Bracebridge council has formally signed off on a project for the former Memorial Arena property in Bracebridge, which could bring more than 100 new housing units to the community.
During a special town council meeting on March 3, residents addressed council with concerns about aspects of the proposal, including crime prevention planning, building height, parking and safety around the nearby skate park.
Mayor Rick Maloney acknowledged those concerns but said the project represents an important opportunity to increase attainable housing in the community.
“We have an opportunity to partner with some key partners,” Maloney said during the meeting, noting the site’s accessibility to transportation and nearby retail amenities.
“This will be affordable, attainable housing stock in our community forever,” he added. “This is hitting the mark for me in many areas, and we look forward to seeing this project move forward.”
Maloney said several things need to be worked out and concerns will be addressed.
“This is episode 1, season one in a series that we’ll go through that will see almost 2550 people find residence in this building.”
Council awarded the project to Greystone Project Management, which will deliver the development through a public-private-non-profit partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and the District Municipality of Muskoka.
The redevelopment is planned for the former arena property at 169 James St. and adjacent lands on Ann Street. The arena was decommissioned and demolished after the opening of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in the summer of 2024.
Four proposals were received through the town’s request for proposals process, with Greystone’s submission advancing following discussions with municipal and community partners. In December 2025, Muskoka council confirmed its in-principle support for participating in the project, including owning one of the proposed buildings.
The concept plan includes two apartment buildings providing between 90 and 108 residential units, housing up to approximately 245 residents.
Under the proposal, Habitat for Humanity would own a four-storey Building A containing about 15 to 21 units, including a mix of market and affordable rental housing. At least 15 per cent of the units would be barrier-free.
Building B would be owned by the District of Muskoka and would stand five or six storeys, containing approximately 75 to 87 units. The building would also include dedicated space for children’s programming.
If approvals, funding and final agreements are secured, construction could begin as early as fall 2026, with occupancy expected about two years later.
Plans also call for maintaining the nearby skate park while exploring the creation of an enhanced youth park with landscaping, recreational amenities and improved accessibility, subject to future funding and land considerations.
The town’s contribution to the project would include transferring municipally owned land valued at about $1.17 million, along with planning and land assembly support.
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
Wondering if There would Be A Senior Apartments
Building Built. Also would you consider applications From Out of Town..
Giving up title to the land is an unforced error by Town council. Foolish. No reason that it needs to be transferred. A long term lease would protect Bracebridge taxpayers. The buildings would still go ahead as planned. Governments change. This land transfer control to others.