The Town of Bracebridge’s Planning and Development Committee has voted in favour of a rezoning application tied to a proposed four-lot residential development along the Muskoka River, despite opposition from several area residents concerned about environmental impacts and the use of a condominium structure for the project.
At its May 6 meeting, the committee supported a rezoning application and a related Vacant Land Condominium Application for lands on Cedar Lane in the High Falls/Wilson’s Falls area.
The proposal would allow for four single detached residential lots on approximately 24.52 hectares (60.59 acres) of land with roughly 435 metres of frontage along the Muskoka River. The lots would range in size from about 4.04 hectares to 8.61 hectares.
Committee members also approved a recommendation advising the District Municipality of Muskoka that the town supports draft approval of the related condominium file.
Town staff explained that the project is being processed as a vacant land condominium because the lots would share common elements, not because an actual condominium building is proposed.
“The reason it’s a condominium … is because there’s going to be that common element that’s shared between those lots,” Town staff informed the committee.
Staff acknowledged the terminology can create concern among residents.
“We were very aware that the word condo would definitely stir some people up. The word condo can strike fear into the hearts of a lot of people,” staff said, noting that is the term used by the District and they are not able to change the verbiage.
Three written submissions opposing the application were received before the meeting, citing concerns over wildlife habitat, steep slopes, shoreline preservation, water quality and the impact on narrow waterbody and amenity areas.
Several residents also spoke against the proposal during the public meeting.
A letter submitted by the High Falls/Wilson’s Falls Resident Advocacy Group argued the development represents a significant shift from traditional residential use within the North Muskoka Canyon Heritage areas.
Lead contact Lisa Aldersley said residents are concerned the condominium designation could permit increased density, shared infrastructure and ongoing site alteration over time, potentially placing long-term pressure on the Muskoka watershed.
The group is calling for a more comprehensive environmental review, including consideration of cumulative impacts and recreational pressures on the river system, as well as greater clarity surrounding the rezoning and the proposed R4-4 zoning designation.
A petition submitted alongside the application included signatures from more than two dozen residents opposing the project.
Despite the concerns, councillors indicated they were satisfied staff had addressed the issues raised and that the development would be required to meet all applicable planning and environmental conditions.
Mayor Rick Maloney said council could move forward with confidence.
“I think that we are in very good stead to support the recommendations here,” Maloney said.
“The applicant is highly motivated to ensure that their development is compliant with those aspects of the recommendations and conditions that would move forward with this zoning change.”
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Maloney says “Council could move forward with confidence.” Well we can’t move forward with confidence in him this election year. And the rest who voted for this travesty.
The Muskoka environment is being trashed with these kind of rezonings. The Bracebridge Official Plan was rushed through during the 2025 ice storm. Almost every lot/house can be triplexed and 10 storey buildings are now allowed in Bracebridge.
Time to overhaul the Town Council and hire planning staff and bureaucrats who will protect the reason we are in Muskoka.