Ahead of the Bracebridge Memorial Arena being demolished, council is looking for options on what to do with the soon-to-be vacant land at 169 James St.
A request for proposals (RFP) was recommended during the July 3 Planning and Development Committee meeting and approved during the July 10 council meeting.
In a report by Jennifer Clancy, manager of economic development, the area is being torn down as part of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre project. She says the arena will be demolished this August and it, along with the vacant properties at 32 and 36 Ann St., available for future redevelopment.
Clancy says the total land available is 1.48 acres.
As part of the town’s Downtown Master Plan, she outlines how redeveloping the land for housing, including affordable units, a daycare, and improving the nearby skatepark into a youth park were suggested as possibilities.
“We can see what is out there, what the interest is, what developers or partners may come to the table and see where it goes from there,” said Clancy during the committee meeting, adding nothing is set in stone yet, but they want this to be an open process for developers.
Some councillors raised concerns about whether or not the skatepark should be included as part of the land available for development, but Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney reminded his colleagues on the importance of allowing developers room to be creative.
“When you cast your net, the haul of fish you pull in, some of it is stuff you want to throw back, some of it is what you want to keep,” he said.
In her report, Clancy says the RFP process will open soon and, around the same time, staff will get the land appraised.
She adds towards the end of this year, a report will be in front of the town’s Planning and Development Committee with results of the RFP with the successful bidder – if one is chosen – entering into an agreement with the town in early 2025.
“Council will not be obligated to accept any proposals that may be received in response to the RFP,” added Clancy.
