's not just happening in Collingwood. The entire Southern Georgian Bay area is in store for some major upgrades which Andrea Mendes, a Collingwood realtor, says "will draw in new residents to a region that's already a popular outdoor destination for southern Ontarians."
The Collingwood Terminals Transformation
Let's start with the Collingwood terminals building – a well-known landmark in town. The former grain terminals are slated for a major transformation. Plans by Streetcar Developments and Dream envision a mixed-use redevelopment that will preserve the historic silos while introducing a hotel, residential condominium component, and public gathering spaces.
The top level is planned to feature a restaurant/bar with views of the Blue Mountains and sunsets over the Niagara escarpment and Georgian Bay. At the base of the silos, there will be space for vendors and community uses, along with major improvements to the surrounding waterfront and Millennium Park. If it delivers on the vision, it could become the defining landmark of Collingwood's next chapter.
Photo: https://streetcar.ca/project/collingwood-grain-terminals-revitalization/
New Healthcare Infrastructure
Generally, with new growth comes the need for expanded healthcare. The Poplar Regional Health & Wellness Village is a long-term, large-scale project planned along Poplar Sideroad in the town's East end. It's designed to become a hub for healthcare, wellness services, and innovation, and will include the future site of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, pending provincial approvals.
The project will be built in phases over many years, but it's an important consideration for anyone looking to retire or invest in the area, as it reflects the region's commitment to modernizing and supporting a growing population.
New Housing Developments in Collingwood
In terms of new housing developments in Collingwood, there are a few worth mentioning. The Residences at Silvercreek, located on Highway 26 across from Lighthouse Point, are currently under construction and feature an expansive 4,800 sq ft amenity space catering to lifestyle seekers. Nearby, the Reverie townhome development is also planned for the area, offering high-end bungalow-style townhomes with upscale finishes.
Andrea says, "This particular area is becoming Collingwood's new sought-after condo/townhome hub. You get bungalow living with close proximity to skiing at Blue Mountain Resort – among other ski clubs, convenient access to nearby golf courses and local attractions like the Scandinave Spa for relaxation. Buyers also have the opportunity to customize their homes, selecting materials and finishes that suit their personal style. It's low-maintenance, lifestyle-living in Collingwood."
"Right beside my own neighbourhood is the new Poplar Trails townhome development by Sunvale Homes," says Andrea. "This area gives you direct access to Collingwood's trail network and a great little spot to watch the salmon run in the fall along the banks of the Pretty River, which is just a short walk away from the development." Residents of this area could also benefit from grocery shopping being just a block away if the new No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart are added to the new plaza proposed at the corner of Hurontario and Poplar Sideroad.
Adding to the historical charm of Collingwood with a modern twist is the new Victoria Annex development – a boutique community featuring both luxury detached and semi-detached homes. Located near the downtown within the coveted "tree streets," these thoughtfully designed residences add architectural variety while complementing the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. In Andrea's view, "Victoria Annex is a great example of how home builders can add to the town's historical appeal in a luxurious way."
"Perhaps my favourite and most anticipated development is the Collingwood Quay condo building along the Collingwood harbour," says Andrea. "It will be a key part of the waterfront's revitalization. This will be a boutique condo residence, expected to be completed in 2027. From this building, you could view both sunrises and sunsets over Georgian Bay. There's also space for a restaurant overlooking the water."
Developments in The Blue Mountains
In the Town of The Blue Mountains, the Aquavil development is a planned waterfront community taking shape along the Craigleith shoreline. The community will feature 125 townhomes and 16 waterfront detached residences, thoughtfully designed around approximately 1,100 feet of pristine Georgian Bay beach.
Andrea notes, "This is one of the more anticipated developments in the area. Aquavil's location puts you just minutes from the ski clubs, trails, Collingwood, and everything that makes this region so appealing. It's a project worth watching for buyers considering a future move to the area."
Down the road along Grey Road 21 the Blue Vista development (under construction) offers new detached, semis and blogalow homes with direct mountain views. This location is nestled between part of the Monterra Golf Course and the Scandinave Spa.
The Wasaga Beach Revitalization
Of course, you can't talk about the alluring changes coming to Southern Georgian Bay without mentioning the Wasaga Beach revitalization initiatives. The outdated structures of Beach 1 have been demolished to make way for a completely new look that some say has been long overdue.
"There will be a new Marriott hotel going in that will have spaces for restaurants and cafes, as well as a public square," says Andrea. Adjacent and currently under construction is The Breakers (by Stonebridge Building Group). This is a development of live/work townhomes and shops that will add to the new village feel of the area. This area, as well as Beach Drive, are scheduled to be completed in 2028 if there are no delays.
"I used to visit Wasaga Beach coming from Bradford when I was a teenager, so being able to live through both versions of this area is something that is special to me," says Andrea.
Photo: https://engagewasaga.ca/beachfront-redevelopment
Retail & Commercial Growth
Yes, Collingwood has big-name stores and groceries such as Walmart, Loblaws, FreshCo, Metro, and a new Farm Boy opening soon. But future residents may be excited to know that the region is also getting a Costco near the Collingwood/Wasaga Beach town line.
In Andrea's experience, "The new Costco is particularly exciting because now we won't need to drive an hour away to the ones in Orillia or Barrie. It's also a good sign that this area is due to maintain a steady level of growth, both residential and business."
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
This area is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs. Small towns like Collingwood are ideal for testing new ideas and offering unique experiences that aren't yet available locally.
For example, and according to Andrea, the town does not yet have a Portuguese restaurant, bakery or cafe, creating a chance for someone to fill in the gap in the community. With many products and services still missing compared to larger cities, the town is ripe for creative ventures that cater to both locals and visitors.
It does, however, have other successful entrepreneurial ventures that have become local favourites, such as the Caesar Bar, the Collingwood Surf Club, the sourdough pizza joint/brewery – Later Pizza/Endswell Beer, Mad Dogs vinyl record store, Gym Giant, the new Greek restaurant ZISIS Greek Street Food, and the new hot spot restaurant – Bocado, which is Andrea's personal favourite. These restaurants and businesses have all been very welcome additions to Collingwood and serve as great inspiration for anyone looking to bring something new to the town.
Conclusion
These modern new developments and opportunities are poised to shape the Collingwood area for the better. From waterfront condos and boutique townhomes to new healthcare infrastructure and ambitious revitalization projects, the Collingwood area is becoming an even more inviting place to live for those looking for that Southern Georgian Bay lifestyle.
