Bracebridge council has approved a new official plan, which will help guide the development and growth of the community.
“We want to be – as we have been – one of the fastest growing communities in Muskoka,” said Maloney. “But we also want to balance that while keeping our natural heritage, and our environment.”
The Official Plan received approval from council on July 9. It will go to the District of Muskoka for review, and then come back to council for endorsement.
The Town will be using the updated document to help guide several redevelopment projects that are currently in the works.
The town is planning to give new life to the old Carnegie Library by turning it into a municipal space for their Economic Development team, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown BIA and the Muskoka Small Business Development Center.
“We absolutely value the importance of preserving our history,” said Maloney. “But also knowing that as a growing community we want to be able to provide people the services they need and require.”
The Rona property, at 10 Entrance Drive, is land that Maloney frequently receives questions about.
He said the town is looking to turn that property into a public space and conversations are ongoing. Some of the ideas being considered include: a splash pad, an outdoor theatre, and a corner store restaurant. Staff have also talked about moving the farmers market and expanding its shoulder seasons, so it can open earlier in the spring and run later in the fall.
“But that will also continue to have great public input as we narrow the focus of that project,” said Maloney.
The lands behind the newly built Muskoka Lumber Community Centre have been reallocated and donated back to the town as a conservation area.
According to Maloney, the plan is to expand some of the trail networks in the area, to provide opportunities for residents and visitors to get closer to nature.
“We’re excited about that opportunity as well. To be able to have these environmentally significant areas that are easily accessible for folks,” he said.
Another project that is continuing is redevelopment of the former Memorial Arena site in the downtown.
Maloney said they are moving along with that housing project, and that council is very focused on seeing that project turn into the type of housing that has the highest demand in our community.
“We see that as a real opportunity to make a dent in some of the housing challenges we have in our community,” he said. “We are very pleased with the progress of that project to date.”
Developers were invited to submit proposals for the vacant 1.48-acre site earlier this year. The Request for Proposals (RFP) closed March 3, and the town is now working with one of the respondents on a vision for the property.
Maloney said he hopes that later this year, he will be able to make an announcement on the future of the Memorial Arena site.
