Memorial Park Bandshell | Town of Bracebridge

Memorial Park is located at 130 Manitoba Street with frontage on Kimberley Avenue, Manitoba Street and Rene Caisse Lane. The park is home to a bandshell structure, outdoor skating trail, Cenotaph, decorative fountains, and commemorative benches and pathways. Memorial Park is within a central location in Downtown Bracebridge and home to festivals and events that bring the community together year-round.

The Downtown Master Plan recommends improvements to Memorial Park because it plays a key role as a passive community space in Downtown Bracebridge. It is considered an opportunity site in the Master Plan Study due to its prominence, central location and regular community use.

As part of the 150-year anniversary, Memorial Park received a new bandshell that will serve the community for years, support existing use and enhancing the park.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project.

Battlefield Equipment Rentals
Bracebridge Machine and Welding
Butterwick Building Muskoka
Cutting Bros. Inc.
Dave Comeau House and Cottage Raising
de Koning Group
Dean Terry Contracting
Fitzmaurice Bros Carpentry
Fowler Construction
Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.
Mazenga Building Group
Mitchell Jensen Architects
Muskoka Custom Power Coating

Muskoka Hoisting
Muskoka Lumber and Building Supplies Centre
Muskoka Roofing Company
Quemby Electric
Rotary Club of Bracebridge
Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Rotary Club
Soil Engineers Ltd.
Sunbelt Rentals
Stephanie Memory Photography
The Stroud Family
Voisin Construction Group Ltd
Wes Finch & Sons Excavating Ltd.

History of Memorial Park Bandshell

1900

A commemorative park was established in honour of Private Frederick Wasdell and Private James Halkett Findlay, both local residents who lost their lives during the Boer War.

1903

An octagonal wooden bandshell was moved from the intersection of Dominion Street and Manitoba Street to the newly established Memorial Park. This bandshell was donated to the Town by W.S. Shaw, manager of Shaw, Cassels and Co. and a member of the Bracebridge Citizen's Band.

1927

The Town began exploring the construction of a new bandshell as the original structure was too small and in need of replacement. After various public events, including Old Home Week and the Canadian Diamond Jubilee Celebration, the Board of Trade had enough profit to suggest the construction of a new bandshell built in memory of those who lost their lives during the first World War.

1928

Through public consultation, it was decided that a new bandshell was not a suitable war memorial project and the Bracebridge Memorial Hospital was established as a living memory of the Bracebridge men who sacrificed their lives during World War I. After this project, there were enough leftover funds to support the construction of a new bandshell.

1929

A new bandshell was built in Memorial Park. This new structure had no roof, and light fixtures were donated by former Mayor and M.P., George W. Ecclestone. This project was incomplete, with the intention to add a roof whenever funds allowed.

1933

George W. Ecclestone again donated to the bandshell, and paid for the completion of the roof and pillars

1934

A memorial plaque displayed on the bandshell was unveiled on July 23rd, dedicated in honour of Private Wasdell and Private Findlay. This unveiling was held on a Monday night when concerts were regularly held at the bandshell.

2002

Though the bandshell received ongoing maintenance and painting, in 2002 the roof and pillars were replaced and restored.

2016

The Boer war plaque was replaced from the bandshell and moved to the commemorative water fountain, as the original plaque had deteriorated past the point of legibility.

2025

The new Memorial Park bandshell was built as a Bracebridge 150 legacy project. It's octagonal shape is modelled after the original bandshell and Bracebridge's historic octagonal home, Woodchester.

2026

The new bandshell is officially unveiled, and the Bandshell Concert Series has found a new home.