The results are in for a $75,000 consultation on the Muskoka Heritage Place. The study, paid for by the province, was presented to the town Wednesday morning, and outlined a number of recommendations to bring in more tourists and boost local visitor numbers.
Those recommendations include building a covered outdoor pavilion, to allow for special events and wedding receptions after the ceremony is held in the church. It could be as big as 60 feet by 50 feet, which will have enough room for a bonfire pit. The design will stay in line with the heritage village theme.
Lord Cultural Resources is also recommending a number of changes to admission prices. The consultation company says it should be free for Huntsville residents, except for special events, and admission be lowered by about $4.50 for a village and train combo ticket for everyone else. The company also recommends the heritage village be open from Canada Day to Labour Day, and open on the weekends in May, June, September and October. The public park will be open the rest of time.
Finally, the report recommends the site re-brand, from the Muskoka Heritage Place to Muskoka Heritage Park. The park would be free, and open for walking, running, cross country skiing, picnics, and other outdoor activities all year round, even when the heritage village is closed.
Nothing has been decided on by the town yet, and there is still time to give feedback on the recommendations. There is a public meeting at the Active Living Centre on Tuesday night at 6:30pm.
You can check out the full report from Lord Cultural Resources on the town website.
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Community input on the Muskoka Heritage Place is starting to roll in