A new four-storey, 44-unit affordable housing complex is now open in Bracebridge.
The building, located at 100 Pine Street, is a 44-unit development on land owned by the District of Muskoka, offering a mix of affordable studio and one-bedroom rental units.
“The building supports people who have been on a variety of different community housing wait lists and people who have been at risk of or experiencing homelessness,” said Mckenzie Barnes, communications coordinator with the district. “It includes 44 units designed specifically for seniors and people living with disabilities.”
She said the project includes a range of environmentally friendly features designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and lower long-term operating costs.
District Chair Jeff Lehman said the project first came to council in February 2023 and was initially planned as an 18-unit development.
After several months of negotiations with Greystone Project Management Inc., which designed, built, and tendered the project, the development ultimately grew into a four-storey, 44-unit building at a total cost of $15 million.
He said it was funded through multiple levels of government, including approximately $9 million in federal funding, a joint provincial and federal contribution of $1.5 million, as well as other non-repayable loans and financing.
Lehman said the building, which was built in the fall of 2024, includes accessibility features throughout and is the most accessible and energy-efficient building the District has constructed.
“Not only does this building not have any ductwork, because it’s all electric; It has units that the residents can control their own heat and cooling,” said Lehman. “It’s got solar on the roof to help pay the power bills for this building.”
He said the building includes 10 income-based apartments, with all rental rates set below $1,100. Most units range from approximately $500 to $900 per month.
Lehman said this building will serve as a model for future housing developments coming to Muskoka.
