Council advances key housing priority on former Memorial Arena site

The project represents one of the most substantial housing initiatives undertaken by the Town in recent years and directly supports Council’s priority to increase housing supply and affordability. Located on a 1.48-acre site identified in the Bracebridge Downtown Master Plan, the redevelopment of the vacant municipal property to a mixed-income residential development will strengthen downtown vibrancy and provide long-term community benefit.

The recommended proposal includes:

• Two multi-unit residential buildings;
• Approximately 90 to 108 total residential units (subject to planning approvals);
• A minimum of 25% affordable units in each building;
• Secured affordability terms through agreement;
• Accessible and barrier-free units exceeding minimum standards; and
• Potential inclusion of children’s programming space and neighbourhood enhancements.

The project is structured as a public, private and non-profit collaboration involving:

• Greystone Project Management Inc.;
• District Municipality of Muskoka; and
• Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.

This cooperative model enables the Town to leverage municipal land to support affordable housing delivery while limiting long-term financial exposure. One building is anticipated to be owned and operated by the District Municipality of Muskoka, with the second building to be owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.

Process and Next Steps
The redevelopment follows a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated in January 2025. Four submissions were received and evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the RFP. With Council’s ratification, staff are now authorized to enter into negotiations and finalize definitive agreements with the preferred proponent.

The project remains subject to all required statutory planning approvals, including a zoning amendment, potential Official Plan amendment, site plan approval and public consultation under the Planning Act. A construction timeline will be confirmed once agreements are finalized and all necessary approvals are secured. Once construction begins, the project is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete.

For news and updates as the project progresses, subscribe to engagebracebridge.ca/memorial-arena-site-redevelopment.


Quotes

“This project represents one of the most meaningful housing initiatives our community has advanced in recent years. By leveraging municipal land and working collaboratively with experienced organizations, we are taking deliberate steps to increase housing supply, improve affordability and strengthen our downtown core. This is about creating homes for residents at different stages of life, supporting local families and ensuring Bracebridge continues to grow in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and aligned with our long-term vision.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

“We are proud to partner with the Town of Bracebridge, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and the District of Muskoka on a truly collaborative public–private–non-profit initiative that directly addresses the evolving housing needs of our community. This redevelopment will deliver high-quality, energy-efficient housing across a range of affordability levels, ensuring long-term social and environmental sustainability. By aligning our shared objectives, we are creating housing that will serve Bracebridge and Muskoka-area residents for generations to come.”
-    Jon Morton, Chief Operating Officer, Greystone Project Management Inc.

“We are thrilled that the Town of Bracebridge has awarded a contract to Greystone to develop the former Memorial Arena lands. The District is committed to supporting community needs in Bracebridge and this project will mean safe, affordable housing for people who need it, in an ideal location. With the housing crisis continuing across Canada, the District is stepping up to help build a community where everyone has a place to call home.”
-    Jeff Lehman, Chair, District Municipality of Muskoka

“Housing challenges require new models and collaboration across industry sectors. This project demonstrates both. Through Generation Homes, we are expanding our service offering to meet a dire community need while ensuring Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North remains strong, sustainable, and able to serve local families and communities by creating affordable homeownership opportunities for years to come.”
-    Kimberley Woodcock, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North