Bracebridge general committee will get the chance to sign off on a final design for the new Bracebridge bandshell next week.
During their Tuesday meeting, councillors will also decide whether to include the Memorial Park Bandshell Reconstruction Project in the draft 2025 Municipal Budget and Business Plan with an allocation of $385,000.
A report from Town staff indicates the current structure is in a declining state of repair with staff.
According to the report, “the design of both bandshell options blends a modern simplicity with detailing that is reminiscent of the surrounding Downtown core through the multi-tiered roof structure and the decorative upper railing band. Drawing inspiration from other heritage buildings important to the identity of the Bracebridge core, the design of the upper railing pays tribute to the Carnegie Library through the addition of a circular design feature that reflects the round window muntins seen on the Library.”
The designs provide an accessible point of access via a sloped walkway to the rear of the structure, compliant with all accessibility design standards.
Staff point out Memorial Park is home to an outdoor skating trail, cenotaph, decorative and drinking fountains, and commemorative benches and pathways.The park is also home to the Bracebridge Farmers Market as well as a host of events and services, such as the Fire and Ice Festival, Bandshell Concert Series, Muskoka Pride Festival, Terry Fox Run and Remembrance Day.
Memorial Park was originally commemorated to remember a single veteran – Private Fred Wasdell, a local citizen enlisted with the 3rd Victoria Rifles of Montreal and “E” Company Royal Canadian Contingent for active service in the Boer War, who died from wounds on February 27, 1900, in Paardeberg, South Africa.
During the early 1900s, an octagonal wooden bandshell was moved from the intersection of Dominion Street and Manitoba Street to Memorial Park. Between 1929-1933, a new larger roofless bandshell with lighting fixtures was constructed and later completed with pillars and a roof.
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 three times per week!
Click here to support local news
$385,000 for this? One could build a fairly substantial house for this kind of money. With kitchen and bathrooms. Except this is a Town project like the $100,000 deck in the woods at Woodchester that no one uses. Seems Town project costs should always be divided by 3 or 4 to find the real world ‘cost’.
Why is the cost so high? $385,000 for a floor, about 8 posts, and a roof. No walls ,heat, plumbing or windows. I do believe the new bandshell is needed, but is there not a less expensive way to build it?