The Town of Bracebridge is pressing for clearer public communication as the federal government prepares to demolish and remediate the former post office property at 98 Manitoba Street.
Council received an update this week outlining plans to tear down the building in summer 2026, followed by soil and groundwater cleanup using thermal remediation technology in 2027–28.
The site has been a concern for years. Testing previously confirmed petroleum hydrocarbons and related contaminants — including BTEX compounds — in both soil and groundwater, with some impacts extending beyond the property.
While municipal officials say recent progress is encouraging, questions remain about the scope of cleanup. Several councillors called for more information to be shared with the public, particularly around how contamination will be addressed.
Coun. Debbie Vernon also raised concerns about the loss of downtown parking during demolition and construction.
Town clerk Lori MacDonald said staff can improve communication around alternative parking options and access to other municipal lots.
While the federal government declared the property surplus years ago, the Town confirmed it is not interested in acquiring the site. Officials say its future redevelopment remains a priority tied to the downtown master plan.
Meanwhile, the Town’s nearby Carnegie Library renovation project is moving ahead, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026. Municipal staff say the project is being reviewed with environmental considerations in mind, given the proximity to the contaminated lands.
The Town and the District Municipality of Muskoka continue to pursue a legal claim against the federal government related to potential offsite contamination, though details remain limited due to solicitor-client privilege.
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Thermal remediation can be applied under buildings (according to what I have read), so this means there is no reason to take the building down. Another thing that needs to be looked at is compensation for the workers that were in the building if the government had them working in a contaminated building. I talked to a person that worked in the building for years and they told me they felt no ill effects. That person agreed that the whole situation is a farce. It is no wonder that Canada Post is a money loser. No one would move out of a building they own and rent 3 separate buildings to do the same job. Not to mention the new post office is in a terrible location. Maybe the town should refuse to issue a permit to take the building down until more answers are forthcoming.
Years ago the Hydro property where I worked had a leaky fuel tank. We were never given any reason to vacate the building and never did until we moved to a new building in Huntsville. The contaminated soil was dug up and trucked away. The building also had asbestos in it. As long as we did not cut ,drill etc., (disturb) the asbestos it was safe. The building is still in use today. I don’t believe there was any reason to quit using the old post office in Bracebridge or any reason to move Service Canada to Huntsville. Hopefully our MP can provide some reasons for the whole situation. Did the post office ever have fuel storage? I think years ago that there were several gas stations on Manitoba Street. Does this mean the whole street is contaminated?