BRACEBRIDGE ARENA PROPOSAL

Downtown Bracebridge needs affordable housing that stays within the community, enhances its sustainability and walkability, and contributes to local economic development

Led by our Bracebridge Steering Committee, we have submitted a proposal to the Town of Bracebridge’s January 2025 RFP for redevelopment of the former Memorial Arena site and adjacent lands.

We envision a mixed market/affordable housing development with commercial space on the ground floor suitable for organizations serving the community to lease, as outlined in the 2021 Downtown Bracebridge Master Plan.

Core to this vision is our desire to build community wealth, where assets are permanently owned and governed by the community, ensuring that local needs are prioritized.

Take the Bracebridge Community Insight Survey

Thank you to everyone who sent letters of support!

40 people and community-serving organizations took the time to write letters, helping decision makers see the enduring value in community-led, non-profit housing that is forever Muskoka, forever affordable.

Being able to proudly include your voices in our submission to the RFP was exhilarating.

Click the button below to download a template letter of support that you can modify and send directly to the Town of Bracebridge as they adjudicate the submissions.

Download Letter Template

September 2021: Town of Bracebridge Releases its Downtown Master Plan
May 2023: MCLT Delegation to the Town of Bracebridge proposing transfer of the Arena to community ownership
November 2023: MCLT’s Bracebridge Steering Committee is formed
July 2024: Town of Bracebridge initiates an RFP process
November 2024: MCLT Delegation to the Town of Bracebridge advocating that RFP submissions be evaluated through the lens of building community-owned wealth
January 2025: Town of Bracebridge releases RFP with March 3, 2025 submission deadline
February 2025: Bracebridge Steering Committee drafts a site concept, business case, and proposal
March 2025: MCLT submits proposal to 2025-TOB-RFP-001…now we wait! Respondent shortlist interviews will be held the week of March 24th, and the Town Council Meeting to decide next steps is anticipated on May 14th.