The Town of Bracebridge is set to enhance the grounds of the Muskoka Lumber Centre following a recent decision by the general committee. Councilors have accepted a donation of 17.6 acres of vacant land adjacent to the Muskoka Lumber Centre.
Town staff have indicated that this new land could be utilized for hiking trails, as well as a potential outdoor skating trail or skating pad.
A 2016 staff report highlighted a previous donation from Willen Investments Inc., which contributed 22 acres of land to the Town for the future construction of a new arena and fieldhouse, now known as the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. That parcel was appraised at $1.2 M and a donation receipt was subsequently issued to Willen Investments Inc. for the transaction.
In March 2025, Cindy Goble from Willen Investments Inc. reached out to the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer to explore the possibility of donating additional land from the remaining holdings owned by Willen, which are located immediately south of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.
The Recreation Department has noted that acquiring this land through donation would significantly enhance passive recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors in Bracebridge. Its strategic location could facilitate active transportation connections to current and future subdivisions to the south.
This new property could be integrated into the Town’s existing multi-use trail network, offering active transportation routes with the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre serving as a start/finish point.
Additionally, naturalist programs offered by the Bracebridge Library could incorporate elements of the surrounding environment, such as forests, wetlands, and streams, to complement in-class learning experiences.
According to staff, there is potential for a portion of the newly acquired land to become viable for an outdoor artificial ice-skating trail or pad in the future. This could utilize existing or expanded capacity from the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre’s ice plant, providing a more reliable and extended operating season while allowing facility staff to manage maintenance and oversight.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox six times per week!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments