The president of Maple Leaf Marinas was in front of the Bracebridge planning and development committee recently to discuss plans for the former Spirit Bay Harbour on Lake Muskoka.
During the most recent committee meeting, councillors passed a rezoning application that will pave the way for Phase two of the expansion of the marina, which fronts primarily onto Cedar Beach Road.
The rezoning will allow for an increase in dockage, construction of an accessory boat sales showroom and unenclosed sales pavilion, and additional parking to accommodate the proposed expansion.
Maple Leaf president Derek Lubert told council his company purchased the marina in 2023, and now owns 20 marinas in the central Ontario region. He said their primary focus over the past few years has been on the Muskoka area. He said the redevelopment of the Bracebridge marina will refocus their priority on providing slips and service to area boaters. He said the boat slips and a recently added 120 boat racks are already 100 percent occupied.
Two neighbouring property owners wrote to voice their opposition to the proposals.
According to Town staff, their concerns included the smell of gasoline, the proximity of the docks to neighbouring cottages, noise and light pollution and loss of natural habitat.
Town staff said many of those concerns have been addressed by the developer.
Staff said a peer-reviewed traffic study has indicated the carrying capacity of Boyd Bay, where the marina is located, will remain well below carrying capacity.
The docks will not be any closer to neighbouring property owners, and the new lighting will be dark sky friendly. Staff pointed out that the new development has provisions for stormwater management that will actually reduce phosphorus emissions by up to 60 percent.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the rezoning application.
“I’m pleased to see the applicant making a significant investment in the marina,” said Mayor Rick Maloney. “We know the value of tourism and the value of our lakefront and island residents having access.”
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