The Town of Bracebridge is moving forward with plans to build two apartment buildings, with a mix of market and affordable units, at the former Memorial Arena site.
The buildings are expected to include 90 to 108 residential units and provide housing for up to 245 residents, according to a report presented by Jon Morton, chief operating officer of Greystone Project Management Inc., during a special planning and development committee meeting on Feb. 25.
Morton said at least 25 per cent of these units will be offered at affordable rental rates, with a minimum 10-year affordability commitment required.
According to the report, a four-storey building with 15 to 21 units, offering a mix of market and affordable rentals, will be owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity. While the other, a six-storey building with 75 to 87 units and dedicated space for children’s programming, will be owned by the District of Muskoka.
The former Memorial Arena site has remained vacant since the summer of 2024. This followed the opening of the new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, which led to the official decommissioning and demolition of the former arena.
The report states the new project is a public, private, and non-profit contractual agreement with Greystone Project Management Inc., Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and the District Municipality of Muskoka.
As part of the redevelopment, the town will contribute municipally owned land with an estimated value of $1.17 million. This commitment also includes professional support for planning and land assembly throughout the process. The municipality is also considering providing exemptions for development charges.
“With any luck would be starting construction in the fall of this year and breaking ground,” said Morton. “We figure it’s about a two-year construction time frame. So, essentially, we’re shooting for occupancy by 2028 for these buildings for the amount of people and units that we’ve talked about. Both buildings will be completed at the same time.”
After a lengthy discussion, council voted in favour of awarding the project to Greystone Project Management Inc.
