Business View Civil and Municipal | April 2021

88 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL ARIL 2021 are a four-gigabyte community and a majority shareholder in a local energy provider, Lakeland Networks. Well before the pandemic, they have worked on securing government assistance to expand broadband in our community. I think that will be the advantage, coming out of COVID, how connected to the worldwide web we are. We recognized that need a long time ago and have been working with our electrical service provider and Lakeland in an effort to expand their broadband throughout Bracebridge.” With the addition of two industrial parks, the town is prepared to welcome more business sectors. CAO Stephen Rettie explains, “We have unlocked a couple sections in our town for some light industrial development. We worked with a local organization to put in the road infrastructure and electricity infrastructure and gas to service several industrial lots. The demand for business in Muskoka is going to be tourism related and servicing the cottage industry, but we recognize the need for a good cross section of jobs. Unlocking some of those lands to create light industrial development has proven beneficial to us, and we’re getting constant requests. There is building in both the industrial parks that will create some moderate-income paying jobs and make the economy more robust than just focusing on tourism and servicing the cottage industry.” The District has also committed to investing in the Muskoka Airport, which is expected to pay off with growth and specialized employment opportunities for the community. Downtown Bracebridge is a charming historic area, featuring gorgeous red brick century buildings, unique architecture, and stunning views of Bracebridge Falls. Dedicated to maintaining the character of the downtown, Bracebridge has a community investment program which awards grant money to business and property owners for signage and building improvements. Provincially recognized, this award-winning program is part of the town budget, with $100,000 designated yearly to Contact us to get your project started . Phone: 705-653-0323 Direct: 647-523-9227 Email: bkalus@planmac.com www.planmac.com PLANMAC ENGINEERING INC. 50 Years of Engineering Innovation And Excellence Town of Bracebridge Black Bridge replacement on Matthiasville Road Project Planning Class Environmental Assessment Investigations Transportation, Structural and Municipal Engineering Construction Administration 92 Caplan Avenue, Suite 115, Barrie, ON L4N 9J2