Bracebridge 150 legacy projects receive national recognition
BRACEBRIDGE, ON (September 16, 2026) – The Town of Bracebridge has received national recognition for its innovative approach to celebrating its 150-year anniversary, earning the Destination Development Award from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).
The award, presented at the EDAC Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick, recognizes projects that create or enhance physical assets and infrastructure that contribute to a community’s tourism appeal and long-term destination development.
The award recognizes the Town’s Bracebridge 150 Legacy Projects, an initiative that transformed the community’s 150-year anniversary from a year of celebration into a lasting investment in the community’s future. Rather than focusing exclusively on one-time events, the Town used the milestone as an opportunity to create permanent assets that enhance the visitor experience while providing meaningful benefits for residents.
The initiative included four complementary projects:
- Bracebridge 150 Forest – the creation of a new municipal parkland featuring 150 trees and expanded recreational opportunities;
- Memorial Park Bandshell – the replacement of the aging bandshell with a modern gathering space for concerts, festivals, community celebrations and cultural programming;
- Storybook Trail at Woodchester – new original storytelling, illustrations and public art creating an engaging, family-friendly attraction; and the
- Heritage Walking Trail – renewed interpretive signage along the downtown waterfront, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Bracebridge’s history and heritage.
The Town’s approach demonstrates how milestone anniversaries can create opportunities for communities to invest in their long-term future. By connecting parks, trails, heritage, recreation, culture and public gathering spaces under one legacy vision, the projects create a network of experiences that encourage residents and visitors to explore different areas of the community.
These projects were developed and delivered through collaboration across the Town, with contributions from municipal staff, Council, the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, tourism organizations, local businesses, artists, contractors, sponsors, service clubs and volunteers. The EDAC Destination Development Award is a reflection of this collective effort from everyone who helped make Bracebridge 150 a meaningful celebration with a lasting legacy.
To learn more, visit bracebridge.ca/legacyprojects.
Quotes
“This award is a wonderful recognition of what can happen when we look beyond the celebration itself and think about the legacy we want to leave behind. The Bracebridge 150 Legacy Projects are investments that will continue to benefit our community for years to come. They celebrate our history, strengthen our sense of place and create new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Bracebridge. I am incredibly proud of everyone who helped bring these projects to life.”
- Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
“The success of Bracebridge 150 was a true corporate and community effort, and this award reflects the tremendous work of so many people. The Legacy Projects demonstrate the value of bringing together different departments, community partners and local organizations around a shared vision. They are a great example of how strategic investments can support both economic development and quality of life.”
- Stephen Rettie, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Bracebridge
About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.
MEDIA CONTACT