Bracebridge, Ontario

downtown improvement grants. “We recognize that we do have a unique downtown, with our historic homegrown red brick predominant through the downtown core,” says Maloney. “And we want to make sure that we keep that kind of hometown feel of a small community in our downtown.” The program’s success is measurable, with close to 1 million dollars invested in downtown for every 100,000 in grant money. “It is really keeping up with the historic look of downtown, so it is in good shape and not showing its age,” Rettie notes. The Town of Bracebridge is currently developing a master plan for continued downtown revitalization, including a recently purchased lumber mill. This property has a significant role in future development plans, linking the Muskoka River with the core area. Currently underway is the replacement of a 100-year-old bridge, known as The Black Bridge. The historic structure, which crosses the south branch of the Muskoka River, is a key connection for residents and has needed replacement for several years. “Bridges cost a lot of money,” Maloney explains. “If we had to replace this bridge on our own without some assistance through the Canada Infrastructure Program, we would be hard pressed to live up to some of the expectations of the community and the enhancements that we would want to see. We were fortunate to receive grant money for $2.1 million, on a $2.5 million project. That allowed us some flexibility to do some design enhancements that look and fit into the community and provide some accessibility enhancements like a secondary walkway that would allow pedestrians and vehicles to be separated.” Another major infrastructure update is the building of a multi-use Community Centre to replace a 100-year-old library and an 70-year- old arena that no longer meet the needs of the growing community. The project, which is nearing the end of the design stage, was meant to be a full build, saving valuable public dollars. Currently unable to secure government funding, the plan is going to a phased approach, starting with the arena, then adding a library and fieldhouse. Maloney acknowledges, “As we plan and go forward with this initiative, we are doing all the design work for what would have been a full build, so that we’re shovel ready at any given time to move ahead in any of the phases. We will continue to approach the upper levels on funding opportunities. Right now, the municipality is moving forward with 100 percent municipal funding on the arena portion.” Bracebridge is continuously working to maintain its proud status as the “Heart of Muskoka” and develop a strong home town for full- time residents. As Maloney shares, “One of the things that comes to mind when folks think of Muskoka and Bracebridge is the elaborate cottages and people enjoying recreation. But we are not sitting back on any kind of laurels here in our community. We recognize that we need to be very proactive to ensure that Bracebridge continues to be the town that people recognize as a great place to live, work and play.” BRACEBR IDGE , ONTAR IO