During their next general committee meeting Bracebridge Town councillors are taking a closer look at houses on Kimberly Avenue and Ann Street for potential rental to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC).
In particular, on Tuesday councillors will consider whether to negotiate a rental agreement with MAHC for the Town-owned rental properties at 89 Kimberley Avenue and 36 Ann Street.
In May 2010, the Town acquired 32 and 36 Ann Street for a cost of $182,000 and $220,000 (less a $20,000 donation to the Town in exchange for a tax receipt) respectively.
The purpose of the acquisitions was to further the Town’s land assembly efforts surrounding the arena for future redevelopment purposes. Currently, the Town owns all the properties on this block, except for the State Farm Insurance property located at 46 Ann Street.
The house at 32 Ann Street was demolished shortly following acquisition, and the property remains vacant.
Town staff have held meetings with staff from MAHC to discuss lease arrangements for both 89 Kimberley Avenue and 36 Ann Street. Although MAHC are unable to commit to any specific arrangements until a more formal arrangement is negotiated, staff from MAHC confirmed they are interested in further exploring various ways to work with the Town to utilize the properties for MAHC staff housing requirements.
As both properties are within walking distance to MAHC’s South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site, they appear to be a viable option for MAHC to accommodate a variety of health care professionals, including short-term accommodations.
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Why not demolish the Arena and all the houses on the whole block and use this as the site for the new Acute care Hospital a 4-5 story state of the art facility and then convert the current Hospital to longterm care , outpatient treatments and a Health education centre with Administration and fiancé and other support services on this current site .Walable to new Hospital Tower. Also room for Hospital to add Staff rental housing on this site which would pay for itself as well as be a great recruitment incentive.