The proposed extension of Salmon Avenue may include an Active Transportation-friendly option in Bracebridge.
Town staff are suggesting the addition of dedicated on road bike lanes to the extension that would see Salmon Avenue connect between Wellington Street and Muskoka Road 118 West. The extension would also see the addition of a multi-use trail, which could provide a safer option for recreational cyclists. A sidewalk would be added to the other side of the street for pedestrians.
Bike lanes were proposed as an addition to the Santa’s Village Road reconstruction project being headed by the District of Muskoka. However, that proposal was vetoed in favour of a less impactful option, which wouldn’t cut as far into private properties along that stretch of road.
The Salmon Avenue extension is planned to provide access to the proposed arena complex or multi-use facility. The cost at this point is pegged at $3.4 million and will need to be approved by council during the budget review running next week.
As for the proposed Multi-Use Facility, which is meant to replace both the Bracebridge Memorial Arena and the public library, town staff will spend 2019 working on securing provincial and federal grants to help offset the cost of the facility. The town will also work to secure a contractor to oversee the design and construction of the facility as well as put together a design committee and look for sponsorship opportunities.
The 2019 costs associated with this project are expected to run just over $1.7 million for Project Management and Design Fees, with town staff proposing the money comes from debenture and reserve funds.
