Muskoka District councillors were left with more questions than answers after a funding proposal for a new 29-unit residential development in Bracebridge was denied.
During the most recent Community and Planning Services Committee, councillors were informed that their application for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) funding for a minimum of 18 units with a total project cost of up to $8.4 million had been denied. The development is to be located on Pine Street in Bracebridge behind McVittie Place.
According to Coun. Don Smith, who reported on the project to Bracebridge Town council, CMHC has not provided any rationale as to why the project funding was declined.
The objective of the RHI is to create new units of permanent affordable housing for people and populations who are vulnerable and targeted. Through this additional funding, 4,500 new affordable units will be built with at least 25% of investments going towards women-focused affordable housing projects. The District has committed an additional $3.35 million or 40% District contribution to the Bracerbidge project.
Despite the disappointing news, District staff will continue with site servicing efforts to reduce any delays on future construction when funding becomes available. They also plan to engage a cost consultant to refine the construction budget and complete the final design with the design consultant.
District staff said they will continue to work with the CMHC to seek alternate support for the project. Additionally, staff will discuss funding and financing options with other external partners.
Staff said construction of the building will begin as soon as funding is established and the building permit is received.
According to staff advancing site preparation ahead of confirmation of the funding was necessary to improve the District’s chances of being successful in this application to CMHC. Despite being unsuccessful under RHI, the ability to be shovel-ready will help the District to advocate for other sources of funding, they said.
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Michelle Benecke- Harvard Law
340 Dirksaen Senate Office Building
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michelle benecke harvard law
There is a problem here. Why is it that tax funded projects cost so much. Do the math.
8.4 million divided by 18 units comes to 467,000. per unit. Now we know that it is going to go overbudget so let us just say 500,000. for a tiny basic housing unit, no upgrades, no frills, no high end finishes. You can build a standalone house for that much money. Do councilors not do the math? Do they not see the problem?
There is no affordable housing in Muskoka when water and sewer is $200/month or $2,400/year!!
Highest cost in Ontario and rapidly rising.
Including costs shown/hidden on our property taxes. After $45K!! to hook up.
As a result of blowing $620 million!! on 18!! mostly tiny, underutilized water and sewer plants for only 12,000 connections.
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/municipal-water-and-sewer-rates-going-up/
Another $65 million being blown in Huntsville right now.
Rapidly approaching a BILLION dollars!!
Drunken sailors are thriftier.
Fight back against the District “Smugly Wasting Taxpayer Money” and save $1,000+ per year.
Instead of handing it over to the District to waste.
Go south in the winter with the money you save.
Your own independent systems are FAR cheaper.
Most Muskoka residents live around the lakes and are off grid for water and sewer now.
They complain about high taxes but don’t have to pay $2,400/year for services like those in town.
Costs are so high here it’s possible to save $1,000/year with extreme water conservation/substitution.
Search “Oppose Bracebridge Sewers” for techniques and the future of water and sewer.
Just don’t complain about the District “Smugly Wasting Taxpayer Money” with a giant sign on your lawn or your home may be blown up. True story.
Trees should not have been cut before financing was 100% in hand.
Is the environment #1 or not?
Appears it’s not, for our District.
Very disappointed these 100+ years old trees cut “on spec”.
Thought there was a climate emergency.
Funding denied? No problem.
The District will just borrow FAR more.
As usual.
You think your taxes are high now? Just wait…
No funding is no reason to scale back or cancel multi-million dollar projects in Muskoka.
Just like the District’s $65 million Huntsville sewer fiasco.
And the Bracebridge new arena financial disaster.
Cost is 3.3X!! expected for Bracebridge taxpayers.
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/new-arena-on-target-for-august-2024-opening/